Monday, March 6, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - "The First Rejection"


Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The First Rejection"

March 7, 2017

And they rose up and drove Him out of town and brought Him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw Him down the cliff. (Luke 4:29, ESV)

Read Luke 4:14-30

Having defeated Satan's temptations Jesus then travels from village to village in Galilee, sharing God's plan of salvation and working many wondrous miracles. Months later He returns to His hometown Nazareth. Entering the synagogue Jesus reads from Isaiah, the Old Testament book that most clearly talks about His work as the Messiah. He tells His neighbors of the forgiveness, peace and freedom He has come to bring.

At first they are amazed by His gracious words; then they remember all the years He lived among them, and how they had never seen anything remarkable about Joseph's Son before. Having heard about His miracles in the neighboring towns, they want Him to heal them too.

Jesus wants to help them, but He will not reward their unbelief. He reminds them how in the past God withheld healing miracles from Israel, when His people refused to believe.

Filled with fury they rise as an angry mob to drive Him to the cliff to throw Him to His death. In one blind moment they foreshadow the rejection and violent death He will suffer at His own people's hands. But God has chosen a different time, and a different place.

Jesus gives them one last miracle to consider. They have Him firmly in their grasp, ready to fling Him off the cliff, but then Jesus suddenly turns and calmly goes His way through their midst-never to return. He leaves this final warning to His neighbors: if they stubbornly refuse to repent, they will have to stand before Him on Judgment Day.

THE PRAYER:  Almighty God, today Jesus comes to me offering to forgive, restore and save me. Give me faith to trust Him, so I may escape Your wrath and live in Your loving, glorious presence forever. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Devociones de Cuaresma - No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy


Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy

7 de Marzo de 2017

Y éste es el momento oportuno; éste es el día de salvación.
2 Corintios 6:2b (6:2b-3)

En la película "La sociedad de los poetas muertos", hay una escena donde un amigo le dice a otro -que era muy tímido y un poco aletargado para tomar decisiones-: "Aprovecha el momento." Este consejo alentó al joven indeciso a finalmente comenzar una relación afectiva seria con una chica que siempre le había gustado mucho. Superando sus vacilaciones, "aprovechó el momento" en que ella estaba cerca, y la invitó a salir. Grande fue su sorpresa cuando ella aceptó cálidamente su invitación.

¿Te ha pasado que alguna vez te enojaste contigo mismo porque dejaste pasar una gran oportunidad? ¿Por qué será que nos frustra tanto dejar pasar una oportunidad? Porque el tiempo que pasó y que desaprovechamos ya nunca más volverá. En ese sentido el tiempo es tirano: exige de nosotros una determinación al momento. Si lo dejamos pasar, se va para no volver más.

El apóstol Pablo tenía esto muy presente, especialmente en lo que respecta a las cosas del Señor. Casi puedo ver cómo Pablo escribe estas palabras con mayúscula y en negrita: "Éste es el momento oportuno; éste es el día de la salvación."

¡Qué tremenda oportunidad! Dios está aquí, en la persona de su Hijo Jesús, crucificado y resucitado, ofreciéndonos el perdón de nuestros pecados y abriéndonos la puerta al cielo. Hoy es el momento de no dejarlo pasar, de dejar las dudas de lado y confiar sin reservas en que lo que Dios nos ofrece en Cristo es lo único de valor en esta vida, lo único que nunca se desvanecerá.

Levántate cada día en el convencimiento que éste es el día de salvación. Disfrútalo, compártelo con tu familia y tus amigos, aprovecha el momento.

Gracias, Señor, por tu gracia que se renueva cada mañana. Ayúdame a vivir en ella. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas.

Our Daily Bread - Ruler of the Waves

Read: Job 38:1–18 | Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 3–4; Mark 10:32–52

[The Lord said], “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt.” Job 38:11

King Canute was one of the most powerful men on earth in the eleventh century. In a now-famous tale, it is said that he ordered his chair to be placed on the shore as the tide was rising. “You are subject to me,” he said to the sea. “I command you, therefore, not to rise on to my land, nor to wet the clothing or limbs of your master.” But the tide continued to rise, drenching the king’s feet.

