sábado, 30 de dezembro de 2017
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Um trabalhador Sul-Coreano coloca lanternas de lótus no Templo Jogye em Seul antes das celebrações que marcam o aniversário de Buda.
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A South Korean worker sets lotus lanterns at Jogye Temple in Seoul ahead of celebrations marking Buddha's birthday.
O Verdadeiro Significado É Encontrado Em Relacionamentos – Não Em Coisas # Real Meaning Is Found In Relationships – Not In Things
Quando as pessoas estão perto da morte, nunca as ouvimos dizer: "Sabes, eu desejava ter ganho mais dinheiro. Se tivesse trabalhado mais, poderia ter feito muito mais dinheiro." Nunca ouves ninguém dizer: "Gostava de ter feito mais." Mas o que as pessoas dizem geralmente tem algo a ver com lamentações sobre relacionamentos. "Eu queria ter feito mais por alguém", ou "Eu gostaria de ter passado mais tempo com eles." "Eu queria ter-me concentrado mais nas relações que contam."
Tenho a certeza que abanaste com a cabeça enquanto lias este parágrafo. Aposto que estavas a pensar: "Eu sei. Nada de novo aqui!" Espera um segundo. Enquanto todos parecem entender esta lição nas suas cabeças, o verdadeiro significado raramente parece chegar aos corações. O facto é quando as pessoas perguntam: "Qual é o último significado da vida?" A única resposta é: O significado final é encontrado nos relacionamentos. O teu relacionamento mais importante é, claro, com Deus, mas os teus últimos momentos nesta terra estarão tão vazios se forem gastos agonizando sobre relacionamentos fracassados com pessoas: família, amigos ou aqueles que podes ter prejudicado. Age agora para te assegurares que as tuas últimas palavras não são de arrependimento pelos teus relacionamentos na terra, mas na gratidão pela glória da segunda vinda de Jesus que aguardamos.
~ Mateus 6:19-21
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When people are neared death, you never hear them tell you, "You know, I wish I had made more money. If I’d worked harder, I could’ve made a whole lot more money." You never hear anybody say, "I wish I had accomplished more." But what people do say usually has something to do with the lament about relationships. "I wish I had done more for someone," or "I wish I had spent more time with them." "I wish I had focused more on the relationships that count."
I’m sure you nodded your head while reading that paragraph. Bet you were thinking, "I know that. Nothing new there!" Hold on a second. While everyone does seem to understand this lesson in their heads, true realization rarely seems to make it to their hearts. The fact is when people ask, "What is the ultimate meaning of life?" The one way answer is: Ultimate meaning is found in relationships. Your most important relationship is, of course, with God, but your last moments on this earth will be so very empty if they are spent agonizing over failed relationships with people: family, friends, or those you may have wronged. Act now to assure that your last words are not regretting your relationships on earth, but praising the glory of Jesus's second coming that we await.
~ Matthew 6:19-21
sexta-feira, 29 de dezembro de 2017
Matt Redman ft. Chris Tomlin - Angels (Singing Gloria) ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
Angels, angels in the night
Angels, angels from on high
Messengers of grace
Messengers of light
Angels, angels fill the skies
Angels, from the highest height
Glory all around
Heaven reaching out
A song we’d never heard
How beautiful the sound
Singing Gloria
Gloria
Singing gloria
Gloria
This day a Saviour has been born
Jesus, He is Christ the Lord
This will be a sign
You will find a child
And suddenly the sky
Was filled with sacred choir
Singing Gloria
Gloria
Singing gloria
Gloria
And they sang ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven
Peace on the earth to those on whom His favour rests
They sang ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven
Peace on the earth to those on whom His favour rests [x2]
Singing Gloria
Gloria
Singing gloria
Gloria [x2]
In the name of love
God is with us now
Mercy coming close
Majesty touched down
Singing Gloria
Gloria
Singing gloria
Gloria
Mais de mil vezes na história, um bebé tornou-se um rei. Mas apenas uma vez na história um Rei tornou-se um bebé.
