Casting Crowns - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
In my heart I hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir singing (peace on earth)
Does anybody hear them? (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep (peace on earth, peace on earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail 
With peace on earth, good will to men

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men

And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (peace on earth)
The life the angels singing (peace on earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, peace on earth
Peace on earth, good will to men

Pergunta # Question

Do quê és auto-consciente?

Ele sofreu como Deus porque somente Deus tinha o poder de salvar; Ele sofreu como homem porque só ao homem pertencia a dívida.

He suffered as God because only God had the power to save; He suffered as Man because only man owed the debt.

Amor é... dar como receber no Natal.

A questão não é: "Porque só existe um caminho para Deus?" mas, "Porque existe mesmo um caminho?"

The question is not: "Why is there only one way to God?" but, "Why is there even one way?"

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

O artista de botas de neve Simon Beck criou este incrível lobo gigante como parte de uma promoção para o Game of Thrones.
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Snowshoe artist Simon Beck created this awesome giant direwolf as part of a promotion for Game of Thrones.

O Jogo Dos Desejos # The Wishing Game

Quando crianças, costumávamos jogar o jogo dos desejos, fazendo a pergunta: "Se pudesses fazer um desejo, o que seria?"

Eu ficava quieto enquanto outros diziam coisas como: muito dinheiro, uma casa grande ou uma mota. Depois eu dizia: "Eu desejava ter desejos ilimitados!" Pensava que era muito inteligente na época, mas olhando para trás, isso simplesmente revelou o incrível egoísmo de uma criança.

Há muitos anos atrás, Deus disse ao jovem Rei de Israel, Salomão: "Pede o que quiseres que Eu te dê." Que oferta! Salomão escolheu "sabedoria para liderar e discernir entre o bem e o mal." Deus ficou satisfeito, sabendo que ele poderia ter pedido riqueza ou uma vida longa. Então Deus concedeu-lhe o desejo e uma vida longa e rica.

Pedir a Deus sabedoria é um pedido sábio, pois frequentemente com sabedoria obtém-se grande sucesso e o respeito dos outros. O mundo é atraído por pessoas que são sábias. Lembra-te, Deus e a Sua Palavra são as melhores fontes de sabedoria.

~ 1 Reis 3:9

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As kids we used to play the wishing game, asking the question, “If you could make one wish, what would it be?”
I would stay quiet while others said things like, lots of money, a big house, or a motorcycle. Then I’d say, "I’d wish for unlimited wishes!" I thought I was so smart at the time, but looking back it simply revealed the incredible selfishness of a young boy.

Years ago, God said to Israel’s young King Solomon, "Ask whatever you wish Me to give you." What an offer! Solomon chose "wisdom to lead and discernment between good and evil." God was pleased, knowing he could have asked for wealth or long life. So God granted his wish and a wealthy, long life.

Asking God for wisdom is a wise request indeed, for so often with wisdom comes great success and the respect of others. The world is drawn to people who are wise. Remember, God and His Word are the best sources of wisdom.

~ 1 Kings 3:9

Casting Crowns - Even When You're Running ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Do you feel Him in your heartbeat even when you’re running?
You try to drown Him out with your life but you still hear Him calling
With a voice you’ve never heard but it sounds like home, home
You try to shut it out but you feel it in your bones
And it won’t leave you alone

His love is inescapable 
His presence is unshakable
Right now you don’t believe it’s true
A better day is coming
And you don’t need another place to hide
He’ll find you in your darkest night
His love is holding on to you
Even when you’re running

As a kid you said your prayers, now they’re bouncing off the ceiling
They took your world away when you trusted Him for healing
He’s no stranger to your heartbreak, He knows how it feels to lose
From the garden to the cross, He’s been chasing after you
He’s chasing after you

His love is inescapable 
His presence is unshakable
Right now you don’t believe it’s true
A better day is coming
And you don’t need another place to hide
He’ll find you in your darkest night
His love is holding on to you
Even when you’re running

Your fear isn’t dark enough
Your pit isn’t deep enough
Your lie isn’t loud enough 
To keep Him away from you

The Father made the way for you
The Son killed the grave for you
Let His Spirit come alive in you
Are you tired of the running? [x2]

His love is inescapable 
His presence is unshakable
Right now you don’t believe it’s true
A better day is coming
And you don’t need another place to hide
He’ll find you in your darkest night
His love is holding on to you
Even when you’re running

It’s time to stop running now
You don’t have to have it figured out
All you need to do is turn around
And the Father will come running

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma coisa que tens de deixar para seguir em frente?

