They've made me feel like a prisoner They've made me feel set free They've made me feel like a criminal Made me feel like a king They've lifted my heart To places I'd never been And they've dragged me down Back to where I began Words can build you up Words can break you down Start a fire in your heart or Put it out Let my words be life Let my words be truth I don't wanna say a word Unless it points the world back to You You can heal the heartache Speak over the fear (speak over the fear) God, Your voice is the only thing We need to hear (we need to hear) Words can build us up Words can break us down Start a fire in our hearts or Put it out Let my words be life Let my words be truth I don't wanna say a word Unless it points the world back to You (back to You) Let the words I say (let the words I say) Be the sound of Your grace (sound like Your grace) I don't wanna say a word Unless it points the world back to You (back to You) [x2] Words can build us up Words can break us down Start a fire in our hearts Or put it out I don't wanna say a word Unless it points the world back to You
Pilares de luzes surpreendentesforam avistadas sobre Moncton, em Novo Brunswick, no Canadá. Os pilares de luz aparecem quando a luz natural ou artificial é reflectida pelos cristais de gelo que flutuam perto do solo. Neste caso, o ar estava tão frio que os cristais de gelo formavam-se no ar, reflectindo as luzes da rua e da cidade. # Amazing light pillars spotted over Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Light pillars appear when either natural or artificial light bounces off ice crystals floating close to the ground. In this case, the air was so cold that ice crystals were forming in the air, reflecting the city’s street and business lights.
É a oração uma parte vital da tua vida? Muitos Cristãos diriam, claro! No entanto, se alguém olhar para a tua vida, as tuas prioridades e como passas o teu tempo, será que esta afirmação ainda pareceria verdadeira? Se formos honestos connosco, o tema da oração pode ser muito convincente.
Então costumas orar? A oração é uma parte fundamental da tua vida? Uma prioridade? Pensa sobre isto: Quando acordas de manhã, o teu primeiro pensamento é sobre Deus ou verificar o teu telemóvel? O Salmista escreveu sobre começar cada dia com Deus. Tens esta mesma prioridade? No mundo agitado e movimentado de hoje, é muito fácil acelerar no nosso dia sem pensar muito em Deus ou em orar, mas começar o dia com Deus faz com que o dia comece bem. A oração recalibra os nossos corações para os altos e baixos da vida.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer disse-o desta forma: "A oração da manhã determinará o dia." Estás então a orar? Talvez seja a altura de começares a colocar Deus na tua rotina matinal. Eu garanto-te que Ele tem algo mais importante a dizer do que o teu telemóvel, rede social ou até mesmo aquele e-mail importante. Reserva um momento para começares bem o teu dia começando com Deus.
Salmo 5:3
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Is prayer a vital part of your life? Many Christians would say of course! However, if someone looked at your life, at your priorities and how you spend your time, would that statement still appear true? If we’re honest with ourselves, the topic of prayer can be very convicting.
So are you praying? Is prayer a key part of your life? A priority? Think about this: When you get up in the morning, is your first thought about God or checking your phone? The Psalmist wrote about starting each day with God. Do you have that same priority? In today’s hectic and busy world it’s so easy to rush into our day without giving much thought to God or to prayer, but starting the day with God gets our day started right. Prayer recalibrates our hearts for life’s ups and downs.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way: "The prayer of the morning will determine the day." So are you praying? Perhaps it’s time you started putting God into your morning routine. I guarantee that He has something more important to say than your phone, social media or even that important email. Take a moment to start your day right by starting it with God.
