LHM Daily Devotion - "Departing"

January 4, 2017

He took Him up in his arms and blessed God ... (Luke 2:28a, ESV)

Read Luke 2:28-33

Most of us really anticipate Christmas homecomings and get-togethers, but few of us look forward to that moment we have to depart. Saying goodbye is rarely easy, but it's wonderful to leave on peaceful terms, returning to normal life with warm memories of Christmas.

Simeon thinks of something similar as he steps up to the young couple and takes the Child in his arms. He says, "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation." Many have taken Simeon's words to mean he was old or close to death, but not necessarily. He had spent years anxiously waiting to see the consolation of Israel, and now the suspense has finally ended. Looking down into the face of the Christ Child, he knows he can live out the rest of his life with this peaceful, joyous memory.

Simeon points out that God has prepared His salvation before the face of all peoples. He doesn't want us to look at a baby in a manger and get warm fuzzy feelings. Instead, we are to be confident that Jesus Christ came into this world to make us right before God. He came to save us from death and hell by His suffering, death and resurrection.

Joseph and Mary both marvel at the things Simeon says about Jesus. For the first time they learn He has come not only for the people of Israel, but for people of all nations. Through Luke's words we, like Simeon, have looked upon the Christ Child: our Lord and Savior. Because of His life, death and resurrection, we can pass the rest of our days in peace and faith.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You that I can depart this Christmas season in peace, having seen Your salvation in the Child of Christmas, Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Devociones de Adviento - Alabanza perfecta

Miércoles 04 de Enero

Salmo 148

¡Alabado sea el nombre del Señor!¡Sólo su nombre merece ser exaltado!¡Su gloria domina los cielos y la tierra! (Sal 148:13, RVC)

El libro de los salmos puede ser descrito como una larga procesión hacia la gloria y la alabanza plenas. Pero en ese largo camino de los justos, de todo el pueblo de Dios, hay angustia, cruz y persecución. El justo se ve rodeado muchas veces de enemigos que lo acusan falsamente, que se burlan de su fe, que quieren convencerle de que Dios lo ha abandonado. Sin embargo, en medio de esa opresión, el justo prorrumpe a veces en alabanza. Y lo hace no porque disfrute de bienestar y plenitud absolutas, sino porque sabe que los sufrimientos del tiempo presente no son nada comparados con la gloria que le aguarda al final de su peregrinación.

El justo es aquel que depende de la misericordia divina, el que sabe que no tiene nada para ofrecerle a Dios, sino más bien tiene todo para recibir. La dependencia de Dios es su sello personal. En consecuencia, el justo es un hombre de oración que goza de estar en la presencia de Dios y que ruega por perdón y misericordia. Por lo tanto, se refugia en Dios, en su Palabra, en sus promesas de gracia.

Mientras el justo camina, lucha y ora, vislumbra el final del camino. Los últimos salmos retratan un escenario de alabanza perpetua, celebración definitiva, en el cual todo lo creado, seres vivos e inertes, celestes y terrenos, son convocados a alabar a Dios. Terminada la peregrinación, se puede ver plenamente lo antes vislumbrado: que ni el mal ni la muerte tienen la palabra final, que Dios reina a través de su Mesías, que Dios Creador y Salvador es el Todo para todos. Creamos hoy. Alabemos ya. Alabaremos para siempre mañana.

Señor de la historia: que los sufrimientos del tiempo presente no me impidan alabarte ya. Por causa de Jesús, mi Salvador. Amén.

© Copyright 2016 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones

Our Daily Bread - A Multiplied Love

By Tim Gustafson

Read: 1 John 4:20–5:5 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 10–12; Matthew 4

Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:21

When a woman in Karen’s church was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), things looked bad. This cruel disease affects nerves and muscles, eventually leading to paralysis. The family’s insurance wouldn’t cover home care, and the stricken woman’s husband couldn’t bear the thought of putting her in a nursing home.

As a nurse, Karen had the expertise to help and began going to the woman’s home to care for her. But she soon realized she couldn’t take care of her own family while meeting the needs of her friend, so she started teaching others in the church to help. As the disease ran its course over the next seven years, Karen trained thirty-one additional volunteers who surrounded that family with love, prayer, and practical assistance.

“Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister,” said John the disciple (1 John 4:21). Karen gives us a shining example of that kind of love. She had the skills, compassion, and vision to rally a church family around a hurting friend. Her love for one person in need became a multiplied love lived out by many.

How might God use your talents and abilities to serve others in need? Ask God to show you how He wants you to use your gifts for His kingdom.

To learn more, read God Is Love at discoveryseries.org/q0612.

