The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, April 6, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Jeremiah 26:1-16

At the beginning of the reign of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, this word came from the LORD: Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD; speak to them all the words that I command you; do not hold back a word. It may be that they will listen, all of them, and will turn from their evil way, that I may change my mind about the disaster that I intend to bring on them because of their evil doings. You shall say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to heed the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently-- though you have not heeded-- then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth. The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, "You shall die! Why have you prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, 'This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant'?" And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of the LORD and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the LORD. Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, "This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears." Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, "It is the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will change his mind about the disaster that he has pronounced against you. But as for me, here I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears." Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, "This man does not deserve the sentence of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 11:1-12

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." But what is the divine reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, "God gave them a sluggish spirit, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day." And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and keep their backs forever bent." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 10:19-42

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, "He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?" Others were saying, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?" The Jews answered, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God." Jesus answered, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods'? If those to whom the word of God came were called 'gods'-- and the scripture cannot be annulled-- can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, 'I am God's Son'? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, "John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true." And many believed in him there.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 131 Domine, non est
1   O LORD, I am not proud; I have no haughty looks.
2   I do not occupy myself with great matters, or with things that are too hard for me.
3   But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother's breast; my soul is quieted within me.
4   O Israel, wait upon the LORD, from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 132 Memento, Domine
1   LORD, remember David, and all the hardships he endured;
2   How he swore an oath to the LORD and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3   I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed;
4   I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber;
5   Until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6   The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7   Let us go to God's dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
8   Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength.
9   Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
10   For your servant David's sake, do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
11   The LORD has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
12   A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne.
13   If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
14   For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired her for his habitation:
15   This shall be my resting-place for ever; here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16   I will surely bless her provisions, and satisfy her poor with bread.
17   I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18   There will I make the horn of David flourish; I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
19   As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; but as for him, his crown will shine."

Psalm 133 Ecce, quam bonum!
1   Oh, how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity!
2   It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down upon the beard,
3   Upon the beard of Aaron, and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4   It is like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5   For there the LORD has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 140 Eripe me, Domine
1   Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,
2   Who devise evil in their hearts and stir up strife all day long.
3   They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adder's poison is under their lips.
4   Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who are determined to trip me up.
5   The proud have hidden a snare for me and stretched out a net of cords; they have set traps for me along the path.
6   I have said to the LORD, "You are my God; listen, O LORD, to my supplication.
7   O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8   Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD, nor let their evil plans prosper.
9   Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10   Let hot burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again."
11   A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12   I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor and render justice to the needy.
13   Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, and the upright shall continue in your sight.

Psalm 142 Voce mea ad Dominum
1   I cry to the LORD with my voice; to the LORD I make loud supplication.
2   I pour out my complaint before him and tell him all my trouble.
3   When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4   I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.
5   I cry out to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
6   Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
7   Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your Name; when you have dealt bountifully with me, the righteous will gather around me.

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 - April 6, 2017

1 John 3:16 (NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Read all of 1 John 3

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

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Wholehearted Devotion"

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. . . .

—Mark 16:9 (NKJV)

Of all the people Jesus could have appeared to first after His Resurrection, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. It is interesting to think about, because among the Jews of the day, the testimony of a woman was not held in high regard. In fact, some of the rabbis falsely taught that it was better for the words of the Law to be burned than to be delivered by a woman. Yet Jesus chose a woman to be the first herald of His Resurrection.

It is also worth noting that women were the last at the cross and the first at the tomb. Mary had courage that many of the men did not have when Jesus was crucified. She stood by Him through it all. In fact, the Bible tells us that after He was crucified, Mary “observed where He was laid” (Mark 15:47). She watched as they took His crucified body from the cross and wrapped it and placed it in a tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. And Mary, along with the other women, was at the tomb very early on Sunday morning to demonstrate her love for Jesus by anointing His body with spices (see Mark 16:1–2).

