Alisa Turner - My Prayer For You ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

For anyone who's prayed a thousand prayers
And still can't find the answer anywhere
Fighting off the lie that no one cares
For anyone who's out there losing hope
Feeling you're forsaken and alone
Clinging to the last strands of your rope

May God give you eyes to see, He's still greater
Courage to rise and believe He's able
May God be your peace in the fire you're walking through
This is my prayer now
This is my prayer for you

For all of those with tired and weary souls
But still have faith to ask for miracles
Choosing to believe He's in control

May God give you eyes to see, He's still greater
Courage to rise and believe He's able
May God be your peace in the fire you're walking through
This is my prayer now
This is my prayer

May your eyes be ever on the Lord, your helper
May you find your refuge in the Lord, your shelter
May you find Him closer than a brother all your days
All of your days!

And may your eyes be ever on the Lord, your helper
May you find your refuge in the Lord, your shelter
May you find Him closer than a brother all your days
All of your days!

May God give you eyes to see, He's still greater
Courage to rise and believe He's able
May God be your peace in the fire you're walking through
This is my prayer now
This is my prayer for you!
For you!

Pergunta # Question

O que é que te faz pensar no "lar"?

A verdade mais terrível das escrituras é que Deus é bom e nós não somos!

The most terrifying truth of scripture is that God is good and we are not!

Amor é... tomar consciência que ninguém é perfeito!

O Deus que nos criou também nos pode recriar.

The God who made us also can remake us.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Aventureiros desceram profundamente para descobrir cavernas anteriormente inexploradas no complexo da caverna Lu He Dong perto de Fengshan, na província de Gangxi, na China.
 #
Adventurers have gone deep underground to discover previously unexplored caves in the Lu He Dong cave complex near Fengshan, Gangxi Province, China.

Antes Que Seja Tarde Demais # Before It’s Too Late

Há um romance vencedor do Prémio Pulitzer chamado Lonesome Dove. Numa cena, Gus foi baleado na perna que gangrenou. O médico quer amputar a perna ou ele irá morrer. O melhor amigo implora com ele para deixar o médico cortar a perna. Gus puxa de uma arma para ambos e recusa-se a deixar alguém tocar na perna. E claro, ele morre. Porque ele não estava disposto a lidar com a infecção, todo o seu corpo morreu.

Jesus fala de cortar os nossos pés se eles nos fizerem pecar. Ele não quer dizer isso "literalmente". Ele está a falar de uma cirurgia espiritual radical. Talvez Ele esteja a referir-se a pés que tendem a correr para actividades que não estão a tornar-se o que Deus deseja. Ou podem ser os pés que tendem a correr da responsabilidade, como um pai que deixa o lar e a família, ou um empregado que foge de tarefas atribuídas. Nós não sabemos exactamente do que está a falar, mas Ele é muito claro que isto é uma séria preocupação com o pecado na vida de uma pessoa. O que Jesus está a fazer é usar uma analogia, que às vezes um membro pode tornar-se tão infectado que a gangrena instala-se e, a menos que esse membro seja amputado, todo o corpo vai morrer. E às vezes um pecado é tão perigoso que infecta fatalmente a nossa alma. Assim como a perna de Gus, esse pecado deve ser removido ou enfrentamos o perigo de morte.

Será hora de deixar o Grande Médico realizar uma cirurgia espiritual radical numa área da tua vida que está gravemente infectada pelo pecado? Faz isso hoje, antes que seja tarde demais, antes que morras.

~ Marcos 9:45

 #

There is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel called Lonesome Dove. In one scene, Gus has been shot in his leg and gangrene sets in. The doctor wants to amputate the leg or he’s going to die. His best friend pleads with him to let the doc cut off the leg. Gus pulls a gun on them both, and refuses to let anyone touch the leg. And sure enough, he dies. Because he wasn’t willing to deal with the infection, his whole body died.

Jesus speaks of cutting off our feet if they cause us to sin. He doesn’t mean "literally". He is speaking of radical spiritual surgery. Maybe He is referring to feet that tend to run to activities that are not becoming of what God desires. Or it could be feet that tend to run from responsibility, like a father who deserts the home and the family, or an employee who runs from assigned duties. We don’t know exactly what He’s talking about, but He is very clear that this is a serious concern about sin in a person’s life. What Jesus is doing is using an analogy that sometimes a limb may become so infected that gangrene sets in and unless that limb is amputated, the whole body is going to die. And sometimes a sin is so dangerous that it fatally infects our soul. Just like Gus’s leg, that sin must be removed or we face the danger of death.