As pessoas perguntam-me: "Porquê orar se Deus é soberano?" Eu respondo: "Porquê orar se Ele não for?"

People ask me: "Why pray if God is sovereign?" I respond: "Why pray if He isn't?"

Amor é... fazer um boneco de neve que se parece com ele.

A única coisa que a igreja pode dar ao mundo que é verdadeiramente única é o Evangelho.

The only thing that the church can provide to the world that is truly unique is the Gospel.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Esta incrível plantação de floresta Hinoki pelo mestre Bonsai Masahiko Kimura, foi recentemente vendida na 38.ª Exposição Anual Nippon Bonsai Taikan por 1.800.000 Ienes, o que equivale a aproximadamente US $15.800.
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This incredible Hinoki forest planting by Bonsai master Masahiko Kimura, was recently sold at the 38th annual Nippon Bonsai Taikan Exhibition for ¥1,800,000 which is equal to approximately $15,800.

Porque Deus Amou (Insere Aqui O Teu Nome) De Tal Maneira # For God So Loved (Insert Your Name Here)

João 3:16 é provavelmente o verso mais famoso da Bíblia. Basicamente, Jesus resume o Seu propósito na Terra, era tudo sobre o amor: "Deus amou o mundo de tal maneira." Agora quero que substituas a palavra "mundo" pelo o teu nome, porque o que Jesus estava a dizer é para cada pessoa. Deus amou-te tanto que Ele enviou o Seu Filho, Jesus. E se confiarmos Nele e aceitarmos que Ele é a verdade e o Filho de Deus, então teremos a vida eterna. Embora cada um de nós morra, Jesus promete aos seus seguidores uma vida com Ele por toda a eternidade. Tudo depende se O aceitamos como o nosso Salvador pessoal.

Jesus promete a vida eterna, significando um relacionamento eterno com Deus. Esta não é apenas uma promessa para a eternidade, mas uma promessa para uma vida abundante hoje. Em João 10:10, Jesus disse: "O ladrão vem senão para roubar, matar e destruir; Eu vim para que tenham vida e a tenham em abundância."

A vida abundante que Jesus estava a falar não se refere a coisas materiais; isto não significa que vais realizar o "sonho". Talvez o realizes ou talvez não. Esta não é a questão. Quando Jesus prometeu uma vida abundante aqui na terra para os Seus seguidores, Ele estava a falar sobre a vida mais significativa, plena e com o maior propósito possível n'Ele.

Por outras palavras, as nossas vidas não serão perfeitas, livres de problemas e incertezas, mas podemos ter a certeza de que Jesus andará connosco por todos os altos e baixos, sempre e para sempre. Nada nos vai afastar deste relacionamento com Jesus. Porquê? Porque Deus amou – TE – de tal maneira.

~ João 3:16

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John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s basically Jesus summarizing His purpose on Earth which was all about love: "God so loved the world." Now I want you to replace the word "world" with your name, because what Jesus was saying is for every single person. God so loved you that He sent His Son, Jesus. And if we trust in Him and accept that He is truth and the Son of God, then we will have eternal life. Although each of us will die, Jesus promises His followers a life with Him for all of eternity. It all depends if we accept Him as our personal Saviour.

Jesus promises eternal life, meaning an eternal relationship with God. This isn’t just a promise for eternity, but a promise for an abundant life today. In John 10:10 Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

The abundant life Jesus was talking about doesn’t refer to material things; it doesn’t mean you’re going to fulfill the "dream". Maybe you will or maybe you won’t. That’s not the point. When Jesus promised an abundant life here on earth for His followers, He was speaking about living the most meaningful, fulfilled and purposeful life possible in Him.

