CPTLN Devocional - Nuestro ejemplo

19 de Enero 2017

Amados, si Dios nos ha amado así, nosotros también debemos amarnos unos a otros. (1 Juan 4:11)

Wang Guiying está buscando un esposo. En un país con más de mil millones de habitantes, debe haber muchísimas mujeres en la misma posición que ella.

La diferencia es que Wang tiene 107 años. Su padre era un comerciante de sal. Wang creció viendo cómo sus tíos y los otros hombres golpeaban o vendían a sus esposas. Era costumbre encontrar a su tía llorando en el cobertizo después de haber sido golpeada.

Habiendo pasado por todas esas experiencias, no es de asombrarse que evitara casarse. Pero, con el paso del tiempo, ya no pudo contar más con sus sobrinos para que la cuidaran, por lo que decidió buscar un marido. Ojalá que tenga suerte.

Después de haber contado esta historia, podría citar lo que dijo Pablo en Colosenses 3:19 acerca de que los esposos deben amar a sus esposas. Si en China hubieran seguido este consejo, quizás la vida de Wang hubiera sido diferente.

Pero lo que en realidad quiero hacer es alentar y animar a los cristianos a vivir una vida cristiana. No sólo porque hemos sido rescatados por el Salvador y queremos darle gracias por ello, sino también porque los demás están observando lo que hacemos y escuchando lo que decimos.

No me cabe ninguna duda que quienes nos rodean son influenciados por nuestro ejemplo, así como las acciones malas de los hombres que rodeaban a Wang hicieron que durante muchísimos años no quisiera casarse.

Y yo no quiero ser la razón que mantenga a alguien alejado del Salvador.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor Jesús, reconozco que soy un pecador que tropieza y cae, por lo que te pido que me ayudes a mantenerme alejado del pecado y a estar cada vez más cerca de ti. En tu nombre. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones.Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas

Our Daily Bread - A Treasure to be Shared

By Bill Crowder

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1–7 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 46–48; Matthew 13:1–30

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

In March 1974, Chinese farmers were digging a well when they made a surprising discovery: Buried under the dry ground of central China was the Terracotta Army—life-size terracotta sculptures that dated back to the third century bc. In this extraordinary find were some 8,000 soldiers, 150 cavalry horses, and 130 chariots drawn by 520 horses. The Terracotta Army has become one of the most popular tourist sites in China, attracting over a million visitors annually. This amazing treasure lay hidden for centuries but is now being shared with the world.

The apostle Paul wrote that followers of Christ have a treasure inside them that is to be shared with the world: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure" (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT). The treasure inside us is the message of Christ and His love.

This treasure is not to be hidden but is to be shared so that by God’s love and grace people of every nation can be welcomed into His family. May we, through His Spirit’s working, share that treasure with someone today.

The good news of Jesus is too wonderful to keep to myself, Father. May I live the gospel and share it with others throughout my journey with You, Lord.

Share your ideas with others about ways to be a light for Jesus. Go to Facebook.com/ourdailybread.

Let others see your testimony as well as hear it.

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Un tesoro para compartir

Por Bill Crowder

Leer: 2 Corintios 4:1-7 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 13:1-30

Pero tenemos este tesoro en vasos de barro, para que la excelencia del poder sea de Dios… (2 Corintios 4:7).

En marzo de 1974, mientras cavaban un pozo, unos granjeros chinos descubrieron algo sorprendente: sepultados en el terreno seco de China central, estaban los Guerreros de Terracota: unas esculturas de terracota en tamaño real que datan del siglo iii a.C. Este extraordinario hallazgo incluye unos 8.000 soldados, 150 caballos de guerra y 130 carros tirados por 520 caballos. El lugar se ha convertido en uno de los sitios turísticos más populares de China, visitado por más de un millón de personas cada año. Este asombroso tesoro estuvo escondido durante siglos, pero ahora se comparte con todo el mundo.

El apóstol Pablo escribió que los seguidores de Cristo tienen un tesoro en su interior que deben compartir con el mundo: «Pero tenemos este tesoro en vasos de barro, para que la excelencia del poder sea de Dios, y no de nosotros» (2 Corintios 4:7). El tesoro que tenemos dentro es el mensaje de Cristo y de su amor.

No debemos esconder este tesoro sino compartirlo, a fin de que, por el amor y la gracia de Dios, cada persona llegue a formar parte de su familia. Mediante la obra del Espíritu, compartamos hoy este tesoro con alguien.

Señor, la buena noticia de Jesús es demasiado maravillosa para mantenerla en secreto. Ayúdame a compartir hoy el evangelio con mi vida y mis palabras.

Además de escucharlo, que los demás vean tu testimonio.

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Weitergeben

Von Bill Crowder

Lesen: 2.Korinther 4,1-7 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Mose 46–48; Matthäus 13,1-30

Wir haben diesen Schatz in irdenen Gefäßen, damit die überschwängliche Kraft von Gott sei und nicht von uns. 2.Korinther 4,7

Im März 1974 gruben chinesische Bauern einen Brunnen und machten dabei eine überraschende Entdeckung: Unter der trockenen Erde von Zentralchina begraben lag die Terrakotta-Armee—lebensgroße Terrakottafiguren, die aus dem 3. Jahrhundert vor Christi stammten. Zum außergewöhnlichen Fund gehörten rund 8000 Soldaten, 150 Schlachtrosse und 130 Wagen, die von 520 Pferden gezogen wurden. Die Terrakotta-Armee wurde zu einem der beliebtesten Ausflugsziele in China und zieht jährlich über eine Million Besucher an. Der erstaunliche Schatz lag Jahrhunderte lang verborgen. Doch jetzt ist er auf der ganzen Welt bekannt.

Der Apostel Paulus schrieb, dass Nachfolger Jesu in sich einen Schatz verbergen, den sie der Welt bekannt machen sollen: „Doch diesen kostbaren Schatz tragen wir in zerbrechlichen Gefäßen, nämlich in unseren schwachen Körpern“ (2.Korinther 4,7 NLB). Der Schatz in uns ist die Botschaft von Jesus und seiner Liebe.

Dieser Schatz soll nicht verborgen bleiben, sondern weitergegeben werden, so dass durch Gottes Gnade und Liebe Menschen aller Völker zu seiner Familie kommen können. Lasst uns heute durch das Wirken des Heiligen Geistes einem anderen diesen Schatz bringen.

Die gute Nachricht von Jesus ist zu gut, um sie für mich zu behalten, Vater. Lass mich heute dein Evangelium leben und mit anderen teilen. Teile deine Ideen, wie du für andere Jesu Licht sein kannst, mit uns auf unsertaeglichbrot.org

Lass andere dein Zeugnis nicht nur hören, sondern auch sehen.

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Сокровище для всех

автор: Билл Краудер

Читать сейчас: 2 Коринфянам 4:1-7 | Библия за год: Бытие 46-48; Матфея 13:1-30

Сокровище это мы носим в глиняных сосудах, чтобы преизбыточная сила была приписываема Богу, а не нам. — 2 Коринфянам 4:7

В марте 1974 г. китайские крестьяне копали колодец и обнаружили удивительную находку. В сухой земле находилась терракотовая армия – выполненные в натуральную величину статуи, датируемые III веком до Р.Х. Всего там было около 8 000 солдат, 150 кавалерийских лошадей и 130 колесниц с запряженными в них 520 конями. Терракотовая армия стала одной из самых популярных китайских достопримечательностей. Каждый год это место посещают более миллиона туристов. Удивительное глиняное сокровище тысячи лет было скрыто под землей, а теперь стало доступно всему миру.

Апостол Павел писал, что христиане тоже носят в себе скрытое сокровище, которое должно быть представлено людям: «Сокровище это мы носим в глиняных сосудах» (2 Кор. 4:7). Сокровище внутри нас – это весть о Христе и Его любви.

Ее нельзя скрывать, она должна быть распространена, чтобы люди из всех народов могли войти в Божью семью. Будем же с помощью Святого Духа делиться этим сокровищем с окружающими.

Благая весть об Иисусе Христе слишком чудесна, чтобы хранить ее для себя. Отче, помоги мне жить Евангелием и делиться им с другими на протяжении всего жизненного пути.

Пусть окружающие не только услышат, но и увидят ваше свидетельство.

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un trésor à partager

par Bill Crowder

Lisez : 2 Corinthiens 4.1‑7 | La Bible en un an : Genèse 46 – 48 et Matthieu 13.1‑30

Nous portons ce trésor dans des vases de terre, afin que cette grande puissance soit attribuée à Dieu, et non pas à nous. (2 Corinthiens 4.7)

En mars 1974, des fermiers chinois s’employaient à creuser un puits lorsqu’ils ont fait une découverte étonnante : ensevelie sous le sol aride de la Chine centrale se trouvait la fameuse armée de terre cuite – des sculptures d’argile grandeur nature datant du IIIe siècle av. J.‑C. Cette extraordinaire découverte archéologique comptait environ 8000 soldats, 150 chevaux de cavalerie et 130 chars tirés par 520 chevaux. Le lieu de la découverte de l’armée de terre cuite est devenu l’un des sites touristiques les plus prisés de Chine, attirant plus d’un million de visiteurs par année. Ce formidable trésor resté enseveli pendant des siècles est donc maintenant partagé avec le reste de la planète.

L’apôtre Paul a écrit que les disciples de Christ ont en eux‑mêmes un trésor qu’ils doivent partager avec le monde : « Nous portons ce trésor dans des vases de terre, afin que cette grande puissance soit attribuée à Dieu, et non pas à nous » (2 CO 4.7). Ce trésor que nous avons en nous‑mêmes est le message de Christ et son amour.

Or, il est nécessaire de le partager plutôt que de le garder caché afin que, par l’amour et la grâce de Dieu, les gens de toutes les nations soient accueillis au sein de sa famille. Puissions‑nous donc, par l’oeuvre de son Esprit, faire découvrir ce trésor à quelqu’un aujourd’hui même !

Permettez aux gens de voir aussi bien que d’entendre votre témoignage.

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, January 18, 2017 - The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle

Pietro Perugino's depiction of the "Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter" by Jesus, 1492

First Reading

Acts 4:8-13
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.

Psalms

Psalm 23 Dominus regit me
1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2   He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
3   He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4   Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5   You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6   Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Second Reading

1 Peter 5:1-4
Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it-- not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

The Holy Gospel

Matthew 16:13-19
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

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 18, 2017

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 10

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "The First One There"

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

A question I'm often asked about Heaven is whether we will recognize each other.

While I can't cite any Scripture passage that absolutely guarantees we will recognize one another in Heaven, it's my belief that we will.

There are Scripture passages that would seem to point to that. When Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus during His transfiguration, they were recognizable to Peter. He was able to look at them and somehow know they were Moses and Elijah.

It's also interesting that after Jesus' resurrection, when He appeared to the disciples on the Emmaus road and walked and talked with them, they didn't realize that it was indeed Him until their eyes were opened. Therefore, Jesus was recognizable but not immediately recognizable. He bore in His body the marks of the crucifixion. This gives us a picture of a resurrection body that is similar to the old earthly body but is different at the same time.

We're also told in 1 Corinthians 13, "Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (verse 12). We'll have a new knowledge and understanding that wasn't possible before.

The Bible says that Christ has become "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). He was the first one there, so to speak. Considering the resurrection body of Jesus, I think we're given a broad outline of what our bodies will be like. The Scriptures say, "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). I think our resurrected bodies will be somewhat similar to our earthly bodies.

To live forever in this body would be a curse. But to live forever in a new body in the presence of God—that will be a blessing.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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

Un Dia a la Vez - Deja el pasado y mira el futuro

Olvidando lo que queda atrás y esforzándome por alcanzar lo que está delante, sigo avanzando hacia la meta para ganar el premio que Dios ofrece mediante su llamamiento celestial en Cristo Jesús. Filipenses 3:13-14

Estamos comenzando un nuevo año y es tiempo de dejar atrás nuestros errores. Es tiempo de comenzar con nuevas actitudes. Dios te quiere feliz y desea que puedas alcanzar tus metas en este nuevo año. No se trata solo de dejar de fumar, comenzar una nueva dieta, ni iniciar una temporada en el gimnasio. Nuestras metas deben ir más allá de esto, aunque todo lo que mencioné antes es clave para un cambio. Esas propuestas para este año deben ir acordes a lo que Dios espera de nosotros.

He experimentado en mi andar con Cristo que lo mejor en la vida es hacer la voluntad de Dios. La obediencia trae bendición. Es una fórmula que no falla.

Cuando hacemos la voluntad de Dios, vemos que todo sale bien. Vemos un respaldo en cada plan que desarrollamos. Las puertas se abren y nos sorprendemos porque sabemos que Él va delante. Y algo muy especial… sentimos paz.

Si para este nuevo año aún no tienes metas o sigues pegado a las cosas del pasado que te restan felicidad, pídele en oración a Dios que te muestre su plan perfecto para ti. Y dile: «Señor, quiero hacer tu voluntad y no la mía. Ayúdame a comenzar una nueva vida. Amén y amén.

La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional® NVI® Copyright © 1986, 1999, 2015 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Girlfriends in God - It’s a God Thing!

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1a, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Faith is the quiet certainty that God keeps His promises. If you are like me, you don’t like to wait on God with “quiet certainty.” We see a need, and instead of seeking God’s wisdom and timing, we make a plan we think will meet that need and then, with earthly resources, make sure the plan is executed. As a result, we often settle for so much less than God had in mind.

Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope (Ephesians 3:20, NLT).

Many children seem to possess the “quiet certainty” that God is able. The prayer life of a child is often powerful as they dare to pray big prayers, asking God to do the impossible.


Christmas was just around the corner when we decided to go home for the holidays. We lived in South Florida at the time and rarely had the opportunity or finances to fly to Texas where Dan and I were both raised and our families still lived.

Everyone was excited, especially Jered and Danna. While they looked forward to seeing all of their aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins, they were more excited about seeing snow for the first time. The only problem was that snow was not in the Texas forecast. In fact, it was supposed to be unusually warm.

Danna and Jered would not be deterred. Nothing we said convinced them that there would be no snow for Christmas. Every night, they prayed, asking God to let it snow in Texas. They told all of their friends and anyone who would listen that they were going to Texas for Christmas and that it was going to snow. I gave up, planning what I would say to our children when it did not snow. Yes, it would be a hard lesson, but life is filled with hard lessons.

Our plane landed and we were met with hugs and kisses from my sister and brother-in-law…but no snow. It didn’t matter. Jered and Danna were ready. Betty and Carey fielded a barrage of “snow questions” as we claimed our baggage and started home. Interestingly enough, it did seem colder the closer we got to Fort Worth. In fact, by the time we arrived, it was just plain cold - but certainly not cold enough to snow.

As Dan and I unpacked suitcases, the kids squealed with delight at the Christmas tree, the gifts underneath, the homemade fudge…and the snow! “Everybody, come see the snow!” they shouted. Dan and I looked at each other, smiled, and continued unpacking, realizing that it was time for the “sometimes God says no” conversation.

Suddenly, my usually rational sister appeared in the doorway of our bedroom, eyes big as saucers. “You are not going to believe this!” she said. The kids had obviously brainwashed her. Dan and I played along, following her to the living room where both Jered and Danna were plastered against the sliding glass door, watching giant snowflakes gently fall, their faith on display for all to see.

Over the years, I have often relived that moment, cherishing the lesson I learned that day. God is able! Even when everything seems wrong and everyone shouts “impossible,” He is able. We can always rest in the fact that God is God and that He is able to meet every need in ways we cannot begin to imagine.

Miracles should be a daily occurrence. “God things” should be the norm if we truly know and abide in Christ. I hear from hundreds of women each week whose lives have been shattered against a measurable faith. Living in human power is consuming and futile, but living in God’s power is replenishing and filled with purpose.

God stands ready to pour His power in and through us to a world filled with hurting, wounded and hopeless people. All of His power is at our disposal, yet we are satisfied to live day in and day out, in a miracle-less existence filled with results that can be understood in human terms. I desperately want to live in such a way that one day, I can look back in wonder at all of the “God things” He did in and through my life. I pray that those who come behind me will celebrate an ordinary life that was lived in extraordinary ways and is explainable only through a power man can neither produce nor comprehend – God’s power.

Let’s Pray

Father, I come to You, desperately needing Your power and Your strength. Help me learn to recognize Your work in my daily life. I celebrate the fact that You are able and willing to perform miracles when I step out in faith and trust You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Can you believe that the clean slate of 2017 is just ahead? A new beginning and a fresh start! However, what did we learn in 2016 that will make a difference in the weeks and months ahead? As the holiday season winds down, I pray that you will see the New Year through eyes of faith. Guard your heart and mind against darkness. Stand firm in God’s power and presence. He is faithful and He is sufficient for whatever tomorrow brings.

More from the Girlfriends

Need help facing the uncertainty of a new year? Mary’s books, 10-Day Trust Adventure and Fit for Life, will help you learn how to truly trust God and become spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically fit. This two-book package is a powerful tool for living a life of victory.

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.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SATAN’S TACTICS

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, “We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can’t even keep them from family values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience in Christ.

“If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ.

“This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day.”

“How shall we do this?” shouted the evil angels.

“Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent unnumbered schemes to occupy their minds,” he answered.

“Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, then borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work and the husbands to work six or seven days a week, ten to twelve hours a day, so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work.

“Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to keep the TV, the DVD, and their CD’s going constantly in their homes. Tempt them to spend more time on their computers, especially watching internet pornography.

“Fill their coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news twenty-four-hours-a-day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail order catalogues, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering, free products, services and false hopes.

“When they meet for fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength.”

RESPONSE: Today I will live in awareness of Satan’s subtle tactics to keep me from victory. I will stand against him and he will flee.

PRAYER: Lord, help me remain close to You today and not allow the “things” and “busyness” of life to crowd You out.

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