Is it time to let the Great Physician perform radical spiritual surgery in an area in your life that’s seriously infected by sin? Do it today, before it’s too late, before you die.

~ Mark 9:45

I Am They - Your Love Is Mine ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I walked alone, trying to find my way
On winding roads and paths that I had made
Wandering so far from grace

I'd given up on things that I believe
My hopes and dreams were buried in the sea
But You were there, calling out to me

Life will rise, Death will die
Your love is mine, Your love is mine
Stains washed white, You paid the price
Your love is mine, Your love is mine
Ooo, Ooo, Your love is mine, Your love is mine

I once was lost and burdened by my shame
But You took the cross and suffered in my place
You rescued me, I belong to You

Life will rise, Death will die
Your love is mine, Your love is mine
Stains washed white, You paid the price
Your love is mine, Your love is mine

I called Your name
You looked my way, You looked my way
I called Your name
You looked my way, You looked my way
I called Your name
You looked my way, You looked my way
I called Your name
What could separate, what could separate

Life will rise, Death will die
Your love is mine, Your love is mine
Stains washed white, You paid the price
Your love is mine, Your love is mine

Ooo, Ooo, Your love is mine, Your love is mine
Ooo, Ooo, Your love is mine, Your love is mine

Pergunta # Question

Qual é o erro que nunca cometerás novamente?

Uma pergunta interessante: Se pudesses comer as tuas próprias palavras, a tua alma seria alimentada ou seria envenenada?

An interesting question: If you could eat your own words, would your soul be fed or poisoned?

Amor é... saber que não mudaste nada.

Vivemos num planeta azul que circunda uma bola de fogo ao lado de uma lua que move o mar, e não acreditas em milagres?

We live on a blue planet that circles around a ball of fire next to a moon that moves the sea, and you don't believe in miracles?

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Litoral arbusto vermelho, em Panjing, província de Liaoning, na China.
 #
Red bush seashore, Panjing, Liaoning Province, China.

Não É De Admirar? # Is It Any Wonder?

O nível de sexo pré-marital entre os Cristãos adolescentes não é diferente dos que não são Cristãos. As taxas de divórcio na igreja não são realmente diferentes daquelas fora da igreja. Quando olhas para estas estatísticas, não é de admirar que os activistas homossexuais nos olhem e gritem: "Hipócritas!" E sabes que mais? Existe uma certa validade para este ataque.

Jesus deixa claro que Deus nunca deseja o divórcio e que o sexo antes do casamento, o adultério, a luxúria e a homossexualidade são todos pecados. Mas muitas vezes a igreja ignora vários pecados, que Jesus lista ao lado deles e só se concentra apenas na homossexualidade. Muitas vezes, estacionamos num único pecado e negligenciamos a multiplicidade de pecados que são contínuos dentro do corpo de Cristo. Os activistas homossexuais vêem a óbvia hipocrisia disto e, justificadamente, exigem que retiremos as traves dos nossos olhos antes de condenar as suas acções.

Quando lidamos com assuntos como o casamento entre o mesmo sexo, tenhamos a certeza de que primeiro vamos olhar-nos no espelho. Reconheçamos que todo o pecado desagrada a Deus. Que possamos nos arrepender dos nossos pecados e procurar alcançar o amor e a esperança de Jesus Cristo para toda a humanidade. Lembra-te de que nenhum pecado é muito difícil de ser perdoado e superado pelo poder da cruz.

~ Mateus 7:4

 #

The level of premarital sex among teenage Christians is no different than those who are not Christian. Divorce rates in the church are really no different from those outside the church. When you look at these statistics, is it any wonder that gay activists look at us and cry, "Hypocrites!" And you know what? There is a certain amount of validity to that charge.

Jesus makes it clear that God never desires divorce, and that premarital sex, adultery, lust, and homosexuality are all sins. But too often the church ignores several sins Jesus lists alongside of it and only focuses only on homosexuality. We often park on one sin and neglect the multiplicity of sins that are continual within the body of Christ. Gay activists see the obvious hypocrisy of this and justifiably demand that we remove the logs from our eyes before condemning their actions.

When we deal with subjects like same-sex marriage, let’s be sure we first look in the mirror. Let’s recognize that all sin displeases God. May we repent of our sins, and seek to reach out with the love and the hope of Jesus Christ to all mankind. Remember that no sin is too difficult to be forgiven and overcome by the power of the cross.

