Dangelo68⚔️🔥

por JDangelo

Cristianismo Espiritualidad

Temporada 94

Pray for the person

Pray for the Person The final thing the priest said to me may seem to be the most challenging. "Remember that this person is also a child of God. In spite of everything, pray for them." Simple, profound, and true. As our conversation came to an end, he gave me an assignment, just like every good teacher would. Pray for them. He did not mean praying that they would face harsh judgment or finally get what you think they deserve. He meant praying that God would bless them. Speaking words of life over them. Asking God to draw them closer to Himself and to work in their lives. It is difficult to pray for people who have caused us pain, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Most of us want justice before mercy. Yet God invites us to extend the same grace He has so freely extended to us. We cannot do this in our own strength, but we do not have to. His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. As I reflected on this, I realized that while I had prayed many times about my own hurt, I had not always prayed for the people connected to it. Even today, I can think of people who hurt me years ago whom I have never intentionally blessed before God. Jesus calls us to something higher. He tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. He did not merely teach these words. He lived them. Though fully human, Jesus experienced betrayal, rejection, false accusations, and unimaginable suffering. Yet even as He hung on the cross, some of His final words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." That kind of prayer does not excuse the wrong that was done. It simply places the person back into God's hands. Prayer changes us as much as it changes the people we pray for. It softens our hearts, loosens resentment's grip, and reminds us that God loves every person He created. Who comes to mind as you read this? You probably knew their face before you reached this question. With God's help, pray for them today. Bless them. Ask God to reveal Himself to them. Ask Him to lead them, heal them, and draw them closer to Him You may not need to pray this prayer every day, but when resentment resurfaces, let prayer become your response. Resentment tells us to react. God calls us to forgive. Then He invites us to pray. As I continue learning to surrender resentment to God, I still return to these three simple truths the priest shared with me. Do not obey the feeling. Forgive again and again. Pray for the person. My prayer is that these truths will help you experience the same freedom that God continues to work in my own heart. Reflection Who is God inviting you to pray for today? What blessing can you sincerely ask Him to pour out over that person's life?

Temporada 93

Tell God instead

Tell God instead Sometimes it feels good to let off steam, to get angry about something or someone. A harsh word, a cruel thought, some other form of nastiness. How does it really feel? Better? Maybe for a moment, but a wise person reflects and sees the hurt caused and regrets it and seeks to apologise and set things right. Perhaps a wise person chooses a different response initially? Then there’s righteous anger that comes up, perhaps when we see an unjust wrong or false accusation or when we experience unfairness. Read what David writes in Psalm 37. Verses 1 and 2 set the scene: ‘Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away’ (NIV). David knows that we all struggle with anger, and it can be tough to see others get ahead because of unrighteousness, and we’re left behind. But, he says, refrain from anger and turn from wrath, because going down that road will lead to a cycle of useless anger. Put your hope in God. He’s the rock, the one who’ll set things right. Talk to Him and share with Him how you feel about what’s going on. Know that He hears you and will set things right in His time. That brings comfort and hope.

Temporada 92

The Samaritan is a true neighbor

The Samaritan is a true neighbor STUDY THE BOOK Luke 10:25-37 Similar to the parable of the soils in Luke 8:4-15, context is critical to understanding the parable of the Good Samaritan. The scene began when a lawyer approached Jesus with the intent to test Him (Luke 10:25). We must remember that Jesus was not responding to someone who was genuinely seeking truth but who was intent on justifying himself (v. 29). Hoping to challenge Jesus, the lawyer found himself having to answer his own question. On the topic of the greatest com-mandment, the lawyer recited Deuteronomy 6:5. Known as the "Shema" (Hebrew for "hear"), this was a portion of Scripture that many Jews recited two times each day. However, the discussion about loving your neighbor (Lev. 19:18) prompted the parable. It is apparent that the lawyer wanted to narrow the scope of who exactly he had to love. Evidently he did not want to do more than was necessary to fulfill the Law's requirements. Jesus, on the other hand, demonstrated that in His kingdom love meets needs. Culturally, we struggle to appreciate how much this story would have galled those lis-tening. We hear the term "Good Samaritan" with a happy heart; Jews saw it as the ultimate oxymoron. Jews despised Samaritans, to the point that many would walk miles out of their way to avoid walking on Samaritan soil. Through this shocking parable, Jesus pointed out that loving one's neighbor is not a box to be checked on a spiritual checklist, but a limitless habit of seeing and meeting needs. MORE INSIGHT • A denarius was the equivalent of a day's wage for a common laborer. • A night's stay in an inn usually cost one-twelfth of a denarius. • By paying two denarii, not only was the Samaritan paying two days' wages, but he was also paying for about three weeks' worth of accommodations. previous: Luke 8:4-15 next: Luke 15:1-32