A thousand times in history a baby has become a king. But only once in history did a King become a baby.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Quão incrível é isto? O jornal local Alemão Heilbronner Stimme recentemente imprimiu não uma, mas duas páginas coloridas completas, para que as pessoas pudessem embrulhar as prendas.
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How awesome is this? Local German newspaper Heilbronner Stimme recently printed not one, but two full colour, double page spreads for people to wrap presents with.
Não Deixes A Vida Derrubar-te # Don't Let Life Beat You Down
Se já viajaste pelo deserto, notaste que é quilómetro após quilómetro de paisagem seca e estéril. Então, de repente, há uma mancha de verde, algumas árvores, arbustos e plantas com flores. Isto significa sempre que há algum tipo de fonte de água nas proximidades. Com a água, o deserto floresce e ganha vida.
O mesmo é verdade nas nossas vidas. Sem Deus, tendemos a secar quando a vida fica difícil. Isto tira-nos toda a nossa energia, criatividade e motivação. Eventualmente sentimo-nos abatidos, desgastados e secos. Mas Jesus diz: "Eu Sou a água viva; qualquer um que Me aceitar nunca mais terá sede." Ele não estava a falar sobre sede física. Ele estava a falar sobre satisfazer a nossa sede espiritual para que possamos florescer e ganhar vida.
E então? Sentes-te às vezes como um arbusto seco e empoeirado num deserto vazio? Vem a Cristo e desfruta de uma bebida fresca de água sempre que precisares.
~ João 4:14
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If you’ve ever traveled through the desert, you’ll notice that it’s mile after mile of dry and barren landscape. Then suddenly, there’s a spot of green, some trees, bushes, and flowering plants. It always means there’s some kind of water source nearby. With water, the desert blossoms and comes to life.
The same is true in our lives. Without God, we tend to dry up when life gets hard. It saps us of all our energy, creativity and drive. We eventually feel beaten down, worn out, and dried up. But Jesus says, "I Am living water; anyone who accepts Me will never be thirsty again." He wasn’t talking about physical thirst. He was talking about satisfying our spiritual thirst so we can blossom and come to life.
What about it? Do you sometimes feel like a dry, dusty shrub in a desert of emptiness? Come to Christ and enjoy a cool drink of water whenever you need it.
~ John 4:14
quarta-feira, 20 de dezembro de 2017
Cloverton - Hallelujah (Christmas Version) ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
I've heard about this baby boy
Who's come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You'll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A fé é um salto para a luz, não um passo na escuridão.
Faith is a leap into the light, not a step into the darkness.
És mais do que as escolhas que fizeste, és mais do que a soma dos teus erros passados.
You are more than the choices that you've made, you are more than the sum of your past mistakes.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Um guarda florestal captou a beleza deslumbrante do céu à noite fotografando constelações a partir da sua base no Alasca.
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A park ranger has captured the stunning beauty of the nights sky by photographing constellations from his base in Alaska.
Natal De Outra Perspectiva - Parte 3 # Christmas From Another Perspective - Part 3
Os Super Heróis fazem parte da cultura Ocidental há muito tempo. Estes Super Heróis (Homem Morcego, Homem Aranha, Homem de Ferro, O Incrível Hulk, Super Homem, etc.) parecem aparecer sempre no momento certo. Quando parece que o mal, os bandidos vão ganhar, estes indivíduos aparecem com os seus poderes sobrenaturais e num momento que não se esperava salvam o dia! Tenho que admitir; há algo sobre isto que nos atrai a todos. É bem impressionante ver o bem triunfar sobre o mal. Especialmente neste momento, quando olhamos para o mundo e o mal parece estar a ganhar vez após vez.
O triste é que estes Super Heróis realmente não existem. São apenas a fingir; são todos de ficção. No entanto, há um Super Herói verdadeiro que apareceu no tempo perfeito da história para se envolver numa batalha contra o mal que ainda está a causar estragos na humanidade. Ele literalmente salvou o dia de uma maneira que salva as nossas vidas se quisermos.