~ Matthew 7:4

Mark Rasmussen - I Love the Lord ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

He heard my cries,
He bowed his ear

And chased my griefs away
O let my heart

No more despair
while I have breath, breath to pray

I love The Lord

He chased my griefs away
Despair no more

And use this breath to pray [x2]
To pray

To pray

My flesh declined

My spirits fell
And I drew near the dead
Return my soul

To God thy rest

For Thou hast known, known His love

I love The Lord

He chased my griefs away
Despair no more

And use this breath to pray [x2]
To pray

To pray

My God I cried

Thy servant save
Thy power can

Rescue me from the grave [x2]

My God hath saved

My soul from death

And dried my falling tears
Now to His praise

I'll spend my breath

And my remain, remaining years

I love The Lord

He chased my griefs away
Despair no more

And use this breath to pray [x2]
To pray

To pray

Pergunta # Question

Qual foi a acção pequena de bondade que fez uma grande diferença para ti?

Baixar o volume da vida permite que ouças atentamente a Deus.

Turning down the volume of life allows you to listen carefully to God.

Amor é...

Deus dá-nos coisas para partilhar; Deus não nos dá coisas para segurar.

God gives us things to share; God doesn't give us things to hold.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Estudantes Indianos da Escola Pública de Delhi realizam ioga em Hyderabad. Quase 5000 estudantes, incluindo professores, realizam sete posturas de ioga, com orações religiosas para a harmonia mundial e a paz.
 #
Indian students of Delhi Public School perform yoga in Hyderabad. Nearly 5000 students including teachers perform seven yogic postures, with religious prayers for world harmony and peace.

És Ganancioso? # Are You Greedy?

Com todas as coisas negativas enfrentadas pelas famílias de hoje, uma das piores é o materialismo, o que, simplesmente, é uma forma de pensar que dá muita importância às posses materiais e não às coisas espirituais ou intelectuais. É basicamente a simples ganância! As crianças mantêm a pressão sobre os pais para ter o que os seus amigos têm. Os maridos pressionam as suas esposas a irem trabalhar, embora ela preferisse estar em casa. As esposas muitas vezes deixam claro aos maridos quão insatisfeitas estão com o que têm, fazendo com que o marido se sinta como um fracassado pouco apreciado. Para superar tudo, os publicitários juntam combustível ao fogo, convencendo-nos de que cada produto é a porta de entrada para a felicidade.

O materialismo, muitas vezes racionalizado como uma preocupação para a família, tem uma maneira infeliz de criar enorme insatisfação dentro da família. Já vimos provas disso através da nossa crise económica, quando as famílias, uma vez capazes de comprar o que queriam, já não conseguem comprar o que consideravam "felicidade".

Jesus tem uma ideia melhor. Parece pouco ocidental na nossa cultura do consumismo: "Procura primeiro o Seu reino e a Sua justiça [como descrito na Bíblia] e todas estas coisas vos serão adicionadas." Isto significa que não precisamos de trabalhar muito? Absolutamente não! Somos chamados a trabalhar, mas tem a ver com as prioridades que ajudam a família a permanecer juntos.

Deus une a família. O materialismo separa-a.

~ Mateus 6:33

#

With all the negative things facing today’s families, one of the worst is materialism, which, quite simply, is a way of thinking that gives too much importance to material possessions rather than to spiritual or intellectual things. It’s basically just plain greed! Kids keep the pressure on parents to have what their friends have. Husbands put pressure on their wives to go to work, though she may prefer to be at home. Wives often make it clear to husbands how dissatisfied they are with what they have, causing the husband to feel like an unappreciated failure. To top it all off, advertisers add fuel to the fire by convincing us that every product is the gateway to happiness.

Materialism, often rationalized as a concern for the family, has an unfortunate way of creating enormous dissatisfaction within the family. We’ve seen evidence of that through our economic downturn, when families, once able to buy whatever they wanted, are no longer able to buy their way into what they considered "happiness".

Jesus has a better idea. It almost seems un-Ocidental in our culture of consumerism: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [as described in the Bible] and all these things shall be added unto you." Does that mean we don’t work hard? Absolutely not! We are called to work, but it does have to do with priorities that help the family stay together.

God unites the family. Materialism pulls it apart.