In other words, our lives won’t be perfect, free from problems and uncertainties, but we can be confident that Jesus will walk with us through all of the ups and down, always and forever. Nothing will take away that relationship with Jesus. Why? Because God so loved – YOU.

~ John 3:16

Anthem Lights feat. Amy Grant - Emmanuel, God With Us ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

We dim the light
We stoke the fire
We breathe the ever-green
Young ones wait
While the old ones make up
Tales of how it used to be

China dolls, candy corn
Painted wooden toys
Treasures found to the wondrous sound
Of carolling the Savior
Born to us on Christmas morn

Emmanuel, God with us
Emmanuel
Emmanuel, God with us
The son of Israel

And still He calls through the night
Beyond the days of old
A voice of peace to the weary ones
Who struggle with the human soul

All of us travelers
Through a gvien time
Who can know what tomorrow holds
But over the horizon
Surely you and I will find

Emmanuel, God with us
Emmanuel
Emmanuel, God with us
The son of Israel

And the years they come
And the years they go
Through we may forget somehow
That the child once born in Bethlehem
Is still among us now

Emmanuel, God with us
Emmanuel
Emmanuel, God with us
The son of Israel

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma escolha que tu no futuro sabes que vais te agradecer por teres tomado?

Mesmo que não vejas nada, Deus está a trabalhar.

Even though you see nothing, God is working.

Amor é... ser a sua audiência cativada!

Quando fazes a tua parte, o Senhor acrescenta o Seu poder aos teus esforços.

When you do your part, the Lord adds His power to your efforts.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Chen San-yuan, o jogador de 70 anos que joga Pokemon Go em 11 telefones. O avô de 70 anos conheceu o jogo pelo neto e é viciado desde então. Ele diz que mantém a sua mente afiada, o corpo activo e a sua carteira mais leve; pois gasta mais de $1.290 por mês em compras no jogo.
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Chen San-yuan the 70-Year-Old gamer that plays Pokemon Go on 11 phones. The 70-year-old grandfather first learned of the game from his grandson and has been addicted ever since. He says it keeps his mind sharp, body active and wallet light; as he spends upwards of $1,290 per month on in-game purchases.

Não Te Esqueças Dos Teus Amigos! # Don't Forget Your Friends!

Acho que é correto assumir que muitas pessoas hoje não gostam do sector das Finanças. Ninguém gosta de pagar impostos. No entanto, não está tão mal quanto estava nos dias de Jesus. Naquela época, os colectores de impostos podiam cobrar mais do que uma pessoa devia e embolsar a diferença! Os colectores de impostos Judeus que colectavam dos Judeus para Roma eram vistos como traidores do seu próprio povo e eram desprezados. Assim, em Cafarnaum, a cidade natal adoptada de Jesus, quando Ele caminha directamente até este colector de impostos desprezado, Mateus, e pede-lhe que seja um dos Seus seguidores... consegues imaginar como as pessoas ficaram horrorizadas? E ninguém ficou mais chocado do que Mateus! Ele não era bem-vindo na sinagoga e era desprezado pelos seus companheiros Judeus, mas contrário do que sabia sobre si mesmo, Mateus foi escolhido por Jesus como um dos apóstolos originais.

O que se seguiu foi uma grande recepção para Jesus na casa de Mateus, onde ele convidou outros colectores de impostos e os seus amigos pecadores. Porque é que ele fez isto? Bem, Mateus ficou tão comovido que Cristo o chamou para ser um seguidor, que queria que os seus amigos conhecessem Jesus e reconhecessem como este Jesus poderia mudar também as suas vidas. Então, ele convidou todos para a sua festa para conhecê-Lo.

Os líderes religiosos Judeus ficaram chocados com isto. Acharam que era ridículo que este homem, Jesus, que Se chamava um homem de Deus, se misturasse com os pecadores assim. Vê como Jesus respondeu em Lucas 5:31:

Não são aqueles que estão bem que precisam de um médico, mas aqueles que estão doentes.