Que momento perfeito foi que Jesus Cristo nasceu em Belém há pouco mais de 2.000 anos atrás! Roma imperava e era governada por um homem chamado César Augusto. Sendo incrivelmente ganancioso, foi ele quem pediu um recenseamento, fazendo com que todos fossem à sua cidade natal para se registar. Para José, que era da casa de David, Belém era a sua cidade natal, então ele e Maria tiveram que ir a Belém. Foi apenas depois de uma viagem de 113 quilómetros, que conseguiram encontrar descanso num celeiro com animais, onde Maria deu à luz, o seu filho primogénito, Jesus. Super-naturalmente concebido, Ele é Deus, mas também nasceu de uma mulher, Ele é homem. Ele viveu, morreu e ressuscitou para pagar a pena dos nossos pecados e oferecer-nos perdão. Ele tornou possível que fossemos adoptados filhos de Deus. Sabes, Jesus é o único Super Herói REAL. Isto é o que significa o Natal e é por isso que Ele veio.
Já reivindicaste a tua herança?
~ Gálatas 4:4
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Super action heroes have been a part of the Ocidental culture for a long time. These Super Heroes (Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, Incredible Hulk, Superman, etc.) always seem to show up at just the right time. When it seems like the evil, bad guys are going to win, these guys show up with their supernatural powers, and uncanny timing to save the day! And I have to admit; there’s something about this that appeals to all of us. It’s mighty awesome to see good triumph over evil. Especially in this day when we look at the world and evil just seems to be winning over and over again.
The sad thing is these Super Heroes don’t really exist. They’re just pretend; they’re all fiction. However, there is a real Super Hero that showed up at the perfect time in history to engage in a battle against the evil that is still wreaking havoc on mankind. He came to literally save the day in a way that saves our lives if we’re willing.
What perfect timing it was that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem a little over 2,000 years ago! Rome was in charge and ruled by a man named Caesar Augustus. Being incredibly greedy, it was he that called for a census, everyone going to his hometown to register. For Joseph, who was of the house of David, Bethlehem was his hometown, so he and Mary left to go to Bethlehem. It was after a 70-mile journey, finding rest only in a barn with the animals, that Mary gave birth, to her firstborn Son, Jesus. Supernaturally conceived, He is God, but also born of a woman, He is man. He lived, died, and rose again to pay the penalty for our sin and to offer us forgiveness. He made it possible for us to become adopted children of God. You see, Jesus is the only REAL Super Hero. That is what Christmas is all about and that is why He came.
Have you claimed your inheritance?
~ Galatians 4:4
Hannah Kerr - Emmanuel ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
He was not the one we thought would come
We were looking for a King
But He didn't come in glory
The Author of the oceans and the sun
Still he chose to be
Written in our story
So He could fill our flesh and blood
And we could know His love
Emmanuel, A manger for a bed
No crown upon His head
He came like us instead
Emmanuel, He meets you where you are
He holds your heavy heart
Our God is with us all
Emmanuel
It was no mistake that He arrived
Lost without a home
Helpless as a baby
So if we're feeling lost in our own lives
We are not alone
He has felt the same thing
Because he lived in flesh and blood
We can know His love
Emmanuel, A manger for a bed
No crown upon His head
He came like us instead
Emmanuel, He meets you where you are
He holds your heavy heart
Our God is with us all
Emmanuel
Emmanuel
Oh what an invitation
Oh His only expectation
Is for us to come and offer Him our all
To kneel before the child who shall be called
Emmanuel, a manger for a bed
No crown upon His head
He came like us instead
Emmanuel, He meets you where you are
He holds your heavy heart
Our God is with us all
Emmanuel
Emmanuel
Não há portadores de coroa no Céu que não foram portadores de cruz aqui em baixo.
There are no crown-wearers in Heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.
Deus não é quem tu pensas que Ele é. Ele é o que Ele diz que é.
God is not who you think He is. He is what He says He is.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Aqui está o Hospital St. Elizabeths (Edifício Central), completamente esvaziado, visto de cima, em Washington, DC.
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Seen here is the completely hollowed out St. Elizabeths Hospital (Center Building) from above, in Washington, DC.