~ Matthew 6:33

Casting Crowns - Just Another Birthday ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Sixteen finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
Is everyone but the one I'm wishing for
And he sent me flowers
And gift-wrapped excuses
From a daddy whose daughter
Wants to see him again

And I know, I know
It's just another birthday
But I guess I thought
This would be the one
When he would call me, see me
Hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday

And I'll be fine
I'll be fine

Nineteen finds me
And I'm wild-eyed and wide open
I gave myself away to love
But backseat promises fade like a mist
I'm screaming at the midnight air
Everyone hears me but I don't care
My heart's clenched just like a fist
'Cause, people, I didn't ask for any of this

And I know, I know
It's just another birthday
But I guess I thought
This would be the one
When he would call me, see me
Hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday

And I'm not fine
I'm not fine

In the company of strangers
In a cold and sterile room
All alone with a child inside me
And I don't know what to do
Jesus, can You hear me
Come and heal my brokenness
Put the pieces back together
And be a Father to the fatherless

A Father to the fatherless

Twenty-one finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
My barefoot princess twirls and sings
It's so amazing
Looking back at all God's brought us through
You are my happy birthday
And you were born to break the chains

Now I know, I know
It's not just another birthday
'Cause I'm here, she's here
And look how far we've come
Since you've called me, saw me
Held me and freed me
Thank you, Lord, for another birthday
And we'll be fine
We'll be fine

Pergunta # Question

O que te faz sentir necessário?

E se acordasses hoje com apenas as coisas que agradeceste a Deus ontem?

What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday?

Amor é... ainda apenas um sonho.

O arrependimento não é apenas o início da vida Cristã. É a vida Cristã.

Repentance is not merely the start of the Christian life. It is the Christian life.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Vê-se um hospital a ser repetidamente atingido por um raio nesta feroz tempestade eléctrica. Os relâmpagos iluminaram os céus tempestuosos por cima da cidade italiana de Trieste. O hospital principal da cidade, chamado Cattinara, foi atingido pelo menos seis vezes durante a tempestade.
 #
A hospital is shown being repeatedly struck by lightning in this ferocious electric storm. Lightning bolts illuminated the stormy skies above the Italian city of Trieste. The main hospital of the city, called Cattinara, was struck at least six times during the storm.

O Trabalho Que Foste Feito Para Fazer # The Work You Were Meant To Do

Quer sejas um grande fã de desporto ou não, é fácil ficar preso na acção sempre que uma celebridade desportiva famosa está na TV. Porquê? Jogam a um nível tão alto que é inspirador observá-los quando eles estão "na zona". O que significa estar na zona? Bem, é quando as acções de alguém parecem sem esforço, quase como se pudessem marcar consoante a vontade.

Todos podemos pensar num dia mau no trabalho, mas consegues pensar num momento qualquer quando estavas "na zona", um momento em que apreciaste a tua tarefa, ficaste preso no teu trabalho e perdeste a noção do tempo? O que estavas a fazer naquele momento? Que habilidades estavas a usar? O que causou que te apaixonasses pelo trabalho? Compreender as respostas a estas perguntas geralmente te ajudará a entender melhor como usar melhor o teu tempo e talentos e encontrar o teu "chamado", por assim dizer.

Um chamado é quando estamos apaixonadamente a usar os nossos dons dados por Deus de uma maneira que O agrada. Não estamos a falar sobre o teu perfil de personalidade, mas sobre os dons de Deus mencionados na Bíblia como o ensino, a pregação, a generosidade, a administração e a oração, entre muitos outros. Kirk Livingston, director de uma empresa de comunicações, resume isto assim: "Quando nos encontramos envolvidos com Deus no trabalho, também começamos a encontrar o trabalho que devíamos fazer." E é assim que descobrimos o nosso verdadeiro chamado de Deus.

Já descobriste o teu chamado? Estás na tua zona? Se não, ora e procura a vontade de Deus. Ao longo do tempo, Ele te irá revelá-lo.

~ 2 Tessalonicenses 1:11

 #

Whether you are a big sports fan or not, it’s easy to get caught up in the action whenever a famous sports celebrity is on TV. Why? They play at such a high level that it is inspirational to watch them when they are "in the zone". What does it mean to be in the zone? Well, that’s when someone’s actions seem effortless, almost as if they could score at will.

We can all think of a bad day at work, but can you think of any time when you were "in the zone", a moment where you enjoyed your task, you were caught up in your work and lost track of time? What were you doing at that moment? What skills were you using? What was it that caused you to be passionate about the work? Understanding the answers to these questions will often help you better understand how to best use your time and talents and find your "calling", if you will.

