Thursday, March 16, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - "Holding Nothing Back"


Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Holding Nothing Back"

March 17, 2017

For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise (Luke 18:32-33, ESV).

Read Luke 18:31-34

Jesus has left Galilee in the north and is on the road to Jerusalem with His 12 disciples. The crowds are excited by everything Jesus is doing, and the disciples are swept up in their hopes and dreams. Jesus tells them everything recorded in the Old Testament prophets concerning Him will be fulfilled in Jerusalem. They expect Jesus to announce His glorious earthly kingdom, but Jesus paints a very different picture.

Twice before, Jesus has announced His coming death and resurrection. Both times He veiled the details behind the words, "The Son of Man must suffer many things." Now, however, He spells it out. He doesn't disclose Judas' upcoming betrayal, but He does reveal that the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, will deliver Him into the hands of the Gentiles, namely, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

The Roman soldiers will mock Him, treat Him shamefully and outrageously, spit upon Him, flog Him, and then kill Him. The details are stunning. Jesus knows exactly what He is walking into-and He goes willingly.

This is not at all what the disciples expect or want to hear. But when those words are fulfilled, they will have no doubt that Jesus foresaw it all -- and went through it all -- for them and us.

THE PRAYER: Almighty God, Your Son knew all He must suffer to save us from our sins, and yet He took that path willingly. Give me a thankful heart that I may joyfully follow whatever path You choose to set before me. 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 - Abuso de autoridad versus servicio


Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

Abuso de autoridad versus servicio

17 de Marzo de 2017

Si alguno quiere ser el primero, que se haga servidor de todos. Marcos 10:44, RVC (10:42-45)

Me gusta el método educativo de Jesús: aprovecha situaciones de la vida real para enseñarles a sus discípulos. La vanidad de Jacobo y Juan había producido enfado en sus compañeros. Las relaciones entre los discípulos estaban tensas, por lo que Jesús los llama para poner algunas cosas en su lugar.

En primer término, según Jesús, ocupar un puesto alto para gobernar a un pueblo trae el riesgo del abuso. ¡Si lo sabremos! No hace falta ser sabio para ver cuánto despotismo y dominación ejercen algunos gobernantes sobre su pueblo, viviendo como reyes, beneficiándose de la impunidad de sus puestos. El poder y la autoridad son puertas abiertas a la tentación para abusar de otros.

En segundo lugar, Jesús apunta al servicio como la manera en que uno puede sentirse grande. Ésta es una enseñanza muy diferente de la que nosotros esperaríamos. Pero Jesús tiene una razón: él es el primer ejemplo, él vino a servir y no a ser servido. La grandeza de Dios no está solamente en su poder creador, sino en su capacidad de morir. La grandeza de Dios se ve mejor en la cruz que en ningún otro lugar. Desde la cruz Dios gobierna a sus criaturas con compasión y amor. Él no es un Dios que ejerce despotismo sobre sus súbditos, sino más bien un Dios que sabe gobernar con los sufrientes brazos abiertos de Jesús.

¿En qué situación de tu vida puede Jesús aportar una enseñanza? ¿Qué problemas sufres en estos momentos en tus relaciones que puedan ser usados por Jesús para reenfocarte al servicio? Me imagino que no te costará mucho identificar dónde quiere el Señor que sirvas con grandeza. Hazlo espontáneamente, y disfrútalo espiritualmente.

Querido Padre, gracias porque enviaste a Jesús para servirnos sin importar el costo. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones.  ¡U tilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL. Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas.

Our Daily Bread - After You

Read: Genesis 13:1–18 | Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 30–31; Mark 15:1–25

Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left. Genesis 13:9

In some cultures a younger person is expected to permit his elder to enter a room first. In others, the most important or highest ranking individual enters first. No matter what our traditions, there are times when we find it difficult to allow someone to choose first on important matters, especially when that privilege rightfully belongs to us.

Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew Lot had so many flocks, herds, and tents that the land could not support both of them as they traveled together. To avoid conflict, Abram suggested they part company and generously gave Lot first choice of the land. His nephew took the fertile Jordan Valley, leaving Abram with the less desirable land.

Abram did not insist on his rights as the elder in this situation but trusted his future to God. “So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me . . . . Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left’ ” (Gen. 13:8–9). Lot’s choice eventually led to dire consequences for his entire family (see Gen. 19).

Today, as we face choices of many kinds, we can trust our Father to guide us in His way. He has promised to care for us. He will always give us what we need.

Father, Your unfailing love and faithfulness guide us in every choice we make. May our lives speak well of You and honor You today.

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Cháu Hãy Chọn Trước

Đọc: Sáng thế ký 13:1-18 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Phục truyền 30-31; Mác 15:1-25

Toàn vùng chẳng phải đang ở trước mặt cháu đó sao? Cháu hãy rời khỏi bác. Nếu cháu chọn bên trái, bác sẽ sang bên phải; nếu cháu chọn bên phải, bác sẽ sang bên trái. (Sáng thế ký 13:9)

Ở một số nền văn hóa, người em cần nhường cho anh mình bước vào phòng trước. Ở những nền văn hóa khác thì người có địa vị cao nhất hay quan trọng nhất sẽ vào trước. Dù chúng ta theo truyền thống nào, thì có những lúc chúng ta thấy khó để cho phép ai đó quyền chọn lựa trước trong những vấn đề quan trọng, đặc biệt khi đặc ân đó lẽ ra thuộc về mình.

Áp-ram (về sau gọi là Áp-ra-ham) và Lót, cháu trai của ông có nhiều gia súc, lều trại đến nỗi xứ không còn đủ chỗ cho hai người ở chung. Để tránh xung đột, Áp-ram đề nghị tách ra và ông rộng lượng cho Lót được chọn trước vùng đất mà mình muốn. Người cháu đã chọn Thung lũng Giô-đanh màu mỡ, để lại cho Áp-ram vùng đất không tốt bằng.

Áp-ram không khăng khăng dành quyền ưu tiên trong tình huống này nhưng phó thác tương lai mình cho Chúa. “Vậy, Áp-ram nói với Lót: “Giữa những người chăn bầy của bác và của cháu, đừng tranh chấp nhau nữa. Toàn vùng chẳng phải đang ở trước mặt cháu đó sao? Cháu hãy rời khỏi bác. Nếu cháu chọn bên trái, bác sẽ sang bên phải; nếu cháu chọn bên phải, bác sẽ sang bên trái” (Sáng. 13:8-9). Sự lựa chọn của Lót cuối cùng đã dẫn đến những hậu quả khủng khiếp cho toàn bộ gia đình ông (xem Sáng. 19)

Ngày nay, khi đối diện với nhiều lựa chọn, chúng ta có thể tin cậy Cha Thiên Thượng hướng dẫn chúng ta trong đường lối Ngài. Chúa đã hứa sẽ chăm sóc chúng ta. Ngài sẽ luôn ban cho chúng ta mọi điều cần thiết.

Lạy Cha, sự thành tín và tình yêu vững bền của Ngài hướng dẫn chúng con trong mọi lựa chọn của mình. Nguyện cuộc đời con sẽ bày tỏ về Ngài và tôn kính Ngài.

Chúa luôn ban điều tốt nhất cho người để Ngài chọn.
Jim Elliot


© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Después de usted

Leer: Génesis 13:1-18 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 15:1-25

… Si fueres a la mano izquierda, yo iré a la derecha; y si tú a la derecha, yo iré a la izquierda (Génesis 13:9).

En algunas culturas, se espera que un joven permita que una persona mayor entre primero a una habitación. En otras, entra antes el individuo más importante o de mayor rango. Al margen de las tradiciones, a veces, nos resulta difícil dejar que otro elija primero en cuestiones importantes; en especial, cuando ese derecho nos pertenece a nosotros.