Natal De Outra Perspectiva - Parte 2 # Christmas From Another Perspective - Part 2
Vimos o Natal de acordo com Paulo e dissemos porquê Jesus veio à terra. Descobrimos que o motivo principal pelo qual nasceu foi para salvar-nos dos nossos pecados. Hoje, olhamos mais para o que a vinda de Cristo nos revela a todos nós.
É sempre fascinante quando vemos uma filha e uma mãe que se parecem tanto ou um filho que é a imagem exacta do seu pai. Então, o que é que isto tem a ver com o Natal? Boa pergunta. Em Colossenses 1:15, Paulo escreveu: "Ele é a imagem do Deus invisível, o primogénito de toda a criação." Por outras palavras, se quiseres saber como é Deus, encontrarás a resposta no Seu Filho. Jesus é a imagem exacta do Seu Pai em todos os aspectos.
Este Natal, quando leres o relato de Mateus sobre o nascimento de Jesus, onde ele cita o profeta Isaías, que tenha mais significado. "A virgem ficará grávida e dará à luz um filho, e lhe chamarão 'Emanuel' que significa 'Deus connosco'."
Queres saber como é Deus? Olha para o Seu Filho. Queres conhecer pessoalmente Deus? Confia no Seu Filho.
~ Colossenses 1:15
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We discussed Christmas according to Paul and told why Jesus came to earth. We found that the main reason He was born was to save us from our sins.Today, we look more at what Christ’s coming reveals to all of us.
It is always fascinating when you see a daughter and a mom that look so much alike or a son that is the mirror image of his father. So, what does this have to do with Christmas? Good question. In Colossians 1:15, Paul wrote, "Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation." In other words, if you want to know what God is like, you will find it in His Son. Jesus is the spittin’ image of His Father in every way.
This Christmas, when you read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth where he quotes the prophet Isaiah, may it have extra meaning. "Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a son and they shall call his name ‘Immanuel’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’"
You want to know what God is like? Look at His boy. You want to know God personally? Trust in His Son.
~ Colossians 1:15
sábado, 16 de dezembro de 2017
The Real Group - The World For Christmas ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
It's the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care
But hopes for Saint Nicholas I wish I could share
I am new to this world, I arrived here this morn'
To this beautiful planet, though beat up and torn
I don't need a gift, need no more than I've got
Hear the unspoken wish from a tiny, tiny tot
I only want the world for Christmas
The blue green for ever turning world for Chistmas
Nothing more nothing less
I want it for keeps and I promise to share
So that everyone who wants can cuddle and care
I only want the world for chistmas
The blue green for ever turning world for christmas
To restore to repossess
Please make it last, my fate is in your hands
Oh give me a present for the future
You could follow your heart, but you follow a whim
And fill up your stockings way over the brim
Ignoring the signs in your frail crystal ball
You wish away, wish away, wish away all
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gives a luster of midday to objects below
Why your eyes won't see
When they're given all this light
I wonder, I wonder this very special night
I only want the world for Chistmas
The blue green for ever turning world for Chistmas
To restore to repossess
Please make it last, my fate is in your hands
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me a present for the future
You could follow your heart, but you follow a whim
And fill up your stockings way over the brim
Ignoring the signs in your frail crystal ball
You wish away, wish away, wish away all
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gives a luster of midday to objects below
Why your eyes won't see
When they're given all this light
I wonder, I wonder this very special night
I only want the world for Chistmas
The blue green for ever turning world for Chistmas
To restore to repossess
Please make it last, my fate is in your hands
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me a present for the future
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
O Cristianismo não é uma mentalidade do "faz isto e não faças aquilo"; é um "quando vens a conhecer Jesus todos os teus pensamentos e desejos mudam."
Christianity isn't a "do this and don't do that" mentality; is is a "when you come to know Jesus all thoughts and desires change."
As pequenas orações de pessoas fracas e despedaçadas movem o coração de Deus.
The small prayers of weak and broken people move the heart of God.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Uma borboleta Morpho peleides pousa numa criança durante uma sessão fotográfica na casa de borboletas ao ar livre intitulado 'Borboletas Sensacionais' do Museu de História Natural, em Londres.
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A Morpho peleides butterfly sits on a child during a photocall in the Natural History Museum's 'Sensational Butterflies' outdoor butterfly house in London.