A calling is when we are passionately using our God-given gifts in a way that pleases Him. We are not talking about your personality profile but about those God-given gifts listed in the Bible like teaching, preaching, generosity, administration, and prayer, among many others. Kirk Livingston, CEO of a communications company, sums it up, "When we find ourselves involved with God at work, we also begin to find the work we were meant to do." And that’s how we discover our true calling from God.

Have you discovered your calling? Are you in your zone? If not, pray and search for God’s will. Over time, He’ll reveal it to you.

~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Lauren Daigle - Wordless ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

There isn't any fear here
There isn't any fear in love
When You come, when You come
There isn't any hurt here
That You don't overwhelm
When You come, when You come, oh

I am speechless, but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless, but I can't stay silent
Oohooh, oohooh

There isn't any rush here
So I'm just gonna wait on You
And linger longer oh
'Cause ev'rytime I find You
I'm a little more undone
When You come, when You come

I am speechless, but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless, but I can't stay silent

Oohooh, I'm lost for words to say
Oohooh, You take my breath away [x2]

Oh You move me, and I can't defy it
You consume me, and I can't describe it
I am speechless, but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless, but I can't stay silent, silent, whoa

Whoa, I'm lost for words to say
Whoa, You take my breath away [x2]

There isn't any fear here
There isn't any fear in love

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma palavra que utilizarias para descrever a tua família?

Jesus disse para ir e fazer discípulos, mas com tanta frequência simplesmente ficamos sentados e damos desculpas.

Jesus said go and make disciples, but so often we just sit and make excuses.

Amor é... quando a separação torna mais forte o teu relacionamento.

Conta à tua montanha sobre o teu Deus.

Tell your mountain about your God.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Uma joaninha com uma gota de orvalho reflecte uma flor tirada pelo fotógrafo Italiano Alberto Ghizzi Panizza.
 #
A ladybird with a dew drop reflecting a flower taken by Italian photographer Alberto Ghizzi Panizza.

A Bondade Gera Altruísmo # Kindness Begets Unselfishness

Sabes quão importante é ser bondoso? Também podes perguntar: "Quão importante é a água ou o oxigénio?" Na verdade, mais importante do que o trabalho, o dinheiro, as carreiras, o sucesso ou qualquer coisa... é a BONDADE! Deus deve concordar com isto porque Provérbios 19:22 diz-nos: "O que é desejável no homem é bondade."

Uma das afiliadas da rede de TV local tinha uma campanha de longa duração chamada "Actos Aleatórios de Bondade." Os seus jornalistas saíam para a comunidade e pagavam o almoço ou o combustível de alguém, ou faziam alguma coisa como levar garrafas de água a pessoas que estavam a trabalhar no calor. O seu único pedido era que o destinatário da bondade tinha que passá-la para outra pessoa. A bondade gera altruísmo, e todos podemos ser um pouco menos egoístas!

Os actos de bondade inspiram-nos, seja a ter tempo para ajudar um funcionário no escritório ou a defender uma pessoa que está a ser alvo de perseguição. Os destinatários destes actos de bondade ficam sempre gratos.

A pessoa que me vem à mente quando penso em bondade é Jesus Cristo. Ele mostra-nos que Deus é bondoso. E porque Ele é tão bondoso connosco, devemos ser bondosos uns com os outros. Especialmente num mundo tão ocupado, onde muitos parecem estar atentos a serem o número um, actos de bondade são sempre bem-vindos.

~ Gálatas 5:22

#

Do you realize how important it is to be kind? You might as well ask, "How important is water or oxygen?" In fact, more important than work, money, careers, success, or anything... is KINDNESS! God must agree with this because Proverbs 19:22 tells us, "What is desirable in a man is kindness."

One of the local TV network affiliates had a long-running campaign called "Random Acts of Kindness." Their news anchors went out into the community and paid for someone’s lunch or gas, or they did something like taking bottles of water to people who are working out in the heat. Their only request was that the recipient of their kindness would pass it on to someone else. Kindness begets unselfishness, and we all could be a little less selfish!

Acts of kindness inspire us, whether it’s taking time to help an employee at the office, or defending a person being picked on by bullies. The recipients of these acts of kindness are always grateful.