This story is often told to draw attention to Canute’s pride. Actually, it’s a story about humility. “Let all the world know that the power of kings is empty,” Canute says next, “save Him by whose will heaven, earth and sea obey.” Canute’s story makes a point: God is the only all-powerful One.

Job discovered the same. Compared to the One who laid Earth’s foundations (Job 38:4–7), who commands morning to appear and night to end (vv. 12–13), who stocks the storehouses of the snow and directs the stars (vv. 22, 31–33), we are small. There is only one Ruler of the waves, and it is not us (v. 11; Matt. 8:23–27).

Canute’s story is good to reenact when we begin feeling too clever or proud about ourselves. Walk to the beach and tell the tide to halt or try commanding the sun to step aside. We’ll soon remember who is really supreme and thank Him for ruling our lives.

You are high and above all, Lord Almighty. I bow to You as the Ruler of my life.

Our Daily Bread welcomes writer Sheridan Voysey! Meet Sheridan and all our authors at odb.org/all-authors. 

God is great, we are small, and that is good.


© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Đấng Cầm Quyền Trên Sóng

Đọc: Gióp 38:1-18 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Phục truyền 3-4; Mác 10:32-52

Và [Chúa] phán: ‘Ngươi chỉ đến đây thôi, không đi xa hơn nữa, các đợt sóng ngạo nghễ của ngươi phải dừng tại nơi nầy!’ (Gióp 38:11)

Vua Canute là một trong những người quyền lực nhất trên đất ở thế kỷ 11. Trong một câu chuyện nổi tiếng thời bấy giờ, người ta kể rằng ông ra lệnh đặt chiếc ghế của mình trên bờ biển nơi thủy triều đang dâng lên. Ông nói với biển cả: “Ngươi phải phục tùng ta. Do đó, ta truyền cho ngươi, không được dâng lên vùng đất của ta, cũng không được làm ướt áo ta hay tay chân của chủ ngươi.” Nhưng thủy triều tiếp tục dâng, làm ướt sũng chân của vị vua.

Câu chuyện này thường được kể để nói đến sự kiêu ngạo của Canute. Thật ra, đó là câu chuyện về sự khiêm nhường. “Hãy để cả thế giới biết rằng quyền lực của các vua là hư không”, Canute nói tiếp “trừ Ngài là Đấng mà trời, đất và biển đều vâng lời”. Câu chuyện của Canute đã nói một điều: Đức Chúa Trời là Đấng duy nhất có mọi uy quyền.

Gióp cũng đã khám phá ra điều đó. Chúng ta thật nhỏ bé khi so sánh với Đấng đã đặt các nền Trái đất (Gióp 38:4-7), ra lệnh cho buổi sáng xuất hiện và ban đêm biến mất (c.12-13), là Đấng tích trữ các kho chứa tuyết và cai quản các vì sao (c.22, 31-33). Chỉ có một Đấng cầm quyền trên sóng biển và đó không phải là chúng ta (c.11, Mat. 8:23-27).

Khi chúng ta bắt đầu cảm thấy mình tài giỏi hay kiêu ngạo, hãy bắt chước điều Canute đã làm. Hãy đi đến bờ biển và bảo thủy triều dừng lại hay cố gắng ra lệnh cho mặt trời rời khỏi chỗ nó. Chúng ta sẽ nhớ ra ai thật sự có quyền tối thượng và cảm ơn Ngài vì đã cai trị cuộc đời chúng ta.

Lạy Chúa Toàn Năng, Ngài là Đấng cao trên hết mọi danh. Con cúi xuống để tôn cao Ngài là Đấng cai trị cuộc đời con.

Đức Chúa Trời vĩ đại, còn chúng ta nhỏ bé, và điều đó là tốt lành.


© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Nuestro Pan Diario - Rey de las olas

Leer: Job 38:1-18 | La Biblia en un año: Deuteronomio 3–4 Marcos 10:32-52

[El Señor dijo:] Hasta aquí llegarás, y no pasarás adelante, y ahí parará el orgullo de tus olas (Job 38:11).

El rey Canuto era uno de los hombres más poderosos de la Tierra en el siglo xi. Según la historia, ordenó que pusieran su silla a la orilla del mar mientras subía la marea. «Estás sujeto a mí —le dijo al mar—. Te ordeno que no cubras mi tierra, ni mojes la ropa ni las piernas de tu amo». Sin embargo, la marea siguió subiendo y le mojó los pies.

Esta historia suele relatarse para hablar del orgullo de Canuto. Pero, en realidad, se trata de la humildad. «Que el mundo entero sepa que el poder de los reyes no existe —agregó Canuto—, excepto el de Aquel cuya voluntad obedecen el cielo, la tierra y el mar». ¿La moraleja?: Dios es el único todopoderoso.

Job descubrió lo mismo. Todos somos pequeños comparados con Aquel que fundó la Tierra (Job 38:4-7), que manda que la noche termine y el día comience (vv. 12-13), que almacena la nieve y dirige las estrellas (vv. 22, 31-33). Hay un solo Rey de las olas, y no somos nosotros (v. 11; Mateo 8:23-27).

Es bueno recrear esta historia cuando uno empieza a jactarse de su propia inteligencia y capacidades. Vayamos a una playa y digámosle a la marea que se detenga, o tratemos de ordenarle al sol que no salga. De inmediato, recordaremos quién es el verdaderamente supremo y le daremos gracias por gobernar nuestras vidas.

Señor, me postro ante ti con humildad.

Dios es grande, nosotros somos pequeños, y eso es bueno.


Unser Täglich Brot - Herr der Wellen

Lesen: Hiob 38,1-18 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 5.Mose 3–4; Markus 10,32-52

[Der Herr] sprach: „Bis hierher sollst du kommen und nicht weiter; hier sollen sich legen deine stolzen Wellen.“ Hiob 38,11

König Knut war einer der mächtigsten Männer des 11. Jahrhunderts. Eine Legende berichtet, dass er einmal befahl, seinen Thron bei Flut an der Küste aufzustellen. „Du bist mir untertan“, sagte er zum Meer, „deshalb befehle ich dir, nicht in mein Land zu dringen oder die Kleider oder Glieder deines Herrn zu netzen.“ Aber die Flut stieg weiter und die Füße des Königs wurden nass.

Die Geschichte wird oft erzählt, um Knuts Stolz hervorzuheben. In Wirklichkeit handelt sie aber von seiner Demut. Denn Knut redete noch weiter. „Lasst alle Welt wissen, dass die Macht des Königs nichts nütze ist“, sagte er, „ohne den, dessen Willen Himmel, Erde und Meer gehorchen.“ Und er hat Recht: Gott allein ist allmächtig.

Das hat auch Hiob festgestellt. Verglichen mit dem Einen, der die Erde gegründet hat (V.4-7), der den Morgen ruft und die Nacht endet (V.12-13), der Schnee fallen lässt und die Sterne lenkt (V.22.31-33), sind wir klein. Nur einer ist Herr über Wellen und Meer und das sind nicht wir (V.11; Matth. 8,23-27).

Wir sollten uns an Knuts Geschichte erinnern, wenn wir anfangen, stolz zu werden oder uns etwas auf unsere Klugheit einzubilden. Geh zum Strand und sag der Flut, sie sollte nicht mehr steigen, oder befiehl der Sonne, ihre Bahn zu verlassen. Dann wirst du schnell merken, wer der Herr ist. Danke ihm, dass er unser Leben lenkt.

Herr, du bist groß und hoch erhoben. Ich neige mich vor dir, dem Herrn meines Lebens.

Gott ist groß und wir sind klein und das ist gut so.


© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Il règne sur les flots


Quand je [Dieu] dis : Tu viendras jusqu’ici, tu n’iras pas au‑delà ; ici s’arrêtera l’orgueil de tes flots ? (Job 38.11)

Le roi Canut était l’un des hommes les plus puissants de la terre au XIe siècle. Dans un conte devenu célèbre, on dit qu’il a donné l’ordre de placer sa chaise sur la berge à marée montante. « Tu m’es assujetti, lança‑t‑il à la mer. Je t’ordonne donc de ne pas monter sur mes terres ni de mouiller les vêtements ou les membres de ton maître. » Reste que la marée a continué de monter, submergeant les pieds du roi.

On raconte souvent cette histoire pour attirer l’attention sur l’orgueil de Canut. En réalité, il s’agit d’une histoire d’humilité. « Que le monde entier sache que la puissance des rois est sans effet, ajoute ensuite Canut, que celui à qui obéissent le ciel, la terre et la mer les sauve. » L’histoire de Canut comporte une morale : Dieu est le seul qui soit tout‑puissant.

Job l’a aussi découvert. En comparaison avec celui qui a fondé la terre (JOB 38.4‑7), qui commande au matin et à l’aurore (V. 12,13), qui crée les amas de neige et qui dirige les astres (V. 22,31‑33), nous sommes petits. Un seul règne sur les flots, et ce n’est aucun de nous (V. 11 ; MT 8.23‑27).

L’histoire de Canut permet de nous rappeler à l’ordre lorsque nous nous mettons à surestimer notre intelligence ou notre mérite. Marchons sur la plage et ordonnons à la marée de cesser sa progression ou ordonnons au Soleil de se cacher, et nous ne tarderons pas à nous rappeler qui détient réellement le pouvoir suprême et à le remercier de régner sur notre vie.

Dieu est grand, nous sommes petits, et cela est bien ainsi.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Повелитель хвиль

Читати: Йова 38:1-18 | Біблія за рік: Повторення Закону 3–4 ; Марка 10:32-52

І сказав: “Аж досі ти дійдеш, не далі, і тут ось межа твоїх хвиль гордовитих?”—Йовa 38:11

Існує відома легенда про те, як Кнуд, король Данії, − один з наймогутніших монархів 11 століття − спробував повеліти морським хвилям. Король звелів поставити на узбережжі трон під час приливу. “Ви – мої піддані, – звернувся він до хвиль. – Я наказую вам не затопляти мою землю і не мочити ніг свого пана”. Але вода продовжувала прибувати, і зрештою промочила не тільки ноги, а й одяг короля.

Цю історію часто розповідають, щоб вказати на пихатість, але насправді це є легенда про смирення. “Нехай весь світ знає, що влада королів – то марнота, – сказав далі Кнуд. – Лише Богу виявляють послух небо, земля й море”. Головна ідея цієї історії – лише Бог є всемогутнім.

Йов мав пізнати цю ж саму істину. Всі ми неймовірно маленькі у порівнянні з Тим, Хто заклав підвалини землі (Йов. 38:4-7); Хто наказує ранку приходити, а ночі – щезати (Йов. 38:12-13); Хто робить “схованки снігу” і вказує напрямок зорям (Йов. 38:22, 31-33). Існує лише один Повелитель хвиль – Бог (Йов. 38:11; Мт. 8:23-27).

Цю легенду корисно згадувати, коли стаємо зависокої думки про себе. Підіть до берега моря і спробуйте повеліти приливу. Або накажіть сонцю зупинитись. Ви швидко зрозумієте, Хто насправді великий та славний – і подякуєте Йому за те, що Він керує вашим життям.

Господи всемогутній, Ти величніший за всіх. Схиляюсь перед Тобою, Повелителем мого життя.

Бог великий, а ми маленькі – і це добре.


© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Повелитель волн

Читать сейчас: Иов 38:1-17 | Библия за год: Второзаконие 3-4; Марка 10:32-52

[Господь] сказал: «До сих пор дойдешь и не перейдешь, и здесь предел надменным волнам твоим». — Иов 38:11

Кнуд, король Дании, был одним из самых могущественных людей на земле в XI в. В известной притче он велел поставить кресло на берегу моря во время отлива. «Ты подвластно мне, – сказал он морю, усевшись в кресло, – и я повелеваю тебе не подниматься на мою землю и не сметь мочить ноги своего господина». Но прилив наступил в свое время, без всяких церемоний намочив не только ноги, но и одежду царя.

Обычно эту притчу приводят в качестве иллюстрации гордости. На самом же деле это рассказ о смирении. В конце притчи Кнуд говорит: «Пусть весь мир знает, что власть царя – ничто в сравнении с Тем, Кому повинуются небо, земля и море». Мораль притчи очевидна: Бог – всемогущий Владыка мира.

Иов сделал такое же открытие. В сравнении с Тем, Кто положил основания земли (Иов 38:4-7), Кто повелевает утру настать и ночи завершиться (Иов 38:12-13), Кто владеет хранилищами снега и управляет звездами (Иов 38:22, 31-33), мы ничтожны. Есть только один Повелитель волн, и это не мы (Иов 38:11; Мф. 8:23-27).

Вспомните притчу о Кнуде, когда покажетесь себе слишком умными или сильными. Сходите на берег и прикажите волнам утихнуть или солнцу остановиться. Сразу станет понятно, кто есть кто. Будем благодарить Бога за руководство нашей жизнью.

Ты превыше всего, Господь всемогущий. Я поклоняюсь Тебе, как Владыке моей жизни.

Бог велик, мы малы, и это хорошо.


The Daily Readings for MONDAY, March 6, 2017


The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Deuteronomy 8:11-20

Take care that you do not forget the LORD your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, "My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today. If you do forget the LORD your God and follow other gods to serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD is destroying before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!


The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Hebrews 2:11-18

For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I and the children whom God has given me." Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!


The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 2:1-12
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!


On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

Here ends the Gospel lesson for today
Glory be to Thee ,O Christ!


Morning Psalms

Psalm 41 Beatus qui intelligit
1   Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2   The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive, so that they may be happy in the land; he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3   The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and ministers to them in their illness.
4   I said, "LORD, be merciful to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5   My enemies are saying wicked things about me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
6   Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; their heart collects false rumors; they go outside and spread them.
7   All my enemies whisper together about me and devise evil against me.
8   A deadly thing, they say, has fastened on him; he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.
9   Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10   But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, and I shall repay them.
11   By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12   In my integrity you hold me fast, and shall set me before your face for ever.
13   Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, from age to age. Amen. Amen.


Psalm 52 Quid gloriaris?
1   You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness against the godly all day long?
2   You plot ruin; your tongue is like a sharpened razor, O worker of deception.
3   You love evil more than good and lying more than speaking the truth.
4   You love all words that hurt, O you deceitful tongue.
5   Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling, and root you out of the land of the living!
6   The righteous shall see and tremble, and they shall laugh at him, saying,
7   This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, but trusted in great wealth and relied upon wickedness.
8   But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9   I will give you thanks for what you have done and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence of the godly.


Evening Psalms

Psalm 44 Deus, auribus
1   We have heard with our ears, O God, our forefathers have told us, the deeds you did in their days, in the days of old.
2   How with your hand you drove the peoples out and planted our forefathers in the land; how you destroyed nations and made your people flourish.
3   For they did not take the land by their sword, nor did their arm win the victory for them; but your right hand, your arm, and the light of your countenance, because you favored them.
4   You are my King and my God; you command victories for Jacob.
5   Through you we pushed back our adversaries; through your Name we trampled on those who rose up against us.
6   For I do not rely on my bow, and my sword does not give me the victory.
7   Surely, you gave us victory over our adversaries and put those who hate us to shame.
8   Every day we gloried in God, and we will praise your Name for ever.
9   Nevertheless, you have rejected and humbled us and do not go forth with our armies.
10   You have made us fall back before our adversary, and our enemies have plundered us.
11   You have made us like sheep to be eaten and have scattered us among the nations.
12   You are selling your people for a trifle and are making no profit on the sale of them.
13   You have made us the scorn of our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us.
14   You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughing-stock among the peoples.
15   My humiliation is daily before me, and shame has covered my face;
16   Because of the taunts of the mockers and blasphemers, because of the enemy and avenger.
17   All this has come upon us; yet we have not forgotten you, nor have we betrayed your covenant.
18   Our heart never turned back, nor did our footsteps stray from your path;
19   Though you thrust us down into a place of misery, and covered us over with deep darkness.
20   If we have forgotten the Name of our God, or stretched out our hands to some strange god,
21   Will not God find it out? for he knows the secrets of the heart.
22   Indeed, for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
23   Awake, O Lord! why are you sleeping? Arise! do not reject us for ever.
24   Why have you hidden your face and forgotten our affliction and oppression?
25   We sink down into the dust; our body cleaves to the ground.
26   Rise up, and help us, and save us, for the sake of your steadfast love.


New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Verse of the Day - March 06, 2017


Isaiah 25:1 (NIV) Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Read all of Isaiah 25

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "A Prescription for Spiritual Drought"

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

All too often, Christians in our culture can become narcissistic and self-absorbed, always talking about their needs and problems. Meanwhile, there are people facing a certain judgment.

God addressed this problem in Isaiah 58, where His people were complaining of spiritual dryness, deadness, and unanswered prayer, even though they were observing outward ordinances like prayer and fasting. God said, “This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:6–7).

The passage goes on to say, “Then your salvation will come like the dawn. . . . The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” (verses 8, 11).

Effectively God was saying, “Though you are doing all of these outward things, you have become too focused on yourselves. All you are thinking about is yourself. Here’s what I have asked you to do: Reach out to other people. And then when you get your priorities right, your soul will be like a watered garden, and I will satisfy your soul in dryness.”

What a wonderful promise. The key is giving out. If you are generous in giving out what God has given to you, He will replenish you in the process. We as believers have a choice: Give out or stagnate, evangelize or fossilize, give out what God has given to us, or hoard it, stagnate, and miss out on being used by Him.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation®, NLT® copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2016 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Día de dar gracias


Pero el Señor es fiel, y él los fortalecerá y los protegerá del maligno.

Sé que no todos nuestros días deben ser de peticiones y que no debemos buscar a Dios solo para obtener algo a cambio.

Es una tremenda terapia acostumbrarnos a darle gracias todos los días mientras tengamos vida. Comprendo que para muchas personas ser agradecidos les resulta demasiado difícil.

Pues así como para obtener fe necesitamos ejercerla, que es similar a un músculo en el gimnasio, debemos acostumbrarnos a abrir la boca y contar en público todas las maravillas de Dios.

Sé que ese testimonio dará esperanza al abatido.

Mucha gente está en este mundo sin la experiencia de tener a Jesús en el corazón. Nuestro testimonio puede hacer que el incrédulo cambie su manera de pensar.

Por lo tanto, hoy le doy gracias al Señor por estar viva, por sanarme hace casi cuatro años. Le doy gracias por mis princesas, por el esposo que reservó para mí, por mi trabajo, por mis talentos, por la posibilidad de escribir este libro inspirado por Él y también le doy gracias por mi familia.

Y tú, ¿qué esperas? Ahí donde estás abre tu boca y dile a Dios todo lo que por años has dejado de valorar. Además, pon en esta oportunidad toda tu confianza en Él.

«Gracias, Dios mío, gracias».

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón. La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional® NVI® Copyright © 1986, 1999, 2015 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - OVERCOMERS

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11 (NIV)

The only original disciple of Jesus spared from martyrdom was the Apostle John who experienced persecution in different ways. While exiled on the island of Patmos he was given the revelation of Jesus which he wrote down for the churches of his day—and ultimately for us too. He describes our enemy Satan and the cosmic spiritual battle he wages against us as disciples of Jesus. John also points out that Satan is especially angry as he realizes his time is short.

The letter of Revelation is written in a chiasm form (often used structure in ancient literature) which uses the central section as the focus and climax of the writing or teaching. In Revelation, chapter twelve is the central section and verse eleven is the central and focused idea. John reveals in this climactic message that our enemy, Satan, will ultimately be overcome and defeated. We accomplish this victory as disciples of Jesus in three ways:


by the blood of the lamb
by the word of our testimony
by willingness to sacrifice our own physical life

Darrell Johnson in his excellent book, Discipleship on the Edge, writes:
There is only one way to “overcome”: the way Jesus did, as a Lamb, as pictured in Revelation 5. Thus 12:10, the central verse of the whole book—“they [disciples of Jesus] overcame him [the dragon] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.”
The structure itself declares the message that since Jesus overcomes evil not by being a Lion who hurts others, but by being a Lamb who absorbs hurt, so too we overcome evil in the world, not by inflicting more hurt, but by absorbing the hurt, even if it costs us our lives. The structure itself declares the mystery that in losing our lives we actually win, “overcome,” just as Jesus did.[1]

Over the next three days we’ll look more closely at each of these three elements of our victory over Satan.

RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in the guarantee that I can be a victor over Satan, my enemy.

PRAYER: Lord, may I be willing to absorb hurt, even as Jesus did, in order to overcome evil in the world.

1. Darrell W. Johnson, Discipleship On The Edge: An Expository Journey Through the Book of Revelation (Vancouver BC: Regent College Publishing, 2004), pp. 395-396.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Women of the Bible - Miriam


Her name means: "Bitterness"

Her character: Even as a young girl, she showed fortitude and wisdom. A leader of God's people at a crucial moment in history, she led the celebration after crossing the Red Sea and spoke God's word to his people, sharing their forty-year journey through the wilderness.
Her sorrow: That she was struck with leprosy for her pride and insubordination and was denied entry into the Promised Land.
Her joy: To have played an instrumental role in the deliverance of God's people, a nation she loved.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 2:1-10; 15:20-21; Numbers 12:1-15 


Her Story

Seven days, I must stay outside the camp of my people, an old woman, fenced in by memories of what has been.

How could I forget our years in Egypt, the cries of the mothers whose children were murdered or the moans of our brothers as they worked themselves to death? I have only to shut my eyes and see—the wall of water, the soldiers chasing us through the sea, the sounds of their noisy drowning, and, finally, the silence and the peace. How I miss the singing of the women I led that day, dancing at the sea's edge, praising God for hurling our enemies into the deep waters, certain we would never see them again.

But we did see them again—our enemies, though not the Egyptians. We let ingratitude stalk and rob us of our blessings. We preferred the garlic and leeks of Egypt, the food of our slavery, to the manna the good God gave us. Enslaved to fear, we refused to enter the land of promise.

Time and again Moses and Aaron and I exhorted the people to stand firm, to have faith, to obey God. But there came a day when Aaron and I could stand with our brother no longer. Instead we spoke against him and his Cushite wife. What part did she, a foreigner to our suffering, have in the promise? So we challenged Moses. Had the Lord spoken only through him? All Israel knew better. We deserved an equal share in his authority, an equal say in how to lead the people.

But the Lord who speaks also heard our complaint and summoned the three of us to stand before him at the Tent of Meeting. He addressed Aaron and me with terrible words.

When the cloud of his presence finally lifted, I was a leper. I could see the horror on every face turned toward me. Aaron begged Moses to forgive us both. And Moses cried out to the Lord to heal me.

The Lord replied, "If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back." Then at least I knew my banishment was temporary; my disease would be healed.

Now I see that my enemies were not merely buried in the sea but in my own heart as well. Still, God has let me live, and I believe he will heal me. Though he brings grief, he will yet show compassion. One thing I know, he has hurled my pride into the sea and for that I will also sing his praises.

...Though Scripture doesn't reveal Miriam's thoughts or the attitude of her heart after she was chastened for complaining about Moses, it is not unreasonable to think she repented during the seven days of her banishment.

After all, it's not easy for a person of faith, however flawed, to hear God speaking as though he were spitting on her and still to hold fast to her error.

Perhaps Miriam, and the nation itself, needed a shocking rebuke in order to recognize the seriousness of a sin that threatened the unity of God's people.

Why, you might ask, wasn't Aaron similarly afflicted for his sin? Perhaps because Miriam seemed to be the ringleader. Perhaps, also, because God didn't want the worship of the tabernacle to be disrupted by Aaron's absence as high priest.

The last we hear of Miriam is that she died and was buried in Kadesh Barnea, not all that far from where Hagar, another slave woman, had encountered an angel in the wilderness so many years earlier. Like her brothers Moses and Aaron, Miriam died shortly before the Israelites ended their forty-year sojourn in the desert. She, too, was prevented from entering the Promised Land.

Still, like them, Miriam is one of the great heroes of our faith. As a young girl, she helped save the infant Moses, Israel's future deliverer. Herself a prophetess, she exhorted and encouraged God's people and led the singing of the first psalm ever recorded in Scripture. Yet, strong though she was, she, like all of us, sinned against God and suffered a punishment designed to bring her to repentance.

Her Promise

Miriam's story offers an extraordinary example of God's willingness to forgive those who sin. Though she had to pay the consequences for her actions—seven days of exclusion from the camp and from all those who loved her—she reentered the camp a forgiven woman. Hundreds of years later, she is remembered by the prophet Micah as a leader of Israel with Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4).

Such liberating forgiveness is available to us as well as to Miriam. God looks with judgment at our sin, waits patiently for our repentance, and then eagerly offers his forgiveness and acceptance. We reenter fellowship with him renewed and clean and forgiven. Our repentance turns a legacy of judgment and punishment into a legacy of forgiveness and worthiness before God.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.

Girlfriends in God - You Are Worth Pursuing


Today’s Truth

My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me (Song of Songs 2:10 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I was in college when I first eyed my husband. He was sitting on the floor at a friend’s Bible study gathering with his back against the wall, dressed in scruffy jeans and a red flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled halfway up his muscular forearms.

His thick brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes left me weak in the knees. And the best part was that this handsome hunk of a man had a tattered Bible in his lap. He laughed easily, prayed humbly and read intently. I was smitten from the first time I laid eyes on Steve.

After a few weeks, he finally asked me out on a date. We continued seeing each other over the next several weeks, but I was still accepting invitations from others as well. One night, Steve asked me to a college football game, and I agreed to go. Then he said, “Can I just ask you? Will you go with me to all of the football games for the rest of the year?”

“I’m not going to answer that question,” I replied. “You’ll just have to ask me each week.”

Looking back on those early days, what I was really saying was that I wanted to be pursued. None of this blanket invitation for the entire fall business. I wanted to be wooed and won. Even though he had me the moment I saw him sitting on the shag carpet floor, I didn’t want him to know that. I wanted him to show me I was worth putting forth the effort to capture my heart. Isn’t that the desire of every woman’s heart?

And nobody does it better than God. Everyday He proves that you are worth it!

In God’s all-out pursuit of my heart, of your heart, He sings through a child’s voice, speaks through a bird’s call, shouts through the claps of thunder and calls out through the rising sun.

What is the key to experiencing God’s passionate pursuit? It’s simple really. We must recognize and acknowledge His presence as we live and move and have our being in Him. Acts 17:28 must be more than a nice Bible verse; it must become a way of life.

When it does, sudden glory moments will fill our lives and take our breath away. It is a divine romance of the purest kind.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I swoon thinking of how You pursue me. Help me to recognize Your love notes throughout the day. I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.


Now It’s Your Turn

Today, consider reading the story of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well (John 4:1-26,39-42). Look at the great lengths He went to pursue her heart.

Remember, this was a time in history when men did not speak to women in public.

Jews did not enter Samaria.

Women were not allowed to study under a rabbi’s teaching.

And here’s another tidbit. This was the first person that Jesus told that He was the Messiah. A woman!

How does it make you feel to know that God went to such great lengths to pursue this woman’s heart? How does it make you feel to know that God went to such great lengths to pursue YOUR heart?

More from the Girlfriends

We tend to read the Gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus’ ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs…and yours. My book, How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free: A Woman’s Walk in Power and Purpose,is an insightful look at every encounter Jesus had with women while here on earth. It also has an accompanying Bible study. Just watching the quick video will make you feel loved! Check it out and fall in love with Jesus all over again.

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