Eu não vim chamar os justos, mas pecadores ao arrependimento.

Hoje não é diferente. Quando uma pessoa vem a conhecer Jesus, é hora de festa. Hora de convidar as pessoas e partilhar com elas como Jesus mudou a sua vida.

Mateus acertou. É a minha esperança e oração que todos nós também acertemos.

~ Lucas 5:27-29

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I think it’s correct to assume that many folks today are not fond of the IRS. Nobody likes to pay taxes. Yet, we don’t have it nearly as bad as people did in Jesus’ day. Back then, the tax collectors could collect more than a person owed and pocket the difference! Jewish tax collectors who collected from the Jews for Rome were seen as traitors of their own people, and they were despised. So, in Capernaum, Jesus’ adopted home town, when He walks right over to this despised tax collector, Matthew, and asks him to be one of His followers... can you imagine how appalled the people were? And no one was more shocked than Matthew! He was not welcome in the synagogue and was despised by his fellow Jews, but, contrary to what he knew about himself, Matthew was chosen by Jesus as one of the original apostles.

What followed was a big reception for Jesus at Matthew’s house, where he invited other tax collectors and his sinful friends. Why would he do this? Well, Matthew was so moved that Christ had called Him to be a follower, He wanted his friends to meet Jesus and recognize how this Jesus could change their lives, too. So, he invited them all to his party to meet Him.

The Jewish religious leaders were appalled by that. They thought it was ridiculous that this man Jesus, who called Himself a man of God, would mingle with the sinners like that. See how Jesus responded in Luke 5:31:

It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

It’s no different today. When a person comes to know Jesus, it’s party time. Time to invite people over and share with them how Jesus has changed their life.

Matthew got it right. It’s my hope and prayer that all of us will get it right, as well.

~ Luke 5:27-29

Pat Barrett - Into Faith I Go ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I’ve never been good at change
If I’m honest it’s always scared me
But I can’t deny this stirring deep inside me
And I know it’s time to stop resisting
‘Cause I’m not getting any younger
Fear is such a sad way to live a life
So, face to the wind, I’m jumping out, I’m walking in
Every single thing You want to show me

To the ups and downs
The highs and lows
The taking in
The letting go
To tears and laughter
The great unknown
To the open journey
Into faith I go

Nobody said this would be easy
Anyone who did never went through anything painful
But faith is not some fragile thing that shatters when we walk through something hard
So, we walk on
Whatever may come

To the ups and downs
The highs and lows
The taking in
The letting go
To tears and laughter
The great unknown
To the open journey
Into faith I go

Running like a child in an open field
Stepping off the edge, I’m facing all my fears
If this is what it feels like to be born again
I’ll be born again

So, when I feel like giving up
When I feel like throwing it all away
I look back over my shoulder 
And I can see Your goodness every single step that I have taken
And it beats like a drum
And it rings like a bell
And it sings like a choir
And it’s leading me on my way
Oh, You lead me on my way

To the ups and downs
The highs and lows
The taking in
The letting go
To tears and laughter
The great unknown
To the open journey
Into faith I go

Pergunta # Question

Há 5 anos atrás, o que é que pensavas estaria diferente na tua vida hoje?

Vai o quilómetro extra, nunca está demasiado cheio.

Go the extra mile, it's never crowded.

Amor é... caminhar sozinho com as tuas lembranças.

Às vezes o teu único meio de transporte disponível é um salto de fé.

Sometimes your only available mode of transportation is a leap of faith.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Uma tarambola tranquila aconchega quatro filhotes.
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Piping plover brooding four chicks.

Com Toda A Tua Força # With All Your Strength

Precisamos de amar Deus com toda a nossa força. Isto significa toda a nossa energia. É interessante que a palavra que o evangelho de Marcos usa para "força" também significa "habilidade". Gosto disto. Porque o que é que isto nos diz sobre amar Deus? Significa que Deus deu-nos talentos e habilidades. E quando usamos estes talentos e habilidades na igreja, na vocação ou nas relações com os outros, podemos abordá-lo de duas maneiras: podemos buscar a glória para nós mesmos ou procurar glorificar a Deus.