The one person who comes to mind when I think of kindness is Jesus Christ. He shows us that God is kind. And because He is so kind to us, we are to be kind to one another. Especially in a busy world where so many seem to be looking out for number one, acts of kindness are always welcomed.

~ Galatians 5:22

Hillsong Young & Free - Love Won't Let Me Down ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

When I was searching, Your love was never far
You made a way to get to me
You were the whisper, leading me to Your heart
Forever I belong to You

Now I can see clearly, my God, You are for me
You won't let go

Your love won't let me down and I know it's true
Yeah, I know that Your love is all around
I believe in You, holding on to You
Holding on and I know You will never fail
I want all of You, You never change
Your love won't let me down

Love won't let me down, ooh, down, down, ooh
Down, ooh, down, down, ooh
Down, ooh, down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Love won't let me down, ooh
Down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Down, down, ooh down, ooh
Down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Love won't let me

Right when I need You You listen as I pray
You'd leave the ninetynine for me
You paint the sky with promises of Your grace
So I would find my way to You

Now I can see clearly, my God, You are for me
You won't let go

Your love won't let me down and I know it's true
Yeah, I know that Your love is all around
I believe in You, holding on to You
Holding on and I know You will never fail
I want all of You, You never change
Your love won't let me down

Love won't let me down, ooh, down, down, ooh
Down, ooh, down, down, ooh
Down, ooh, down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Love won't let me down, ooh
Down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Down, down, ooh down, ooh
Down, down, ooh, down, ooh
Love won't let me [x2]

Holding on and I know You will never fail
I want all of You, You never change
Your love won't let me down, love won't let me

Pergunta # Question

Quando estás a ter um mau dia, o que é que fazes para te sentires melhor?

Não desejes ser nada para além do que és, e tenta o ser perfeito.

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

Amor é... estar ao teu lado, não importa que caminho tomamos.

O teu relacionamento com Deus mudou a maneira como vives a tua vida?

Has your relationship with God changed the way you live your life?

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Uma mulher caminha por um passeio cheio de neve na cidade de Nova Iorque.
 #
A woman walks down a snowy pavement in New York City.

Vira Para Jesus – Vais Sobreviver! # Turn To Jesus – You Will Survive!

Se tens mais de 10 anos de idade, provavelmente já descobriste que a vida não está livre de desafios. Dificuldades, dor nos relacionamentos e até tragédias fazem parte da vida quotidiana. De facto, Jesus disse aos Seus discípulos: "Tenham paz. Há muitas tempestades nesta vida." (Aqui está a parte boa... o ênfase foi adicionado por mim). "Mas tenham coragem, Eu venci o mundo." Uau. Aqui está um verso para pendurar o nosso chapéu!

Sempre que enfrentares uma tempestade, o teu primeiro impulso pode ser gritar: "Porquê?" Certas tempestades ocorrem nas nossas vidas por causa do nosso próprio pecado, mas muitos desafios ocorrem quando estamos bem no meio da vontade de Deus. Não estamos a fazer nada de errado. Estamos a fazer o que Deus quer que façamos. Certamente, este era o caso dos discípulos. Jesus disse-lhes para entrar no barco e atravessar o Mar da Galileia. Eles estavam a obedecer a Jesus quando de repente encontraram-se numa horrível tempestade. Era tão mau que nem sequer sabiam se sobreviveriam. Mas aqui está a mensagem importante deste evento, eles sobreviveram. Com a ajuda de Jesus, eles sobreviveram.

Aceita o facto de que a tua vida não será um passeio perfeitamente calmo. Acredita em mim. A estrada às vezes tem lombas e buracos e curvas apertadas. Todas as estradas têm. Olha para estas tragédias e dificuldades como parte da vida. Vira para Jesus para orientação, e Ele estará ao teu lado enquanto sais das tuas tempestades.

~ Salmo 107:29

 #

If you’re past the age of 10, you’ve probably already figured out that life is not free of challenges. Difficulties, pain in relationships, and even tragedies are part of every day life. As a matter of fact, Jesus told His disciples, "Take courage. There are many storms in this life." (Here’s the good part... my emphasis added). "But take heart, I have overcome the world." Wow. Now, that’s a scripture to hang your hat on!

Whenever you face a storm, your first urge may be to scream, "Why?" Certain storms do come into our lives because of our own sin, but many challenges occur when we’re right in the middle of God’s will. We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re doing what God wants us to do. Certainly, that was the case for the disciples. Jesus told them to get into the boat and row across the Sea of Galilee. They were obeying Jesus when they suddenly found themselves in a horrific storm. It was so bad, they didn’t even know if they would survive. But here is the important message from that event, they did survive. With the help of Jesus, they survived.