Temporada 90

Pentecost . The Holy Spirit Arrives

Pentecost: the Holy Spirit arrives STUDY THE BOOK Acts 2:1-13 Pentecost was one of the festivals that Jews observed both in the Old Testament and in the time of Jesus. Its name came from the Greek word meaning fifty because it occurred fifty days after Passover. As one of the three major Jewish festivals, along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost was a pilgrimage fes-tival, meaning that Jews came to Jerusalem to celebrate during that week. In the Old Testament, Pentecost was called the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest. Its meaning appears in four passages (Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:15-22; Deut. 16:9-12). The festival celebrated the end of the grain harvest, and participants brought a grain offering to the Lord in thankfulness for His provision (Lev. 23:16). They also offered burnt offerings and refrained from labor (Lev. 23:18-21). What was the significance of God choosing Pentecost as the day to pour out His Spirit upon those who believed? The enablement of the Holy Spirit was for the purpose of empowering Christians to be witnesses and to take the gospel to the ends of the earth (Luke 24:49). Pentecost provided a particularly effective day to pour out God's Spirit upon the believers because crowds had assembled from every nation ( Acts 2:5). Believers could hear the gospel in their own language that day (vv. 8-12) and take it back home to others. As crowds swelled in the city, the apostles and other early Christians had a tremendous opportunity to share truths about Christ with those who had come to observe Pentecost. MORE INSIGHT Who was in the Upper Room on the day of the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost? Though the text does not specifically say, Acts 2:1 probably indicates that the crowd of 120 that gathered in Acts 1:15 were present. Certainly this crowd included the eleven remaining disciples (Acts 1:13). It is assumed that Matthias, who was soon selected to take Judas's place, was there (Acts 1:23). Jesus' mother and His brothers were there, as were some of the women who followed Jesus during His ministry (Acts 1:14). Joseph Barsabas, though not chosen to be an apostle, probably was in the crowd (Acts 1:23). People from every nation under heaven heard the apostles teach (Acts 2:4-6, 11). next: Acts 4:5-22

Temporada 89

His Spirit In us

His Spirit in Us God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 NKJV When we come to Christ, he puts his Spirit inside of us. And the Spirit of the Lord is a Spirit of freedom, of love, of power, and of courage. We can no longer rightly identify ourselves as fearful people. We can't call ourselves timid. We can't act unloving toward others. Because each of those things go directly against the Spirit that is now dwelling within us. As people of God, we must step forward to live a life that is the visible expression of the invisible God. We have been given full power to love, to be brave, and to think soundly. All we have to do is surrender our own will to God so that his Spirit can move freely in us. Then we will see our own life, as well as the lives of those around us, be transformed. Thank you, God, for putting your Spirit within me. You have given me your power, your love, and a strong mind to do your will and to bring you glory. Help me to remain sensitive to your Spirit so I can represent you well through my life.

Temporada 88

The Church Leaders

The Church's Leaders 1 Timothy 3:1-7 As pointed out in the concept note at Colossians 2:18, 19 ("What the Church Acts Like"), the church has only one Head, Jesus Christ. He is the Great Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (Heb. 13:20). But He has established earthly leaders to serve as under-shepherds for congregations at the local level. While different denominations use different forms of church government, two basic offices are common in most churches. The first is the position of elder, which is commonly known as pastor. Elders are also known as overseer (1 Pet. 5:2) and bishops (1 Tim. 3:1). These individuals are called by God to serve the church through administration and teaching sound doctrine. In return, churches are to meet the needs of those who serve faithfully (1 Tim. 5:17). Elders are expected to display strong faith and impeccable character in every area (1 Tim. 3:1-7). The second position is that of deacon. While elders deal with leadership, teach-ing, and administration, deacons focus on meeting physical needs (Acts 6:1-4). Like elders, they also are called to be individuals of exceptional character (1 Tim. 3:8-13). The church in Jerusalem selected the first seven deacons to meet the needs of widows in the congregation. Servant leadership continues to be a hallmark of genuine deacon activity. In addition to their work of administration and service, church leaders are also instructed in Scripture to facilitate church discipline and the ordinances of the church, specifically baptism and the Lord's Supper. previous: Ephesians 2:8-10 next: Revelation 7:9