Sabes, amar Deus com toda a nossa energia, com todas as nossas habilidades, com todos os nossos dons espirituais, significa servir ao Senhor no ministério. É uma maneira de expressar o nosso amor a Ele. Significa não reter nada quando se trata do nosso nível de energia em mostrar o nosso amor por Deus. Significa que quando estamos a usar toda esta energia na nossa vocação, ou na escola, estamos a fazer isso porque é agradável a Deus aproveitar ao máximo as nossas habilidades para Ele. Estamos a amar Deus com toda a nossa força, com todo o nosso ser.

~ Marcos 12:29-30

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We need to love God with all of our strength. That means all of our energy. It’s interesting that the word the gospel of Mark uses for "strength" also means "ability". I love that. Because what does that tell us about loving God? It means that God has given all of us talents and abilities. And when we use those talents and abilities in church, or in vocation, or in relationships with others, we can approach it one of two ways: we can seek glory for ourselves or look to glorify God.

You see, to love God with all of our energy, with all of our abilities, with all of our spiritual gifts, means serving the Lord in ministry. It’s a way of expressing our love to Him. It means holding nothing back when it comes to our energy level in showing our love for God. It means that when we’re using all that energy in our vocation, or in school, we’re doing it because it is pleasing to God to make the most of our abilities for Him. We are loving God with all of our strength, with all of our being.

~ Mark 12:29-30

Planetboom - Run To You ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I need You, I'm reaching out
With all of my heart and soul
My Jesus, You're here right now
Holding me through it all
Holding me through it all

Here in this moment, Lord, I am running
Right up to Your throne
All that I need is, found in You, Jesus
Your presence is my home
(Woah-oh-ohh, woa-oh-ohh) I will run to You
(Woah-oh-ohh, woa-oh-ohh)

Forgiven, I stand again
There's nothing that's in the way
Between us, my Lord and friend
You cover me in Your grace
Cover me in Your grace

Here in this moment, Lord, I am running
Right up to Your throne
All that I need is, found in You, Jesus
Your presence is my home
(Woah-oh-ohh, woa-oh-ohh) I will run to You
(Woah-oh-ohh, woa-oh-ohh)

I'm running into Your arms
And nothing's gonna hold me back
Nothing's gonna hold me back
From Your unfailing love
Nothing's gonna change Your heart
Nothing's gonna change Your heart

I'm running into Your arms
Nothing's gonna hold me back (Nothing's gonna hold me back)
Nothing's gonna hold me back (Nothing's gonna hold me back)
From Your unfailing love (Oh God)
Nothing's gonna change Your heart (Nothing's gonna change Your heart)
Nothing's gonna change Your heart (Change Your heart)
For me

Here in this moment, Lord, I am running
Right up to Your throne
All that I need is, found in You, Jesus
Your presence is my home
(Woah-oh-ohh, woa-oh-ohh) I will run to You [x3]

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma coisa que tu proteges?

Toma um santo e coloca-o em qualquer condição, e ele sabe como regozijar-se no Senhor.

Take a saint and put him into any condition, and he knows how to rejoice in the Lord.

Amor é... ser aconchegado todas as noites com um beijo.

Pensamentos triviais sobre o pecado geram pensamentos triviais sobre o Salvador.

Light thoughts of sin breed light thoughts of the Saviour.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

O sacerdote Indiano Sikh Giani Jagtar Singh carrega o Guru Granth Sahib, o texto religioso central do Sikhismo, durante uma procissão religiosa de Gurudwara Ramsar a Akal Takht Sahib para marcar o 414º aniversário da instalação do Guru Granth Sahib no Templo Dourado em Amritsar, na Índia.
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Indian Sikh priest Giani Jagtar Singh carries the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious text of Sikhism, during a religious procession from Gurudwara Ramsar to Akal Takht Sahib to mark the 414th anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, in India. 