I’ve been taught how to talk to You Hold it together Make the bad look better Say all the words that I’m supposed to Bow my head say amen, yeah that’ll do Making every dead-end look like Heaven Like being okay is the way to reach You But You’re not afraid of all the things I feel So why am I afraid of being real You want my tears Every messy word Every scar and every fear You want all I have With no holding back When I’m hurt At my worst You meet me there ‘Cause You see the beauty In my broken prayers In my broken prayers You don’t care if it ain’t poetry ‘Cause all of my edges They’re a little rough But that’s all I got to bring ‘Cause You’re not afraid of all the things I feel Don’t have to hide the scars that still aren’t healed You want my tears Every messy word Every scar and every fear You want all I have With no holding back When I’m hurt At my worst You meet me there ‘Cause You see the beauty In my broken prayers
In my broken prayers Mascara running down my face Desperate cry in a dark place You take me that way All of me You want my tears Every messy word Every scar and every fear You want all I have With no holding back When I’m hurt At my worst You meet me there ‘Cause You see the beauty In my broken prayers
Johnny Clasper é um premiado pedreiro e escultor que vive em Yorkshire, na Inglaterra. # Johnny Clasper is an award-winning stonemason and sculptor based in Yorkshire, England.
Jesus falou muito sobre a oração e em Mateus capítulo 6, Ele forneceu dois exemplos do que NÃO devemos fazer.
1. Orar pelos Motivos Errados: Muitos líderes religiosos nos dias de Jesus realizaram as suas orações como actores num palco, para serem vistos e aplaudidos pela sua piedade. É como se eles estivessem a dizer: "Vejam como sou espiritual! Vejam como sou educado e justo!"
Jesus disse que há uma grande diferença entre ser uma pessoa espiritual através de acções feitas para a glória de Deus versus acções feitas para buscar a aprovação dos outros. Então, qual é o teu motivo? Se estás a esforçar-te para "parecer" o Cristão ideal apenas para a aprovação de outra pessoa, precisas de reaver a motivação.
2. Orar Orações Vazias: Jesus estava a referir-se aos Gentios, que não conheciam o único Deus verdadeiro, quando falou sobre orar orações vazias. Até os Cristãos podem cair nesta armadilha. Em vez de repetir palavras e frases que soam "espirituais" na esperança de ganhar a atenção de Deus, faz orações honestas e sinceras. Deus importa-Se é com o conteúdo e o coração.
Então, qual é a tua motivação quando oras? Oras simplesmente para parecer "espiritual" em grupo? Tens palavras ou frases que repetes quando o teu coração simplesmente não está aí? Todos já passámos pelos momentos: abençoar uma refeição, uma oração antes de dormir, é fácil para a nossa vida de oração tornar-se uma rotina. Mas Jesus diz que a oração é sobre o nosso coração ligar-se com o de Deus. Talvez esteja na hora de começares a orar para que Deus ajude o teu coração a sintonizar-se melhor com o Dele, porque é isso que é a oração.
~ Mateus 6: 5-1,5
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Jesus talked a lot about prayer and in Matthew chapter 6, He provided two examples of what NOT to do.
1. Praying for the Wrong Reasons: Many religious leaders in Jesus’ day performed their prayers as actors on a stage, to be seen and applauded for their piety. It’s as if they were saying, "Look at how spiritual I am! Look at how educated and righteous I am!"
Jesus said there is a big difference between being a Godly person through actions done for God’s glory vs. actions done seeking the approval of others. So what’s your motive? If you’re striving to "look" like the ideal Christian just for the sake of other’s approval, you need a motivation check.
2. Praying Empty Prayers: Jesus was referring to the Gentiles, who didn’t know the one true God, when He spoke about praying empty prayers. Even Christians can fall into this trap. Instead of repeating words and phrases that sound "spiritual" in hopes of gaining God’s attention, pray honest and sincere prayers. It’s the content and the heart that God cares about.
So what’s your motivation when you pray? Do you pray simply to appear "spiritual" in group settings? Do you have words or phrases you repeat when your heart’s just not in it? We’ve all gone through the motions: blessing a meal, a prayer before bed, it’s easy for our prayer-life to become routine. But Jesus says that prayer is about our heart connecting with God’s. Maybe it’s time you started praying that God would help your heart better line up with His, because that is what prayer is all about.