Love your neighbor as yourself.  —Jesus

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Amor multiplicado

Por Tim Gustafson

Leer: 1 Juan 4:20–5:5 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 4

… El que ama a Dios, ame también a su hermano (1 Juan 4:21).

Cuando a una mujer de la iglesia de Carolina se le diagnosticó esclerosis lateral amiotrófica, la perspectiva era desalentadora. Esta cruel enfermedad afecta nervios y músculos y, finalmente, termina en parálisis. El seguro médico no cubría la asistencia domiciliaria, y el esposo de esta afligida mujer no soportaba la idea de ponerla en un centro de cuidados especiales.

Como enfermera, Carolina sabía cómo ayudarla, y empezó a ir a su casa a cuidarla. Pero, poco después, se dio cuenta de que no podía ocuparse de su propia familia y, al mismo tiempo, atender las necesidades de su amiga. Entonces, comenzó a enseñarles a otras personas de la iglesia cómo ayudar. Durante los siete años de evolución de la enfermedad, Carolina entrenó a 31 voluntarios, quienes rodearon a aquella familia de amor, oraciones y ayuda práctica.

«Y nosotros tenemos este mandamiento de él: El que ama a Dios, ame también a su hermano», dijo el discípulo Juan (1 Juan 4:21). Carolina nos da un ejemplo magnífico de esta clase de amor. Ella tuvo la habilidad, la compasión y la visión de movilizar a la familia de la iglesia para asistir a una hermana afligida. Su amor individual por una persona necesitada se convirtió en un amor multiplicado que muchos pusieron en práctica.

Señor, muéstrame dónde puedo ayudar hoy.

«Ama a tu prójimo como te amas a ti mismo». Jesús

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Multiplizierte Liebe

Von Tim Gustafson

Lesen: 1.Johannes 4,20–5,5 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Mose 10–12; Matthäus 4

Dies Gebot haben wir . . ., dass, wer Gott liebt, dass der auch seinen Bruder liebe. 1.Johannes 4,21

Es sah nicht gut aus, als bei einer Frau aus Karins Gemeinde eine Motoneuron-Erkrankung festgestellt wurde. Diese brutale Krankheit greift Nerven und Muskeln an und führt schließlich zu völliger Lähmung. Die Versicherung wollte keine Hauspflege zahlen. Den Gedanken, seine Frau in ein Heim zu geben, konnte der Ehemann allerdings auch nicht ertragen.

Als Krankenschwester kannte Karin sich in der Pflege aus und fing an, die Frau daheim zu betreuen. Bald merkte sie aber, dass ihre eigene Familie darüber zu kurz kam. Deshalb begann sie, andere Gemeindeglieder für die Pflege anzuleiten. Während der nächsten sieben Jahre, in denen die Krankheit ihren Lauf nahm, schulte Karin einunddreißig freiwillige Helfer, die die betroffene Familie mit Liebe, Gebet und praktischer Hilfe umgaben.

Wer Gott liebt, der soll auch seinen Bruder lieben, schrieb der Jünger Johannes (1.Joh. 4,21). Karin ist ein leuchtendes Beispiel für diese Art von Liebe. Sie hatte die Voraussetzungen, das Mitgefühl und die Vision, die Gemeinde zu motivieren, damit sie einem ihrer kranken Mitglieder half. Ihre Liebe zu einem einzelnen Menschen multiplizierte sich in vielen.

Wie könnte Gott deine Talente und Fähigkeiten nutzen, um anderen zu helfen? Lass dir von ihm zeigen, wo du deine Gaben für den Bau seines Reiches einsetzen sollst.

Liebe deinen Nächsten wie dich selbst. Jesus

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Умноженная любовь

автор: Тим Густафсон

Читать сейчас: 1 Иоанна 4:20–5:5 | Библия за год: Бытие 10-12; Матфея 4

И мы имеем от Него такую заповедь, чтобы любящий Бога любил и брата своего. — 1 Иоанна 4:21

Пожилая женщина из церкви, которую посещала Кэрен, заболела страшной болезнью – амиотрофическим склерозом. Жестокий недуг повредил нервы и мышцы, что привело к параличу. Семейная страховка не смогла покрыть уход на дому, а несчастный супруг не мог вынести мысли о том, чтобы отправить ее в дом престарелых.

Кэрен имела опыт работы сиделкой, поэтому решила приходить к больной и ухаживать за ней. Но вскоре стало ясно, что одной ей это не под силу: совсем не оставалось времени на семью. Тогда она стала обучать других сестер в церкви уходу за больными. В течение следующих семи лет лет, пока болезнь прогрессировала, Кэрен обучила тридцать одну помощницу. Вместе они окружили больную заботой, любовью и молитвами.

«Мы имеем от Него такую заповедь, чтобы любящий Бога любил и брата своего», – написал апостол Иоанн (1 Ин. 4:21). Кэрен оставила яркий пример такой любви. У нее было умение, сострадание и цель – объединить христиан вокруг страдающей души. Ее любовь к одному человеку, находящемуся в нужде, умножилась во многих сердцах.

Как Бог может употребить ваши таланты и способности для служения находящимся в нужде? Попросите Его показать вам, как Он желает употребить вас для Своего Царства.

«Возлюби ближнего как самого себя». Иисус Христос

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un amour exponentiel

par Tim Gustafson

Lisez : 1 Jean 4.20 – 5.5 | La Bible en un an : Genèse 10 – 12 et Matthieu 4

[Que] celui qui aime Dieu aime aussi son frère. (1 Jean 4.21)

Lorsque l’on a diagnostiqué la maladie de Lou‑Gehrig chez une femme de l’Église de Karen, les choses s’annonçaient mal pour elle. Cette maladie cruelle, qui s’attaque aux nerfs et aux muscles, conduit en définitive à la paralysie. Or, l’assureur de sa famille refusait de l’indemniser pour la faire soigner à domicile, et le mari de cette pauvre femme ne supportait pas l’idée de la mettre en maison de santé.

Infirmière de profession et ayant les compétences nécessaires pour venir en aide à cette amie, Karen s’est mise à aller en prendre soin chez elle. Cependant, elle n’a pas tardé à comprendre qu’il lui était impossible de s’occuper de sa propre famille tout en comblant les besoins de son amie, si bien qu’elle a commencé à enseigner à d’autres personnes de l’Église à lui venir en aide. À mesure que la maladie a évolué au cours des sept années suivantes, Karen a ainsi formé trente et un bénévoles, qui ont entouré la famille éprouvée par leur amour, leurs prières et leur aide pratique.

« [Que] celui qui aime Dieu aime aussi son frère », a déclaré Jean, disciple de Jésus (1 JN 4.21). Karen nous donne un formidable exemple de ce genre d’amour. Elle avait les aptitudes, la compassion et la vision nécessaires pour rallier toute la famille de l’Église à la cause d’une amie qui souffrait. Son amour pour une seule personne dans le besoin est devenu exponentiel dans la vie de nombreuses autres personnes qui ont manifesté le leur à leur tour.

Aime ton prochain comme toi‑même. — JÉSUS

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, January 3, 2017 - Tenth Day of Christmas

First Reading

Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the LORD stood beside him and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place-- and I did not know it!" And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that you give me I will surely give one tenth to you."

Second Reading

Hebrews 11:13-22
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you." He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead-- and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, "bowing in worship over the top of his staff." By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

The Holy Gospel

John 10:7-17
So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 68 Exsurgat Deus
1   Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
2   Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3   But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.
4   Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5   Father of orphans, defender of widows, God in his holy habitation!
6   God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7   O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8   The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9   You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10   Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
11   The Lord gave the word; great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12   Kings with their armies are fleeing away; the women at home are dividing the spoils.
13   Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver, whose feathers are like green gold.
14   When the Almighty scattered kings, it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15   O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16   Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain, at the hill which God chose for his resting place? truly, the LORD will dwell there for ever.
17   The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18   You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19   Blessed be the Lord day by day, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20   He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the LORD, by whom we escape death.
21   God shall crush the heads of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of those who go on still in their wickedness.
22   The Lord has said, "I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea;
23   That your foot may be dipped in blood, the tongues of your dogs in the blood of your enemies."
24   They see your procession, O God, your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25   The singers go before, musicians follow after, in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26   Bless God in the congregation; bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27   There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head; the princes of Judah in a company; and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28   Send forth your strength, O God; establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29   Kings shall bring gifts to you, for your temple's sake at Jerusalem.
30   Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31   Trample down those who lust after silver; scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32   Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33   Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
34   He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35   Ascribe power to God; his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36   How wonderful is God in his holy places! the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

Evening Psalms

Psalm 72 Deus, judicium
1   Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King's son;
2   That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.
3   That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness.
4   He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5   He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
6   He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
7   In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
8   He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9   His foes shall bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
10   The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11   All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service.
12   For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper.
13   He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14   He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15   Long may he live! and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; may prayer be made for him always, and may they bless him all the day long.
16   May there be abundance of grain on the earth, growing thick even on the hilltops; may its fruit flourish like Lebanon, and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17   May his Name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures; may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
18   Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds!
19   And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

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

Verse of the Day - January 03, 2017

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Read all of Titus 2

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Do What You Can"

She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. (Mark 14:8, NIV)

As I read the Bible, I can't help but notice how little is said about the great empires in Jesus' day. We would think there would be more in the Bible about the Caesars or the great conquests of Rome. But it's interesting to me what God did.

In Matthew 26, we find a memorial we should never forget, an incredible, sacrificial thing someone did for Jesus: "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table" (verses 6–7).

With His disciples watching in amazement, Mary broke open this expensive ointment and anointed Jesus' head with complete abandon. It didn't matter to her what their opinions were. All she knew was this was her Lord.

Did Mary fully comprehend what lay ahead? Did she realize Jesus would die on a cross? I'm not sure. But she seemed to know more than the rest of them. She seemed to recognize that He needed to be anointed for His burial. So she gave her all.

Many people today will give only what is required by God. They don't want to go overboard. They don't want to be extreme or fanatical, so they give God the bare minimum. Maybe this is one of the reasons we don't see the work of God today on quite the same scale as they saw it back in the early church. As modeled by Mary, there was a complete abandon with these first-century disciples. They were willing to take risks. They were willing to do what they could.

Are you doing what you can today? It may not be a lot, but do what you can.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Un Dia a la Vez - Todo va a salir bien

No temas, porque no serás avergonzada. No te turbes, porque no serás humillada. Isaías 54:4

No tuve la enorme dicha de conocer a Jesús desde pequeña y en mi juventud, gracias a Dios, tuve un hogar más o menos estable. Un hogar como muchos, con varios problemas entre mis padres y con el triste desenlace de un divorcio. Ver el dolor en mi madre, la desesperación de mi padre y uno como hijo amándolos a los dos es muy fuerte. Es posible que tú, como hijo, estés en medio de esa tormenta y enfrentes una sola verdad: ¿Con quién vivirás? ¿Con papá o mamá? El divorcio será algo que marcará para siempre la vida de todos los involucrados en la familia.

Lo que nunca pensé es que esa sería una herencia para mí. La experiencia de dos divorcios dejó en mi vida mucha soledad, frustraciones y arrepentimiento, sobre todo con mi Padre celestial. Hoy en día, con una vida restaurada por completo y con una clara visión de lo que es un pacto de fidelidad a Dios y a mis promesas, estoy felizmente casada y esta vez para toda la vida.

Si estás atravesando una separación o un divorcio, no temas. No eres la única persona. Solo permite que Dios sea tu guía, tu esperanza… y te levantarás otra vez.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - JESUS’ PRESENCE DOESN’T GUARANTEE OUR COMFORT

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? Mark 4:37-38

Many times storms can make it seem like Jesus doesn’t care. In this story Jesus’ humanity is evident. He was so tired he was sleeping through a storm which caused the disciples—some even professional fishermen—to fear for their lives.

Without warning, Muslim background believers, Gulshan and Latifa, found themselves caught in a dangerous storm of opposition from local police—all because they had accepted an invitation to a Christian woman’s home to meet with several women who were not believers.

While they were drinking tea and chatting, the police arrived and searched the house. When they could find no incriminating materials, the officers left. But a short time later, other policemen started filming all the ladies. Accusing the two Christian ladies of holding a religious meeting, the police took them into custody. They escorted them to a police station where they were pressured to admit involvement in “illegal missionary activities.”

When they refused to sign, police detained and abused them for six hours. Gulshan was beaten so badly that she suffered a concussion. Only after their pastor intervened did the police let them receive treatment for their injuries.

Gulshan and Latifa left their hometown and sought refuge in one of Open Doors’ “Safe Houses” in another region of their country. For a month they were able to escape the brunt of the storm, staying in the “Safe House” until the pressures abated. Meanwhile, the judge hearing the women’s case fined them in absentia seven times the minimum monthly wage—more than a half year’s salary.

“We were very happy to spend time away from all the tumult,” the two believers said as they later left the “Safe House” to return home. “We were able to learn more about spending time with God and being quiet before Him. To meet with other believers was a blessing and really encouraged us. And thank you so much for assisting us in paying these huge fines. You are a blessing!” the two women concluded.

Though it seemed at first that Jesus did not care for or about them, those who were the hands and feet for Jesus came to the rescue and the storm was weathered with encouragement resulting in more boldness.

RESPONSE: Today I will live in the awareness and peace that Jesus is in the storm with me. His presence doesn’t guarantee comfort, but it builds faith that He will ultimately calm the storm.

PRAYER: Pray that all those feeling that Jesus doesn’t care about their storm will realize the power and comfort His presence can bring.

Girlfriends in God - What to Do When Life Stinks

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).


Friend to Friend

I love being a grandmother and work hard at finding any excuse to spend time with our grandchildren. I am convinced they keep me young. I also know they are some of my greatest teachers.

Several years ago, I visited our son and daughter-in-law in Charlotte, North Carolina because four of our six grandchildren live with them. Two of the four are twins. As you can imagine, life is anything but dull as Jered and Jodi try to keep up four children – especially the twins. Lelia, a vivacious little bundle of energy with bouncy blonde curls, blue eyes, and a killer smile, and her twin brother, Jaydan, whose blue eyes and dimples could charm the warts right off a frog keep their parents hopping. Some of the things they say are not only hilarious, but wonderfully profound as well.

It was late. Jered was getting the kids ready for bed while Jodi and I enjoyed some uninterrupted “girl time” together. We met at the kitchen island and decided that a snack was in order. Jodi grabbed the crackers out of the pantry while I fished the pimento cheese and grapes out of the refrigerator. So it began - the ritualistic gab session of two women simply catching up on life.

As we talked and laughed, Jaydan wandered in for bedtime hugs and kisses and any reason to delay going to bed. Spotting our food, he quickly pleaded, “Mimi, I need a snack.” I quickly looked at Jodi who nodded her approval. Jaydan pointed at the pimento cheese and said, “I want that!” Jaydan had never eaten pimento cheese, but obviously thought it was high time that he did.

Jodi handed him a cracker. Jaydan tentatively dipped one corner of his cracker into the cheese, raised the cracker to his mouth and inspected it closely. He then bravely took his very first bite of pimento cheese. It was an epic moment.

Jodi and I watched carefully for any reaction. None came. Jaydan once again eyed the cracker, dipped it into the pimento cheese, and this time, he came up with an impressive lump of cheese clinging to the now soggy and slightly limp cracker. Turning the concoction over in his little hand, my brave grandson closely inspected the gooey, yellow substance one more time before slowly easing the cracker into his mouth. Jaydan’s eyes widened and promptly filled with tears. He quickly spit out the obviously disgusting mixture and vigorously shook his head. A pair of accusing blue eyes met ours. Jodi and I were really trying not to laugh - which only made things worse.

Jaydan was obviously disappointed in both his grandmother and mother who were supposed to protect him from things like pimento cheese. Jaydan sent the silent but clear message that the very existence of pimento cheese was somehow our fault. He then ceremoniously wiped the back of his little hand across his mouth and firmly announced, “No! I can’t wike it!” Translation: Jaydan Scott Southerland does not like pimento cheese at all! Final answer!

I sometimes feel that way about life. I don’t like it when things aren’t going my way, and I am faced with a problem I cannot solve or a person I find hard to love.

When I was molested, I didn’t like it.
When my mother died after years of battling cancer, I didn’t like it.
When my husband went into cardiac arrest and almost died, I didn’t like it.
When I found myself battling clinical depression, I didn’t like it!

I could go on, but you get the idea.
Sometimes, life just stinks!
What then?

For years, I simply plastered a fake but very religious smile on my face and pretended that I was strong enough to withstand whatever storm I was facing. That strategy seemed to work for a while, but then the pain and helplessness suddenly washed over me like a tidal wave, bringing me to my knees. I was afraid to share my pain and fear with anyone because then they would see me for what I really am – mortal.

Over the years, I have learned some important truths about pain and its purpose in my life. God is not committed to my comfort, but He is committed to my character. I need to let God be God in my life and choose to trust Him – no matter what. I need to put my feelings in their place and choose to believe God’s Word instead. Even when I can’t see the end of the journey, I need to be willing to take the first step in faith.

So the next time you have more questions than answers, more fears than faith, or more darkness than light, remember the truth that God really is in control. No matter what storm you are facing, God’s got it!


Let’s Pray

Father, I love You! I may not always understand or like how You work in my life, but I want to grow to the place where I trust You anyway. Please help me learn how to walk by faith … not by sight. When the hard times come, teach me to trust You fully.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Pour out your heart to your God, asking Him to uncover the dark places in your life. Record each one in your journal. Be honest. Each day this week, read aloud Psalm 40:1-3 and claim it as a certain hope from God’s heart to yours.

More from the Girlfriends

We all have storms at some point in life. How we face and deal with those storms can mean the difference between a life of victory and a life of defeat. Strength for the Storm is the powerful message of Mary’s struggle with clinical depression.


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.