Accept the fact that your life will not be a perfectly smooth ride. Trust me on this. The road will sometimes have bumps and potholes and sharp turns. All roads do. Look upon these tragedies and difficulties as part of life. Turn to Jesus for guidance, and He will be beside you as you ride out your storms.

~ Psalm 107:29

Hillsong United - So Will I ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

God of creation
There at the start, before the beginning of time
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapour of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've made
Every burning star, a signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises, so will I

God of Your promise
You don't speak in vain, no syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science, follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You, so will I
So will I, so will I

If the stars were made to worship, so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high, so will I
And if the wind goes where You send it, so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence, so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we'll sing again a hundred billion times!

God of salvation
You chased down my heart through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender, so will I
I can see in Your heart, eight billion different ways
Every precious one, a child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them, so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You're the One who never leaves the one behind

Pergunta # Question

Que palavra descreve melhor o teu lar?

Deus não quer algo de nós. Ele simplesmente quer-nos.

God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.

Amor é... a forma como sempre estaremos.

O meu objectivo é criar uma vida da qual não preciso de férias.

My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Zheng Feng, um montanhista amador tira fotos de casamento com a sua noiva num penhasco em Jinhua, na província de Zhejiang, na China.
 #
Zheng Feng, an amateur climber takes wedding pictures with his bride on a cliff in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China.

Não Mais Vulgar! # Ordinary No More!

O mundo sempre adorou a nossa aparência exterior. Desde o tempo dos Faraós, como era a aparência deles em vida e até na morte, era para eles de extrema importância. Hoje, todos do negócio do entretenimento são tudo sobre a "aparência". Então, curiosamente, quando Deus enviou o Seu Filho para ser a maior estrela que o palco do mundo já conheceu, Ele escolheu que Ele se parecesse de forma muito vulgar. A Bíblia diz-nos que Ele não tinha muita aparência, por isso deve ser muito improvável que Ele Se parecesse com as belas imagens que penduramos nas nossas paredes. Agora, isto pode surpreender-nos em pensar sobre o Filho de Deus, mas Deus procurou identificar-Se com a maioria de nós. Há pouquíssimas belezas de Hollywood, mas há muitos de nós pessoas vulgares.

Mas isso foi durante o Seu ministério terrestre. Como é que é a aparência Dele agora? A Bíblia diz-nos que Ele deu uma breve imagem aos Seus três discípulos mais próximos. Um dia, Jesus conduziu-os ao alto de uma montanha, "... e foi transfigurado diante deles; o Seu rosto resplandeceu como o sol, e as Suas vestes tornaram-se brancas como a luz." Um dia, Jesus irá voltar e todos O reconheceremos facilmente como o Filho de Deus. E mais boas notícias para aqueles que confiam Nele: receberemos corpos novos, corpos perfeitos, que nunca ficarão doentes e cansados, que nunca envelhecerão ou morrerão. Como Jesus, os nossos novos corpos serão deslumbrantes, e nós, pessoas vulgares, estaremos eternamente gratos.

~ Isaías 53:2b

 #

The world has always worshiped how we look on the outside. All the way back to the Pharaohs, how they looked in life and even in death, was of supreme importance to them. Today, everyone in the entertainment business is all about the "look". So, interestingly enough, when God sent His Son to be the biggest star the world’s stage has ever known, He chose for Him to look very ordinary. The Bible tells us He wasn’t much to look at, so it seems very unlikely that He looked like the beautiful pictures we have hanging on our walls. Now, that might surprise us in thinking about the Son of God, but God sought to identify with the majority of us. There are very few Hollywood beauties, but there sure are a lot of us ordinary-looking folks.

But that was in His earthly ministry. What does He look like now? The Bible tells us that He gave a sneak preview to His three closest disciples. One day Jesus led them up high on a mountain, "... and He was transfigured before them; and His face shown like the sun, and His garments became as white as light." One day, Jesus is coming again and we will all easily recognize Him as the Son of God. And more good news for those who trust in Him: we’ll receive new bodies, perfect bodies, that never get sick and tired, that never age or die. Like Jesus, our new bodies will be dazzling, and we ordinary folks will be eternally grateful.