Natal De Outra Perspectiva - Parte 1 # Christmas From Another Perspective - Part 1
Normalmente, quando falamos de Natal em termos bíblicos, estamos a receber a nossa informação dos livros do Novo Testamento de Mateus, Lucas e João. Hoje, vamos começar a olhar para a perspectiva de Paulo. Ele não estava por perto quando Jesus nasceu, nem estava envolvido no ministério terrestre de Jesus, e certamente não viu Jesus na cruz ou no túmulo vazio. Então, a sua perspectiva é um pouco diferente dos evangelhos.
Pensa sobre a pessoa que é a pior pecadora de que consegues imaginar. Pode ser um membro da família, um vizinho, talvez um colega de trabalho, um colega de turma ou talvez um conhecido, talvez seja alguém que seja famoso, não o conheces pessoalmente, só sabes sobre ele.
Agora, enquanto pensas sobre isso, se essa pessoa é alguém além de ti, o teu coração provavelmente não está em sintonia com Deus. É que sabes, quanto mais longe estamos de Deus, mais tendemos a sentir-nos muito bem em relação a nós mesmos, mais tendemos a sentir-nos mais justos ao compararmos a nossa vida com a vida dos outros. No entanto, quanto mais uma pessoa está perto de Cristo, mais conhece a sua pecaminosidade, porque comparando a nossa vida com Cristo, sabemos que nunca conseguimos estar ao mesmo nível. Então, novamente, se pensaste em alguém para além de ti, então talvez precises de um momento para examinar o teu coração.
Porque é que isso é importante saber? Quando Paulo diz: "É uma declaração confiável", devemos tomar nota. Ele está prestes a comunicar-nos uma declaração doutrinal muito importante. Ele então escreve esta frase, "merecendo uma aceitação total". Isto significa que é duplamente importante prestarmos atenção. Paulo quer que percebamos que a razão pela qual Jesus nasceu em Belém era para salvar-nos dos nossos pecados. Agora, todos podemos pensar numa multidão de coisas que Jesus veio revelar-nos. A vinda de Jesus revelou-nos o carácter e a personalidade de Deus. A Sua vinda revelou como Deus quer que vivamos uma vida obediente; Ele mostra-nos a compaixão e a misericórdia de Deus pelos pobres. Ele demonstrou o amor de Deus pelos doentes, pelos feridos, pelos que precisam de ministério. No entanto, a razão pela qual Ele nasceu foi para salvar a ti e a mim dos nossos pecados. Ele nasceu para morrer, morrer pelos nossos pecados.
Então, quando começamos a estudar o nascimento de Jesus do ponto de vista de Paulo, qual é a primeira coisa a lembrar? É que Jesus nasceu em Belém para ser o nosso Salvador. Se achas que os pecados de outra pessoa são piores do que os teus, pensa novamente. Cada um de nós é o pior pecador que já conhecemos. Apesar de tudo, Deus ama-nos tanto que Ele enviou-nos o Seu Filho para salvar-nos de nós mesmos. Isso, meus amigos, são Boas Novas!
~ 1 Timóteo 1:15-17
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Normally, when we speak of Christmas in Biblical terms, we’re taking our information from the New Testament books of Matthew, Luke and John. Today, we’re going to start looking at it from Paul’s perspective. He wasn’t around when Jesus was born, nor was he involved in the earthly ministry of Jesus, and most certainly, he didn’t see Jesus on the cross or the empty tomb. So, his perspective is a little different from the gospels.
Think about the person that is the worst sinner you can think of. It may be a family member, a neighbor, maybe a co-worker, a classmate, or maybe an acquaintance, maybe it’s somebody that is famous, you don’t know them personally you just know about them.
Now as you give that some thought, if that person is anyone other than yourself, your heart is probably not quite in tune with God. Because you see, the further a person is from God, the more we tend to feel pretty good about ourselves, the more we tend to feel pretty self-righteous in comparing our life to the lives of others. Yet, the closer a person is to Christ, the more we’re aware of our sinfulness, because in comparing our life to Christ, we know that we can never measure up. So, again, if you thought of anyone other than yourself, then perhaps you need a time of heart examination.