Abram (llamado después Abraham) y su sobrino Lot tenían tantos rebaños, ganado y tiendas que la tierra no era suficiente para ambos mientras viajaban juntos. Para evitar conflictos, Abram sugirió que se separaran, y permitió generosamente que Lot escogiera primero. Su sobrino eligió el fértil valle del Jordán, y le dejó a su tío la región menos deseada.

Abram, en vez de imponer sus derechos como el mayor, confió su futuro a Dios: «Entonces Abram dijo a Lot: No haya ahora altercado entre nosotros dos […]. ¿No está toda la tierra delante de ti? Yo te ruego que te apartes de mí. Si fueres a la mano izquierda, yo iré a la derecha; y si tú a la derecha, yo iré a la izquierda» (Génesis 13:8-9). Al final, la elección de Lot trajo consecuencias terribles a toda su familia (ver Génesis 19).

Hoy, al enfrentar diversas decisiones, podemos confiar en la guía de Dios. Él prometió cuidarnos y suplir siempre nuestras necesidades.

Señor, guíame hoy a elegir bien.

«Dios siempre da lo mejor a aquellos que dejan la elección en sus manos».
Jim Elliot


Unser Täglich Brot - Nach dir

Lesen: 1.Mose 13,1-18 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 5.Mose 30–31; Markus 15,1-25

Steht dir nicht alles Land offen? Trenne dich doch von mir! Willst du zur Linken, so will ich zur Rechten, oder willst du zur Rechten, so will ich zur Linken. 1.Mose 13,9

In manchen Ländern ist es üblich, dass der Jüngere dem Älteren den Vortritt lässt. In anderen geht der zuerst durch die Tür, der wichtiger oder höhergestellt ist. Doch es gibt Momente, da fällt es uns schwer, einem anderen, etwa bei wichtigen Entscheidungen, den Vortritt einzuräumen, vor allem dann, wenn er eigentlich uns zustehen würde.

Abram (später umbenannt in Abraham) und sein Neffe Lot hatten so viele Herden, Tiere und Zelte, dass das Land nicht genug für beide hergab. Um Konflikte zu vermeiden, schlug Abram vor, sich zu trennen. Er überließ großzügig Lot die Auswahl des Landes. Der Neffe entschied sich für die fruchtbare Jordanebene und ließ Abram das minderwertige Land.

Abram beharrte nicht aus seinem Recht als Älterer, sondern vertraute Gott seine Zukunft an. „Da sprach Abram zu Lot: Lass doch nicht Zank sein zwischen mir und dir . . . Steht dir nicht alles Land offen? Trenne dich doch von mir! Willst du zur Linken, so will ich zur Rechten, oder willst du zur Rechten, so will ich zur Linken“ (1.Mose 13,8-9). Lots Entscheidung hatte schreckliche Folgen für seine ganze Familie (siehe 1.Mose 19).

Bei allen Entscheidungen, vor die wir heute gestellt werden, dürfen wir darauf vertrauen, dass unser Vater uns auf seinem Weg leiten will. Er hat versprochen, für uns zu sorgen. Er gibt uns immer, was wir brauchen.

Vater, deine Liebe und Treue leiten uns in allem Tun. Lass unser Leben heute ein Zeugnis sein für dich und dir Ehre machen.

Gott gibt denen, die ihm die Entscheidung überlassen, immer nur das Beste.
Jim Elliot


© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Après vous


Tout le pays n’est‑il pas devant toi ? Sépare‑toi donc de moi : si tu vas à gauche, j’irai à droite ; si tu vas à droite, j’irai à gauche. (Genèse 13.9)

Dans certaines cultures, on s’attend à ce qu’un jeune laisse entrer un aîné avant lui dans une pièce. Chez d’autres, c’est la personne la plus importante ou la plus haut gradée qui entre en premier. Reste que, quelles que soient nos traditions, il y a des moments où nous avons du mal à laisser autrui décider le premier de questions importantes, surtout lorsque ce privilège nous revient de droit.