~ Isaiah 53:2b

Finding Favour - Mountains Must Move ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

We speak it in a whisper
We shout it in a song
It crashes through the darkness
It's hope on every tongue
And never once has it been rivaled
It remains all powerful

Mountains must move
And waves lay down
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Life, forever found
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Now

It's strength in all our weakness
It's courage through our doubt
It's peace that can't be stolen
It's joy at just the sound
Never once has it been rivaled
It remains all powerful

Mountains must move
And waves lay down
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Life, forever found
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Now

Now in His power
By His authority
Sickness withers
Death must bow the knee
Now in His power
By His authority
The shattered life restored
His is the victory, yeah
His is the victory, yeah

Mountains must move
And waves lay down
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Life, forever found
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus

In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Now

Pergunta # Question

Qual é a coisa que os melhores amigos fazem um pelo o outro?

Dias fáceis trazem descanso. Dias difíceis trazem crescimento. Cada dia é um presente de Deus.

Easy days bring rest. Difficult days bring growth. Each day is a gift from God.

Amor é... estar sob o teu feitiço.

Sê um incentivador. O mundo já tem muitos críticos.

Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Concorrentes a participarem na competição de pés apenas no Campeonato do Cubo de Rubik no Reino Unido.
 #
Competitors taking part in the feet only competition at the UK Rubik's Cube Championships.

Perdoar É Difícil # Forgiveness Is Hard

A maioria de nós já leu, ouviu ou disse a oração do Senhor. Mas, já notaste a presença de uma pequena palavra de quatro letras na oração do Senhor? Ela diz: "E perdoa-nos as nossas dívidas, assim como nós perdoamos aos nossos devedores." Percebeste isto? A palavra "como" implica que não podemos ser perdoados até oferecermos o mesmo perdão aos outros. No caso de não termos percebido o "como", Jesus deixa muito claro no versículo seguinte: "Se porém, não perdoardes aos homens as suas ofensas, também vosso Pai vos não perdoará as vossas ofensas." (Mateus 6:15).

Perdoar alguém que te tenha tratado mal, disse coisas negativas sobre ti, ou mesmo separado a tua família, é uma coisa muito difícil de fazer. É necessária uma intervenção Divina para realmente poderes oferecer perdão a pessoas que te feriram profundamente. Mas Deus ordena-nos que façamos isso, e Deus nunca nos ordenará fazer nada que Ele não nos capacite a fazer.

Agora mesmo, ora para que Deus te dê a força para perdoar aqueles que te magoaram. Não apenas Deus te dará o poder para fazê-lo, mas Ele também irá capacitar-te sobre-naturalmente para amá-los, mesmo que odeies o que eles fizeram. Lembra-te, a amargura é o veneno que ingerimos, fazendo-nos desejar coisas más. Aproveita a libertação deste terrível fardo ao experimentar o poder de limpeza do perdão.

~ Mateus 6:14

 #

Most of us have either read, heard, or spoken the Lord’s prayer. But, have you ever noticed the presence of a little two-letter word in the Lord’s prayer? It says "And forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Did you catch that? The word "as" implies that we cannot be forgiven until we offer that same forgiveness to others. In case we miss the "as", Jesus makes it very clear in the next verse: "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15)

Forgiving someone who has treated you poorly, said evil things about you, even broken up your family, is a very difficult thing to do. It takes Godly intervention to truly offer forgiveness to people who have deeply wounded you. But God commands us to do so, and God would never command us to do anything that He wouldn’t provide the ability to do.

Right now, pray for God to give you the strength to forgive those who have hurt you. Not only will God give you the power to do so, but He will also empower you supernaturally to love them, even though you hate what they did. Remember, bitterness is the poison we swallow, causing us to wish for evil things. Enjoy the release of this terrible burden by experiencing the cleansing power of forgiveness.

~ Matthew 6:14

John Piper - Though You Slay Me ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The One who’s broken
The One who’s torn me apart
You strike down to bind me up
You say You do it all in love
That I might know You in your suffering

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the One who’s all I need

My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I’ll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I’ll know every tear was worth it all

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the One who’s all I need

Though tonight I’m crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You’re still more than I need
You’re enough for me
You’re enough for me

(...)

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the One who’s all I need

I sing a song to the One who’s all I need

Pergunta # Question

De que formas mudaste nestes últimos cinco anos?

Quanto mais amares Deus, mais capacidade terás de amar todos as outras pessoas.

The more you love God, the more capacity you will have to love everyone else.