Why is that important to know? When Paul said, "It is a trustworthy statement," we want to take note. He is about to tell us a very important doctrinal statement. He then writes this phrase, "deserving full acceptance." That means it is doubly important for us to pay attention. Paul wants us to realize that the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was to save us from our sins. Now, we can all think of a multitude of things Jesus’ coming reveals to us. Jesus’ coming revealed to us the character and the personality of God. His coming revealed how God wants us to live a Godly life; He shows us God’s compassion and mercy for the poor. He demonstrated God’s love for the sick, for the hurting, for those in need of ministry. Yet, the reason He was born was to save you and me from our sins. He was born to die, to die for our sins.
So, as we begin to study the birth of Jesus from Paul’s point of view, what is the first thing to remember? It is that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to be our Savior. If you think someone else’s sins are worse than yours, think again. Each of us is the worst sinner we’ve ever known. In spite of it all, God loves us so much that He sent us His Son to save us from ourselves. That, my friends, is Good News!
~ 1 Timothy 1:15-17
quarta-feira, 13 de dezembro de 2017
Jeremy Riddle - All Hail King Jesus ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
There was a moment when the lights went out When death had claimed its victory The King of Love had given up His life The darkest day in history There on a cross they made for sinners For every curse His blood atoned One final breath and it was finished But not the end we could have known For the earth began to shake And the veil was torn What sacrifice was made As the heavens roared All hail King Jesus All hail the Lord of Heaven and earth All hail King Jesus All hail the Savior of the world There was a moment when the sky lit up A flash of light breaking through When all was lost He crossed eternity The King of life was on the move For in a dark, cold tomb Where our Lord was laid One miraculous breath And we’re forever changed All hail King Jesus All hail the Lord of Heaven and earth All hail King Jesus All hail the Savior of the world [x2] Let every knee, come bow before the King of Kings Let every tongue, confess that He is Lord Lift up your shout, let us join with all of Heaven Singing Holy, Singing Holy Cry out Holy, Cry out Holy All hail King Jesus All hail the Lord of Heaven and earth All hail King Jesus All hail the Savior of the world [x4]
A definição de Deus do que importa é bastante directa. Ele mede as nossas vidas pela forma como amamos.
God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our lives by how we love.
Adoração não é um período de vinte minutos durante um serviço da igreja, mas um estilo de vida de relacionamento com Deus de uma maneira particular.
Worship is not a twenty minute period during a church service, but a lifestyle of relating to God in a particular way.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Um balão de ar quente sendo insuflado antes da viagem pelo ar por Capadócia, na Turquia central, visto por dentro.
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A hot air balloon being inflated before air trip over Cappadocia, central Turkey, as seen from inside.
José Acreditou # Joseph Believed
Esta história nunca deixa de me surpreender.
Imagina que o teu amor da escola secundária, a rapariga que amas e que crês ser uma boa pessoa porque ela não acredita no sexo antes do casamento, diz: "Estou grávida, mas não te zangues porque ainda sou virgem." Agora, como é que responderias? Imagino que a maioria de nós responderia com algo como: "O quê?" "Esperas que eu acredite nessa história?"
Bem, este cenário realmente aconteceu há mais de 2000 anos. Na verdade, o indivíduo chamava-se José e a sua namorada grávida chamava-se Maria. Ela continuou a dizer-lhe que tinha sido Deus a fazê-la engravidar. No princípio, José não acreditou em Maria e decidiu deixá-la. Então um anjo apareceu-lhe num sonho para que ele soubesse que Maria estava a dizer a verdade. Assim, sendo o bom homem que era, ele ficou com ela, crendo no Senhor com fé.
Para a mente racional, secular e científica do século 21, esta história pode ser incrível. Inexplicável. Inacreditável. Mas, é verdadeiramente a história do Natal, a história do nascimento de Jesus.
A questão é: Acreditas? Seja o nascimento de Jesus ou a Sua ressurreição, quero que saibas que tens de acreditar completamente para experimentar a maravilha do Natal.
~ Mateus 1:20
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This story never ceases to amaze me.