Abram (qui deviendra Abraham) et son neveu, Lot, avaient tellement de troupeaux et de tentes que le territoire n’était pas assez grand pour les accommoder dans leurs déplacements simultanés. Afin d’éviter les conflits, Abram a suggéré qu’ils se séparent et a généreusement offert à Lot de choisir en premier le territoire qu’il voulait. Son neveu a alors opté pour la vallée fertile du Jourdain, laissant à Abram les terres moins désirables.

Au lieu de revendiquer ses droits d’aîné dans cette situation, Abram a confié son avenir à Dieu : « Abram dit à Lot : Qu’il n’y ait point, je te prie, de dispute entre moi et toi […]. Tout le pays n’est-il pas devant toi ? Sépare‑toi donc de moi : si tu vas à gauche, j’irai à droite ; si tu vas à droite, j’irai à gauche » (GE 13.8,9). Or, le choix de Lot a entraîné en définitive de graves conséquences pour toute sa famille (Voir GE 19).

Aujourd’hui, devant toutes sortes de choix à faire, fions‑nous au Père pour nous guider dans ses voies. Il a promis de prendre soin de nous. Il nous procurera toujours ce dont nous avons besoin.

Dieu donne le meilleur à ceux qui lui laissent le choix.
J. ELLIOT


Хліб Наш Насущній - Вибирай першим

Читати: Буття 13:1-18 | Біблія за рік: Повторення Закону 30–31 ; Марка 15:1-25

Хіба не ввесь Край перед обличчям твоїм? Відділися від мене! Коли підеш ліворуч, то я піду праворуч, а як ти праворуч, то піду я ліворуч. — Буття 13:9

В деяких культурах від молодих людей очікують, щоб вони поступались старшим, дозволяли їм першими ввійти до кімнати. В інших культурах першим запросять людину дуже поважну. Але якими б не були традиції, бувають моменти, коли йдеться про речі настільки важливі для нас, що дуже важко дозволити іншим “бути першими” – особливо, якщо маємо всі права на ці бажані нам речі.

Аврам (якого пізніше було названо Авраам) та його племінник Лот мали багато отар і наметів, тому земля не могла прогодувати їх, коли вони кочували разом. Заради уникнення конфлікту, Аврам запропонував племіннику розділитись і шляхетно запропонував йому першому вибрати собі землю. Лот вибрав родючий край Йорданської долини, залишивши своєму дяді гіршу землю.

У цій ситуації Аврам не наполягав на своїх правах старшого, але ввірив свою долю Богу. “І промовив до Лота Аврам: Нехай сварки не буде між мною та між тобою… Хіба не ввесь Край перед обличчям твоїм? Відділися від мене! Коли підеш ліворуч, то я піду праворуч, а як ти праворуч, то піду я ліворуч” (Бут. 13:8-9). Вибір Лота зрештою призвів до жахливих наслідків для всієї його сім’ї (Бут. 19). Кожен раз, коли нам потрібно зробити вибір, ми маємо довіряти Отцю. Він завжди посилає нам те, чого ми потребуємо.

Отче, Твоя незмінна любов і вірність допомагають нам приймати правильні рішення. Допоможи щодня своїм життям являти Тебе й прославляти Твоє Ім’я.

“Бог завжди дарує найкраще тим, хто дозволяє Йому приймати рішення”.
Джим Елліот


© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - После вас

Читать сейчас: Бытие 13:1-18 | Библия за год: Второзаконие 30-31; Марка 15:1-25

Не вся ли земля пред тобой? Отделись же от меня. Если ты – налево, то я – направо; а если ты – направо, то я – налево. — Бытие 13:9

Во многих культурах мира младший обязан уступать дорогу старшим. Или, например, принято, что первым в помещение входит тот, чье общественное положение выше. Но, независимо от традиций, нам всем порой бывает трудно позволить кому-то быть первым в важных вопросах, особенно если эта привилегия по праву принадлежит нам.