Com toda A Tua Mente # With All Your Mind

Enquanto nos esforçamos para amar Deus, à nossa volta, todos os dias, há uma batalha constante pelas nossas mentes. É por isso que precisamos de estudar a Palavra de Deus, para que possamos conhecer a mente de Deus, o que Ele espera de nós e como Ele quer que vivamos. Não vais aprender isto a ler o jornal diário, a ouvir falar no rádio ou a vegetar à frente da TV.

Uma das minhas passagens favoritas das Escrituras é Isaías 55:8 e 9: "Porque os Meus pensamentos não são os teus pensamentos, nem os teus caminhos os Meus caminhos," declara o Senhor. "Porque, assim como os céus são mais altos do que a terra, assim são os Meus caminhos mais elevados do que os vossos caminhos e os Meus pensamentos mais do que os vossos pensamentos." Esta é uma bela passagem na Palavra de Deus para descrever porque a Palavra de Deus é tão única. Porque tudo o que lemos aqui nesta vida tende a ser contrário ao que a Palavra de Deus está a dizer. Precisamos de mergulhar na Palavra de Deus como uma maneira de conhecer a Deus, para que possamos amá-Lo com as nossas mentes.

Marcos 12:29-30

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As we strive to love God, all around us, every day, there is a constant battle for our minds. That is why we need to study the Word of God, so we can know the mind of God and what He expects of us and how He wants us to live. You’re not going to learn that by reading the daily newspaper, listening to talk radio or vegging in front of the TV.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Isaiah 55:8 and 9. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." That’s a beautiful passage in the Word of God to describe why the Word of God is so unique. Because everything we read here in this life tends to be contrary to what God’s Word is saying. We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God as a way of getting to know God, so that we can love God with our minds.

~ Mark 12:29-30

Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Praise Before My Breakthrough ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I know the tension of the now 
I don’t always understand
I don’t always get to see
Everything
When I’m holding up my hands
When I’m counting every breath
Lord, all I need to know is
You choose me
You choose me

I’ll praise before my breakthrough
‘Til my song becomes my triumph
I will sing because I trust You
I will bring my heart
I will lift my song

When I’m listening for Your voice
And I’m shutting out the noise
I know that you will speak
Clearly
When I’m living out my faith
When I’m stepping on the sea
I know You take my hand
And walk with me
Walk with me

I’ll praise before my breakthrough
‘Til my song becomes my triumph
I will sing because I trust You
I will bring my heart
I will lift my song

He who came in power
He will come again
He who heals the sick
Won’t He move again
He who raised the dead
Won’t He raise again
And I will sing
I will sing [x2]

I’ll praise before my breakthrough
‘Til my song becomes my triumph
I will sing because I trust You
I will bring my heart
I will lift my song [x2]

I will sing because I trust You
And I’ll worship because I trust
I sing because I love You
And I’ll bring my heart
I will lift my song

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma boa razão para seguir em frente?

Ama pessoas difíceis. Tu és uma delas.

Love difficult people. You are one of them.

Amor é... quando as acções falam mais alto do que as palavras.

A nossa única esperança é lançar-nos sem reservas na misericórdia de Deus e confiar n'Ele em tudo.

Our only hope is to throw ourselves unreservedly on God's mercy and trust Him for all.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

O Sistema Nervoso projectou este incrível puzzle infinito de 442 peças da Terra sem bordas ou forma fixa.
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Nervous System has designed this incredible 442-piece, infinity puzzle of Earth with no edges or fixed shape.

Com Toda A Nossa Alma # With All Your Soul

A nossa alma é a nossa personalidade e sede da nossa vontade. Confuso? Pensa nisso desta maneira. Quando um homem e uma mulher apaixonam-se, eles casam-se. Embora a paixão possa os ter juntado, é uma decisão da vontade que os mantém juntos num relacionamento comprometido. O facto é que a natureza humana pecaminosa frequentemente leva-nos a sermos tentados a sermos infiéis ao nosso cônjuge. E se seguíssemos os nossos sentimentos cairíamos na tentação! É nestes momentos que temos que ignorar completamente sentimentos temporários e, por um acto da vontade, decidir permanecer fiéis. Expressamos o nosso amor através desta fidelidade, lealdade e devoção a longo prazo.

