Tuesday, October 10, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - October 11, 2017 "Never Stranded"

People who travel for pleasure know that you can get a really good deal...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"Never Stranded"

October 11, 2017

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

People who travel for pleasure know that you can get a really good deal if you book your airline and hotel at the same time. People who travel for pleasure also know that the opening sentence is true only if you can trust your airline to pay for the hotel room.

Monarch Airlines, the fifth-largest carrier in Great Britain, was an airline which couldn't be trusted.

I use the past tense of the verb because last week Monarch Airlines filed for bankruptcy.

Sadly, Monarch was particularly nasty in the way they went belly-up.

• For instance, two days before they went under, Monarch began a promotional sale of tickets at discount prices.

• Then Monarch let people show up at the airport only to be told there that their flight had been cancelled. This was an especially nasty surprise to the couple who, with 30 family and friends, were traveling to an overseas location for their wedding. Ten minutes before boarding they were told their flight had been cancelled, and they had lost their money... and good luck booking a same-day flight for 30 people on another airline.

• Then there were the 110,000 travelers who were stranded in distant countries. They had no plane coming to take them home.

• Could it get worse? It could. Some of those folks staying in overseas locations had booked their hotels through Monarch. Sadly, Monarch never paid those hotels. As a result, all of those tourists are being charged a second time for their rooms. Some of them have been locked out of their rooms; some of them have been informed they will be arrested if they try to leave without paying; and all of them have been severely inconvenienced.

• Oh, I forgot to mention Monarch's 2,750 employees were suddenly out of a job.

Has it ever occurred to you that after Adam and Eve fell into sin, the Lord could have left humanity high and dry? After all, He had given us everything we needed; He had granted us a perfect life and made only one very small request.

In response, our ancestors rejected His request, disobeyed His Law, and followed an evil stranger.

Truly, the Lord would have been well within His rights to leave us, but He didn't. He sent His Son to save us, to carry our sins, to die our death, and change eternity for all who believe. Because Jesus has done everything necessary to save us, St. Paul was able to confidently write: "I am sure that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In short, God will never leave us high and dry.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in this sinful world, people may often let us down. Thankfully, You are different. For being there, always, even until the end of the age, accept our thanks. In Jesus' Name Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

CPTLN Devocional de 11 de Octubre de 2017


Alimento Diario

Ayuda

11 de Octubre 2017

Pero él me ha dicho: 'Con mi gracia tienes más que suficiente, porque mi poder se perfecciona en la debilidad.'

Hay veces en que las personas simplemente no quieren ayuda. Eso fue lo que sucedió con Signor Dorando en las Olimpíadas de 1908. El campeón italiano de carrera de larga distancia llevaba dos vueltas de ventaja, y le faltaban tan sólo 30 metros para la meta, cuando se desplomó.

Si se hubiera arrastrado quizás habría ganado la carrera, pero no lo hizo. Finalmente logró ponerse de pie para tratar de llegar a la meta, mientras la multitud lo animaba. Un bien intencionado espectador le puso la mano en la espalda para que no se cayera. No lo sostuvo ni lo empujó, pero ese acto fue suficiente para que los jueces lo descalificaran por haber sido ayudado.

Dorando puede decir con toda razón que hay momentos en los que no queremos ayuda. Pero hay otros momentos en los que sí necesitamos ayuda.

Cuando un estudiante está trabado con un problema, necesita ayuda. Cuando nos quedamos sin gasolina en medio de una tormenta, necesitamos ayuda.

Y eso es lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros. Al vernos desamparados, el Señor envió a su Hijo a "ayudarnos". Fue un acto divino de misericordia que le costó la vida al Salvador. Sin embargo, gracias a lo que Jesús ha hecho, todo el que cree en él es perdonado y recibe el regalo de la vida eterna.

Hay cosas para las cuales no necesitamos que nos ayuden, pero hay otras cosas, como por ejemplo para ser salvos, para las cuales necesitamos la ayuda del Salvador.

ORACIÓN: Amado Salvador, te doy gracias por haberte entregado para rescatarme del pecado, la muerte y el diablo. Enséñame a honrarte y glorificarte con mi vida. En tu nombre. Amén

De una devoción escrita originalmente para "By the Way"

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, October 10, 2017

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
2 Kings 22:1-13
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the secretary, to the house of the LORD, saying, "Go up to the high priest Hilkiah, and have him count the entire sum of the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the threshold have collected from the people; let it be given into the hand of the workers who have the oversight of the house of the LORD; let them give it to the workers who are at the house of the LORD, repairing the house, that is, to the carpenters, to the builders, to the masons; and let them use it to buy timber and quarried stone to repair the house. But no accounting shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly." The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD." When Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, he read it. Then Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, "Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workers who have oversight of the house of the LORD." Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "The priest Hilkiah has given me a book." Shaphan then read it aloud to the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Then the king commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and the king's servant Asaiah, saying, "Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us."

1 Corinthians 11:2-22
I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head-- it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. But if anyone is disposed to be contentious-- we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it. Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine. When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord's supper. For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. What! Do you not have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend you? In this matter I do not commend you!

Matthew 9:1-8
And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-- he then said to the paralytic-- "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

Morning Psalms
Psalm 120 Ad Dominum
1   When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD; I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2   Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips and from the deceitful tongue.
3   What shall be done to you, and what more besides, O you deceitful tongue?
4   The sharpened arrows of a warrior, along with hot glowing coals.
5   How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6   Too long have I had to live among the enemies of peace.
7   I am on the side of peace, but when I speak of it, they are for war.


Psalm 121 Levavi oculos
1   I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?
2   My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3   He will not let your foot be moved and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4   Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5   The LORD himself watches over you; the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6   So that the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7   The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; it is he who shall keep you safe.
8   The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.


Psalm 122 Lætatus sum
1   I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2   Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3   Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself;
4   To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, the assembly of Israel, to praise the Name of the LORD.
5   For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6   Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
7   Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.
8   For my brethren and companions' sake, I pray for your prosperity.
9   Because of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek to do you good."


Psalm 123 Ad te levavi oculos meos
1   To you I lift up my eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens.
2   As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3   So our eyes look to the LORD our God, until he show us his mercy.
4   Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5   Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, and of the derision of the proud.

Evening Psalms
Psalm 124 Nisi quia Dominus
1   If the LORD had not been on our side, let Israel now say;
2   If the LORD had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us;
3   Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us;
4   Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us;
5   Then would the raging waters have gone right over us.
6   Blessed be the LORD! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7   We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8   Our help is in the Name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.


Psalm 125 Qui confidunt
1   Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2   The hills stand about Jerusalem; so does the LORD stand round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3   The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to the just, so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4   Show your goodness, O LORD, to those who are good and to those who are true of heart.
5   As for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; but peace be upon Israel.


Psalm 126 In convertendo
1   When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
2   Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3   Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
4   The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.
5   Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses of the Negev.
6   Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
7   Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.


Psalm 127 Nisi Dominus
1   Unless the LORD builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it.
2   Unless the LORD watches over the city, in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3   It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4   Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5   Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
6   Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

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.

Prayer of the Day for TUESDAY, October 10, 2017


Teach me, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, October 10, 2017


Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV) Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Read all of Proverbs 19

Listen to Proverbs 19

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 Unlikely Audience


An Unlikely Audience

"Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening."
~ Acts 16:25 (NLT)

I was watching a television commercial the other day for a hearing device that’s designed to look like a Bluetooth earpiece. In reality, it isn’t a phone device at all. It simply amplifies the sound around the person who’s wearing it. Maybe there are some people who wear the device so they can listen in on other people’s conversations without being too obvious about it.

The Bible tells us that as Paul and Silas sang their midnight praises to God in the dungeon at Philippi, the other prisoners were listening. The word listening could be translated “listening for pleasure.” There is something about your favorite song that draws you in. I always notice music, and when I hear a song I love, I will tune in. I’m listening for pleasure.

There in the dungeon, everyone was listening in because they had never heard anything like it. I wonder if Paul and Silas were singing some cool harmonies. Maybe not, but I think just the idea of their singing the praises of God in such a dark, oppressive, horrible place caught the attention of the other prisoners.

You can be a great worshipper and not sing well at all. It is all about the attitude of your heart and a willingness to glorify and honor God, regardless of your circumstances.

We have a lost world out there, and they are watching us as Christians. They are watching us when things go well for us, and they are watching us when things are not going so well. When they see us giving praise to God under such circumstances it is a powerful testimony. It opens a door of ministry. And suddenly there is an audience who will listen to what we have to say when they wouldn’t have listened to us otherwise.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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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.
When we glorify God despite our circumstances, the world takes notice.

Un Dia a la Vez - ¿Qué reflejamos?

¿Qué reflejamos?


Todos nosotros, que con el rostro descubierto reflejamos como en un espejo la gloria del Señor, somos transformados a su semejanza con más y más gloria.

¿Podemos decir que reflejamos a Jesús? Me gustaría mucho decir que reflejo a Jesús al cien por cien, pero sería una enorme desfachatez de mi parte. Estoy muy llena de defectos y debilidades que no sería justa con mi Dios. Sin embargo, su anhelo es que alcancemos la estatura del varón perfecto, ¡pero cuán lejos estamos de esto!

Nuestro Padre dice en su Palabra que nos hizo a su imagen y semejanza, pero hemos distorsionado ese concepto con el pecado. Así que me enternece mucho cuando en el Manual de Instrucciones dice que Él nos ve después del perdón de nuestros pecados limpios y sin manchas. De ahí que cada uno de nosotros deba reflexionar de manera individual, y desde el punto de vista espiritual, la clase de espejo que somos y lo que reflejamos.

¿Está nuestro espejo opaco y por más que le echas los mejores líquidos limpiadores siempre se ve opaco? ¿Está nuestro espejo tan manchado que aunque lo limpies le sigues viendo la mancha? ¿O está nuestro espejo roto y no lo limpias porque sabes que se ve deteriorado y feo?

En este día quiero que recuerdes que aunque tu vida esté opaca por tu pasado, manchada por el pecado o rota, porque crees que ya no tiene valor, hoy Jesucristo te dice que Él murió por ti para limpiar y restaurar tu vida y que ya nunca más serás el mismo. Por eso, Jesús te da la oportunidad de un nuevo comienzo a fin de que seas reflejo de su amor.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - DOUBLE PORTION OF EVERLASTING JOY


DOUBLE PORTION OF EVERLASTING JOY

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
~ Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)

Yesterday we looked at some outcomes from Christian women’s conferences in Central Asia. When deep issues are discussed and prayed for, and when barriers of shame and dishonour are broken through, there are usually many tears. One participant said, “In fact enough tears have been shed to make many trees grow that we won’t have any desert places left!”

As a result of God’s healing movement new initiatives are born to bring healing to abused and rejected women and children in society: ministry in orphanages, to street children and abused children; outreach projects to women in prostitution, safe havens for abused women; involvement in politics to stop legislation on polygamy; preventive health care; teaching on HIV/Aids and caring for patients; involvement in pastoral care, intercession and prayer ministries; ministry to people in prison, etc.

There is a desire to not only participate in a conference, but also to use what has been learned and to develop more skills. Three young Uzbek women who had been to a conference before wanted to come back to be part of the prayer team, so that they can learn, and take back the skills to minister to their own women!

Others shared that they want to minister to other women when they go back home. Some churches used to have women’s ministry but for some reasons it had stopped. After this training the women wanted to revitalise the women’s ministry in their churches.

A speaker at one of the conferences says:

“In other countries, we saw Priscilla’s—Christian wives who were standing beside their husbands in loving and serving the Lord. In Central Asia, we not only saw the Priscilla’s, we also saw Esther’s and Deborah’s—women who by themselves are standing strong in their faith and for God. Whether they are single or have an unbelieving husband does not stop them.

“The women we have met in that training seem to have Esther’s character: ‘If I perish, I perish.’ They stand up despite the clear warnings of their husbands, neighbours or the authorities. They know the cost. One knew very well that her husband might lose his government job if a family member would be found witnessing for Jesus. She was warned by her husband to tone down her evangelistic zeal. But she could not keep herself from speaking of Jesus. Two others have marriages about to fail if it were not for their enduring stand as wives to keep the family intact. These participants are capable to lead other women even after just the first training.

As the women penetrate the walls of shame and break the silence, God fulfils His promise of Isaiah 61:7. Instead of shame and dishonour you shall have a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy!

RESPONSE: Today I want to receive a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy from the Lord.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord that You can turn shame and dishonor into everlasting joy!

Girlfriends in God - This Should Have Us All Talking


This Should Have Us All Talking

Today’s Truth

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
~ Isaiah 50:4 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I’ve heard it said, “If you don't know your purpose, you will be distracted by the voices.” The same principle applies to the purpose of our words. The Bible has a lot to say about the ways we should use our words.

To ENCOURAGE - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

To WORSHIP - “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:1-5)

“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.” (Psalm 119:171-172)

To TEACH - “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26)

To PROTECT - “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23)

To CONNECT - “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)

To CALM - “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20)

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:1)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” (Proverbs 15:1)

A tongue that is led by the flesh falls easily into speaking destruction, corruption, or gossip. A tongue that takes its cues from the leading of the Holy Spirit does not. Period.

The prophet Isaiah recognized the importance of his words. “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”(Isaiah 50:4) I read this and begin to ask God for a well-instructed tongue.

Recognizing his personal limitations but God’s limitlessness, Isaiah also wrote this, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7)

Oh, how I wish I had this perfected. But I don't. My words still put me to shame sometimes. It is only by the grace of God that I can speak in ways that honor God. Because, like Isaiah, He helps me.

Without God’s intervention my sparky emotions can become a destructive force just looking for a place to happen. Especially with my family. But, thankfully, God helps me when I call to Him. And when I go off track, God convicts me… reminds me that I am His… that His Spirit is within me, and that His plan for me is greater. And He forgives. (Thank you, Jesus!)

I am challenged and changed by the love of Christ.

My words should be too.

Scripture points us to speak in ways that honor Christ, reflect His grace, echo His love, build others up and make much of Him. Paul encouraged the believers in Ephesus to, “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Ephesians 4:1) Today let’s determine to TALK in a way worthy of our calling.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Please help me choose my words wisely today. Instruct my tongue. Lead me to build others up and to worship You continually. Keep me from causing harm to others.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Consider Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” What one practical thing can you do today to move your tongue and heart in this direction? Share your “one thing” on the wall of my blog.

More from the Girlfriends



SPECIAL OFFER: If this message is where you are and you need more practical help choosing your words wisely, Gwen is offering a 20% OFF discount on her latest book, I Want It ALL (that has a Bible Study guide right in the back!). Get thebook discounted from her site when you use the coupon code: 20OFF. Click here to get yours now.

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Girlfriends in God




Ron Hutchcraft - Simplifying Your Journey

Simplifying Your Journey

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During one summer with our "On Eagles' Wings" Native American outreach team, we had some 5,000 miles to cover in about five weeks. In order to make it to all the reservations to which we had accepted invitations, we needed a comfortable bus. And God wonderfully provided that through some brothers in Christ. Now our bus driver, Josh, really knew his way across the West, and my wife Karen really didn't. It was often her job to drive another vehicle that we needed. That meant traveling many unfamiliar miles, but she found a way to simplify the process. She just kept her eyes on that bus. If Josh turned, she turned. If Josh stopped, she stopped. She made sure she could even recognize the lights of his bus in case they got separated. Karen said this trip that could have been so difficult and confusing turned out to be pretty relaxed and simple. She didn't try to figure out the route for herself. She had a great trip because one thing governed all her choices-following the man who knew the way.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Simplifying Your Journey."

Our word for today from the Word of God comes from John 10:3-4. "The sheep listen to (the shepherd's) voice. He calls His own sheep by name and He leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes ahead of them". That one verse, "He puts His sheep out, He goes ahead of them" has been an anchor for Karen and me over and over as we have moved into unfamiliar or difficult territory in our life. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is leading us this direction; He's traveling this road ahead of us, and He knows where He's going.

And what do smart sheep do? They try to figure out where they're going to find some good pasture, or they try to figure out which road is safe and which one is dangerous, or move in the direction that looks best to them? No, smart sheep don't do that. No, they do what my wife did traveling in that unfamiliar territory out West. They quit trying to figure it out for themselves and they follow the One who knows every mile in the road! John 10:27, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."

Maybe you've been trying to fix things yourself, control things, manipulate things. What a great way to get lost and confused-and to miss your destination. Jesus' most fundamental command is simply, "Follow Me." Are you? That's more than going to His meetings or believing His beliefs, or doing His work, or keeping His rules. We're talking about how you determine which way you're going to go in the decisions that really matter in your life.

You might say, "Well, following a bus is one thing, but how do I follow Jesus? How do I know which way He's going?" Good question. Good answer in Psalm 119:105. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." He shows you what step to take next as you begin each day with His Book, the Bible, asking, "Lord, what's Your word for me today?"

His answer might be to show you verses that focus on one specific part of you and your life.

Whatever that verse lights up, you make that your conscious assignment for that day to do that part of you Jesus' way. You apply that verse to something you will face today. "Lord, what can I apply this to? What am I doing to do differently today because of what you've said?" Through the accumulation of those daily obediences, God will lead you on the path to His larger will. Because His macro will is the sum of a lot of micro wills that you do each day. The right you will make the right choices.

The Spirit of God uses the applied Word of God to lead the child of God to the will of God. So your job is much the same as my wife's was on her journey into new territory-find out where your Leader is going and just get behind Him and go there. Speed up when He speeds up. Stop when He stops. Turn when He turns.

You wouldn't believe the freedom and relief it is to realize you don't have to figure this all out any more. Following Jesus sure simplifies your journey. Oh, and by the way, guarantees you'll reach your destination.