Temporada 85

Don’t suppress The Truth

Don't suppress the truth Even before you became a Christian, the battle raged for your worship. Paul described the wrath of God against those who would "suppress the truth" (v. 18). Humanity once fellowshiped with God and had no doubts about His existence (Gen. 3:8). After the Fall, people suppressed the truth about God even though they knew He was real. This passage indicates that God can be known in two clear ways-from the inside and from the outside. First, people are without excuse for rejecting God because "what may be known of God is manifest in them" (Rom.(1) v19 God has put it in the hearts of people to seek Him. They can either embrace or reject that inner conviction. Second, people are without excuse for rejecting God because His "invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made... so that they are without excuse" (v. 20). People can look at God's glorious creation and believe that a God exists who is full of power, creativity, and wisdom. We deceive ourselves when we reject the inner witness of the Holy Spirit and Revelation of God in creation. Romans 1:18-32. STUDY THE BOOK 📕 In fact, Paul chided unbelievers, calling them fools who "changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things" (vv. 22, 23). Instead of worshiping God who deserves that worship, they settled for cheap imitations made in the image of man or beast. They worshiped the creation rather than the Creator. MORE INSIGHT The prophet Isaiah exposed the foolishness of misdirected worship. In Isaiah 44:6-20, the prophet painted a picture of how strange it was for the created to worship anything except the Creator. In verses 6-8, Isaiah asked if there was really any other God than the Lord God. Then he described the folly of a person making an image and worshiping it (Is. 44:9,10). It is equally foolish for people today to lavish their worship upon a person, a view-point, a relationship, a position, or anything else that was created. next: Romans 3:1-31

Temporada 84

He is Faithful

He Is Faithful All of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NLT The faithfulness of God is something we so easily find ourselves questioning. Though he has proven himself time and time again throughout history, we still wonder whether or not he will come through for us. But the reality is that whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, whether your song comes easily or your tears pour freely, he continues to be faithful. No matter how long you wait, he remains. He will never turn his back on you, and he will never forget the promises he has made. He sees you. He sees you on the nights when you're weary and ready to give up, but instead you bow your head and bless his name. He sees you when you're at the end of yourself and you cry out to him in desperation. He sees and he understands. Lord, give me the strength to wait on your promises and to never lose faith in your faithfulness.

Temporada 82

His Bravery Becomes My Own

His Bravery Becomes My Own "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." JOSHUA 1:9 NIV What does it mean to be commanded to be brave? We often think of bravery as an innate character quality. You're either a bold person, or you're not. And if we are being completely honest, few of us truly feel brave. There is a lot that scares us. We are afraid of failure, of death, of the unknown, and even of insignificance. We don't feel courageous when faced with opposition or hardship, and even those of us who have some resolve to be bold can lose it quickly in the wrong circumstance. The key to obeying this command is understanding that when we become followers of Jesus Christ, his bravery becomes our own. Through his grace and in his power, we are brave. We are able to face the obstacles in our lives with strength and resolve because we have a mighty God who goes before us and behind us. Lord, remind me continually that I can be strong and courageous because you are with me. I don't have to fear because you have cloaked me with your bravery. When I begin to feel frightened and overwhelmed, remind me of your power and your grace for me.

Temporada 80

You Are Lord

You Are Loved Have you ever felt unlovable, as if no one could ever love the real you? The truth is, you are loved unconditionally by the God who created you. No matter how many mistakes you’ve made, or how unworthy of love you think you are, God will always call you His child. God doesn’t just love us as an action. He actually is the very essence of love, which the Bible tells us we can know and rely on. And this love that God gives so freely to you? You can never be torn away from it. Death, life, the present, the future—none of those have enough power to separate you from the love of God. God doesn’t just say He loves us, though. He proved it to us by sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die as payment for all the sins of humanity. Jesus didn’t stay dead—He miraculously rose from the grave, defeating death forever and providing a way for you to have a relationship with Him for the rest of your life and for all eternity. All you have to do is accept the free gift of His love and commit yourself to follow Him. You are loved! Take a moment now to pray this to God: God, thank You for not just loving me, but for being the very definition of love. Even when I feel undeserving of anyone’s love, You still love me, and nothing can ever change that! Today, I accept the free gift of love that You gave through Your son Jesus and ask You for a fresh start in my life. I commit my life fully to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Take Action Now Talk with someone who’s ready to listen 24/7: call 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741 (USA only)

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