Imagine your high school honey, the girl you love and believe is a good person because she doesn’t believe in sex before marriage, says, "I’m pregnant but don’t be mad ‘cause I’m still a virgin." Now, how would you respond? I imagine most of us would respond with something like, "What?" "You expect me to believe that story?"
Well, this scenario really happened over 2000 years ago. In fact, the guy was named Joseph, and his pregnant girlfriend was named Mary. She went on to tell him that God had caused her to become pregnant. At first, Joseph didn’t believe Mary, and he decided to drop her. Then an angel appeared to him in a dream and let him know that Mary was telling the truth. So, being the good man he was, he stayed with her, believing the Lord in faith.
For the rational, secular, scientific mind of the 21st century, this story can be incredible. Inexplicable. Unbelievable. But, it truly is the story of Christmas, the story of Jesus’ birth.
The question is: Do you believe? Be it Jesus’ birth or His resurrection, I want you to know you’ve got to believe it fully to experience the wonder of Christmas.
~ Matthew 1:20
segunda-feira, 11 de dezembro de 2017
Red Rocks Worship - How I Love You ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
Here I come with everything holed
And everything broken within my soul
I won’t wait another day to wash my sins away
Never I’ve found a love so pure
That take all of my wrongs and make them Your own
More than my mind and my desires hold
You gave me more
Then I go to the waters
Memories rise, step reminds
In who I was and who You are making
So You can clear I’m finally free
You are the Hope of my life
Lifted all I’ve rise
In You I’ve come alive
How I love you
Your healing I’ve known, Your beauty we will so
Rescuer of my soul
How I love you
Now when more trials come
And in the darkness still is dawn
Your Holy Spirit is my peace forever more
Then I go to the Waters
Memories rise, step reminds
In who I was and who You are making
So You can clear I’m finally free
You are the Hope of my life
Lifted all I’ve rise
In You I’ve come alive
How I love you
Your healing I’ve known, Your beauty we will so
Rescuer of my soul
How I love you [x2]
I believe You are who You say You are
I believe You gave more than I deserve
For all my days I will live to taste of Your goodness, Lord [x2]
You are the Hope of my life
Lifted all I’ve rise
In You I’ve come alive
How I love you
Your healing I’ve known, Your beauty we will so
Rescuer of my soul
How I love you
A oração é uma admissão aberta de que, sem Cristo, nada podemos fazer.
Prayer is an open admission that, without Christ, we can do nothing.
Ao mandar-nos glorificá-Lo, Deus está a convidar-nos a apreciá-Lo.
In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
O caçador de tempestades Craig Eccles captou esta impressionante imagem de uma tempestade eléctrica em Borden, a 322 quilómetros a Sudeste de Perth, na Austrália.
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Storm chaser Craig Eccles captured this stunning image of an electrical storm in Borden, 200 miles south east of Perth, Australia.
É O Nascimento De Jesus Um Conto De Fadas? # Is The Birth Of Jesus A Fairytale?
Há vários anos atrás, um famoso designer com o nome de Versace foi assassinado em Miami. Andrea Lee foi citada como tendo perguntado a Versace se ele acreditava em Deus e isto foi o que ele disse: "Sim, acredito em Deus, mas não sou o tipo de pessoa religiosa que vai à igreja, que acredita no conto de fadas de Jesus ter nascido num estábulo com um burro. Isso... não, não sou tão estúpido. Não posso acreditar neste Deus com todo o poder que tem, que Ele teve que ter nascido num estábulo. Isso teria sido demasiado desconfortável."
Aqui estava um herói da cultura contemporânea que disse acreditar em Deus, mas não precisava de tudo aquilo de "Jesus". Mas a maravilha da história de Natal é que Deus, com todo o Seu poder, se humilhou para se tornar um homem e, mais ainda, para morrer por nós, para ser o nosso Salvador. De certeza que não havia nenhum grau de conforto nisto. Deus fez isto porque Ele ama a ti e a mim e este é um Deus em que vale a pena acreditar.
~ Filipenses 2:8-9
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Several years ago, a famous designer by the name of Versace was murdered in Miami. Andrea Lee was quoted as having asked Versace earlier if he believed in God, and this is what he said: "Yes, I believe in God but I’m not the kind of religious person who goes to church, who believes in the fairy tale of Jesus born in the stable with the donkey. That…no, I’m not that stupid. I can’t believe in that God with all the power that He has, that He had to have Himself born in a stable. It would have been too uncomfortable."
Here was a hero of contemporary culture who said he believed in God, but didn’t need all that "Jesus" stuff. But the wonder of the Christmas story is that God, with all His power, humbled Himself to become a man and, even more, to die for us, to be our Savior. There was certainly no degree of comfort in that. God did this because He loves you and me, and that’s a God worth believing.
~ Philippians 2:8-9
domingo, 10 de dezembro de 2017
Micah Tyler - Different ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
I don't wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen
I don't wanna see anymore, give me a vision
That you could move this heart, to be set apart
I don't need to recognize, the man in the mirror
And I don't wanna trade Your plan, for something familiar
I can't waste a day, I can't stay the same
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different
In me!
And I don't wanna spend my life, stuck in a pattern
And I don't wanna gain this world but lose what matters
And so I'm giving up, everything because
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different, ooh
I know that I am far from perfect
But through You the cross still says I'm worth it
So take this beating in my heart and
Come and finish what You started
When they see me, let them see You
'Cause I just wanna be different, ye-ey
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Ooh is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different
I just wanna be different
So could You be different
In me!
A prosperidade não pode ser uma prova do favor de Deus, pois é o que o diabo promete aos que o adoram.
Prosperity cannot be a proof of God's favor, since it is what the devil promises to those who worship him.
As palavras são importantes. Deus não pensou a criação à existência, Ele falou-a.
Words are important. God didn't think creation into existence, He spoke it.
Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day
Uma chita Sul-Africana (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) é vista em silhueta contra um pôr-do-sol ardente, no Okavango, no Botswana.
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A South African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is silhouetted against a fiery sunset, in the Okavango, in Botswana.
Jesus Não Será Deixado De Fora # Jesus Will Not Be Shut Out
Deus intromete-Se. A vida de Jesus está entre parêntesis por duas impossibilidades: o útero de uma virgem e um túmulo vazio. Jesus entrou no nosso mundo através de uma porta marcada com "Não Entrar" e saiu através de uma porta marcada com "Sem Saída".
Naquele primeiro Natal, não houve espaço para Ele na pousada. O mundo nunca quer abrir espaço para Cristo no Natal e na vida diária. O homem matou-O e selou o túmulo com uma enorme pedra para deixá-Lo fora das nossas vidas de uma vez por todas. Mas Deus retirou a pedra para provar que Jesus não será calado ou deixado de fora dos Seus planos.
Um dia, Jesus entrará novamente na história. A maneira de estar pronto é convidá-Lo na tua vida hoje. Vais deixá-Lo de fora ou deixá-Lo entrar?
~ Romanos 10:13
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God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked "No Entrance" and left through a door marked "No Exit".
That first Christmas, there was no room for Him in the inn. The world never wants to make room for Christ at Christmas and in everyday life. Man killed Him and sealed the tomb with a huge stone to shut Him out of our lives once and for all. But God removed the stone to prove Jesus will not be shut up or shut out of His plans.
One day Jesus will intrude on history again. The way to be ready is to invite Him into your life today. Will you shut Him out or let Him in?
~ Romans 10:13
quinta-feira, 7 de dezembro de 2017
Casting Crowns - Somewhere In Your Silent Night ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫
All is calm and all is bright
Everywhere but in your heart tonight
They’re singing carols of joy and peace
But you feel too far gone and too far out of reach
Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For Love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night
From heaven’s height to manger low
There is no distance the Prince of Peace won’t go
From manger low to Calvary’s hill
When your pain runs deep
His love runs deeper still
He has always loved you, child
And He always will
Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For Love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night
Lift your head
Lift your heart
Emmanuel will meet you where you are
He knows your hurt
He knows your name
And you’re the very reason that He came
Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For Love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night
Love will find you
Love will find you
Love will find you
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