É o mesmo com Deus. Quando damos o nosso coração a Deus, começamos este relacionamento com Ele. Depois, ao longo do caminho, somos tentados a cair em pecado. E se simplesmente seguíssemos os nossos sentimentos, cairíamos na tentação. Mas se vamos realmente amar Deus, escolhemos ser fiéis a Ele, não importa o que estamos a sentir no momento.

Então, como é que amamos Deus com toda a nossa alma? Fazemo-lo com a nossa vontade.

Marcos 12:29-30

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Our soul is our personality and the seat of our will. Confused? Think about it this way. When a man and woman fall in love, they get married. While passion may have drawn them together, it is a decision of the will that keeps them together in a committed relationship. The fact is that sinful human nature often causes us to be tempted to be unfaithful to our spouse. And if we went by our feelings we would follow the temptation! It’s during those times that we have to completely ignore temporary feelings and by an act of the will, decide to stay faithful. We express our love through this long-term faithfulness, loyalty, and devotion.

It’s the same with God. When we give our heart to God, we begin that relationship with Him. Then along the way, we’re tempted to fall into sin. And if we simply followed our feelings, we would give into the temptation. But if we’re really going to love God, we choose to be faithful to Him, no matter what we’re feeling at the moment.

So, how do we love God with all our soul? We do it with our will.

~ Mark 12:29-30

Mack Brock - One Like Us ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Out of the silence
From the void
Creation resounded
In Your voice
Horizons awaken
High above
Collisions of color
The world You love

How beautiful the stars
Imagined in Your heart
Silent in the darkness
How could it ever be
That You would choose to be

One like us
There’s no one like Jesus
How wonderful is Your love
God with us
In glory, in power
I’ll praise You forevermore

Majesty humbled
Love came down
Unequaled surrender
Replaced a crown
Who died on a hill where
Grace was born
Humanity rescued
No longer torn

How powerful the cross
An altar in the dust
Triumphed in the darkness
For it could only be
That glory chose to be 

One like us
There’s no one like Jesus
How wonderful is Your love
God with us
In glory, in power
I’ll praise You forevermore

Your love is strong
And there’s nothing stronger
Your name is great
And there’s no one greater
Your praise goes on
Forever and evermore [x2]

How precious is the name
That broke the heavy grave
The first to rise in glory
And You will always be
The King who died for me

One like us
There’s no one like Jesus
How wonderful is Your love
God with us
In glory, in power
I’ll praise You forevermore

Pergunta # Question

Qual é uma coisa boa que é difícil de encontrar?

Não há atalhos para a maturidade. Leva tempo ser santo.

There are no shortcuts to maturity. It takes time to be holy.

Amor é... amar os dois da mesma forma.

E acordar sabendo que Deus está do meu lado é suficiente.

And to wake up knowing that God is on my side is enough.

Imagem do Dia # Image of the Day

Nesta bela fotografia, vemos um deslumbrante tapete de jacintos em Pryor’s Wood, na Inglaterra.
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In this beautiful photograph, we see a dazzling carpet of bluebells in Pryor’s Wood, England.

Um Amor Radical # A Radical Love

Os seguidores de Cristo são chamados a ser diferentes, a viver vidas distintas e radicais. Porquê? Porque a mensagem de Cristo foi radical. Amar as pessoas que nos amam, que olham, agem e pensam como nós, isso é normal. Mas Jesus chamou-nos para amar os nossos inimigos, e isso foi uma afirmação radical. Como é que algo tão antinatural é possível?

Há uma história incrível que Nick Ripkin conta no livro Insanity of God [A Insanidade de Deus] sobre um homem muçulmano no Médio Oriente. Um ministério Cristão abriu uma clínica de saúde na comunidade deste homem e, a cada dia, ele amaldiçoava e insultava os funcionários quando passavam pela sua loja a caminho do trabalho. Ele fez praticamente tudo o que podia para minar a clínica, até que um dia foi-lhe diagnosticado um cancro. Lentamente os seus amigos começaram a abandoná-lo até que as únicas pessoas que se importavam com ele eram os funcionários da clínica. Eles procuraram o mesmo homem que os amaldiçoou, cuidando dele e até mesmo oferecendo-lhe cuidados médicos. No final da sua vida, este homem deu a sua vida a Cristo, tudo por causa do amor radical que ele encontrou em Cristo Jesus.

Mas a história não termina aqui. A família deste homem foi tão influenciada pela maneira como os funcionários ministraram e cuidaram dele que a sua esposa tornou-se uma seguidora sincera e ousada de Jesus. Ela foi tão sincera que foi colocada na prisão. Não desanimada pela prisão, continuou a partilhar sobre Jesus com os outros presos até que foi transferida para ser confinada na cela solitária. Mesmo isolada de todas as outras pessoas, ela foi ouvida a cantar louvores a Deus. Finalmente, o chefe da polícia soltou-a e pediu-lhe para explicar o que a fazia tão destemida. Que testemunha!

Vês o efeito cascata do amor radical? O amor de Cristo é um amor radical que transforma vidas, SE formos suficientemente corajosos para viver de maneira diferente. Vais fazê-lo?

~ Mateus 5:46 e 47

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Followers of Christ are called to be different, to live lives that are distinct, radical even. Why? Because Christ’s message was radical. To love the people who love us, who look and act and think like us, that’s normal. But Jesus called us to love our enemies, and that was a radical statement. How is something so unnatural even possible?

There’s an incredible story Nick Ripkin tells in the book Insanity of God about a Muslim man in the Middle East. A Christian ministry opened a health clinic in this man’s community, and each day he would curse and insult the staff as they passed by his shop on their way to work. He did just about everything he could to undermine the clinic until one day he was diagnosed with cancer. Slowly his friends began to abandon him until the only people who cared for him were the clinic’s staff. They reached out to the same man who had cursed them, taking care of him and even offering him medical care. Towards the end of his life, this man gave his life to Christ, all because of the radical love he encountered in Christ Jesus.

But the story doesn’t end there. This man’s family was so impacted by the way the staff ministered and cared for him that his wife became a bold, outspoken Jesus follower. She was so outspoken that she was put in prison. Undeterred by prison, she continued to share about Jesus with the other prisoners until she was moved to solitary confinement. Even isolated from every other person, she was heard singing praises to God. Finally, the police chief released her and asked her to explain what made her so fearless. What a witness!

Do you see the ripple effect of radical love? The love of Christ is a radical love that transforms lives, IF we are courageous enough to live differently. Will you?

~ Matthew 5:46 & 47

Aaron Shust - Zion ... ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

O daughters of Zion
O Abraham's sons
Hear the words of your Father
Hear His promise of love
I will make you a blessing
Count the stars if you can
You will be a great nation
I will give you this land

I will bring you back home
Bring you back home, oh My children
You will no longer roam
Lost and alone in the night
There is nothing on earth that could take you away
Once I gather you under My wings
I will bring you all back home again

Though you've wandered like strangers
To the ends of the earth
I will send you a savior
I will finish my work
You have no other shepherd
You have no other lord
Green pastures are waiting in Zion once more

I will bring you back home
Bring you back home, oh My children
You will no longer roam
Lost and alone in the night
There is nothing on earth that could take you away
Once I gather you under My wings
I will bring you all back home

So we pray for the peace
But look to the East
For the Sun rises sudden and fierce
Every prophet and priest and king in the City
Will look on the One they have pierced
We will mourn for the One we have pierced

But don't fear, o my daughters
Or sons of Abraham
I will wash you with water
I will offer the Lamb
Though your sins were like scarlet
They'll be whiter than snow
I have always been with you
I will never let go

I will bring you back home
Bring you back home, oh My children
You will no longer roam
Lost and alone in the night
There is nothing on earth that could take you away
Once I gather you under My wings
I will bring you all back home
O I will bring you all back home again

Adonai Eloheinu
Adonai echad
Shema Israel
Adonai Eloheinu
Adonai echad
Shema Israel
Adonai Eloheinu
Adonai echad
Shema Israel
Adonai Eloheinu
Adonai echad