When it feels like surgery And it burns like third degree And you wonder what is it worth? When your inside's breaking in And you feel that ache again And you wonder what's giving birth? If you could let the pain of the past go Of your soul None of this is in your control If you could only let your guard down If you could learn to trust me somehow Well I swear, that I won't let you go If you could only let go your doubts If you could just believe in me now I swear, that I won't let you go I won't let you go When your fear is currency And you feel that urgency You want peace but there's war in your head Maybe that's where life is born When our façades are torn Pain gives birth to the promise ahead, yeah If you could let the pain of the past go Of your soul None of this is in your control If you could only let your guard down If you could learn to trust me somehow Well I swear, that I won't let you go If you could only let go your doubts If you could just believe in me now I swear, that I won't let you go I won't let you go I'll always be by your side, yeah If you could only let your guard down If you could learn to trust me somehow I swear, that I won't let you go If you could only let go your doubts If you could just believe in me now I swear, that I won't let you go I won't let you go (I won't let you go) I won't let you go (I won't let you go) There ain't no darkness strong enough that could tear you out from my heart (I won't let you go) There ain't no strength that's strong enough that could tear this love apart (I won't let you go) Yeah, there ain't no darkness strong enough that could tear you out from my heart Yeah, there ain't no strength that's strong enough that could tear this love apart Never gonna let you go Never gonna let you go No, I won't let you go
Guardas florestais do Programa de Conservação de Hirola, no Quénia, ficaram atordoados depois da descoberta de uma girafa (leucística) branca e extremamente rara e o seu filhote. # Rangers from the Hirola Conservation Programme, Kenya were left stunned after the discovery of an extremely rare, snow white (leucistic) giraffe and her calf.
Nestes dias e semanas que se seguem à celebração da Páscoa, existem muitas teorias sobre o que aconteceu no que os Cristãos chamam a ressurreição de Jesus. Aconteceu realmente isto? Há a teoria de que os discípulos levaram o corpo. Ou que alguém roubou o corpo. Existe até uma teoria de que Jesus não estava realmente morto quando O colocaram na tumba... Ele estava "inconsciente" ou drogado quando O colocaram lá e mais tarde, Ele acabou por acordar! Há ainda mais teorias, mas uma pergunta que tenho que fazer é: "Sabes o que tornaria o Cristianismo sem valor?"
Bem, se Cristo não ressuscitou dos mortos e QUALQUER outra destas teorias fosse verdade, o Cristianismo estaria construído à volta de uma grande mentira. Isto significaria que Jesus era um mentiroso, porque Ele disse que seria morto e ressuscitaria. Isto significaria que a Bíblia está cheia de mentiras, porque repetidamente lemos sobre a ressurreição de Jesus. Isto significaria que, de todas as pessoas da terra, dos Cristãos deveríamos sentir mais pena, pois entraram numa farsa colossal.
Mas, se Cristo ressuscitou dos mortos, isto significa que quando Jesus diz que Ele é o Filho de Deus, podemos crer Nele. Isto significa que há esperança para além do túmulo. Isto significa que todos os milagres da Bíblia são verdadeiros. Afinal, se um homem se levanta dos mortos, qual é o grande problema em separar o Mar Vermelho ou fazer o coxo andar? O Cristianismo levanta-se e cai na ressurreição. Nenhuma ressurreição e o Cristianismo é inútil. Mas se Ele ressuscitou, significa tudo. Não só na Páscoa, mas a cada segundo de cada dia.
Eu acredito que Ele ressuscitou. E tu?
~ 1 Coríntios 15:13
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In these days and weeks that follow the celebration of Easter, there are many theories about what took place at what Christians call the resurrection of Jesus. Did it actually happen? There’s the theory that the disciples took the body. Or that someone stole the body. There’s even a theory that Jesus wasn’t really dead when they put Him in the tomb... that He was "out" or drugged when they put Him there and later, He just woke up! There are even more theories, but one question I have to ask you is, "Do you know what would make Christianity worthless?"
Well, if Christ did not rise from the dead and ANY of those other theories were true, Christianity would be built around a big lie. It would mean Jesus was a liar, because He said He would be killed and rise again. It would mean that the Bible is filled with lies, because over and over it writes of Jesus’ resurrection. It would mean that of all people on earth, Christians are to be pitied the most, for we have bought into a colossal hoax.
