The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, February 21, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Ruth 1:15-22

So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die-- there will I be buried. May the LORD do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!" When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, "Is this Naomi?" She said to them, "Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty; why call me Naomi when the LORD has dealt harshly with me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?" So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God-- and all the more toward you. For we write you nothing other than what you can read and also understand; I hope you will understand until the end-- as you have already understood us in part-- that on the day of the Lord Jesus we are your boast even as you are our boast. Since I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a double favor; I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on to Judea. Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards, ready to say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been "Yes and No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not "Yes and No" but in him it is always "Yes." For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God. But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Matthew 5:13-20
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

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

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.

Verse of the Day - February 21, 2017

Romans 13:9-10 (NIV) The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Read all of Romans 13

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 - "People of Purpose"

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

—Acts 11:23 (NKJV)

Psychologist William Moulton Marston surveyed 3,000 people and asked them, “What do you have to live for?”

He was shocked to find that of the people who responded, 94 percent were simply enduring the present while they were waiting for the future. They described this as waiting for something to happen. They were waiting for children to grow up and leave home, waiting for next year, waiting for another time to take a dreamed-about trip. They were waiting for tomorrow.

We can spend our whole lives waiting for something to happen, and meanwhile, our lives are passing by. We have no purpose. We have no direction. We’re throwing them away.

As someone has said, “Some men die by shrapnel, and some go down in flames, but most men perish inch by inch, playing at little games.”

Purpose is vital. It’s an anchor in storm. It’s a base in battle.

We read in the New Testament that when Barnabas visited the believers in Antioch, he “encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23).

Ephesians 2 describes us before our commitment to Christ: “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (verses 1–2).

That’s how we lived. But then we found out there was a God. We discovered His Word. We found there were absolutes to live by in life—right and wrong, true and false, black and white. We became men and women of purpose.

Do other people know what you stand for? If you don’t stand for something, you are liable to fall for anything.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2016 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Vístete siempre de amor

Cuando estéis orando, perdonad, si tenéis algo contra alguno, para que también vuestro Padre que está en los cielos os perdone a vosotros vuestras ofensas. Marcos 11:25-26 (RV-60)

¿Amar a nuestros enemigos? ¿Orar por ellos? ¿Tener pensa-mientos de bienestar para el que te ha hecho mal? Parece muy raro, ¿verdad? No obstante, las Escrituras nos enseñan todo lo contrario. Mira lo diferente que piensa Dios:

Ora por tus enemigos. Si alguien te da una bofetada, pon la otra mejilla. Si te piden algo, sírvele y bendice su vida. Si pecan contra ti, perdona hasta setenta veces siete. Quizá me digas: «¡Increíble, Claudia! ¿Cómo voy a hacer todo esto con el que me maltrató, me robó, me mintió, me engañó, me explotó y me maldijo? ¡Imposible!».

Hoy quiero que puedas, con la ayuda siempre de Dios, cambiar esa manera de pensar y ser obediente a lo que Él espera de nosotros.

La Biblia dice que debemos arreglar las cuentas con los que estamos mal. La Palabra también nos advierte que si no perdonamos, Dios no nos podrá perdonar, y nos hace ver en varias oportunidades que el mejor ejemplo de humildad, de misericordia y de perdón nos lo da Dios al perdonar nuestros pecados, nuestras faltas.

¿Te imaginas que Dios nos dijera: «De ninguna manera, como hiciste esto, no te puedo perdonar, así que te condeno»? ¡Qué triste sería!

En mi caso, he experimentado la libertad que se siente cuando perdonamos. Es una sensación de independencia cuando liberas a esa persona que has tenido atada con tu rencor y con tu odio. Entonces, de inmediato, te liberas tú también.

Vistámonos siempre de amor y, recuerda, Dios no se desilusionó de nadie porque nunca se ilusionó con nadie.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón. Versión Reina-Valera 1960 © Sociedades Bíblicas en América Latina, 1960. Renovado © Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas, 1988.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - FEAR OF DEATH

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Satan uses and plays on one of the basic elements and instincts of our nature—fear. It is natural for finite man to fear—especially the fear of the unknown, the fear of being hurt and the fear of death. There is nothing more Satan would like than to see us paralyzed with fear just like King Saul when facing the Philistines and Goliath.

