February 1, 2017
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Experience has taught me that there are all kinds of reasons not to go to church.
Now, before you start shooting all kinds of outraged e-mails to the Lutheran Hour Ministries headquarters, remember, I didn't say these were good reasons. For example, the Sunday after Christmas and Easter most pastors can be pretty sure attendance won't be standing room only.
The United Postal Service has adopted these words as their creed: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Sadly, any of those climactic conditions, as well as others far less daunting, have the ability to sizably reduce a congregation's worship numbers.
Then, of course, there are lesser occasions that can diminish worship participation. You know the kind of occasions I mean: there is the opening of fishing and hunting season, and the last weekend before school starts at the end of summer. A fellow pastor, who has proofed this devotion, has reminded me that in our listings we dare not forget Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day weekends.
Now some of you, no doubt, are expecting the rest of this devotion to be heavily law oriented.
If that is what you believe, not so. Be patient and read on. No, this devotion was inspired by a news article carried in The Jerusalem Post. That story talked about a whole host of Christian pilgrims who, on Epiphany, managed to make it to the spot at the Jordan where the nation of that same name says Jesus was baptized.
I have to tell you their dedication impressed me. I'm impressed because I'm not that brave.
Let me explain. Qasr al-Yahud, the place where these pilgrims are visiting, was once a war zone between Israel and Jordan. The neighbors made peace in 1994, and the UN made it a World Heritage Site in 2015, but neither of those actions did anything to remove the mines that were buried there.
It is known that the area contains anti-tank mines, anti-personnel mines, and a lot of unexploded ordinance. Altogether it is expected that there are about 4,500 such devices buried and waiting. Oh, I almost forgot, the churches in the area are also all booby trapped with explosives, too.
In spite of all this potential destruction, the pilgrims still came. They still wished to be at the place where Jesus officially began His ministry. They still wish, as much as they are able, to get closer to the Savior whose life was offered for our salvation and whose resurrection assures us we will also rise from the dead.
Theirs is an example I hope to remember the next time the devil tries to discourage my worship by putting mines of excuses in my path.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You know there are legitimate reasons why we may not be able to worship with our fellow believers. On the other hand, not every excuse is good and not every reason to avoid worship is legitimate. Help me learn the difference. In the Savior's Name I ask it. 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.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
CPTLN Devocional - Por la libertad
01 de Febrero 2017
Manténganse, pues, firmes en la libertad con que Cristo nos hizo libres, y no se sometan otra vez al yugo de la esclavitud. (Gálatas 5:1, RVC)
Israel tiene un sistema de comunicación avanzado que permite que el personal de emergencia sea ubicado y contactado por medio de teléfonos celulares.
Dicho sistema sería bueno si no fuera porque, como la comunidad judía ortodoxa es extremadamente conservadora, consideran que usar el teléfono en el día de reposo o en otra festividad religiosa va en contra de la ley.
Sin embargo, gracias al Rabí Levy Yitzhak Halperin, ahora se han establecido reglas nuevas que permiten al personal de emergencia contestar las llamadas en teléfonos especialmente designados para ello.
De acuerdo al artículo publicado por la prensa, los empleados tienen que sujetar un pequeño alfiler con los dientes, y presionar los botones del teléfono con ese alfiler. Estoy seguro que el método funciona, pero es difícil imaginar cómo. Aún así, es de admirar la fidelidad de los judíos ortodoxos a sus creencias. Sería bueno si los cristianos fueran tan fieles a seguir los preceptos de la fe y a mostrarlos así en su vida diaria.
De cualquier forma, doy gracias porque el Salvador nos ha liberado de la ley. La vida perfecta que vivió Jesús y su total y abnegada obediencia a la voluntad del Padre, nos ha liberado de la maldición de la ley.
Como nuestro sustituto, Jesús hizo todo lo que era necesario para obtener el perdón por nuestros pecados, salvar nuestras almas y por gracia darnos la vida eterna.
Ahora, en respuesta a su amor, tenemos libertad de vivir nuestras vidas en acción de gracias... no porque la ley nos obligue, sino porque es lo correcto y lo que queremos hacer.
ORACIÓN: Querido Salvador, por gracia soy salvo, a través de la fe. Ayúdame para que toda mi vida sea un reflejo del perdón, la alegría, y la salvación que me has dado a través de tu maravilloso sacrificio. En tu nombre. Amén.
© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas
Manténganse, pues, firmes en la libertad con que Cristo nos hizo libres, y no se sometan otra vez al yugo de la esclavitud. (Gálatas 5:1, RVC)
Israel tiene un sistema de comunicación avanzado que permite que el personal de emergencia sea ubicado y contactado por medio de teléfonos celulares.
Dicho sistema sería bueno si no fuera porque, como la comunidad judía ortodoxa es extremadamente conservadora, consideran que usar el teléfono en el día de reposo o en otra festividad religiosa va en contra de la ley.
Sin embargo, gracias al Rabí Levy Yitzhak Halperin, ahora se han establecido reglas nuevas que permiten al personal de emergencia contestar las llamadas en teléfonos especialmente designados para ello.
De acuerdo al artículo publicado por la prensa, los empleados tienen que sujetar un pequeño alfiler con los dientes, y presionar los botones del teléfono con ese alfiler. Estoy seguro que el método funciona, pero es difícil imaginar cómo. Aún así, es de admirar la fidelidad de los judíos ortodoxos a sus creencias. Sería bueno si los cristianos fueran tan fieles a seguir los preceptos de la fe y a mostrarlos así en su vida diaria.
De cualquier forma, doy gracias porque el Salvador nos ha liberado de la ley. La vida perfecta que vivió Jesús y su total y abnegada obediencia a la voluntad del Padre, nos ha liberado de la maldición de la ley.
Como nuestro sustituto, Jesús hizo todo lo que era necesario para obtener el perdón por nuestros pecados, salvar nuestras almas y por gracia darnos la vida eterna.
Ahora, en respuesta a su amor, tenemos libertad de vivir nuestras vidas en acción de gracias... no porque la ley nos obligue, sino porque es lo correcto y lo que queremos hacer.
ORACIÓN: Querido Salvador, por gracia soy salvo, a través de la fe. Ayúdame para que toda mi vida sea un reflejo del perdón, la alegría, y la salvación que me has dado a través de tu maravilloso sacrificio. En tu nombre. Amén.
© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas
Our Daily Bread - Always in His Care
Read: Psalm 32:1–11 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 27–28; Matthew 21:1–22
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
On the day our youngest daughter was flying from Munich to Barcelona, I visited my favorite flight tracking website to follow her progress. After I entered her flight number, my computer screen showed that her flight had crossed Austria and was skirting the northern part of Italy. From there the plane would fly over the Mediterranean, south of the French Riviera toward Spain, and was scheduled to arrive on time. It seemed that the only thing I didn’t know was what the flight attendants were serving for lunch!
Why did I care about my daughter’s location and circumstances? Because I love her. I care about who she is, what she’s doing, and where she’s going in life.
In Psalm 32, David celebrated the marvel of God’s forgiveness, guidance, and concern for us. Unlike a human father, God knows every detail of our lives and the deepest needs of our hearts. The Lord’s promise to us is, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).
Whatever our circumstances today, we can rely on God’s presence and care because “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
On the day our youngest daughter was flying from Munich to Barcelona, I visited my favorite flight tracking website to follow her progress. After I entered her flight number, my computer screen showed that her flight had crossed Austria and was skirting the northern part of Italy. From there the plane would fly over the Mediterranean, south of the French Riviera toward Spain, and was scheduled to arrive on time. It seemed that the only thing I didn’t know was what the flight attendants were serving for lunch!
Why did I care about my daughter’s location and circumstances? Because I love her. I care about who she is, what she’s doing, and where she’s going in life.
In Psalm 32, David celebrated the marvel of God’s forgiveness, guidance, and concern for us. Unlike a human father, God knows every detail of our lives and the deepest needs of our hearts. The Lord’s promise to us is, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).
Whatever our circumstances today, we can rely on God’s presence and care because “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).
Dear Father in heaven, thank You for watching over me in love and guiding me along Your path today.
We are never out of God’s sight and His loving care.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Ngài Luôn Chăm Sóc
Đọc: Thi Thiên 32:1-11 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Xuất Ê-díp-tô ký 27-28; Ma-thi-ơ 21:1–22
Ta sẽ dạy dỗ con, chỉ cho con nẻo đường phải đi; mắt Ta sẽ dõi theo mà khuyên dạy con. (Thi Thiên 32:8)
Ngày con gái út của tôi bay từ Munich đến Barcelona, tôi vào một trang web theo dõi chuyến bay mà tôi yêu thích để xem con tôi đang đi đến đâu. Sau khi nhập số hiệu chuyến bay của cháu, màn hình máy tính của tôi hiển thị rằng chuyến bay của cháu đã băng qua Úc và đang vòng qua phía bắc của Ý. Từ đó, máy bay sẽ bay qua Địa Trung Hải, vùng Riviera miền Nam nước Pháp qua Tây Ban Nha, và dự kiến sẽ đến đúng giờ. Có vẻ như điều duy nhất tôi không biết đó là các tiếp viên đang cho hành khách ăn trưa với món gì!
