I was dead in my transgressions, wandering in sin I went searching for redemption down the road that had no end I was walking through this fire, I was living on the run With my flesh lost in desire, I was drowning in the flood But God Rich in mercy You came to save me Now I'm alive But God Strong and mighty You reached down for me So I could rise Now I'm alive I am far from being perfect, there are days that I regret On this battlefield, I struggle with the lies that I have lived I have fallen short of glory, I can't make it on my own If You kept record of my past, I'd been sinking like a stone But God Rich in mercy You came to save me Now I'm alive But God Strong and mighty You reached down for me So I could rise Now I'm breathing in, I'm breathing out I was in the grave, but God You called me out I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in) I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out) I was in the grave, but God You called me out But God Rich in mercy You came to save me Now I'm alive My God Strong and mighty You reached down for me So I could rise Now I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in) I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out) I was in the grave, but God You called me out Now I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in) I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out) I was in the grave, but God You called me out Now I'm alive
O Øresund é uma maravilha da engenharia que liga a capital Dinamarquesa de Copenhaga à cidade Sueca de Malmö. A ponte de cabos estende-se por quase 8 km (5 milhas) até uma ilha artificial onde transita para um túnel que percorre outros 4 km (2,5 milhas). A premiada dupla linha ferroviária e auto-estrada foi inaugurada a 1 de Julho de 2000. # The Øresund is an engineering marvel that connects the Danish capital of Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö. A cable-stayed bridge runs nearly 8 km (5 miles) to an artificial island where it transitions into a tunnel that runs another 4 km (2.5 miles). The award-winning double-track railway and motorway opened on July 1, 2000.
Desde 2012, o Airbnb (uma plataforma de alojamento e hospitalidade online) ajudou a ligar milhares de pessoas com locais seguros para ficar enquanto reconstroem as suas vidas depois de desastres naturais devastadores, guerras ou outros eventos que provocam deslocamento, tudo gratuitamente. Porque é que pessoas comuns abrem as suas casas voluntariamente para estranhos, especialmente aqueles com origens, crenças e até visões do mundo incrivelmente diferentes? A resposta: compaixão. E a VERDADEIRA compaixão tem o poder de transformar vidas.
Jesus falou sobre o poder deste princípio através da parábola de um homem Samaritano que parou para ajudar um Judeu que foi roubado, ferido e deixado para morrer. Podes ler a história completa em Lucas 10:25-37. O que é que as pessoas devem ter achado que um Samaritano mostre compaixão e se importe com um Judeu ferido? Não só ele estava a colocar a sua própria vida em perigo se os ladrões ainda estivessem na área, mas também estava a ignorar o verdadeiro racismo e preconceito que existia entre os Judeus e os Samaritanos. Que acto incrivelmente poderoso de bondade.
A igreja e os seguidores de Cristo têm uma oportunidade semelhante de demonstrar compaixão e amar aqueles que sofrem e precisam, especialmente pessoas que são diferentes de nós mesmos. Porquê? Porque Jesus amou-nos primeiro. Jesus amou-nos quando fomos espancados e quebrados por este mundo. Desviando-Se do Seu caminho, Jesus escolheu salvar-nos ao morrer na cruz pelos nossos pecados. É a partir deste amor que devemos amar os outros. Como é que podes amar melhor os teus vizinhos, familiares, colegas e estranhos hoje? Que o teu amor e compaixão pelos outros demonstre o que significa seguir a Jesus.
~ Lucas 10:36-37
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Beginning in 2012, Airbnb (an online accommodation and hospitality platform) has helped connect thousands of people with safe places to stay while rebuilding their lives after devastating natural disasters, wars or other displacing events, all for free. Why would everyday people voluntarily open their homes to strangers, especially those with incredibly different backgrounds, beliefs and even worldviews? The answer: compassion. And TRUE compassion has the power to transform lives.
Jesus spoke about the power of this principle through the parable of a Samaritan man stopping to help a Jewish man who was robbed, wounded and left for dead. You can read the full story in Luke 10: 25-37. What must people have thought seeing a Samaritan show compassion and care for an injured Jew? Not only was the he putting his own life in danger if the robbers were still in the area, but he was ignoring the very real racism and prejudice that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Talk about an incredibly powerful act of kindness.
The church and followers of Christ have a similar opportunity to demonstrate compassion and to love those hurting and in need, especially people who are different from ourselves. Why? Because Jesus loved us first. Jesus loved us when we were beaten down and broken by this world. Going out of His way, Jesus chose to save us by dying on the cross for our sins. It’s out of this love that we are to love others. How can you better love your neighbors, family, colleagues, and strangers today? May your love and compassion for others demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus.