Why do we allow fear to be so controlling? On the one hand, we have past experiences that we don’t want to relive and on the other hand, we are very hesitant about what might lay ahead. But often the events and situations creating most fear in people have no basis in reality.
All fear is based on perception. Thus fear has been described in the English language as an acronym for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” If we could consciously remember this, it would help us to allay many fears. But that false evidence sometimes is so convincing! However, we must always realize that dread and fear—like other tactics of the enemy—are based on a lie. This is why throughout the scriptures we are repeatedly commanded—366 times—to “fear not.” It is intensely liberating for our witness when we personally overcome the fear of death. This allows us to focus on Christ and His kingdom.

Living as a Christian under Romania’s dictatorship posed extreme difficulties and dangers. Even though Rev. Joseph Tson had counted the cost and served the Lord and His flock faithfully, he feared the day that he would be called in by security. He knew the possibility of facing death was inevitable.

The day that Joseph feared arrived. Security officers arrived at his home one day and took him to their headquarters. He was instructed to sit on a chair and a gun was put to his head. “The choice is easy,” came the commander’s voice. “Deny Jesus or we pull the trigger.”

This was indeed the moment that Joseph feared all through his ministry. But suddenly the Spirit of the Lord filled his whole being. “If you kill me today you will do me a great favor. All my sermons that were recorded will be in great demand because I will be a martyr for Christ. You will help me greatly to share my messages. You will also help me to go to my Lord quickly!” Joseph fearlessly replied.

The officer dropped the gun. “You Christians are crazy,” he shouted and then commanded the officers to take Joseph back home.

Joseph’s life was spared but in a sense he lost it that day. “Never again did I fear what man can do to me. Never again did I fear to lose my life,” Joseph concluded.

RESPONSE: Today I will not allow Satan’s favorite tactic of fear and intimidation to conquer me in any way.

PRAYER: Lord, enable me to overcome the fear of physical death as I realize that I am already dead to myself in You. May this be true today too for believers in conflict zones of our world.

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

Girlfriends in God - A Lesson Learned on Monkey Bars

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

He (God) is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7, NLT).

Friend to Friend

One of our grandchildren is seven years old and desperately wants to learn how to maneuver Monkey Bars. “Mimi, will you take me to the park so I can practice?” Justus asked. “Absolutely, honey! Let’s do this!” I responded. I remembered how hard I worked to become the fastest girl on Monkey Bars when I was in first grade. I was certain I could help Justus, so off we went!

When we got to the playground, not another person was there. Perfect! I looked at Justus and said, “Show me what you have learned so far.” Justus grinned and started toward the bars. He then stopped and said, “I have only tried once, Mimi. You have a lot of work to do.” I was up for the task!

I soon saw the problem. Justus climbed the ladder, put one hand on the closest bar, let go and swung to the second bar. That was it. He wouldn’t let go of the first bar in order to swing to the third bar. He looked like an adorable human wishbone. After working with him for about 15 minutes, he was zipping down those bars like a monkey. The grin on his face was priceless!

The thought occurred to me that we often have the same problem Justus had. We refuse to let go of the past in order to reach out and take hold of what God has for us next. Dealing with and letting go of the past is essential to our spiritual growth.

In fact, one of the key factors in my ongoing battle with clinical depression is letting go of past sin and pain. The shadows of yesterday can so easily become the dark clouds of today. In order to deal with the darkness life can hold, we must deal with sin – first, in a personal relationship with Christ and then on a daily basis as a believer.

Every believer has two problems when it comes to dealing with sin. First, we must confess sin. I know it sounds simple, but so many of us have lost our sensitivity to sin because we are aligned with the world instead of with God. The mark of a believer growing in grace is sensitivity to sin.

When I was a little girl, I hated wearing shoes. But when the first day of summer came along, I would kick off my shoes and store them in my closet – wearing them only when absolutely necessary. Even now, I can remember the painful sensations of playing on the gravel road beside our house. The sharp rocks cut and bruised my tender feet – at first - but by summer’s end, my feet were rough and calloused. I could run, jump and play for hours on the rocks that had once caused so much pain.

Sin is much the same. The first time we commit a sin, it breaks our heart, but the next time we commit that same sin, it doesn’t hurt quite as much. Our heart becomes calloused to that sin we repeatedly commit and a foothold is formed, making a place for darkness to reside. We must confess sin completely, confidently and continually. Jesus is faithful and will keep His promise to forgive and to cleanse us from all sin.

Psalm 103:12 (NIV) “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

The second problem we have with sin is forgetting forgiven sin. Is it even possible to experience true forgiveness? While we can’t totally blot out a memory, we can make sure it’s no longer a live issue in our lives. God’s way seems too easy – to just ask and receive. We act as if the Holy Spirit needs our help or as if what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. We feel like we must make additional payments for our sin by doing something when Micah 7:19 is clear about God’s attitude toward our sin, “Once again You will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under Your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean” (NLT). The problem comes when we revisit confessed sin, when we “go fishing” in the waters of our past.

The core of any pit in life is often riddled with sin we have never acknowledged or dealt with. Guilt and shame surround each transgression and since condemnation seems like the logical solution, we allow the darkness to consume us as payment for each sin. Like Justus, we need to learn how to let go and move on.

Let’s Pray

Father, I am so tired of trying to live today while carrying the baggage of my past. Please give me the courage to face the sins I have tried so hard to bury. Help me turn away from each one, leaving it in Your hands. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace, Your mercy and Your love. Please fill my heart with the light of Your forgiveness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn

Victory over the past requires action on your part. You must be willing to take several steps of faith and obedience.

1. I understand forgiveness requires repentance.
2. I choose to confront and turn from the sin in my life.
3. I am willing to destroy any paths that might lead to that same sin.
4. I trust God for the power to practice repentance and praise Him for the forgiveness He offers.
5. I choose to walk in God’s promise found in Romans 6:22, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.“

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion can and will change your life if you apply it personally. You don’t have to understand it all to have it all, girlfriend. Accept His love. Surrender the pain and sin of your past to His forgiveness and healing power. Come to Him just as you are. If you made that decision today, we would love to hear from you so we can pray for you as you begin your new journey with God.

Mary’s CD, How to Get Past Your Past, will encourage you as she shares her own personal story of victory over the pain and grip of the past in her life.

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

LHM Daily Devotion - "Benefits and Perks"

February 21, 2017

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!  - Psalm 106:1 (ESV)

When I was a young man, many, many years ago, most folks hoped to find a good job.

A good job was one that would always be there, which paid a fine salary, and came with a nice retirement plan. At such a job a person might stay his entire working career.

But times have changed. Retirement plans are no longer offered by many companies and very few job-seekers are ready to commit their lives to a company. Yes, times have changed and one of those changes deals with benefits and perks. A benefit and perk are those extra somethings a company may offer so it can get and keep the very best employees possible. According to a recent survey benefits and perks are the most important thing to some job applicants.

And if you're wondering what kind of benefits some companies offer, how about

1. Facebook, which offers healthcare coverage and free housing for its interns, many of whom make more than $7,000 a month;
2. In-N-Out Burger tells employees they can have a free Double-Double burger and fries for each shift they work;
3. Deloitte offers sabbatical programs; the first lasts one month and can be taken for any reason; the second at 44 percent salary, runs 3-6 months;
4. Genentech gives their employees on-site perks such as car washes, haircuts, a childcare center, a mobile spa, and a dentist.

Now I think all that's wonderful, but these companies cannot match the benefits the Lord bestows. No, I'm not talking about heaven, although heaven would be enough. I'm speaking of the many here-and-now blessings the Lord gives us -- such as

• Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
• Isaiah 41:10a -  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
• Isaiah 54:10a - Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet  My unfailing love for you  will not be shaken nor be removed.
• Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope;
• Psalm 9:10 - Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.

No doubt you can list other benefits the Lord has given. If not, it's time to search the Scriptures and try to get just a glimpse of the graciousness of the Triune God.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, each day we live is filled with blessings that come from Your hand. May we see, appreciate and offer praise for these blessings both great and small, temporary and eternal. In the Savior's Name I pray 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.

CPTLN Devocional - La victoria de Jesús

21 de Febrero 2017

"¡Pero gracias sean dadas a Dios, de que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo! Así que, amados hermanos míos, manténganse firmes y constantes, y siempre creciendo en la obra del Señor, seguros de que el trabajo de ustedes en el Señor no carece de sentido."

1 Corintios 15:57-58 (RVC)

Hace unos años había una canción que mencionaba algunas cosas que uno no debía hacer, como por ejemplo salivar contra el viento, o desenmascarar al Llanero Solitario, etc.

También hace unos años, una agencia de noticias publicó una historia que hablaba de otra cosa que una persona inteligente debería evitar hacer: tratar de robar la casa del entonces jugador de los Green Bay Packers (equipo de fútbol americano), Noah Herron.

Porque eso fue lo que dos hombres hicieron. Al escuchar el ruido de vidrios rotos en la planta baja de su casa, Herron enseguida llamó a la policía. Y cuando uno de los ladrones entró en su dormitorio, lo golpeó con uno de los postes que había desatornillado de su cama. Ese ladrón terminó en el hospital y el otro en la policía.

¿Qué tiene que ver esa historia con nosotros? A mí me parece que es una buena historia para que los cristianos recordemos, porque para los que nos ven de afuera, los cristianos somos como la casa de Herron--fáciles de burlar y de ser abusados.

Pero lo que el mundo incrédulo no sabe, es que los cristianos nunca estamos solos, sino que el salvador Jesucristo vive siempre en nuestros corazones. Y porque él vive en nuestros corazones, si el pecado, el diablo o la muerte quieren robarnos, primero tienen que pasar por él.

Nuestro Salvador ha demostrado con su vida, sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección, que de ninguna manera va a dejar que un ladrón nos aparte de Él. Es debido a esto, que San Pablo pudo escribir un mensaje de consuelo y aliento a la iglesia de Corinto, mensaje que es válido también hoy para usted y para mí: "¡Pero gracias a Dios, que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo!"

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, gracias a tu sacrificio en la cruz estoy a salvo de quienes quieren imponerse en mi vida para tratar de robar mi alma. Ayúdame para que, por la victoria que tú me das, pueda vivir en agradecimiento a ti y testimonio a quienes me rodean. 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 - The Viral Gospel

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 1–3; Mark 3

The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. 1 Thessalonians 1:8

The Viral Texts project at Northeastern University in Boston is studying how printed content in the 1800s spread through newspapers—the social media network of that day. If an article was reprinted 50 times or more, they considered that “viral” for the Industrial Age. Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Britt Peterson noted that a nineteenth-century news article describing which followers of Jesus were executed for their faith appeared in at least 110 different publications.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, he commended them for their bold and joyful witness to Jesus. “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1 Thess. 1:8). The message of the gospel went viral through these people whose lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ. In spite of difficulties and persecution, they could not remain silent.

We convey the story of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ through kind hearts, helping hands, and honest words from all of us who know the Lord. The gospel transforms us and the lives of those we meet.

May the message ring out from us for all to hear today!

Lord Jesus, help us to live boldly and tell others about You today.

Share with others at Facebook.com/ourdailybread how you have been able to live boldly for the Lord.

There’s no better news than the gospel—spread the word!

By David McCasland

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Phúc Âm Lan Truyền

Đọc: I Tê-sa-lô-ni-ca 1:1-10 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 1-3; Mác 3

Vì đạo Chúa từ anh em đã vang ra không những trong miền Ma-xê-đô-ni-a và A-chai thôi, mà đức tin của anh em trong Đức Chúa Trời cũng đã lan truyền khắp nơi. (I Tê-sa-lô-ni-ca 1:8)

Dự án Những Bản Văn Lan Truyền tại Đại học Northeastern ở Boston là một nghiên cứu xem thử những nội dung được in ấn vào những năm 1800 đã lan truyền thông qua báo chí – là mạng lưới truyền thông xã hội thời bấy giờ – như thế nào. Nếu một bài báo được in lại 50 lần trở lên, thì người ta coi đó là “lan truyền” đối với thời đại công nghiệp. Trên tạp chí Smithsonia, Britt Peterson ghi nhận các tin tức ở thế kỷ 19 mô tả việc những người theo Chúa Jêsus bị hành quyết vì đức tin đã xuất hiện ít nhất trong 110 ấn phẩm khác nhau.

Khi sứ đồ Phao-lô viết cho các tín hữu tại Tê-sa-lô-ni-ca, ông khen ngợi họ về lời chứng mạnh mẽ và đầy vui mừng của họ. “Vì đạo Chúa từ anh em đã vang ra không những trong miền Ma-xê-đô-ni-a và A-chai thôi, mà đức tin của anh em trong Đức Chúa Trời cũng đã lan truyền khắp nơi” (1 Tê-sa-lô-ni-ca 1:8). Sứ điệp Phúc Âm này “lan truyền” thông qua những người được Chúa Jêsus biến đổi cuộc đời. Bất chấp những khó khăn và bắt bớ, họ không thể nín lặng.

Chúng ta có thể truyền rao câu chuyện tha thứ và sự sống đời đời của Chúa Jêsus thông qua tấm lòng tử tế, bàn tay giúp đỡ và những lời nói chân thành từ những người biết Chúa. Phúc Âm biến cải chúng ta và cuộc đời của những người chúng ta gặp gỡ.

Nguyện sứ điệp từ chúng ta ngân vang cho mọi người đều nghe!

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, hôm nay xin giúp chúng con dạn dĩ sống cho Chúa và chia sẻ cho người khác về Ngài. Chia sẻ với người khác cách bạn có thể sống dạn dĩ cho Chúa tại trang Facebook Lời Sống Hằng Ngày – ODB Việt Nam: www.facebook.com/vietnamese.odb/

Không có tin tức nào tốt hơn Tin Lành – Hãy rao truyền tin ấy!

bởi David McCasland

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - El evangelio viral

Leer: 1 Tes 1:1-10 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 3

Porque partiendo de vosotros ha sido divulgada la palabra del Señor, […] en todo lugar vuestra fe en Dios se ha extendido (1 Tesalonicenses 1:8).

El proyecto Texto viral de la Universidad Northeastern de Boston está estudiando cómo se difundía en el siglo xix el material impreso a través de los periódicos, la red social de esa época. Si un artículo se reimprimía 50 veces o más, lo consideraban «viral» para la era industrial. Un informe de la revista Smithsonian señala que un artículo de aquel siglo, que describía que los seguidores de Jesús habían sido ejecutados por su fe, apareció en, al menos, 110 publicaciones.

Cuando el apóstol Pablo les escribió a los cristianos en Tesalónica, los felicitó por su testimonio valiente y gozoso de Jesús: «partiendo de vosotros ha sido divulgada la palabra del Señor, no sólo en Macedonia y Acaya, sino que también en todo lugar vuestra fe en Dios se ha extendido» (1 Tesalonicenses 1:8). El mensaje del evangelio se viralizó a través de estas personas cuyas vidas Jesucristo había transformado. A pesar de las dificultades y la persecución, no podían quedarse callados.

Los que conocemos al Señor, comunicamos la historia del perdón y la vida eterna en Cristo a través de nuestros corazones generosos, manos colaboradoras y palabras sinceras. El evangelio transforma nuestra vida y la de aquellos con quienes nos relacionamos.

Señor, ayúdame a dar testimonio de ti a través de mi vida hoy.

No hay mejor noticia que el evangelio… ¡corre la voz!

Por David C. McCasland

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Virales Evangelium

Lesen: 1.Thessalonicher 1,1-10 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 4.Mose 1–3; Markus 3

Denn von euch aus ist das Wort des Herrn erschollen nicht allein in Mazedonien und Achaja, sondern an allen Orten ist euer Glaube an Gott bekannt geworden. 1.Thessalonicher 1,8

Das Viral Text-Projekt einer amerikanischen Universität untersucht, wie gedruckte Texte aus dem 19. Jahrhundert in Zeitungen verbreitet wurden—dem sozialen Medium jener Zeit. Wenn ein Artikel fünfzig Mal oder mehr abgedruckt wurde, wird das für das Industriezeitalter als „viral“ betrachtet. In einer Zeitschrift berichtet einer der Projekt-Mitarbeiter, dass ein Artikel aus dem 19. Jahrhundert, in dem es darum ging, wie viele Nachfolger Jesu wegen ihres Glaubens hingerichtet wurden, in mindestens 110 verschiedenen Publikationen erschien.

Als der Apostel Paulus an die Christen in Thessalonich schrieb, lobte er sie für ihr mutiges, freudiges Zeugnis für Jesus. „Von euch aus ist das Wort des Herrn erschollen nicht allein in Mazedonien und Achaja, sondern an allen Orten ist euer Glaube an Gott bekannt geworden“ (1.Thess. 1,8). Durch diese Menschen, deren Leben durch Jesus Christus verändert worden war, wurde das Evangelium viral. Trotz Schwierigkeiten und Verfolgung konnten sie nicht schweigen.

Wir verbreiten die Botschaft von Vergebung und ewigem Leben in Christus durch freundliche Herzen, helfende Hände und ehrliche Worte. Das Evangelium verändert uns und die, mit denen wir zusammenkommen.

Herr Jesus Christus, hilf uns, mutig zu sein und anderen heute von dir zu erzählen. Teile mit anderen, wie du heute mutig für Jesus leben konntest, auf facebook.com/odbdeutsch.

Es gibt keine bessere Nachricht als das Evangelium—gib sie weiter!

Von David McCasland

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - L’Évangile viral

Lisez : 1 Thessaloniciens 1.1‑10 | La Bible en un an : Nombres 1 – 3 et Marc 3

Non seulement, en effet, la parole du Seigneur a retenti de chez vous dans la Macédoine et dans l’Achaïe, mais votre foi en Dieu s’est fait connaître en tout lieu. (1 Thessaloniciens 1.8)

Dans le cadre du projet Viral Texts, la Northeastern University, à Boston, étudie comment le contenu imprimé dans les années 1800 s’est répandu par le truchement des journaux – réseau des médias sociaux de l’époque. On a découvert que, pour l’ère industrielle, l’article réimprimé 50 fois ou plus était considéré comme « viral ». Or, dans le magazine Smithsonian, Britt Peterson a fait remarquer qu’un bulletin de nouvelles du XIXe siècle indiquant quels disciples de Jésus ont été exécutés pour leur foi avait paru dans au moins 110 publications différentes.

Dans sa lettre aux chrétiens de Thessalonique, l’apôtre Paul a louangé le témoignage audacieux et joyeux qu’ils rendaient de Jésus. « [La] parole du Seigneur a retenti de chez vous dans la Macédoine et dans l’Achaïe, mais votre foi en Dieu s’est fait connaître en tout lieu » (1 TH 1.8). C’est donc dire que le message de l’Évangile est devenu viral par l’intermédiaire de ces personnes dont Jésus‑Christ avait transformé la vie. En dépit des difficultés et des persécutions, ils ne pouvaient garder le silence.

Nous tous qui connaissons le Seigneur transmettons l’histoire du pardon et de la vie éternelle en Christ au moyen d’un coeur empreint de bonté, de mains tendues pour aider et de lèvres honnêtes. La Bonne Nouvelle transforme notre vie et celle des gens dont nous croisons le chemin.