Tại sao tôi lại quan tâm con gái tôi đang ở đâu và tình hình ra sao? Bởi vì tôi yêu con, tôi quan tâm đến chuyện con tôi là người như thế nào, đang làm gì và đang ở giai đoạn nào của cuộc sống.
Trong Thi Thiên 32, Đa-vít ca ngợi sự diệu kỳ trong ơn tha thứ, hướng dẫn và quan tâm chúng ta của Đức Chúa Trời. Khác với người cha thông thường, Đức Chúa Trời biết mọi chi tiết của cuộc sống và những nhu cầu sâu kín nhất trong lòng chúng ta. Lời hứa của Chúa dành cho chúng ta là “Ta sẽ dạy dỗ con, chỉ cho con nẻo đường phải đi; mắt Ta sẽ dõi theo mà khuyên dạy con” (c.8).
Dù hoàn cảnh hôm nay ra sao, thì chúng ta vẫn có thể dựa nương nơi sự hiện diện và chăm sóc của Chúa vì “người nào tin cậy Đức Giê-hô-va thì sự nhân từ bao phủ người ấy” (c.10).
Lạy Cha Thiên Thượng, cảm ơn Ngài vì ngày hôm nay, Ngài dõi theo con bằng tình yêu và dẫn con đi theo lối Ngài.
Chúng ta không bao giờ vượt ra khỏi tầm mắt và sự quan tâm trìu mến của Chúa.
bởi David McCasland
© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Nuestro Pan Diario - Se interesa siempre
Leer: Salmo 32:1-11 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 21:1-22
Te haré entender, y te enseñaré el camino en que debes andar; sobre ti fijaré mis ojos (Salmo 32:8).
El día en que mi hija menor volaba de Múnich a Barcelona, abrí mi
página favorita de seguimiento de vuelos, para ver por dónde iba.
Después de ingresar el número de vuelo, la pantalla de mi computador
mostró que su avión había cruzado Austria y bordeaba la parte norte de
Italia. De allí, sobrevolaría el Mediterráneo, al sur de la costa
francesa, en dirección a España, y llegaría puntualmente. ¡Solo faltaba
que me dijeran qué estaban sirviendo para comer las aeromozas!
¿Por qué me interesaba dónde y cómo estaba mi hija? Porque la amo. Me
importa quién es, qué hace y hacia dónde se proyecta su vida.
En el Salmo 32, David celebra la maravilla del perdón, la guía y el
interés de Dios para con nosotros. A diferencia de un padre humano, el
Señor conoce cada detalle de nuestra vida y las necesidades más
profundas de nuestro ser. Nos promete: «Te haré entender, y te enseñaré
el camino en que debes andar; sobre ti fijaré mis ojos» (v. 8).
Independientemente de cuáles sean las circunstancias hoy, podemos
descansar tranquilos en la presencia y el cuidado de Dios porque «al que
espera en el Señor, le rodea la misericordia» (v. 10).
Querido Señor, gracias porque, en tu amor, me cuidas y me guías cada día por tus caminos.
Nunca estamos fuera de la mirada y el cuidado amoroso de Dios.
Unser Täglich Brot - Umsorgt
Lesen: Psalm 32,1-11 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Mose 27–28; Matthäus 21,1-22
Ich will dich unterweisen und dir den Weg zeigen, den du gehen sollst; ich will dich mit meinen Augen leiten. Psalm 32,8
An dem Tag, als unsere jüngste Tochter von München nach Barcelona flog, ging ich auf meine liebste Flug-TrackerWebseite, um ihre Reise nachzuverfolgen. Nachdem ich ihre Flugnummer eingegeben hatte, konnte ich auf dem Bildschirm sehen, dass sie über Österreich geflogen war und sich jetzt irgendwo über Norditalien befand. Von dort würde es südlich der französischen Riviera über das Mittelmeer Richtung Spanien gehen. Sie sollte pünktlich ankommen. Das einzige, was ich nicht wusste, war, welches Essen auf dem Flug serviert wurde!