And her love was rewarded. God said, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God rewards the person who is diligent. And for those who will take time in their day to seek the Lord, for those who will take time to read His Word, for those who will take time to wait upon Him, He will reveal His truths to them.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV® Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - La belleza es pasajera

Engañoso es el encanto y pasajera la belleza.
Proverbios 31:30, NVI

En estos tiempos que estamos viviendo, la gente dice de la belleza: «No hay mujeres feas… sino hombres sin billete. Ja, ja, ja. (Esto es un chiste, pues ya estoy como nuestro humorista colombiano José Ordóñez).

Hoy en día, cambiarse la figura y operarse parece más bien como parte del diario vivir. Por querer estar a la moda, los hombres y las mujeres luchan por tener cuerpos perfectos a costa de lo que sea y se desenfocan. Se vuelven vanidosos. Entonces se concentran en la belleza como su prioridad y olvidan por completo quién les dio la vida. Pueden más la vanidad y el orgullo al creerse que vivirán así eternamente.

Sin duda, admiro la belleza humana. Admiro cómo cambia y avanza la ciencia, de modo que hacerse una operación no es el problema. Siento decirles que el problema está en volverse un idólatra de uno mismo o está en el momento que esto se convierte en una adicción.

El asunto es que los expertos dicen que hay personas adictas a estas operaciones y pierden la belleza original. A menudo, se ven hasta deformes y sabemos que muchos han perdido la vida en un quirófano.

Recuerda que todo llevado a los extremos es malo. Y Dios es el dueño de nuestros cuerpos.

Esto se ajusta también para los hombres que se hacen tantas cosas por lucir mejor que pierden la masculinidad.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - TAKE THIS CUP

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Luke 22:42, NIV

On hearing the news of the violent assassination of Christian government minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, Maaria from Pakistan wrote these words in her “Secret Believers” blog:

Another man laid to rest, not like men who die for a better tomorrow or men who die for the restoration of a nation, or men who die for a noble cause. I am writing of a line of men and women who have entered Christ’s rest because they chose to believe in Him above the laws of the land and the laws of Islam. They chose to stand up for Christ…

Mr. Bhatti’s name has been added to that list. Every time I try to sleep, images of his car, the blood, the bullet holes, the sound of what it must have been like, the stench of what must have filled the air come to me along with the voice of a woman hidden away in a prison. A woman whose persecution started this spate of hatred and anger—Aasia Bibi, my sister—in solitary confinement, afraid, alone and waiting for the day she is hung for a crime she did not commit.

For every bullet that was sprayed, whether it hit him and spilt his blood or not, I offer the Al Quaida, forgiveness. I cannot speak yet for my aching people. I will give them time to get there. But I know there are Maarias who forgive the Al Quaida for taking away a man who loved Jesus and loved the Church and loved Pakistan. For every bullet, I remember the nails on the cross and ask the Lord to “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” They have been brain washed. They are not born for this. God allows them into the world for great things. I ask that you forgive them too.

For every drop of blood spilt, forgive them. Jesus hung on the cross and his blood was spilt for us. For every drop of blood, I urge you my Christian family around the world, to remember the sips of wine from the cup that Jesus passed among his disciples in the upper room…Then remember those of us for whom the words of Christ are so real today, “Lord...take this cup from me.” I am sure there were nights when Mr. Bhatti spoke into the darkness to God and asked Him to deliver him from this. But God gave him the courage to carry on. He did not bend to the demand to give up and walk away.

RESPONSE: Today I will pray for courage to honor Jesus and forgive those who snuff out His light.

PRAYER: Lord, grant Your courage, peace and forgiving spirit to all who grieve injustices today.

NIV Devotions for Men - Scared to Death

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1–58; Philippians 1:21–23

Despite all the personal fitness trainers, gastrointestinal bypass surgeries, expensive wrinkle creams and everything else people use to look young and keep fit, the mortality rate still stands at 100 percent! Someone once remarked that our generation will produce the best-looking corpses in history. Of course, Christians aren’t immune from the desire to live longer and look better in the process. And while there’s nothing wrong with caring for our bodies, Paul reminds us that death is nothing to fear.