But, if Christ did rise from the dead, it means that when Jesus says He is the Son of God, He is believable. It means there is hope beyond the grave. It means every miracle in the Bible is believable. After all, if a man rises from the dead, what’s the big deal about parting the Red Sea or making the lame walk? Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection. No resurrection, and Christianity is worthless. But if He did rise, it means everything. Not only at Easter, but every second of every day.
There's a darkness that has tried to swallow me I haven't seen the light for days I've been running for so long Fear racing through my bones 'Til You brought me to this place Safe, I'm finally safe I can hide here, I can hide here Safe, You hold me safe I'm okay here, I'm okay here Completely safe There's no shadow, there's no shame No need to numb the pain There's nothing to explain Only kindness with no boundaries Mercy that surrounds me Love that sings my name Safe, I'm finally safe I can hide here, I can hide here Safe, You hold me safe I'm okay here, I'm okay here Completely safe Safe, safe Safe, I'm forever safe I can hide here, I can hide here Safe, gloriously safe I'm okay here, I'm okay here There's no shadow, there's no shame No need to numb the pain There's nothing to explain Only kindness with no boundaries Mercy that surrounds me Love that sings my name
O artista Bobby Duke fez à mão esta exclusiva, "Escultura de Copo de Lápis Coloridos Flutuante". Esculpido a partir de um bloco sólido de madeira (o punho não é colado), os lápis de cor e copo estão envoltos em resina clara e a escultura mede 16.25″ de altura. # Artist Bobby Duke hand-made this one-of-a-kind, "Floating Cup Colored Pencil Carving". Carved from a solid block of basswood (handle is not glued), the colored pencils and cup are encased in clear resin and the sculpture measures 16.25″ high.
Aqui está uma pergunta frequente. Como Cristo tinha que ir à cruz de forma a cumprir a Sua missão na terra, não estava Judas simplesmente a cumprir a vontade de Deus? Não estava Deus a usá-lo como uma ferramenta para levar Jesus à cruz?
Bem, não e não. Embora Deus tivesse o Seu plano predeterminado e soubesse o que Judas ia fazer, Ele não o forçou a fazê-lo! Judas ainda tinha uma escolha e escolheu trair Jesus. E, embora às vezes seja difícil conciliar a teologia, entende isto: todos nós temos uma escolha. Sim, Deus tem um plano predestinado para a nossa vida. Mas entende que não há pecado neste plano. Escolhemos aceitar ou rejeitar o Seu plano convidando o pecado para a equação. E, enquanto Deus sabe quais serão as nossas escolhas, isto não significa que Ele nos força a fazê-las.
A melhor coisa que podemos fazer é buscar constantemente a vontade de Deus nas nossas vidas, pedindo-Lhe para mostrar-nos qual é o Seu plano perfeito para nós todos os dias.
~ Mateus 26:23-25
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Here is a question frequently asked. Since Christ had to go to the cross in order to fulfill His mission on earth, wasn’t Judas simply fulfilling the will of God? Wasn’t God using him as a tool to get Jesus to the cross?
Well, no and no. Even though God had His predetermined plan and knew what Judas was going to do, He did not force him to do it! Judas still had a choice, and he chose to betray Jesus. And, though it’s sometimes difficult to reconcile the theology, understand this: All of us have a choice. Yes, God does have a predestined plan for our life. But realize that there is no sin in that plan. We choose whether to accept or reject His plan by inviting sin into the equation. And, while God does know what our choices will be, that does not mean He forces us to make them.
The best thing we can do is to constantly seek God’s will in our lives, asking Him to show us what His perfect plan is for us each and every day.
Behold, Jehovah, seated on the throne Abba, Father, the Well that overflows The God who was and is and shall be forevermore Holy is the Lord Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen Behold the Way, the Truth, and the Life Perfect, Savior, the Blood that washed us white The God who was and is and shall be forevermore Holy is the Lord Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen
Holiness has a name and it’s Jesus Victory has a name and it’s Jesus The Word has a name and it’s Jesus Redemption has a name and it’s Jesus [x2] Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen [x2]
Esta árvore que desafia a gravidade está no Parque Nacional Olímpico, em Washington. # This gravity-defying tree is in Olympic National Park, Washington.
A qualidade do nosso carácter aumenta proporcionalmente ao tempo que passamos na presença de Deus e na Sua Palavra. Enquanto Daniel não conseguia esperar pelos seus momentos a sós com Deus, outros passavam o tempo a tentar encontrar falhas nele. Mas não conseguiram. Daniel foi um homem que passou momentos de qualidade com Deus. A sua vida exterior foi um reflexo directo do tempo que passou diligentemente na presença de Deus. Também assim é connosco.
É impossível passar tempo de qualidade com Deus e não ser transformado. Jesus exemplificou-nos isto. Ele era um homem de oração que passava horas a sós com Deus. Quer deslocando-Se para o deserto ao amanhecer ou embarcando rapidamente num barco, Jesus sabia que, longe do Seu Pai, Ele nada conseguiria fazer. Por conseguinte, se desejamos viver a vida que Cristo tem para nós, então devemos fazer o mesmo. À medida que continuamos a passar tempo na Sua Palavra, cultivamos o próprio carácter de Cristo. Jesus disse-o assim: "Se permaneceres em Mim e as Minhas palavras permanecerem em ti... darás muito fruto." João 15:7-8
O meu desejo é crescer progressivamente à semelhança de Jesus. A Sua presença e a Sua Palavra são os únicos dois ingredientes que nos levam a viver como Ele viveu. Quanto mais influência permitirmos, melhor será o nosso carácter. Deixa a Sua presença e a Sua Palavra ser a nossa maior prioridade nesta vida.
~ Daniel 6:3-4
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The quality of our character grows in proportion to the time we spend in God’s presence and in His Word. While Daniel couldn’t wait for his moments alone with God, others spent their time trying to find fault with him. But they couldn’t. Daniel was a man who spent quality time with God. His outward life was a direct reflection of the time he diligently spent in the presence of God. So it is with us.
It is impossible to spend quality time with God and not be changed. Jesus exemplified this for us. He was a man of prayer who continually spent hours alone with God. Whether trudging into the wilderness at dawn or speedily boarding a ship, Jesus knew that apart from His Father He could do nothing. Accordingly, if we desire to live the life Christ has for us then we must do the same. As we continue to spend time in His Word, we cultivate the very character of Christ. Jesus said it like this, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you... you shall bear much fruit." John 15:7-8
My desire is to grow progressively in the likeness of Jesus. His presence and His Word are the only two ingredients that cause us to live as He did. The more influence we allow, the greater our character. Let His presence and His Word be our greatest priority in this life.
I’m not a warrior I’m too afraid to lose I feel unqualified for what you’re calling me to But Lord with your strength I’ve got no excuse Cause broken people are exactly who you use. So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence You took a shepherd boy And made him a King So I’m gonna trust you and give you everything I’ll be a conquerer Cause you fight for me I’ll be a champion claiming your victory So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence I’m gonna sing and shout and shake the walls I won’t stop until I see them fall Gonna stand up, step out when you call Jesus, Jesus [x2] So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence I’ll face my giants with confidence [x2] I face my giants with confidence
Sarah Hörst, professora assistente de Ciência Planetária na Universidade Johns Hopkins, conseguiu recentemente segurar um pedaço da Lua e de Marte na sua mão e partilhou a sua excitação. # Sarah Hörst, an Assistant Prof of Planetary Science at Johns Hopkins University, recently got to hold a piece of the moon and mars in her hand and shared her excitement.
Todos queremos que as coisas corram sempre bem no nosso caminho, mas temos que admitir que a vida não funciona assim. Chegam tempos difíceis. Relacionamentos são estragados. Preocupações financeiras atormentam-nos. Existem até tempos de guerra. Sim, as nuvens e as tempestades realmente vêm.
Jesus disse: "Neste mundo, terão problemas." Mas a boa notícia é que Ele não parou por aí. Ele também disse: “Tende bom ânimo. Eu venci o mundo.” Sim, os problemas são um facto da vida. Mas Jesus deu-nos um meio para encontrar a vitória, a verdadeira vitória, mesmo em tempos difíceis.
Não vais permitir que Ele te dê tudo o que precisas para enfrentar os bons e maus momentos? Ele está disposto e é capaz de dar-te o triunfo, mesmo quando as coisas parecem mais sombrias. Coloca a tua confiança em Jesus Cristo e encontrarás a capacidade, não apenas de suportar as tuas provações, mas de ser mais forte por causa delas.
~ Tiago 1:12
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All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn’t work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war. Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.
Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." But the good news is, He didn’t stop there. He also said, "Take heart. I have overcome the world." Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory, the real victory, even in hard times.
Won’t you allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad? He’s willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. Put your trust in Jesus Christ and you’ll find the ability, not only to endure your trials, but to be stronger because of them.
Heartbreaks a bittersweet sound Know it well It's ringing in my ears And I can't understand Why I'm not fixed by now Begged and I pleaded Take this pain but I'm still bleeding Heart trusts You for certain Head says it's not working I'm stuck here still hurting But You tell me You're making a masterpiece You shaping the soul in me You're moving where I can't see And all I am is in Your hands You're taking me all apart Like it was Your plan from the start To finish Your work of art for all to see You're making a masterpiece Guess I'm your canvas Beautiful black and blue Painted in mercy's hue I don't see past this You see me now Who I'll be then There at the end Standing there as Your Masterpiece You're shaping the soul in me You're moving where I can't see And all I am is in Your hands You're taking me all apart Like it was Your plan from the start To finish Your work of art for all to see You're making a masterpiece You're making a masterpiece Heart trust You for certain Head says it's not working You're making a masterpiece You're shaping the soul in me You're moving where I can't see And all I am is in Your hands You're taking me all apart Like it was Your plan from the start To finish Your work of art for all to see You're making a masterpiece You're making a masterpiece I will be Your masterpiece
Antes do redesenho, a McDonald's na Coolsingel 44 foi eleito 'o prédio mais feio de Roterdão, Holanda' pelos moradores da cidade. De acordo com Dezeen, a McDonald's já ocupava o local há 45 anos, mas até agora o restaurante havia sido instalado dentro de uma estrutura de vidro originalmente construída na década de 1960 como uma loja de charutos. # Before the redesign, the McDonald’s at Coolsingel 44 had been voted ‘the ugliest building in Rotterdam, Netherlands’ by the city’s residents. According to Dezeen, McDonald’s had already occupied the site for 45 years, but until now the restaurant had been housed within a glass structure originally built in the 1960s as a cigar shop.
Já estiveste numa situação muito difícil, onde a vida pareceu apenas atirar-te como uma bola de pingue-pongue? Alguma vez já gritaste: "Senhor, quando é que isto vai acabar?" Bem, no caso de não teres notado, não vai. Mas a boa notícia é que, com cada experiência que prova a fé, a nossa capacidade de lidar com estas provações e tribulações torna-se melhor e a nossa fé sai fortalecida!
No verso de hoje, Deus compara a nossa fé a um metal precioso e belo, o ouro. Mas quando extraído, este metal precioso não parece muito precioso. Está sujo e preto. Então, como é que o ouro se torna bonito? Um refinador pega no ouro e derrete-o com cuidado num caldeirão, aumentando lentamente a temperatura, mas nunca ao ponto de ferver. Quando derrete, lentamente, as impurezas sobem à superfície e ele retira a impureza deixando um lindo pote de ouro. Aqui está a parte incrível. O refinador sabe que o seu trabalho está pronto quando consegue olhar para o caldeirão e ver o seu reflexo.
A única maneira do ouro se tornar mais precioso é quando ele é colocado no fogo! Da mesma forma, as impurezas das nossas vidas devem ser expostas ao fogo, para que o Senhor possa recolher a sujidade que se mostra quando somos aquecidos! Nota, no entanto, que Ele nunca permitirá que fervamos! E depois, quando tudo estiver dito e feito, Ele poderá olhar para nós e ver a beleza do Seu reflexo!
Não desprezemos as provações que enfrentamos hoje, pelo contrário, vamos abraçá-las! O Senhor está a usá-las para nos preparar para fazer grandes coisas para Ele! Responde ao Senhor dizendo: “O que é que queres que eu aprenda com isto hoje, Senhor?” E observa como o Senhor te abençoa através do fogo!
~ 1 Pedro 1:7
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Ever been in a really tough situation where life just seems to bounce you around like a ping pong ball? Have you ever cried out, "Lord, will it ever end?" Well, in case you haven’t noticed, it doesn’t. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better and our faith grows stronger!
In this scripture, God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal, gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn’t look very precious. It’s dirty and black. So, how does gold become beautiful? A refiner takes the gold and carefully melts it in a melting pot, slowly raising the temperature, but never to the point where it boils. As it melts, slowly the impurities rise to the surface and he will scoop away the dross leaving a beautiful pot of gold. Here’s the amazing part. The refiner knows his job is done when he can look into the melting pot and see a reflection of himself.
The only way gold will become more precious is when it’s placed on the fire! In the same way, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that shows itself when we get hot! Notice, though, that He’ll never allow us to boil! And then, when it’s all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection!
Let’s not despise the trials we’re facing today, on the contrary, let’s embrace them! The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him! Respond to the Lord by saying, "What do you want me to learn from this today, Lord?" And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire!
I abandon my addiction to The certainty of life And my need to know Everything This illusion cannot speak It cannot walk with me At night As I taste life's fragility I am looking for a Savior I can see and know and touch One who dwells within the midst of us May a broken God be known In the earth beneath our feet May our souls behold humility May our souls behold humility When our plans become the casualties of Getting through the day We begin to know Our weakness And denial isn't strong enough to Hold our fears at bay And we can't escape our emptiness I am looking for a Savior I can see and know and touch One who dwells within the midst of us May a broken God be known In the earth beneath our feet May our souls behold humility May our souls behold humility I see the sympathy of heaven In the earth and wind and trees Hope within the rising sun And it's setting I am searching For meaning I am looking For healing I am haunted by Your reflection I was blinded by My addictions I am torn apart By the dying I am giving up On escaping Will I learn to live Without taking Will I begin to see Beauty in the making I can't pretend to know The beginning from the end But there's beauty In the life that's given We may bless so we may curse Every twist and every turn Will we learn to know The joy of living Will we learn to know The joy of living Will we learn to know The joy of living
A artista Christine Stein criou este lindo mural de topiaria em memória de Prince (7 de Junho de 1958 – 21 de Abril de 2016). O mural pode ser encontrado em Citrus Heights, nos arredores de Sacramento, na Califórnia. # Artist Christine Stein created this lovely topiary mural in memory of Prince (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016). The mural can be found in Citrus Heights just outside of Sacramento, California.
Em 1985, depois de vencer o torneio Master's, o jogador de golfe profissional Bernhard Langer sentiu-se vazio. O que era pior, é que ele não sabia porquê. Deveria estar a comemorar ao alcançar o auge do sucesso no mundo do golfe, mas algo estava a faltar. Talvez consigas relacionar-te com isto; passaste os primeiros anos da tua carreira a buscar sucesso, realizações e conquistas, mas em vez de satisfação, sentes-te vazio e desiludido. Qual é o sentido? Isto é tudo o que existe?
O Rei Salomão do antigo Israel, tinha tudo: sucesso extraordinário, realização incrível, riqueza inacreditável e, no entanto, ele também se sentia vazio. Salomão descobriu que uma vida auto-focada é, em última análise, sem sentido. Isto leva a nada. Por outras palavras, podes trabalhar muito, podes esforçar-te para fazer o teu melhor, mas no final, isto não significa nada de valor real. Consegues te ver? Existe realmente uma solução para tudo isto? Absolutamente!
Salomão diz que a chave é temer a Deus. Entende do que Salomão está a falar: uma pessoa que reverencia Deus fá-lo por ver a santidade, pureza e a bondade de Deus. É sobre reconhecer como estamos tão longe do Seu carácter divino. É no fim ver que somos pecadores. Comparados a Deus, somos fracos. E é nesta fraqueza que podemos encontrar um verdadeiro significado e valor. Porque não são os NOSSOS sucessos e realizações que trazem sentido à vida, mas procurar dar glória a Deus por qualquer coisa boa que fazemos. A melhor maneira de fazer isto é entender que, apesar das nossas deficiências, Deus enviou o Seu Filho, Jesus, para morrer pelos nossos pecados e oferecer-nos perdão e graça.
É Jesus quem Se encontra connosco no nosso pecado e vergonha e que nos perdoa. É através de Jesus que nos conciliamos com Deus. E é esta percepção que nos leva a uma vida cheia de gratidão, propósito e significado, não importa quão grandes sejam os nossos sucessos ou quão devastadores sejam os nossos fracassos. Jesus traz sentido à vida quando a vida parece sem sentido. Uma vida vivida para Cristo é tudo sobre trazer glória a Deus.
~ Eclesiastes 1:1-4a
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In 1985, after winning the Master’s tournament, professional golfer Bernhard Langer felt empty. What was worse, he didn’t know why. He should have been celebrating reaching the pinnacle of success in the golfing world, but something was missing. Maybe you can relate; you’ve spent the early years of your career pursuing success, achievement and accomplishments, but instead of satisfaction you feel empty and disillusioned. What’s the point? Is this all there is?
King Solomon of ancient Israel had it all: extraordinary success, incredible achievement, unbelievable wealth, and yet he too felt empty. Solomon discovered that a self-focused life is ultimately meaningless. It leads to nothing. In other words, you can work hard, you can strive to do your best, but in the end, it amounts to nothing of real value. Can you relate? Is there really a solution to all of this? Absolutely!
Solomon says the key is to fear God. Understand what Solomon is talking about: a person who shows reverence for God does so by finally seeing God’s holiness, purity and goodness. It’s about recognizing how we are so far from His Godly character. It’s finally seeing that we are sinners. Compared to God, we are weak. And it’s in this weakness that we can find true meaning and value. Because it’s not about OUR successes and achievements that bring meaning to life, but by looking to give glory to God for any good thing we do. The best way we can do that is to understand that in spite of our shortcomings, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and offer us forgiveness and grace.
It’s Jesus who meets us in our sin and shame and forgives us. It’s through Jesus that we are made right with God. And it’s that realization that leads to a life full of gratitude, purpose and meaning, no matter how great our successes or how devastating our failures. Jesus brings meaning to life when life feels meaningless. For a life lived for Christ is all about bringing glory to God. ~ Ecclesiastes 1:1-4a
You could've chosen anyone but me As far as I can see, I'm nothing special But You saw something that I could never see Now all I want to be is an empty vessel Filled up, poured out My heart is Yours now Find me faithful Even when I'm the only one Who stands and doesn't run To the arms of idols Find me faithful Even when I lose the will to fight Let Your Spirit come alive And bring revival Lord, You don't need to find me on the stage Just find me faithful, faithful, faithful So many voices whispering to me Saying I should be the king of my own story But I'm not listening so shine the light and see Let every song I sing reflect Your glory Find me faithful Even when I'm the only one Who stands and doesn't run To the arms of idols Find me faithful Even when I lose the will to fight Let Your Spirit come alive And bring revival Lord, You don't need to find me on the stage My heart belongs to You alone All I am is for Your glory No other god, no other throne Nothing else above Your name Find me faithful Even when I'm the only one Who stands and doesn't run To the arms of idols Find me faithful Even when I'm the wayward son So ashamed of what I've done Oh, Jesus won't You come and find me... Faithful And when I lose the will to fight Let Your Spirit come alive And bring revival Lord, You don't need to find me on the stage Lord, all I want is to hear You say You find me faithful, faithful, faithful