Wieso war es mir so wichtig zu wissen, wo sich meine Tochter befand und was sie machte? Weil ich sie liebe! Mir ist wichtig, wer sie ist, was sie tut und wohin ihr Leben sie führt.
In Psalm 32 staunt David über Gottes Vergebung, Führung und Fürsorge. Anders als ein irdischer Vater kennt Gott alle Details unseres Lebens und weiß, was wir im tiefsten Innern brauchen. Er verspricht: „Ich will dich unterweisen und dir den Weg zeigen, den du gehen sollst; ich will dich mit meinen Augen leiten“ (Psalm 32,8).
Ich will dich unterweisen und dir den Weg zeigen, den du gehen sollst; ich will dich mit meinen Augen leiten. Psalm 32,8
An dem Tag, als unsere jüngste Tochter von München nach Barcelona flog, ging ich auf meine liebste Flug-TrackerWebseite, um ihre Reise nachzuverfolgen. Nachdem ich ihre Flugnummer eingegeben hatte, konnte ich auf dem Bildschirm sehen, dass sie über Österreich geflogen war und sich jetzt irgendwo über Norditalien befand. Von dort würde es südlich der französischen Riviera über das Mittelmeer Richtung Spanien gehen. Sie sollte pünktlich ankommen. Das einzige, was ich nicht wusste, war, welches Essen auf dem Flug serviert wurde!
Wieso war es mir so wichtig zu wissen, wo sich meine Tochter befand und was sie machte? Weil ich sie liebe! Mir ist wichtig, wer sie ist, was sie tut und wohin ihr Leben sie führt.
In Psalm 32 staunt David über Gottes Vergebung, Führung und Fürsorge. Anders als ein irdischer Vater kennt Gott alle Details unseres Lebens und weiß, was wir im tiefsten Innern brauchen. Er verspricht: „Ich will dich unterweisen und dir den Weg zeigen, den du gehen sollst; ich will dich mit meinen Augen leiten“ (Psalm 32,8).
Egal, wie es uns heute geht, wir können uns darauf verlassen, dass
Gott da ist und für uns sorgt, denn „wer auf den Herrn hofft, den wird
die Güte umfangen“ (V.10).
© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot
Lieber Vater im Himmel, hab Dank, dass du in deiner Liebe über mir wachst und mich heute auf deinem Weg führst.
Gott verliert uns nie aus den Augen.
Von David McCasland
© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot
Notre Pain Quotidien - Toujours sous son aile
Lisez : Psaume 32.1‑11 | La Bible en un an : Exode 27 – 28 et Matthieu 21.1-22
Je t’instruirai et te montrerai la voie que tu dois suivre ; je te conseillerai, j’aurai le regard sur toi. (Psaume 32.8)
Le jour où notre fille cadette était
en vol de Munich à Barcelone, je suis allé visiter mon site de tracé de
vols préféré pour suivre sa progression. Après avoir entré son numéro de
vol, j’ai pu constater que l’avion avait traversé l’Autriche et
longeait maintenant le nord de l’Italie. De là, l’avion allait survoler
la Méditerranée au sud de la Riviera française, pour arriver à l’heure
prévue. J’avais l’impression que la seule chose que j’ignorais, c’était
ce que le personnel de bord servait au déjeuner !
Pourquoi me souciais‑je donc de la
localisation et de la situation de ma fille ? Parce que je l’aime. Je
m’intéresse à la personne qu’elle est, à ce qu’elle fait et à sa
progression dans la vie.
Dans le Psaume 32, David célèbre les
merveilles du pardon, de la direction et de l’intérêt que Dieu nous
accorde. Contrairement à un père humain, il connaît chaque détail de
notre vie et les besoins les plus profonds de notre coeur. Sa promesse
est la suivante : « Je t’instruirai et te montrerai la voie que tu dois
suivre ; je te conseillerai, j’aurai le regard sur toi » (V. 8).
Quelle que soit notre situation
aujourd’hui, nous pouvons compter sur la présence et l’intérêt de Dieu,
puisqu’il est écrit que « celui qui se confie en l’Éternel est environné
de sa grâce » (V. 10).
Nous ne sommes jamais hors de la vue et des bons soins de Dieu.
par David McCasland
© 2017 Ministères NPQ
Хліб Наш Насущній - Постійна Божа турбота
Читати: Псалом 31:1-11 | Біблія за рік: Вихід 27−28 ; Матвія 21:1-22
Я… буду навчати тебе у дорозі, якою ти будеш ходити, Я дам тобі раду, Моє око вважає на тебе! — Псалом 31:8
Того дня, коли наша молодша донька летіла з Мюнхена до Барселони, я зайшов на свій улюблений сайт, де можна побачити рух літаків в онлайн-режимі. Коли я знайшов її літак, то побачив на екрані комп’ютера, що він вже перетнув Австрію і огинає північну частину Італії. Потім літак мав летіти над Середземним морем, над півднем Французької Рив’єри, прямуючи до Іспанії. Час показував, що літак дотримується графіка руху. Здавалося, я знаю все про літак – не знав тільки яку страву готують бортпровідники!
Чому я так уважно слідкував за місцезнаходженням цього літака та всіма деталями його польоту? Тому що люблю свою доньку. Мені не байдуже, де вона, що робить, і куди її веде життєвий шлях.
У Псалмі 31 Давид оспівує Боже чудесне прощення, керівництво, Його піклування про нас. На відміну від будь-якого земного батька, Бог знає кожну деталь нашого життя і найглибші потреби наших сердець. Бог дав нам наступну обітницю: “Я… буду навчати тебе у дорозі, якою ти будеш ходити, Я дам тобі раду, Моє око вважає на тебе!” (Пс. 31:8).
Якими б не були сьогодні обставини, ми можемо покладатись на Божу присутність та Його піклування – адже “хто надію свою покладає на Господа, того милість оточує!” (Пс. 31:10).
© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній
Я… буду навчати тебе у дорозі, якою ти будеш ходити, Я дам тобі раду, Моє око вважає на тебе! — Псалом 31:8
Того дня, коли наша молодша донька летіла з Мюнхена до Барселони, я зайшов на свій улюблений сайт, де можна побачити рух літаків в онлайн-режимі. Коли я знайшов її літак, то побачив на екрані комп’ютера, що він вже перетнув Австрію і огинає північну частину Італії. Потім літак мав летіти над Середземним морем, над півднем Французької Рив’єри, прямуючи до Іспанії. Час показував, що літак дотримується графіка руху. Здавалося, я знаю все про літак – не знав тільки яку страву готують бортпровідники!
Чому я так уважно слідкував за місцезнаходженням цього літака та всіма деталями його польоту? Тому що люблю свою доньку. Мені не байдуже, де вона, що робить, і куди її веде життєвий шлях.
У Псалмі 31 Давид оспівує Боже чудесне прощення, керівництво, Його піклування про нас. На відміну від будь-якого земного батька, Бог знає кожну деталь нашого життя і найглибші потреби наших сердець. Бог дав нам наступну обітницю: “Я… буду навчати тебе у дорозі, якою ти будеш ходити, Я дам тобі раду, Моє око вважає на тебе!” (Пс. 31:8).
Якими б не були сьогодні обставини, ми можемо покладатись на Божу присутність та Його піклування – адже “хто надію свою покладає на Господа, того милість оточує!” (Пс. 31:10).
Дорогий Отче Небесний, дякую Тобі за те, що сьогодні пильнуєш мене з любов’ю і ведеш мене Своєю стежиною.
Ми постійно в полі зору Бога й під Його ніжною опікою.
Автор Давид Маккасланд
© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній
Хлеб наш насущный - Окружены заботой
Читать сейчас: Псалом 31:1-11 | Библия за год: Исход 27-28; Матфея 21:1-22
«Вразумлю тебя, наставлю тебя на путь, по которому тебе идти; буду направлять тебя, око Мое над тобой». — Псалом 31:8
Когда наша младшая дочь летела из Мюнхена в Барселону, я зашел на сайт отслеживания полетов, чтобы видеть, где она сейчас находится. Введя номер ее рейса, я обнаружил, что самолет только что пересек Австрию и теперь находится над северной частью Италии. Оттуда курс пролег через Средиземное море к югу от Французской Ривьеры и прибыл в Испанию как раз в назначенное время. Казалось, что единственное, чего я не мог узнать, – это что в тот день было на обед.
Почему я интересовался подробностями полета дочери? Потому что я ее люблю. Мне хочется знать, где она, что делает и куда идет по жизни.
В Псалме 31 Давид радуется Божьему прощению, водительству и заботе. В отличие от земных родителей, Бог знает все подробности нашей жизни, а также глубочайшие нужды наших сердец. Его обетование таково: «Вразумлю тебя, наставлю тебя на путь, по которому тебе идти; буду направлять тебя, око Мое над тобой» (Пс. 31:8).
Какими бы ни были обстоятельства нашей жизни, мы можем положиться на Божье присутствие и заботу, потому что «уповающего на Господа окружает милость» (Пс. 31:10).
© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный
«Вразумлю тебя, наставлю тебя на путь, по которому тебе идти; буду направлять тебя, око Мое над тобой». — Псалом 31:8
Когда наша младшая дочь летела из Мюнхена в Барселону, я зашел на сайт отслеживания полетов, чтобы видеть, где она сейчас находится. Введя номер ее рейса, я обнаружил, что самолет только что пересек Австрию и теперь находится над северной частью Италии. Оттуда курс пролег через Средиземное море к югу от Французской Ривьеры и прибыл в Испанию как раз в назначенное время. Казалось, что единственное, чего я не мог узнать, – это что в тот день было на обед.
Почему я интересовался подробностями полета дочери? Потому что я ее люблю. Мне хочется знать, где она, что делает и куда идет по жизни.
В Псалме 31 Давид радуется Божьему прощению, водительству и заботе. В отличие от земных родителей, Бог знает все подробности нашей жизни, а также глубочайшие нужды наших сердец. Его обетование таково: «Вразумлю тебя, наставлю тебя на путь, по которому тебе идти; буду направлять тебя, око Мое над тобой» (Пс. 31:8).
Какими бы ни были обстоятельства нашей жизни, мы можем положиться на Божье присутствие и заботу, потому что «уповающего на Господа окружает милость» (Пс. 31:10).
Дорогой Небесный Отец, благодарю Тебя за заботу, любовь и руководство на Твоем пути.
Бог никогда не теряет нас из виду.
автор: Дэвид Маккасланд
© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный
The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, January 31, 2017
The Old Testament Lesson
The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Isaiah 52:1-12
Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for the uncircumcised and the unclean shall enter you no more. Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion! For thus says the LORD: You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money. For thus says the Lord GOD: Long ago, my people went down into Egypt to reside there as aliens; the Assyrian, too, has oppressed them without cause. Now therefore what am I doing here, says the LORD, seeing that my people are taken away without cause? Their rulers howl, says the LORD, and continually, all day long, my name is despised. Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Epistle Lesson
The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Galatians 4:12-20
Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Holy Gospel Lesson
The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 8:1-10
Glory be to Thee, O Lord
In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, "I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way-- and some of them have come from a great distance." His disciples replied, "How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven." Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
Here ends the Gospel lesson for today.
Glory be to Thee ,O Christ!
Morning Psalms
Psalm 61 Exaudi, Deus
1 Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer.
2 I call upon you from the ends of the earth with heaviness in my heart; set me upon the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 I will dwell in your house for ever; I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have granted me the heritage of those who fear your Name.
6 Add length of days to the king's life; let his years extend over many generations.
7 Let him sit enthroned before God for ever; bid love and faithfulness watch over him.
8 So will I always sing the praise of your Name, and day by day I will fulfill my vows.
Psalm 62 Nonne Deo?
1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail me to crush me, all of you together, as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4 They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; lies are their chief delight.
5 They bless with their lips, but in their hearts they curse.
6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8 In God is my safety and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 68 Exsurgat Deus
1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7 O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10 Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word; great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12 Kings with their armies are fleeing away; the women at home are dividing the spoils.
13 Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver, whose feathers are like green gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings, it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15 O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain, at the hill which God chose for his resting place? truly, the LORD will dwell there for ever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18 You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the Lord day by day, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20 He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the LORD, by whom we escape death.
21 God shall crush the heads of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of those who go on still in their wickedness.
22 The Lord has said, "I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea;
23 That your foot may be dipped in blood, the tongues of your dogs in the blood of your enemies."
24 They see your procession, O God, your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25 The singers go before, musicians follow after, in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26 Bless God in the congregation; bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27 There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head; the princes of Judah in a company; and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28 Send forth your strength, O God; establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29 Kings shall bring gifts to you, for your temple's sake at Jerusalem.
30 Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31 Trample down those who lust after silver; scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32 Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35 Ascribe power to God; his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!
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 - January 31, 2017
Psalm 86:5 (NIV) You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Read all of Psalm 86
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 - "When Sorrow Is Good"
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT)
C. S. Lewis said, "Repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years."
We read of people in the Bible who were sorry, but they weren't repentant. For example, a hardened Pharaoh admitted his sin. In Exodus we read, "Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron. 'This time I have sinned,' he confessed. 'The Lord is the righteous one, and my people and I are wrong.'" (9:27). Yet Pharaoh went on to deliberately sin against God and His people.
An insincere king Saul admitted his sin, saying to Samuel, "I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD'S command" (1 Samuel 15:24). But that didn't stop Saul from going on a collision course with judgment.
The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked how to have eternal life. When Jesus told him, he went away sorrowful but not repentant. He wasn't willing to change.
These people were experiencing what the apostle Paul called "worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, [and] results in spiritual death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
There is a difference between remorse and repentance. This is important to understand. People are sorry when their sin catches up with them. They are sorry when they begin to reap what they sow. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are repentant.
If you are truly sorry in a godly way, then you not only will have remorse for what you have done, but you also will change your behavior.
This should be a warning to us not to take spiritual truth for granted. Let us not sit by passively and listen without any real intent to apply it to our lives.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 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.
C. S. Lewis said, "Repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years."
We read of people in the Bible who were sorry, but they weren't repentant. For example, a hardened Pharaoh admitted his sin. In Exodus we read, "Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron. 'This time I have sinned,' he confessed. 'The Lord is the righteous one, and my people and I are wrong.'" (9:27). Yet Pharaoh went on to deliberately sin against God and His people.
An insincere king Saul admitted his sin, saying to Samuel, "I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD'S command" (1 Samuel 15:24). But that didn't stop Saul from going on a collision course with judgment.
The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked how to have eternal life. When Jesus told him, he went away sorrowful but not repentant. He wasn't willing to change.
These people were experiencing what the apostle Paul called "worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, [and] results in spiritual death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
There is a difference between remorse and repentance. This is important to understand. People are sorry when their sin catches up with them. They are sorry when they begin to reap what they sow. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are repentant.
If you are truly sorry in a godly way, then you not only will have remorse for what you have done, but you also will change your behavior.
This should be a warning to us not to take spiritual truth for granted. Let us not sit by passively and listen without any real intent to apply it to our lives.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 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 - La libertad está en Dios
No amen al mundo ni nada de lo que hay en él [...] El mundo se acaba con sus malos deseos, pero el que hace la voluntad de Dios permanece para siempre. (1 Juan 2:15, 17, NVI)
¿Por qué le doy al pensamiento de hoy el nombre de «La libertad está en Dios»? Porque no solo es bíblico, sino que es real. Hace unos meses pude conocer a un oyente muy jovencito, de veintidós años. Su nombre es Víctor Huete y fue cabecilla de un grupo de las «Maras Salvatruchas». Mediante una carta que envió a nuestra radio, nos contó cómo llegó a formar parte de esa pandilla desde los catorce años de edad, cómo cometió una serie de actos para integrarse al grupo y los pactos que estableció directamente con Satanás. También contó que desde que llegó a la cárcel, después de caer preso en la ciudad de Miami, se reconcilia con Dios y le reconoce como su Salvador. En medio de la soledad y la frustración por estar en una cárcel, este joven comienza su andar con Jesús. Hoy en día, su vida está transformada. Así que, en la cárcel, les habla a otros de la Palabra y de sus experiencias, al decirles de dónde lo rescató el Señor. Ahora, con autoridad, evita que otros jóvenes caigan en ese mundo oscuro y cruel de las pandillas. No obstante, lo más hermoso es que en su cara hay paz. Su carita refleja el amor de Dios y, lo que es más importante, en medio de esa cárcel, de esa celda donde todavía permanece, ha encontrado lo que muchos no tienen a pesar de que viven en su propia casa: «LIBERTAD».
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 WINNER!
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)
The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them.
After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn’t stop them. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him.
After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee. Then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted.
His father ran onto the field and said, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.”
“Daddy,” the boy sobbed, “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me.”
“Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. Go on, now.” The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.
I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume with rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless. And my Father rushes right out on the field—right in front of the whole jeering, laughing world—and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says:
“Son, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son. And because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you - The Winner!”
RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in my Father’s love and support. I will not give up as the battle rages.
PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your love and for declaring me a winner!
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
(1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)
The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them.
After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn’t stop them. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him.
After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee. Then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted.
His father ran onto the field and said, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.”
“Daddy,” the boy sobbed, “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me.”
“Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. Go on, now.” The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.
I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume with rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless. And my Father rushes right out on the field—right in front of the whole jeering, laughing world—and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says:
“Son, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son. And because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you - The Winner!”
RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in my Father’s love and support. I will not give up as the battle rages.
PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your love and for declaring me a winner!
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Girlfriends in God - Why Your Redemption Story Isn’t Yours
by Gwen Smith
‘Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching’ (John 14:23a, NIV).
Friend to Friend
There is a feature on my cell phone that allows me to decline an incoming call. There are a thousand reasons why I might choose to hit the “decline” button when my phone rings. Sometimes I’m writing and have a deadline to make. Decline. Sometimes a call comes in when I’m mid-conversation with a friend or when I’m connecting with my family. Decline. At times, true confessions here, I decline a call simply because I don’t have the energy or desire to talk to the person who’s calling me at that moment. (Don’t even judge me. You do it too.)
Similarly, there are times in my life when I try to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if I were declining a cell phone call. Times when I just don’t feel like doing what I know God wants me to do. Times when I don’t want to hear the still small voice that whispers to my soul: “forgive him” – “release your anger” – “humble yourself and ask for forgiveness” or “focus on my plan for you … not on my plan for another person.”
One such time took place several years ago in Tennessee. It was after the final session of a three-day ministry event. I was focused and fervent, determined to head home to my husband and three children as quickly as possible. I busied myself wrapping microphone cords, loading products from my resource table, and prepping to leave. While I was mid-busy, a friendly thirty-something woman came up to me with her friend. I was courteous to them, but in a “see-you-later, girlfriend” kind of way.
Not getting my subtle clues, this woman inquired excitedly about the book I was in the middle of writing. I lifted my head with surprise as she announced, “I can’t wait to read your book! Your enthusiasm for the Lord is so contagious, and I just know you have an amazing testimony!”
Then she and her friend stood there expectantly. Decline.
Okay, feel my pain here. It was day three of a three-day event! I was exhausted. I was done. Yet this woman and her friend wanted to hear my testimony. So, I did what any normal fleshy woman would do. I told God, Not now, Lord. I’m going home. I’ve done what I came to do and now I’m going home to my family. I’m tired, slightly grumpy, definitely hungry, and done. I can’t tell these girls about my abortion right now! Nope. Not going to go there. Please don’t ask me to!
So I looked up at these two sweet women and, with a forced smile, said, “Yeah, I’ve got a doozy of a story, but don’t we all? Thank God for grace.”
There! Now they should leave me alone, I thought.
But God kept nudging my heart. Tell them, Gwen.
Before I had a chance to continue my dialog with the Lord, another couple of women came to join our conversation. I was so not amused.
God, are You kidding me? We are done here!
But He kept nudging.
So I finally conceded and shared my testimony with the six women who had gathered to speak to me. Within minutes, two of the six were crying. They’d had abortions as well and for years had lived under the weight of shame. We instantly became a bonded band of blubbering sisters. The story of my redemption from brokenness and the beauty of healing I found in Christ had become a tool in the hands of God that afternoon.
What had once been a wound became a weapon… but only because I accepted the call. (Even if it did take me a while to concede.)
Jesus told his disciples that if they loved Him, they would obey His commands and His teachings (John 14:15-27). A simple if-then statement. If you love me, then you will obey. He also told them that when He returned to the Father in heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit to teach, to guide in truth, to convict of sin and to remind believers of what Jesus taught (John 16:7-14). To help us. To empower us.
The Spirit of God lives within every Christ follower. He equips us for each task as we yield to His leading. When God prompts us to do something on His behalf, He is faithful to lead the way and to bless our obedience – for His own glory. It’s all about His glory. He simply wants our willingness and our obedience.
Friend, God’s plans need to be our plans … even if His plans seem to “interrupt” our plans. Let’s be women who accept His call. Are you willing today?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times when I’ve chosen my plan over Your plan. Align my will and heart to Yours. Help me to express my love for You by obeying your Word and by responding to the promptings of Your Spirit so that You can be glorified in and through me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Is there something God is calling you to do today? Are you withholding forgiveness from someone? Are you aware of a need that God wants you to meet? Does He want you end a toxic relationship? Spend a few minutes in prayer about this.
God calls each of us to be witnesses of His hope. Right before He ascended into heaven, Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, emphasis added.) That call—that commission—will look different for each of us.
Friend, what does this look like for you today? Let’s talk about it and pray for each other on my blog. Leave a comment, prayer need, or thought on my wall and let’s take this discussion deeper.
More from the Girlfriends
Portions of today’s devotion are excerpts 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
Seeking God?
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