У Аврама (впоследствии Авраама) и его племянника Лота было столько овец, пастухов и шатров, что земля стала тесной для них. Чтобы избежать конфликта, Аврам предложил разделиться и предоставил племяннику право выбора. Лот выбрал плодородную долину Иордана, оставив Авраму менее привлекательную землю.

Патриарх не настаивал на соблюдении своих прав старшего в роду, но доверил свое будущее Богу. «И сказал Аврам Лоту: “Да не будет раздора между мной и тобой... Не вся ли земля пред тобой? Отделись же от меня. Если ты – налево, то я – направо; а если ты – направо, то я – налево”» (Быт. 13:8-9). В результате выбор Лота привел к печальным последствиям для всей его семьи (см. Быт. 19).

Оказываясь перед выбором, будем доверять Небесному Отцу и просить Его руководства. Он обещал позаботиться о нас и всегда пошлет то, в чем мы нуждаемся.

Отче, пусть Твоя неизменная любовь и верность руководят нами во всех решениях. Пусть наша жизнь прославляет Тебя.

«Бог дает самое лучшее тем, кто предоставляет выбор Ему».
— Джим Эллиот


The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, March 16, 2017


The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Jeremiah 4:9-28

On that day, says the LORD, courage shall fail the king and the officials; the priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded. Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD, how utterly you have deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, 'It shall be well with you,' even while the sword is at the throat!" At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people, not to winnow or cleanse-- a wind too strong for that. Now it is I who speak in judgment against them. Look! He comes up like clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles-- woe to us, for we are ruined! O Jerusalem, wash your heart clean of wickedness so that you may be saved. How long shall your evil schemes lodge within you? For a voice declares from Dan and proclaims disaster from Mount Ephraim. Tell the nations, "Here they are!" Proclaim against Jerusalem, "Besiegers come from a distant land; they shout against the cities of Judah. They have closed in around her like watchers of a field, because she has rebelled against me, says the LORD. Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you. This is your doom; how bitter it is! It has reached your very heart." My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the walls of my heart! My heart is beating wildly; I cannot keep silent; for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Disaster overtakes disaster, the whole land is laid waste. Suddenly my tents are destroyed, my curtains in a moment. How long must I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? "For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good." I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and lo, there was no one at all, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger. For thus says the LORD: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end. Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black; for I have spoken, I have purposed; I have not relented nor will I turn back.

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

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 2:12-24

All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

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

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 5:19-24
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!

Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 70 Deus, in adjutorium
1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
2 Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether dismayed; let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and be disgraced.
3 Let those who say to me "Aha!" and gloat over me turn back, because they are ashamed.
4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say for ever, "Great is the LORD!"
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me speedily, O God.
6 You are my helper and my deliverer; O LORD, do not tarry.

Psalm 71 In te, Domine, speravi
1 In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed.
2 In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5 For you are my hope, O LORD God, my confidence since I was young.
6 I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother's womb you have been my strength; my praise shall be always of you.
7 I have become a portent to many; but you are my refuge and my strength.
8 Let my mouth be full of your praise and your glory all the day long.
9 Do not cast me off in my old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.
10 For my enemies are talking against me, and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11 They say, "God has forsaken him; go after him and seize him; because there is none who will save."
12 O God, be not far from me; come quickly to help me, O my God.
13 Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and be disgraced; let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn and reproach.
14 But I shall always wait in patience, and shall praise you more and more.
15 My mouth shall recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all day long; though I cannot know the number of them.
16 I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17 O God, you have taught me since I was young, and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
18 And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; you have done great things; who is like you, O God?
20 You have showed me great troubles and adversities, but you will restore my life and bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.
21 You strengthen me more and more; you enfold and comfort me,
22 Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.
24 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought to do me harm.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 74 Ut quid, Deus?
1 O God, why have you utterly cast us off? why is your wrath so hot against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember your congregation that you purchased long ago, the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance, and Mount Zion where you dwell.
3 Turn your steps toward the endless ruins; the enemy has laid waste everything in your sanctuary.
4 Your adversaries roared in your holy place; they set up their banners as tokens of victory.
5 They were like men coming up with axes to a grove of trees; they broke down all your carved work with hatchets and hammers.
6 They set fire to your holy place; they defiled the dwelling-place of your Name and razed it to the ground.
7 They said to themselves, "Let us destroy them altogether." They burned down all the meeting-places of God in the land.
8 There are no signs for us to see; there is no prophet left; there is not one among us who knows how long.
9 How long, O God, will the adversary scoff? will the enemy blaspheme your Name for ever?
10 Why do you draw back your hand? why is your right hand hidden in your bosom?
11 Yet God is my King from ancient times, victorious in the midst of the earth.
12 You divided the sea by your might and shattered the heads of the dragons upon the waters;
13 You crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him to the people of the desert for food.
14 You split open spring and torrent; you dried up ever-flowing rivers.
15 Yours is the day, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun.
16 You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.
17 Remember, O LORD, how the enemy scoffed, how a foolish people despised your Name.
18 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; never forget the lives of your poor.
19 Look upon your covenant; the dark places of the earth are haunts of violence.
20 Let not the oppressed turn away ashamed; let the poor and needy praise your Name.
21 Arise, O God, maintain your cause; remember how fools revile you all day long.
22 Forget not the clamor of your adversaries, the unending tumult of those who rise up against you.

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 16, 2017


Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Read all of Colossians 3

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 - "An Essential for Evangelism"

My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
Romans 9:2–3 (NLT)

General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said that if he had his way, he wished part of the final training for Christians going into the work of evangelism would be for them to dangle over Hell for twenty-four hours. It wasn’t so they would fear it for themselves, because they had the hope of Heaven. Rather, it was so they could see the reality of what awaits those who do not know Jesus Christ.

In Romans 9, Paul identified something that is essential for effective evangelism. He wrote, “With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them” (verses 1–3).

In fact, if we are lacking this quality, then everything else really is of no consequence. Paul had a God-given burden for those who did not know Jesus Christ. He cared. It burned inside of him. And in his case, it was for his own kinsmen, the Jews.

Do you have a God-given burden for those who don’t know Jesus Christ? And if you don’t, do you want one? Be careful. If you ask God to give you this burden, you may be surprised at how quickly He answers you. The results could be life changing.

As I have said so many times, God is not looking for ability; He is looking for availability. In time He will help you in your ability. He will help you in your technique. He will help you in all those things. But what you need to start with is a God-given burden for the lost.

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 © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - ¡Suéltate!


Cuídame como a la niña de tus ojos; escóndeme, bajo la sombra de tus alas.
Salmo 17:8 (NVI)

¡Oye, sí, suéltate! ¿Sabes por qué te lo aseguro hoy? Porque en estos días hemos meditado que nuestra vida debe depender de manera exclusiva de Dios. Así que por experiencia te digo que muchas veces en las que me he propuesto cambiar, que he creído entregar todas mis luchas y debilidades a Él, vuelvo a caer en la desconfianza y en la lucha contra mis propios recursos.

Sé que no es fácil porque es una tendencia humana.

Entonces, una vez que tomas una decisión firme, nuestro mismo Dios nos fortalece.

Soltarse en las manos del Maestro trae muchos beneficios. Por eso te dejaré ver algunos para que refuerces tu oración.

Primero, serás obediente, ya que Dios dice en su Palabra: «Vengan a mí todos ustedes que están cansados y agobiados, y yo les daré descanso» (Mateo 11:28).

Segundo, tendrás descanso, pues no te encargarás tú de llevar tus preocupaciones.

Tercero, no tendrás que preocuparte por el diario vivir, ya que cada día trae su propio afán.

Y, por enumerarte uno más, Dios te dice que si Él se preocupa por los lirios del campo y por dar de comer a las aves del cielo, ¿cómo no cuidará mejor de sus hijos? (véase Mateo 6:25-34).

Y esos somos tú y yo: «Hijos de Dios» con privilegios y con derechos.

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 - THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.” In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.

Today we hear from co-worker Jan Vermeer:

The inspired writer of the book of Hebrews says that everything was put in subjection under Jesus Christ (2:8). Does His supremacy actually show in this country full of idols, hunger and death camps?

The North Korean Church consists of between 200,000 and 400,000 members. Fiercely persecuted, all of them hide their beliefs from the authorities. The church is truly an underground church, divided into thousands of small networks and cell groups. Most Christians hardly know other Christians outside their families. In case of an arrest, not many other Christians are in danger. The most visible proof of their faith is the possession of a Bible, which is illegal and punishable by death. Probably nowhere else in the world are so many copies of God’s Word literally hidden underground.

But the church is definitely growing. Many Christians keep their faith secret and are surviving. Open Doors is able to support almost 60,000 Christians with Bibles, books, training, food, clothes and medicines. Yet it is the individual tragedies that make it difficult to see with spiritual eyes that Jesus Christ is supreme even in North Korea.

For example, a middle aged man was arrested after the police found a Bible in his home. He is being terribly beaten in prison, as we learn from released prisoners who witnessed it. “His face is deformed. He told us he is certain he will die.”

How can Christ be supreme if one of his disciples is tortured so severely? I’ve known this man for a long time,” says a Christian friend of the prisoner. “When he came to faith, he made the decision that one day he would die for Christ. Every Christian in North Korea has made that choice. Every Christian in my country has the spirit of martyrdom in him. If you lose that spirit for one second, you cannot carry the burden of being a follower of Jesus. My friend knew that one day he could get caught and on that day he had to be steadfast in the faith and loyal to Jesus. I am convinced he can take the suffering because he constantly reminds himself of the joy that is set before him.”

The suffering North Korean Christians reveal Christ’s supremacy because they look at the reward: Jesus Christ Himself. He is our Treasure. He calls us to Himself, to suffer outside the gate and bear the reproach He endured (Hebrews 13:12-14). The kingdom of the Kim’s is limited in size and time. The Kingdom of our Lord is eternal and will come with power!

RESPONSE: I will rejoice in the supremacy of Jesus Christ, my Lord, over everything and everyone.

PRAYER: Lord, I too rejoice in the joy set before me with You. Keep me steadfast, faithful and loyal.

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

NIV Devotions for Men - Risky Business

Acts 16:16–34

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:21–26; 2 Corinthians 4:7–18; 1 Peter 4:12–19

After working together for nearly a year, John and Dave became good friends. Dave supervised John at work, but the two men shared a mutual interest in water sports. They even spent a few weekends wakeboarding together at a nearby lake.

One afternoon at the end of the workday, Dave asked John if he wanted to grab some dinner. While they were eating, Dave commented to John, “You know, you just seem different from the other people I supervise. What is it?” With that opening, John shared his faith in Jesus. Dave nodded his head politely but didn’t enter the discussion.

The next morning, the way Dave treated John suddenly changed. The joking stopped, as did their daily discussions about water sports. After he later lost a job promotion that required a positive reference from Dave, John finally confronted his former wakeboarding partner. “What happened at dinner last month?” he asked. “All of a sudden I feel like you’re treating me like a leper.”

“Look,” Dave replied, “I don’t appreciate people trying to ‘convert’ me. And I have no tolerance for any religion that claims to be the only way to God.” With that, the conversation ended. Within six months, John was laid off.

Let’s face it: Our faith sometimes causes us problems. It’s always been that way. When Paul and Silas delivered a slave girl from spiritual oppression, their actions resulted in a citywide uproar. Authorities accused them of advocating unlawful practices counterproductive to Roman society. The magistrate ordered them beaten and thrown into jail.

While we might not risk imprisonment or beating, when we follow Jesus we do risk accusations of proselytizing or of being too spiritually narrow. Our stand for faith might even result in ridicule, rejection and discrimination.

Paul and Silas responded by allowing themselves to suffer on behalf of Jesus. In the midst of their suffering, they even invited their jailer into a relationship with Jesus.

While we might not suffer to the extent Paul and Silas did, we can still choose to make spiritually correct choices, as they did. We can follow in their footsteps—standing for our faith and even inviting our enemies into a relationship with Jesus.

To Take Away
  • Have you taken a risky stand for your faith? When? What was the outcome?
  • Read Romans 5:1–5. What do you think suffering for your faith teaches you?
  • How can you be better prepared to suffer for Jesus?

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

Girlfriends in God - The Trumpet Game

by Gwen Smith
 
Today’s Truth

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

Friend to Friend

My friend Brad has a little girl named Elizabeth. When Elizabeth was one year old, Brad and his wife taught her some sign language. For the word please, they chose to have her rub her chest. So, as Brad and Jamie taught Elizabeth to say please, they rubbed their own chests and said “please.” Simple enough.

Elizabeth had a favorite toy. It’s a plastic knobby toy that holds colorful rings. You know the one with the yellow pole and white base that, without the rings, loosely resembles a trumpet. (C’mon, use your imagination!) So, being the fun, creative parents that Brad and Jamie are, they would dump off the rings and playfully hold up Elizabeth’s toy and make a trumpet sound.

Elizabeth loved her parents’ silliness. She laughed and clapped with delight. It became a favorite game in their household.

One day, when Brad and Elizabeth were playing the trumpet game, Elizabeth excitedly grabbed the toy and handed it back to him to do it again. Brad encouraged her to say “please” and reinforced the instruction by rubbing his chest. To his surprise, Elizabeth made her way over to him and started to rub his chest instead of her own.

Did this please her daddy? You bet it did!

Even though Elizabeth mixed up the signals, she communicated with her daddy. Brad was filled with love and joy by her effort. He was pleased that she came to him. Not because she did or didn’t do something right, but just because she is his daughter and he loves her. He adores her.

God adores you too. Just because you are His child. His sweet daughter. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a).

Have you considered that perhaps God isn’t longing for you to come to Him with perfect, polished prayers that have fifty-cent words and flowery language? Have you thought about the pleasure God experiences when you simply approach him just as you are, warts and all, because He loves you? He delights in your attention. He takes pleasure when you go to Him simply because you are His.
I love how the psalmist responded to God’s love:
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

(Psalm 103:1-5)
Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, Thanks for this reminder of Your love for me. Thanks for seeing me as precious and special. I’m amazed by Your love. Help me to come to You as I am each day… without pretenses, pride, or perfection, but simply with Your permission to just be me… because You love me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.


Now It’s Your Turn

Read Zephaniah 3:17 again silently.

Now read it again aloud.

Now read it aloud three more times and insert your name after each ‘you’ …

“The LORD your God is with you (insert name here), He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you (name), He will quiet you (name) with His love, He will rejoice over you (name) with singing.”(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen’s book, Broken Into Beautiful, which features her testimony, along with Scriptural truths and stories of how God brings restoration to the hearts of those wounded by painful life experiences. Explore God’s healing and hope for your life today as you read Broken Into Beautiful. To order the book, go to Amazon, your favorite Christian bookstore, or for a signed copy, order from Gwen’s web store.

Get 20% OFF Gwen’s BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL book today when you order from her website and use the coupon code: 20OFF


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