Paul wants to address the concern of the Thessalonian Christians about loved ones who have died before Christ’s return. Of course, behind this worry for others likely stands a more personal concern: “What will happen to me when I die?”

Paul gets straight to the point with his encouraging answer. Those who die before Jesus returns will on that final day rise from the grave and accompany Christ to meet those still alive. Death doesn’t dash our hope in Christ; indeed, death for Christians marks a transition to an infinitely better life.

While Paul seeks to calm the fears of his readers, he also expresses his concern about the effect these anxieties will have on the other people around them—especially non-Christians. Paul reminds us that we don’t need to grieve the deaths of our loved ones or worry about our own deaths like “the rest of mankind” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Notice that Paul doesn’t say that Christians won’t grieve. Death is horrible, and it separates us from our loved ones. If we tried to pretend that this loss didn’t matter, we wouldn’t be authentic.

Paul, instead, wants us to know that we don’t need to grieve like those without hope. Yes, we mourn our loss, but we also rejoice, knowing that one day we’ll be reunited with loved ones who also knew Christ. More importantly, Christ will unite us with himself for all eternity. This truth allows us to, as Paul invites, “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

To Take Away

• What is your attitude toward death?
• How do you grieve? How does your response to death affect other people around you, especially non-Christians?
• How can you find encouragement and even cause for rejoicing in the midst of your grief?

Girlfriends in God - Let Go of The Old You, Take Hold of the New

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Friend to Friend

Do you remember the day you came to saving faith? Perhaps you’re still considering a relationship with Jesus. Perhaps you can’t even remember a time when you didn’t know Him. For me, it was on a summer night when I was fourteen years old.

When I think about how God brought me out of a home filled with alcohol, rage, and hostility into this wonderful relationship with Jesus, I’m amazed. The sheer wonder of it stokes my passion for Jesus and gratitude to God every time I tell it.

But here’s what you need to know. Just because I became a Christian when I was fourteen, does not mean that my feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy went away—the girl who had a filter of worthlessness over her mind and heart. When I made the decision to believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, those feelings did not dissolve like springtime snow. As a matter of fact I didn’t even know those chains were there. I simply knew that something wasn’t quite right. I was held hostage by my self-perceived deficiencies and didn’t even know it.

After the initial excitement of making a commitment to Christ settled down a bit, I actually felt a little worse about myself. (I’m being honest. I always will.) Now I added a new “I’m not good enough” to the list of my inadequacies. I’m not a good enough Christian, I decided. I can’t memorize Scripture like other people or pray like other Christians. I keep struggling with the same old insecurities. I know God loves me, but I don’t think He likes me very much. Why should He? I don’t like me much either. The problem was, as the song says, I was stuck on a feelin’. I walked through life prodded by my emotions rather than led by the Truth.

Through the years, I learned to compensate for my insecurities and self-perceived inadequacies. However, if you had seen me as a teenager—my achievements and accomplishments—you would have never known that I felt that way about myself. Even though I had the borders of the puzzle in place with the promise of heaven, I felt like I was missing key pieces to complete the picture.

From the time I was fourteen until I was in my early thirties, I always felt like there was something wrong with me spiritually. I had an uneasiness—like I had walked into a movie twenty minutes late, trying to figure out what was going on. I wondered why I struggled to live the victorious Christian life. By my mid-thirties, I had a wonderful husband, an amazing son, and a happy home life. I attended Bible studies and even taught a few. But in my heart, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I wonder if you’ve ever felt that way.

Simply put, I was stuck. I was stuck in my spiritual growth and the harder I spun my wheels, the deeper they sank in the muck and mire of the land of in-between—saved from slavery of Egypt but never quite making it to the Promised Land. And then God brought another woman into my life to shimmy the plank of truth under my tires and help me get on my way.

God wants to show you truths about your true identity, His timeless sufficiency, and your pre-ordained destiny that flesh and blood cannot reveal. He sits by the well waiting for you to show up—to dip down deep and pour out the affirmation you’re thirsting for—affirmations that call you to let go of the hindrances that hold you hostage, take hold of the promises that set you free, and live bold with that faith you’ve always longed for.

He’s looking for men and women who are not only willing but hungrily yearning to step outside of the quiet, settled, predictable faith and into the boldly believing, courageously confident, and miraculously powerful adventurous faith. Those who will take hold of what they’ve already got—of what Jesus has already taken hold of for them.

One thing that you have is a new identity in Christ.

You are a saint.
You are chosen.
You are dearly loved.
You are holy.
You are reconciled through Christ’s life.
You are justified by Christ’s blood.
You are free from condemnation through Christ’s death.
You have the mind of Christ.
You can do all things through Christ.

Today, take hold of these truths and allow God to transform your mind. You are not meant to simply hang on by the skin of your teeth until Jesus comes or calls you home. You are meant to let go of the past, move forward in the present, and live bold!

Let’s Pray

God, thank You for saving me! Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the way You rescued me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of Your Son. But sometimes I get stuck on a feeling. I get stuck feeling more like the old me than the new me. Help me to let go of my feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy and take hold of the truth of who I am as a child of God.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Did you notice that today’s truth has an exclamation mark after it? I didn’t put it there, Paul did! Why do you think he did that?

Look back at the list of who God says you are in Christ. Which one is the most difficult to believe about you?

Who is right? God or you? (Trick question…just saying.)

Click here for a free download of Power Verses to help you take hold of the faith you long for! Pick one verse to memorize this week.

More from the Girlfriends

A mediocre, mundane faith is not your destiny! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold, I reveal the most common reasons we get stuck in our Christian faith. I show you how to break free of all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing. Leave behind feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that hold you hostage and take hold of the mountain-moving faith God intends. You were meant for more…take hold of God’s truth and thrive.

Also see the laminated True Identity in Christ card filled with verses that fits snuggly in your Bible as a daily reminder of who God says you are!

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God P.O. Box 725 Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Daily Devotion - "The Rock Crumbles"

When Jesus is arrested, the disciples scatter in fear and go into hiding...

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Rock Crumbles"

April 6, 2017

Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. (Luke 22:54, ESV)

Read Luke 22:54-62

When Jesus is arrested, the disciples scatter in fear and go into hiding-all, that is-except for Peter. He follows at a distance then slips into the courtyard, posing as one of the temple police. Though it seems bold and courageous, Jesus does not want him there. He wants him safe with the other disciples. There is no reason for Peter to put himself in jeopardy. Jesus has already spelled out exactly what will happen.

In the cold night air the guards light a fire and Peter sits down to warm himself. But the firelight betrays him. Carefully studying his face, a maid points him out to the other guards: "This man also was with Him."

Realizing the grave danger, Peter quickly answers, "Woman, I do not know Him."

A short time later someone else recognizes him and says, "You also are one of them."

Peter answers, "Man, I am not." Luke's narrative is kind to Peter; he only mentions the denials, not the oaths and curses he calls down on himself.

An hour later still another challenges him, "Certainly, this man also was with Him, for he too is a Galilean."

Peter snaps back, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately he hears a rooster crowing and turns and looks straight into Jesus' face-even as the words of his third denial are pouring from his lips.

Remembering Jesus' prediction, Peter goes out and weeps bitterly. In its own way Peter's denial was as painful for Jesus as was Judas' betrayal. For Peter the guilt and shame must have been dreadful.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You looked in love on Peter in the midst of his sin. Look on me in my sins and turn me to sorrow and regret, so I may run to You for forgiveness and peace. Amen

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

Devociones de Cuaresma - Sigan progresando

Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

Sigan progresando

06 de Abril de 2017

Por lo demás, hermanos, les rogamos y animamos en el Señor Jesús a que cada día su comportamiento sea más y más agradable a Dios, que es como debe ser, de acuerdo con lo que han aprendido de nosotros. 1 Tesalonicenses 4:1, RVC (4:1-7)

Cuando el apóstol Pablo dice: "... su comportamiento sea más y más agradable a Dios", nos está dando la idea de que necesitamos progresar en la vida cristiana. Hay, incluso, una versión de la Biblia que traduce: "Sigan progresando en el modo de vivir que agrada a Dios" (NVI).

El progreso es una gran cosa. Si no fuera por él, hoy seguiríamos cocinando sobre el fuego a leña o carbón, seguiríamos transportándonos a lomo de caballo o de burro, y saldríamos cada día a cazar y a pescar para conseguir la comida. El progreso hizo mucho por nosotros, incluso que hoy nos podamos comunicar en forma instantánea con nuestros amigos y familiares en todas partes del mundo por medio de internet. Pero el progreso trajo consigo también mucha contaminación: nuestros desechos contaminan las aguas, los gases que eliminan los automóviles y las fábricas contaminan el aire que respiramos, y la pornografía contamina nuestra mente y nuestro espíritu. Con el progreso viene también más pecado.

El progreso en la vida cristiana es el único que no contamina, y el progreso en la fe no tiene límites, ¡llega hasta el cielo! Si en algo debemos insistir en no quedarnos estancados es en practicar y en crecer más y más en el comportamiento que agrada a Dios. Crecer en nuestro comportamiento cristiano alaba a Dios, y acerca a otros a la salvación que el Señor Jesús logró para todo el mundo.

Gracias, Padre, porque tu amor no contamina. Ayúdanos a crecer en la gracia, y a ejercitarnos en las buenas obras. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén

© 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.

Our Daily Bread - What Lasts Forever?

Read: Psalm 102:25–28 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 4–6; Luke 9:1–17

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You remain the same, and your years will never end. Psalm 102:27

My friend, who had gone through many difficulties recently, wrote, “As I reflect on the past four semesters of student life, so many things have changed . . . . It is scary, really scary. Nothing stays forever.”

Indeed, many things can happen in two years—a career change, newfound friendship, illness, death. Good or bad, a life-altering experience may be lurking just around the corner, waiting to pounce! We simply don’t know. What great comfort, then, to know that our loving heavenly Father does not change.

The psalmist says, “You remain the same, and your years will never end” (Ps. 102:27). The implication of this truth is immense. It means that God is forever loving, just, and wise. As Bible teacher Arthur W. Pink so wonderfully states: “Whatever the attributes of God were before the universe was called into existence, they are precisely the same now, and will remain so forever.”

In the New Testament, James writes, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). In our changing circumstances, we can be assured that our good God will always be consistent to His character. He is the source of everything good, and everything He does is good.

It may seem that nothing lasts forever, but our God will remain consistently good to those who are His own.

Lord, You are the One who never changes, and You are so good to us. Calm our hearts today with the grace and peace that come only from You.

The One who holds the universe together will not let go of you.

By Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Điều Gì Còn Mãi?

Đọc: Thi Thiên 102:25-28 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Sa-mu-ên 4-6; Lu-ca 9:1-17

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Nhưng Chúa vẫn y nguyên, các năm Chúa mãi mãi trường tồn. Thi Thiên 102:27

Gần đây khi trải qua rất nhiều khó khăn, bạn tôi đã viết: “Khi tôi nhìn lại bốn học kỳ vừa qua của cuộc đời sinh viên, quá nhiều thứ đã thay đổi… Thật đáng sợ, rất đáng sợ. Chẳng có điều gì còn mãi!”

Thật vậy, nhiều thứ có thể diễn ra trong hai năm—đổi việc, những người bạn mới, tật bệnh, chết chóc. Dù là điều tốt hay xấu thì những trải nghiệm thay đổi cuộc sống luôn ẩn nấp đâu đó quanh ta, chỉ chực chờ để vồ lấy chúng ta! Chỉ đơn giản là chúng ta không biết. Vì vậy, thật là một niềm yên ủi lớn lao khi biết rằng Cha Thiên Thượng đầy lòng yêu thương của chúng ta không hề thay đổi.

Tác giả Thi Thiên nói: “Nhưng Chúa vẫn y nguyên, các năm Chúa mãi mãi trường tồn” (Thi 102:27). Chân lý này có rất nhiều hàm ý. Nó có nghĩa là Đức Chúa Trời mãi mãi yêu thương, công bình và khôn ngoan. Như giáo sư Kinh Thánh Arthur W. Pink đã phát biểu một câu tuyệt vời: “Đức Chúa Trời có những thuộc tính gì trước khi cõi hoàn vũ này được tạo dựng thì những thuộc tính ấy hiện thời vẫn y nguyên, và vẫn mãi như thế.”

Trong Tân Ước, Gia-cơ viết: “Mọi ơn lành tốt đẹp và tặng phẩm toàn hảo đều đến từ thiên thượng, được ban xuống từ Cha của sự sáng; trong Ngài không có sự thay đổi, cũng chẳng có bóng của sự chuyển dịch” (Gia-cơ 1:17). Trước những hoàn cảnh hay thay đổi của mình, chúng ta có thể tin chắc rằng bản tính của Đức Chúa Trời tốt lành mãi mãi không thay đổi. Ngài là nguồn của mọi điều tốt lành, và mọi điều Ngài làm đều tốt lành.

Dẫu có vẻ như không điều gì còn mãi, nhưng Đức Chúa Trời của chúng ta sẽ luôn tốt lành với những ai thuộc về Ngài.

Lạy Chúa, Ngài là Đấng không bao giờ thay đổi, và Ngài quá tốt lành đối với chúng con. Xin làm lòng chúng con hôm nay yên tịnh bằng ân điển và sự bình an chỉ có trong Ngài.

Đấng nắm giữ cõi hoàn vũ sẽ không bỏ rơi bạn.

bởi Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - ¿Qué dura para siempre?

Leer: Salmo 102:25-28 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Samuel 4–6; Lucas 9:1-17

Pero tú eres el mismo, y tus años no se acabarán (v. 27).

Mi amiga, que había estado con muchas dificultades, escribió: «En los últimos semestres de la vida estudiantil, muchas cosas han cambiado… es aterrador. Nada permanece para siempre».

Por cierto, mucho puede suceder en dos años: un cambio de carrera, nuevas amistades, enfermedades, muertes. Para bien o para mal, ¡una experiencia transformadora puede estar a punto de lanzarse en tu camino! Entonces, qué gran consuelo es saber que nuestro amoroso Padre celestial no cambia.

El salmista declara: «Pero tú eres el mismo, y tus años no se acabarán» (Salmo 102:27). La repercusión de esta verdad es inmensa: Dios es amoroso, justo y sabio para siempre. Como afirma Arthur W. Pink: «Cualquiera que fueran los atributos de Dios antes de crear el universo con su Palabra, son exactamente los mismos ahora, y permanecerán inmutables para siempre».

En el Nuevo Testamento, Santiago escribe: «Toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto desciende de lo alto, del Padre de las luces, en el cual no hay mudanza, ni sombra de variación» (1:17). En nuestro mundo cambiante, podemos saber que nuestro Dios bueno siempre será coherente con su carácter.

Quizá parezca que nada dura para siempre, pero Dios sigue siendo bueno con su pueblo.

Señor, gracias porque eres el único que nunca cambia, y eres bueno con nosotros.

Aquel que sustenta el universo no te dejará.

Por Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Was bleibt?

Lesen: Psalm 102,26-29 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Samuel 4–6; Lukas 9,1-17

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Du aber bleibst, wie du bist, und deine Jahre nehmen kein Ende. Psalm 102,28

Eine Bekannte hat in letzter Zeit viel Schweres durchgemacht. Sie schrieb vor kurzem: „In den letzten vier Semestern hat sich wahnsinnig viel verändert . . . Es ist beängstigend. Nichts bleibt.“

Ja, in zwei Jahren kann viel passieren—ein Berufswechsel, neue Freundschaften, Krankheit, Tod. Ob gut oder böse, schon hinter der nächsten Ecke kann ein Ereignis lauern, das unser Leben auf den Kopf stellt. Was für ein Trost ist es da, zu wissen, dass unser Vater im Himmel sich nicht verändert.

Der Psalmist sagt: „Du aber bleibst, wie du bist, und deine Jahre nehmen kein Ende“ (Ps. 102,28). Das ist eine gewaltige Aussage. Sie bedeutet nämlich, dass Gott immer liebend, gerecht und weise ist. Oder, wie ein Ausleger es so wunderbar formuliert: „Egal, welche Eigenschaften Gott hatte, bevor die Welt geschaffen wurde, sie sind noch immer genau dieselben und werden es auf ewig bleiben.“

Jakobus schreibt im Neuen Testament: „Alle gute Gabe und alle vollkommene Gabe kommt von oben herab, von dem Vater des Lichts, bei dem keine Veränderung ist noch Wechsel des Lichts“ (Jak. 1,17). Auch wenn die Umstände sich ändern, können wir gewiss sein, dass Gott sich immer treu bleibt. Er ist der Ursprung alles Guten und alles, was er tut, ist gut.

Es mag uns scheinen, dass nichts bleibt, wie es ist, aber unser Gott ist immer gut zu seinen Kindern.

Herr, du bist der Eine, der sich niemals ändert, und du bist gut zu uns. Erfülle unsere Herzen heute mit der Gnade und dem Frieden, die nur du geben kannst.

Der Eine, der die Welt in seinen Händen hält, wird auch dich niemals loslassen.

Von Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Qu’est‑ce qui dure toujours ?

Lisez : Psaume 102.26‑29 | La Bible en un an : 1 SAMUEL 4 – 6 et LUC 9.1‑17

Mais toi, tu restes le même, et tes années de finiront point. V.28

Un ami ayant traversé de nombreuses difficultés dernièrement a écrit : « En me remémorant les quatre derniers trimestres en tant qu’étudiant, force m’est de constater que beaucoup de choses se sont produites. […] C’est affolant, vraiment affolant. Rien ne dure toujours. »

En effet, tant de choses peuvent arriver en deux ans – un changement de carrière, une nouvelle amitié, une maladie, un décès. Qu’elle soit bonne ou mauvaise, une expérience transformatrice de la vie peut nous guetter au tournant ! C’est juste que nous l’ignorons. Quel merveilleux réconfort, alors, de savoir que notre Père bienveillant ne change jamais !

Le psalmiste a dit : « Mais toi, tu restes le même, et tes années ne finiront point » (PS 102.27). Cette vérité aux implications immenses signifie que Dieu conserve toujours son amour, sa justice et sa sagesse. Comme le professeur de la Bible Arthur W. Pink le dit si bien : « Quels qu’aient pu être les attributs de Dieu avant la création de l’univers, ce sont encore précisément les mêmes aujourd’hui et qui demeureront pour l’éternité. »

Jacques a écrit : « Toute grâce excellente et tout don parfait descendent d’en haut, du Père des lumières, chez lequel il n’y a ni changement ni ombre de variation » (JA 1.17). En toute situation, nous pouvons toujours avoir l’assurance que notre Dieu si bon restera toujours fidèle à lui‑même. Il est la source même de tout ce qui est bon et tout ce qu’il fait est bon.

Contrairement à tout le reste, Dieu ne change jamais.

Celui qui soutient l’univers ne vous abandonnera pas.

par Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Чи є щось вічне?

Читати: Псалом 101:26-29 | Біблія за рік: 1 Самуїлова 4−6 ; Луки 9:1-17

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Ти ж Той Самий, а роки Твої не закінчаться! — Псалом 101:28

Моя подруга, що останнім часом зазнала багатьох труднощів, написала: “Коли згадую минулі чотири семестри студентського життя, то думаю: як багато чого змінилось. І це лякає. Нічого нема вічного”.

І дійсно, чимало речей можуть статись протягом двох років – зміна кар’єри, нові друзі, хвороба, смерть. Добре це чи погано, але зміни, що можуть перевернути все наше життя, інколи чекають нас буквально за рогом! Тому велика втіха знати, що наш люблячий Небесний Отець ніколи не змінюється.

Псалміст каже: “Ти ж Той Самий, а роки Твої не закінчаться!” (Пс. 101:28). Ці слова означають, що Бог вічно є мудрий, справедливий, люблячий. Біблійний вчитель Артур Пінк чудово сказав: “Про які б Божі атрибути не йшла мова, вони існували ще до того, як до буття був викликаний Всесвіт, залишились незмінними дотепер і будуть існувати незмінними вічно”.

 

Апостол Яків пише: “Усяке добре давання та дар досконалий походить згори від Отця світил, що в Нього нема переміни чи тіні відміни” (Як. 1:17). В нашому мінливому світі ми можемо бути абсолютно впевнені в тому, що наш благий Бог завжди діє відповідно до Свого характеру. Він є джерелом всього доброго.

Здається, що не існує нічого вічного, але це не стосується Бога, Хто навіки залишається люблячим Отцем для Своїх дітей.

Господи, Ти є Той, Хто ніколи не змінюється. І Ти такий благий до нас. Заспокой сьогодні наші серця Твоєю благодаттю й миром, що приходять лише від Тебе.

Той, Хто тримає докупи весь Всесвіт, ніколи не полишить тебе.

Автор Пох Фанг Чіа

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Что вечно?

Читать сейчас: Псалом 101:26-28 | Библия за год: 1 Царств 4-6; Луки 9:1-17

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Ты – тот же, и лета Твои не кончатся. — Псалом 101:28

Мой друг, перенесший много трудностей, недавно написал: «Размышляя о прошлых четырех семестрах студенческой жизни, я понимаю, сколько всего поменялось... Это страшно, действительно страшно. Ничто не вечно».

В самом деле, многое может произойти за два года: перемена карьеры, обретение новых друзей, болезнь, смерть. Хорошие или плохие, перемены порой словно ждут за углом, чтобы ошарашить своим появлением. И какое великое утешение заключается в том, что наш любящий Небесный Отец не меняется. Псалмопевец пишет: «Ты – тот же, и лета Твои не кончатся» (Пс. 101:28). Применение этой истины удивительно. Она означает, что Бог вечно любящ, справедлив и мудр. Как проницательно отмечает учитель Библии Артур Пинк: «Какими качествами обладал Бог до того, как появилась вселенная, такими же в точности Он обладает сейчас и таким останется навсегда».

В Новом Завете Иаков пишет: «Всякое даяние доброе и всякий дар совершенный нисходит свыше, от Отца светил, у Которого нет ни изменения и ни тени перемены» (Иак. 1:17). В нашем переменчивом мире мы всегда можем быть уверены, что благой Бог всегда будет постоянен в Своих совершенствах. Он – источник всякого добра, и все, что Он делает, хорошо.

Может показаться, что ничто не вечно. Но это не касается нашего Бога, вечно хранящего верность Своим детям.

Господь, Ты неизменен, и Ты так благ к нам. Успокой наши сердца благодатью и миром, приходящими только от Тебя.

Тот, Кто хранит вселенную, сохранит и вас.

автор: По Фанг Чиа

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный