The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018

The One Who Comes from Heaven
John 3:31-36

Daily Readings

Genesis 9:18-29

The sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole earth was peopled. Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard. He drank some of the wine and became drunk, and he lay uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, "Cursed be Canaan; lowest of slaves shall he be to his brothers." He also said, "Blessed by the LORD my God be Shem; and let Canaan be his slave. May God make space for Japheth, and let him live in the tents of Shem; and let Canaan be his slave." After the flood Noah lived three hundred fifty years. All the days of Noah were nine hundred fifty years; and he died.

Hebrews 6:1-12

Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And we will do this, if God permits. For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, since on their own they are crucifying again the Son of God and are holding him up to contempt. Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and on the verge of being cursed; its end is to be burned over. Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

John 3:22-36

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized -- John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John's disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God's wrath.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018

Look upon us, O Lord, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness.

Fill us with holy love, and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom. All our desire is known unto thee, therefore perfect what thou hast begun, and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.

We seek thy face, turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect. Amen

(St.) Augustine of Hippo, 400 A.D.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018

Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Read all of Philippians 2

Listen to Philippians 2

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 - Lift Your Heart And Hands To The Lord

Lift Your Heart And Hands To The Lord

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”

~ Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)

Andrew Murray was born in South Africa in 1828. During his lifetime he became a Christian pastor and writer. During his career as pastor of churches in South Africa, he authored over 240 books.

In 1895, Pastor Murray was in England staying with friends. At that time he was suffering pain from an old back injury. One morning while he was eating breakfast, the hostess mentioned to him that a lady who was down stairs was suffering and wanted to know if he could possibly give to her any words of advice. Pastor Murray handed her a piece of paper in which he had been writing. He said: “Just give her this advice (that) I'm writing down for myself. It may be that she'll find it helpful.”

According to website bible.org, this is what was written: “In time of trouble, say, 'First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest'. Next, 'He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.' Then say, 'He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.' And last, say, 'In His good time He can bring me out again. How and when, He knows.' Therefore, say 'I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time.”

Trusting God when you are suffering takes great faith to yield to His timing. Human instinct desires a fast resolution to the current challenge whether it be illness or financial disaster. Today's society expects a quick fix for all problems. Somewhere there should be the solution if a person just looks hard enough, or seeks enough opinions from others.

When there seems to be no quick fix, how does one stay close to God during those times of suffering? One way is to develop your mind to stay centered upon Scripture. An example that may provide encouragement is in Psalm 22:24. It states: “He has not turned and walked away” from you, and He listens to your cry for help. He has not ignored you during those times of suffering. Know that your loving God does not want to see you in misery. The Book of Lamentations states: “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends.”

Pastor Andrew Murray wrote a framework to think upon, not only for the lady downstairs, but for everyone when suffering knocks at the door. Through His Word you can be assured that He will also provide His love and comfort to you. Therefore, lift up your heart and hands to the Lord in heaven in praise that His eyes are upon you.

Oh Lord, help me to feel your calming hand upon me when I am in pain. Let your ever-loving comfort enfold me, And give me the heart to see that in my suffering, I am becoming closer to you... and more divine. Amen.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Today's society expects a quick fix for all problems.

Un Dia a la Vez - Lo dulce para el alma

Lo dulce para el alma

El fruto del Espíritu es amor, alegría, paz, paciencia, amabilidad, bondad, fidelidad, humildad y dominio propio.

~ Gálatas 5:22-23 (NVI)

¿Cómo te sientes cuando estás rodeado de personas negativas? ¿Donde el amor brilla pero por su ausencia? Es feo verdad. Uno de mis propósitos cada nuevo día es no unirme a personas negativas. El de luchar y hacer hasta lo imposible para no dejar contaminar mi corazón ni mi mente de las palabras y actitudes que tienen ciertas personas que nos rodean en nuestro trabajo, en la calle y aun en la iglesia. Que desean robarte tu paz y felicidad.

Si decimos tener una relación con Dios, ¿por qué dejamos que de nuestra boca solo salgan palabras negativas? ¿Por qué nuestra capacidad de comprensión a los demás es cada vez menor y por qué dejamos que el «orgullo» sea la imagen de nuestra vida?

Cuando recibimos a Jesús como nuestro único y verdadero Salvador, Dios espera que nosotros a través de conocerle, leer su Palabra y congregarnos en una iglesia, empecemos a dar los frutos de su Espíritu. Así que mira lo alejados que podemos estar de esto con nuestra manera de ser. A veces, con la forma en que nos proyectamos a los demás, somos nosotros mismos los que alejamos a nuestros amigos y familiares de Dios, pues lo que hablamos no coincide con lo que somos.

Pidámosle a Dios que podamos ser buenos representantes suyos en la tierra.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH

THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH

“See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

~ Deuteronomy 32:39 (NIV)

January 17 will remain a vivid memory in the mind of forty-six-year-old Ali Moses for a very long time. The almost fatal attack on Ali’s life in central Nigeria turned out to be a powerful testimony destined to touch many more lives.

On the afternoon of that day, Ali was heading home to his family after a long day’s work. He got paid that day and like many previous pay-days had something special planned for the family.

On his way home Ali heard gunshots. Panic made him turn around with an urgency to get back to his working place as quickly as possible. But before Ali could make it back there, he ran into a group of irate jihadists. The incited protesters were proclaiming the name of Allah in Arabic, shouting profane slogans, insulting the Christian governor of Jos and called on the killing of Christians as infidels.

Within seconds Ali found himself surrounded by the violent mob. Brutal blows were raining down on him. More than eighteen hours later, Ali woke up in the hospital. His swollen body was throbbing and covered with bruises. Open Doors representative, Isaac, went to visit Ali in the hospital shortly after the incident to bring encouragement and assistance and learned about his near death encounter with the Muslim radicals. Considering the course of events, it appears the assailants buried Ali alive while in a state of unconsciousness.

Ali refers to the person who came to his aid as the “Samaritan.”

On the morning following the incident, Ado was passing by what looked like a new grave. He noticed movement in the pile of sand and went closer to inspect. To his astonishment, he could tell from the motion that it was in fact a person. The man immediately called for help.

Military police dug Ali from the shallow grave and rushed him to the hospital. At first, the medical staff found it very hard to believe that he could still be alive after his eighteen-hour ordeal. But hearing Ali’s testimony gave skeptics food for thought. After spending some time in hospital he made a complete recovery.

“I am grateful to God Almighty for saving my life from the hole, it is a miracle. God rescued me in a special way…Now I believe that the power of life and death lies in no-one’s hand but the Lord’s. All thanks belong to Him,” shared Ali from his hospital bed.

RESPONSE: Today I will live victoriously in the realization that my life and my death are in the hands of my loving Lord.

PRAYER: Pray for many Christians in hot spots of the world—like central Nigeria—who face death and death threats on a regular basis. Pray they will have the same assurance as Ali about God’s power and protection.

Girlfriends in God - I Belong to Him

I Belong to Him

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

~ Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

As I drove home from a busy day of running errands, my thoughts drifted to the absurd schedule through which I had hurled myself that day. It was a schedule without margins, every moment assigned to something or someone. My stress level grew with every task, threatening to overwhelm my heart and soul in a torrential downpour of anxiety and tension. I couldn’t wait to get home, change into my comfort clothes and sink into solitude and rest. But stress was waiting to greet me, just inside my front door. Children needed clean clothes, hot food, transportation to various events, help with homework and a listening ear. My husband had experienced the same kind of chaotic day I had and was in desperate need of peace and quiet for his frazzled soul. Ah, life!

Stress is a familiar and faithful companion, an unavoidable part of life. It doesn’t matter where we work or live, whether we are married or single; have no children or dozens of them, are filthy rich or dirt poor. We will encounter stress as we strive to honor God by becoming His fully devoted followers.  Unless we learn how to manage stress - God’s way - we will become a sitting duck for the enemy.

Stress management is a spiritual discipline. The truth of Psalm 23:1 is the starting place for dealing with stress. Life begins here – in a vital, personal relationship with the living, peace giving God. It is very frustrating to try living the Christian life when you are not one. I know. For years, I tried desperately to be a Christian, saved by knowledge and good works. It simply cannot be done. To know who we are, we must understand whose we are.

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open. I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words, and did all the right things. I prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the authentic life and spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for God. During a Saturday evening worship service, I sat in a church pew, wrestling with God over my soul. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist in worship services, and even directed a children’s choir. I argued that I knew all about God – and then it hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I did not know Him. That night we met. I surrendered all that I knew about myself to all that I knew about Him. The course of my life was re-set, and I was changed forever.

Over the years, there have been times when sin has hindered my relationship with God - but it has not and cannot sever that relationship. Nothing can separate us from His love. However, when we cherish and harbor sin, life inevitably spirals into a swirling cesspool of chaos where stress reigns and self-doubt flourishes. What a powerful promise found in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Every time I read that verse, I am amazed by the hope it conveys. When we confess sin, God not only forgives that sin, but He also removes the stain it leaves behind. The stain of sin is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. With it, he births guilt and shame, crippling us spiritually. When we buy into those lies, allowing them free reign, we are telling God that sending His son to die on the cross was not enough. I cannot even imagine what it must do to His heart as He watches His children settle for so little when He offers so much. Knowing whose we are empowers us to live and serve from His love – not to it – and is the first key in dealing with stress.

I have spent a great deal of my life wondering who and what I am. Much of my stress and frustration could have been avoided by understanding that my identity can only be found in a personal relationship with God. That knowledge frees me to be me. Knowing whose we are brings peace and settles our souls. Today, sit at His feet. Allow Him to draw you into His arms. Listen to His heart and seek His voice. Know that because you belong to Him, nothing else matters.

Let’s Pray

Father, I thank You for loving me and for making me Your child. As I face each day, help me remember that I belong to You. I am Yours, Lord. And because I belong to You, I have everything I need. I can live in peace. Today, I choose to trust and rest in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Identify the most stressful areas of your life. Read Psalm 23 every day this month, committing each one of these areas to the Shepherd. As you walk through each stress-filled day, lean on the truths of this psalm. At the end of the month, evaluate your stress level.

More from the Girlfriends

Stressed out? Need help managing the stress in your life? Get Mary’s book, Escaping the Stress Trap.

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.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Devotion - January 17, 2018 "Faithful Until Death"

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Faithful Until Death"

Jan. 17, 2018

(Jesus said) "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

~ Revelation 2:10 (ESV)

Up until this week, the only Zsa Zsa I had ever heard of was one of the Gabor sisters. (If you don't know anything about the Gabor sisters, the only explanation I can give is that they were very pretty, often married, and appeared in a few movies.)

My new Zsazsa is a nine-year-old Havanese dog who lives in Budapest. Quite unexpectedly, Zsazsa made the news this past week. No, it wasn't because she, like the rest of her breed, is uncommonly intelligent and had learned a new trick. That would have been nice.

No, Zsazsa made the news because when the animal protection officials in Budapest found her, she was incredibly malnourished. Their report added that she wasn't able to stand, and if Zsazsa hadn't been found, she would have died in the next few days.

Now it is important that you know that Zsazsa's condition was not because of a cruel and uncaring owner. Nothing could be further from the truth. Zsazsa was malnourished and dehydrated because she and her 60-year-old owner had been inseparable.

I say "had been" because it appears Zsazsa's mistress died a number of weeks ago.

When the neighbors realized the lady hadn't been seen for a while, they called the police. When the officers entered the woman's apartment, they found she had passed away from natural causes. They found her and Zsazsa was by her side. Even though there was dry dog food available, Zsazsa had stayed at her post. Rescuers say she had to be dragged away from her dead owner.

Now before I go any further, I am obliged to tell you that Zsazsa is doing just fine now. She is eating and drinking, and she has even been wagging her tail. Now, with that out of the way, I can point out why an entire Daily Devotion is being dedicated to a Hungarian dog. The reason can be summed up in one word:

Faithfulness.

Faithfulness is a grand thing when it comes to a dog; it is a righteous thing when it comes to a Christian, and it is a saving thing when that quality is seen in our Savior. How did the book of Revelation say it ... "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

As Christians we rejoice that our Lord never shirked or strayed from the appointed work of offering Himself as our ransom price. Because Jesus was faithful unto death and was able to say, "It is finished" (John 19:30b), all who believe on Him are forgiven and granted eternal life.

They are also offered the opportunity to be faithful to the Lord with their own lives. Like Zsazsa, the example of the Lord's love and grace should make us faithful and willing to stand by the Lord's side. Unlike Zsazsa, our Master is alive and because He is, we will live forever.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for my faithful and ever-living Savior. May my greatest joy in life be to remain by His side. In Jesus' 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).
Up until this week, the only Zsa Zsa I had ever heard of was one of the Gabor sisters.

Devocional del CPTLN del 17 de Enero de 2018 "No se angustien"

ALIMENTO DIARIO

"No se angustien"

17 de Enero de 2018

En la casa de mi Padre hay muchos aposentos. Si así no fuera, ya les hubiera dicho. Así que voy a preparar lugar para ustedes. Y si me voy y les preparo lugar, vendré otra vez, y los llevaré conmigo, para que donde yo esté, también ustedes estén. Y ustedes saben a dónde voy, y saben el camino. Tomás le dijo: 'Señor, no sabemos a dónde vas; ¿cómo podemos saber el camino?' Jesús le dijo: 'Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.'

~ Juan 14:2-6 (RVC)

Frecuentemente nos preocupamos por las cosas que nos pueden suceder. Cuando somos jóvenes queremos independizarnos y dejar el hogar paterno, para hacer nuestro propio camino en el mundo.

Pero, a pesar de habernos independizado, regresamos a ese hogar en fechas especiales como la Navidad y la Pascua, y quizás hasta asistimos con ellos a la iglesia para celebrar y adorar juntos. Allí escuchamos al pastor hablar de Jesús como la representación del amor, quien se ofreció a sí mismo para ser crucificado en nuestro lugar, para así rescatarnos de la condenación del pecado y de la muerte eterna.

Jesús nos ofrece un lugar nuevo para vivir ahora, y nos promete un lugar celestial para nuestro futuro. Un día él retornará para llevarnos a su casa, donde viviremos eternamente con él. "No se angustien. Confíen en Dios, y confíen también en mí." (Juan 14:1)

ORACIÓN: Te damos gracias, Señor, por haber enviado a tu Hijo a morir y resucitar por nosotros. Confiamos en tu promesa de la vida eterna junto a ti. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Nota: Esta devoción fue escrita por el Rev. Wendler a pedido expreso del Pastor Klaus.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Frecuentemente nos preocupamos por las cosas que nos pueden suceder.

Хлеб наш насущный - Растущая благодарность

Растущая благодарность

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 11:33-36
Библия за год: Бытие 41-42; Матфея 12:1-23
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Ибо все из Него, Им и к Нему. — Римлянам 11:36

Вам хотелось бы развить в себе более глубокое чувство благодарности? Джордж Герберт, английский поэт XVII в., призывает к этому в стихотворении «Благодарность»: «Ты мне так много, Господь, даровал; дай же еще благодарное сердце».

Герберт сознавал, что для искренней благодарности ему нужно просто понимать, сколько всего хорошего послал ему Бог.

В Библии сказано, что единственный источник всех благословений – Иисус Христос. «Ибо все из Него, Им и к Нему» (Рим. 11:36). «Все» включает в себя как большие, бросающиеся в глаза благословения, так и повседневную заботу о наших нуждах. Все доброе в нашей жизни исходит от Него (Иак. 1:17). И Он по Своей удивительной любви щедро дарит нам Свои дары.

Чтобы развить в себе чувство благодарности, я учусь в каждом благословении обращать внимание на его источник. Ведь множество Божьих даров мы принимаем как должное. Например, сегодня у меня есть свежее утро и пробежка, предвкушение вечера в компании друзей, хрустящие тосты, красота природы за окном и аромат свежемолотого кофе.

А что Бог дал вам? Нужно чаще обращать внимание на Его благословения, и от этого в сердце будет расти благодарность.

Уделите несколько минут, чтобы поблагодарить Бога за Его дары. Попробуйте сделать это несколько раз в течение дня.

Когда думаете о хорошем, благодарите Бога.

автор: Лиза Самра

© 2018 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Вам хотелось бы развить в себе более глубокое чувство благодарности?