She’s a castaway Stranded on the island of her yesterdays Freedom was her ocean, but she got swept away Little princess dreaming got lost somewhere in the waves Left behind She’s been going at this all alone since she was nine But God loves you, He’s got a plan for you, she’s heard all the lines But when she opens up her heart nobody’s got the time Could this be the day that you come to the rescue She’s desperate for the light but she’s never gonna ask you One word, one hand Tell me is that too high a price One awkward moment Could be the one that saves a life Your hurt, your scars God will use to open up her eyes One awkward moment You’ll see the gospel come alive Come alive Who are you to say You’ve got shipwrecks of your own You’re too young in your faith She’s a smart one she will see right through your masquerade You’re scared that what you don’t know might push her away But don’t cave to the weight of the fear that you’re feeling ‘Cause she’s standing right here and you’re here for a reason One word, one hand Tell me is that too high a price One awkward moment Could be the one that saves a life Your hurt, your scars God will use to open up her eyes One awkward moment You’ll see the gospel come alive Come alive You’ve walked in her shoes You’ve heard the lies You know the pain But He’s still the Truth He’s still the Life He’s still the Way One word, one hand Tell me is that too high a price One awkward moment Could be the one that saves a life Your hurt, your scars God will use to open up her eyes One awkward moment You’ll see the gospel come alive Come alive You’ve walked in her shoes You’ve heard the lies You know the pain But He’s still the Truth He’s still the Life He’s still the Way Could this be the day that you to come to the rescue?
David era um pastor adolescente quando Deus o nomeou o próximo rei de Israel. Comparado com os seus irmãos mais velhos, David certamente não tinha o típico "visual" de rei, mas Deus viu a integridade e o carácter de David quando ninguém mais estava a olhar. Deus viu no coração de David:
1. Coragem: David era incrivelmente valente e corajoso enquanto jovem pastor que defendia as suas ovelhas tanto de um leão como de um urso. Deus sabia que ele precisava de ambos para ser rei.
2. Responsável: David estava disposto a sacrificar a sua vida pelas ovelhas que lhe estavam confiadas. Esta lealdade e responsabilidade também tornariam David um grande rei.
Deus viu o potencial de David na forma como ele viveu a sua vida quando ninguém estava a olhar. Foi o seu carácter interior e coração que Deus mais valorizou. E tu? O que Deus vê quando olha para o teu coração? Como vives quando ninguém está a olhar? A verdade é que, não importa o quanto tentemos, ninguém tem um coração e vida perfeitos. Todos pecamos e criamos confusão, mas a boa notícia é que Deus promete um novo coração àqueles que confiam Nele. Entrega o teu coração a Deus e Ele transformará tanto o teu coração como a tua vida para te tornares na pessoa que Ele te chama para seres.
~ 1 Samuel 17:34-35
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David was a teenage shepherd boy when God appointed him the next king of Israel. Compared to his older brothers, David certainly didn’t have the typical "look" of king, but God saw David’s integrity and character when no one else was looking. God saw David’s heart:
1. Courage: David was incredibly brave and courageous as a young shepherd boy who defended his sheep from both lion and bear. God knew he would need both to be king.
2. Responsible: David was willing to sacrifice his life for the sheep entrusted to him. This loyalty and responsibility would also make David a great king.
God saw David’s potential in how he lived his life when no one was looking. It was his inner character and heart that God valued most. What about you? What does God see when He looks at your heart? How do you live when no one’s looking? The truth is, no matter how hard we try, no one’s heart and life are perfect. We all sin and mess up, but the good news is that God promises a new heart to those who put their trust in Him. Give your heart to God and He will transform both your heart and life to become the person He calls you to be.
I have tasted All that this world has to offer The here and gone that leaves you wanting more But can't satisfy Father, forgive me for taking so long to see That You're all I need With every heartbeat in my chest Lord, I surrender all that I have The days yet to come, the days in the past I'm giving You all I am With lifted hands, with lifted hands You show me mercy When I've done nothing to deserve it You see the best in me beneath the dust Because that's how You love, that's how You love You rush through my veins I'm wrecked and I'm changed and My soul will sing With every heartbeat in my chest Lord, I surrender all that I have The days yet to come, the days in the past I'm giving You all I am With lifted hands, with lifted hands Heaven or grave There is no place I can go to escape Your love, no-no Heaven or grave There is no place I can go to escape Your love! So with every heartbeat in my chest Lord, I surrender all that I have The days yet to come and the days in the past I'm giving You all, all that I am I'm giving You all, all that I am With lifted hands, with lifted hands With lifted hands, with lifted hands
Como é que medes o valor de uma pessoa? É baseado no tamanho de uma conta bancária? Pensa em indivíduos incrivelmente influentes e ricos como Bill Gates ou o fundador da Amazon, Jeff Bezos; se a riqueza determina o valor de uma pessoa, certamente estes homens alcançaram o auge do sucesso. Outros avaliam uma pessoa com base nas suas coisas: roupas, carros ou tecnologia. Outros ainda são medidos pelo seu poder e influência ou simplesmente pela sua beleza física.
Mas como é que DEUS mede o valor de uma pessoa? É baseado na riqueza, poder, influência ou aparência? Não é nada disto. Deus olha para o interior da pessoa. Deus olha para o coração. Quando o profeta Samuel chegou à casa de Jessé para nomear o próximo rei de Israel, ele tinha a certeza de que Eliabe era o homem certo para o trabalho. Eliab era o filho mais velho de Jessé e certamente "parecia" um rei, alto, bonito e forte. No entanto, Deus tinha outra pessoa em mente: David, o rapazito pastor e o mais novo. Deus lembrou Samuel que Ele não julga como o mundo julga. Deus olha para o coração de uma pessoa.
Na língua hebraica, o "coração" refere-se ao interior da pessoa: o intelecto, as emoções, as paixões e as prioridades. O nosso coração é a essência de quem somos. Ninguém conhece o nosso coração como Deus conhece. Então, como está o teu coração? A fé em Jesus Cristo pode transformar os nossos corações e vidas para tornar-nos na pessoa que Deus nos criou para ser.
~ 1 Samuel 16:6-7
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How do you measure a person’s worth? Is it based on the size of a bank account? Think about incredibly influential and wealthy individuals like Bill Gates or Amazon founder Jeff Bezos; if wealth determines a person’s worth, certainly these men have achieved the height of success. Others evaluate a person based upon their stuff: clothes, cars, or technology. Still others are measured by their power and influence or simply upon their physical attractiveness.
But how does GOD measure a person’s worth? Is it based on wealth, power, influence or looks? It’s none of the above. God looks at the inner person. God looks at the heart. When the prophet Samuel arrived at Jesse’s home to appoint the next king of Israel, he was certain Eliab was the right man for the job. Eliab was Jesse’s eldest son and certainly "looked" like a king, tall, handsome and strong. Yet God had someone else in mind: David, the Shepherd boy and the youngest. God reminded Samuel that He doesn’t judge like the world judges. God looks at a person’s heart.
In the Hebrew language, the "heart" refers to the inner person: one’s intellect, emotions, passions and priorities. Our heart is the essence of who we are. No one knows our heart like God does. So how is your heart? Faith in Jesus Christ can transform our hearts and lives into becoming the person God created us to be.
I could never earn Your heart I could never reach that far But You have pulled me close You've never let me go I'm safe forever in Your arms Your promises I can not break And I know You will never change Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal More faithful than the rising sun This grace for me I can't outrun Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal You are always there for me You listen every time I speak You look into my eyes You see the things I hide And say that You will never leave Your promises I can not break And I know You will never change Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal More faithful than the rising sun This grace for me I can't outrun Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal When my world shakes Your love remains unshaken So constant, so perfect, unwavering When my world falls Your love remains unfailing So constant, so perfect, unwavering So constant, so perfect, unwavering Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal More faithful than the rising sun This grace for me I can't outrun Your love is, Your love is Your love is loyal Loyal
O fotógrafo Andrew McCarthy criou uma das mais belas imagens da lua que alguma vez verás. Unido e organizado de quase 50.000 imagens do céu nocturno (tirada a 12 de Fevereiro de 2019), esta imagem composta de 81 megapixels da lua é simplesmente deslumbrante. # Photographer Andrew McCarthy has created one of the most beautiful images of the moon you will ever see. Stitched and stacked from nearly 50,000 images of the night sky (taken on Feb 12, 2019), this 81 megapixel composite image of the moon is simply breathtaking.
Concordarias que a pessoa com quem passamos mais tempo somos nós próprios? Então, é justo supor que também passamos muito tempo a pensar em nós mesmos. Eu pergunto: Gostas mesmo de ti mesmo? Preferes ser outra pessoa? És realista sobre os teus pontos fortes e fracos?
Sócrates recebe o crédito por dizer: "Conhece-te a ti mesmo", embora o que ele realmente disse fosse: "a vida não examinada não vale a pena ser vivida." De qualquer forma, a mensagem é clara e ele estava certo. Conhecer a nós mesmos é a chave para uma vida significativa.
Deixa-me dar um passo adiante. Como Deus é o teu Criador e Ele conhece-te melhor do que ninguém, porque é que não tentas conhecer Deus pessoalmente? João Calvino disse: "O homem nunca alcança um verdadeiro auto-conhecimento até que tenha contemplado previamente a face de Deus, e desce depois de tal contemplação para olhar para dentro de si mesmo." Ao conhecer Deus, começarás a conhecer a ti mesmo, o eu verdadeiro, melhor do que jamais conseguirias por ti próprio. Deus dá-nos o caminho para conhecê-Lo através de Jesus e da Sua Palavra. Se O conheceres, não apenas conhecerás a ti mesmo, mas também estarás a caminho de uma vida muito significativa.
~ Filipenses 3:10
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Would you agree that the person we spend the most time with is our self? So, it’s fair to assume that we also spend a lot of time thinking about ourselves. I ask you: Do you really like yourself? Would you rather be somebody else? Are you realistic about your strengths and weaknesses?
Socrates gets credit for saying, "Know thyself", even though what he really said, was, "the unexamined life is not worth living." Either way, the message is clear, and he was right. Knowing ourselves is a key to a meaningful life.
Let me go a step further. Since God is your Creator and He knows you better than anyone, why don’t you get to know God personally? John Calvin said, "Man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself." In getting to know God, you will begin to know yourself, the real you, better than you ever could on your own. God gives us the way to know Him through Jesus and His Word. If you get to know Him, you’ll not only come to know yourself, you’ll also be on the road to a very meaningful life.