Puisse le message divin jaillir de nous aujourd’hui de sorte que tous l’entendent !

Comme il n’y a rien de mieux que la Bonne Nouvelle, annonçons‑la !

par David McCasland

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Вірусне Євангеліє

Читати: 1 Солунян 1:1-10 | Біблія за рік: Числа 1–3 ; Марка 3

Бо пронеслося Слово Господнє від вас не тільки в Македонії та в Ахаї, а й до кожного міста прийшла ваша віра в Бога. — 1 Солунян 1:8

Проект “Вірусні тексти” Північно-східного Університету, що у Бостоні, досліджує, як друковані тексти на початку 19 століття розповсюджувались через газети – соціальну мережу того часу. Якщо статтю друкували не менше 50 разів, вона вважається “вірусною” для тієї індустріальної епохи. У своїй статті в журналі “Смітсоніан” Брітт Петерсон вказував, що одну новину про страту послідовників Христа за віру було надруковано в 110 різних газетах того часу.

Коли апостол Павло писав листа до християн міста Солунь, він хвалив їх за сміливе й водночас радісне свідоцтво про Ісуса. “Бо пронеслося Слово Господнє від вас не тільки в Македонії та в Ахаї, а й до кожного міста прийшла ваша віра в Бога, так що вам непотрібно казати чогось” (1 Сол. 1:8). Отже, євангельська звістка стала “вірусною” завдяки цим людям, чиє життя було змінене Ісусом Христом. Незважаючи на всі переслідування, вони не мовчали – просто не могли не свідчити.

Ми несемо іншим звістку про прощення й вічне життя в Христі, коли люди бачать наші добрі серця, наші простягнуті руки допомоги й наші щирі слова – слова тих, хто пізнали Господа. Євангеліє змінює нас і життя тих, з ким ми зустрічаємося.

Нехай сьогодні ця добра звістка лунає від щирого серця, щоб кожен міг її почути!

Господи Ісусе, допоможи нам сьогодні сміливо свідчити іншим про Тебе.

Не існує новини кращої за Євангеліє. Несіть його всьому світу!

Автор Давид Маккасланд

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Вирусное Евангелие

 Читать сейчас: 1 Фессалоникийцам 1:1-10 | Библия за год: Числа 1-3; Марка 3

От вас пронеслось слово Господне не только в Македонии и Ахаии, но и во всяком месте прошла слава о вере вашей в Бога. — 1 Фессалоникийцам 1:8

Проект «Вирусные тексты», запущенный Северо-восточным университетом в Бостоне, изучает, как текстовые данные в XIX в. распространялись через газеты – «социальные сети» того времени. Если статья перепечатывалась 50 и более раз, они считают ее «вирусной» для той индустриальной эпохи. В журнале «Смитсониан» Бритт Петерсон отмечает одну статью того времени, в которой рассказывалось о мученической гибели христиан за их веру. Она была напечатана по меньшей мере в 110 различных газетах.

Обращаясь к христианам в Фессалонике, апостол Павел хвалит их за смелое и радостное свидетельство о Христе. «От вас пронеслось слово Господне не только в Македонии и Ахаии, но и во всяком месте прошла слава о вере вашей в Бога» (1 Фес. 1:8). Евангельская весть, словно «вирусная новость», распространилась через этих людей, чья жизнь преобразилась, благодаря влиянию Иисуса Христа. Вопреки трудностям и преследованиям, они не могли молчать.

Мы передаем повесть о прощении и вечной жизни во Христе через доброту сердец, радушную помощь и искренние слова. Евангелие преображает нас и тех, с кем мы встречаемся.
Пусть все услышат от нас эту удивительную весть!

Господь Иисус, помоги нам жить по Твоему Слову и с дерзновением свидетельствовать о тебе окружающим.

Нет лучшей новости, чем Евангелие. Свидетельствуйте!

автор: Дэвид Маккасланд

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный