Girlfriends in God - Proposing

by Melissa Spoelstra

Today’s Truth

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them' (John 7:37-38, NLT).

Friend to Friend

Getting along is so hard. One of the things that makes it so difficult is our tendency to project our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs onto to others. Our default is to think:

• What annoys me also annoys everyone else.
• What doesn't bother me shouldn't bother anyone else.
• If I need time to process things, so does everyone else.
• If I don't need time to process, then you shouldn't either.
• When I know the right way, I should keep pushing until everyone acknowledges that my way is right.

You get the idea.

How can we step outside our own way of feeling and thinking and see other's points of view? Yet in the midst of trying to understand others, how do we still be true to how God has wired us and also hold fast to our beliefs? These are questions at the heart of living love when we disagree. One thing that has struck me lately is an observation someone made at a conference I attended a few weeks ago. The speaker said,

"Jesus proposed truth, but He didn't impose it."

He pointed out that Jesus didn't force Himself or His gospel on people. He offered it like crazy, but He didn't impose it. He said anyone who was thirsty could come to Him and drink and receive streams of living water. Jesus didn't tie people up in strait jackets and pour His water down their throats. He didn't impose His love, His truth, or His life. Instead He offered it. He proposed a new way to live in total dependence on God. He proposed humility, freedom, and forgiveness for whoever would believe in Him and follow Him.

As His followers, we can learn from His way. We live love by proposing our beliefs, our way of thinking, and our feelings. However, we shouldn't impose them on others. Instead, we listen with understanding. We explain our perspectives, but we don't get angry when others see things from a different point of view.

Just last night I wanted to make a point and get my husband to agree with my opinion. I went too far. I wanted him in a straightjacket so I could pour my truth water down his throat. It was over the littlest thing like what noises are annoying to most people. Don't laugh, I bet some of your fights are silly too. Right?

Let's learn to propose like Jesus. To offer a thirsty world the best water - whether it is those in our own family, our community, or even strangers on social media. When others prefer not to drink our water, we don't have to keep pushing our way. Instead we continue to freely offer and live love... especially when we don't see eye to eye!

I hope you'll remember today that Jesus is proposing to you! He invites you to drink His satisfying water as you walk through the ups and downs of life today. Say YES!

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, we want to follow You. We long to know you and emulate You in our understanding of truth but also in how we communicate our beliefs. You are the Truth. We long to drink Your living water and offer it to a thirsty world. Show us how to do it Your way.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Think right now of that person who drives you a little bit crazy. Maybe you disagree on many topics or they just simply annoy you because you are so different. Consider how you might offer them Jesus’s living water today in a proposing rather than imposing way. Say a kind word, bless them with an anonymous gift, or take the time to really listen to what they have to say.

More from the Girlfriends

Melissa Spoelstra is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages know Christ more intimately through serious Bible study. She is the author of Mom's Choice Award-winning Total Family Makeover as well as three women’s Bible studies including First Corinthians, Joseph, and Jeremiah. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids. Sign up on her website today to be entered into a contest to win a free copy of her latest Bible study First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree at www.melissaspoelstra.com.

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LHM Daily Devotion - "Jettison the Junk"

 January 20, 2017

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  - Hebrews 12:1

In 1874 Jules Verne published a novel called The Mysterious Island.

For those of you who haven't read it, the book is sort of a cross between  Robinson Crusoe  and  Gilligan's Island. In the book, Verne tells of five Union soldiers who manage to escape a Civil War prison camp by using a hot-air balloon.

According to the storyline, a great storm catches the balloon and carries it over the sea and across countless miles. Horror comes upon the men when they realize their torn balloon will be forced down in the midst of the ocean. If they are to survive, they must lighten the load. The first choices are easy: the bags of ballast are emptied.

That buys some time, but not much.

Very soon the balloon finds itself in danger again. More choices: the men throw over all unnecessary provisions: guns, extra clothing, almost everything goes. It's a losing battle. Each choice buys them time, but only for a while. Eventually, the men agree to jettison their food, then their gold and, finally, with the men clinging to the netting of the balloon, even the gondola in which they had been riding.

The men live. It would have been a very short novel if they hadn't.

But what I want you to understand here is that these men figured out what was important and what was not. Things that once seemed to be indispensable necessities were reduced to being nothing more than excess baggage. Although he didn't know it, Verne was putting into fiction the Scripture verse which says, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

In other words, let's keep God first.

This is why this devotion asks, how are you doing in keeping God first?

By that I don't mean almost first, or close to first, or most of the time first. I mean first -- 100 percent of the time. Probably not too good, I'd guess. Not so long ago when a national magazine took a poll of the things we couldn't live without, 63 percent of the people said they needed a car; 54 percent said light bulbs were important; 42 percent wanted to keep their telephone; 22 percent couldn't give up their TV.

You will note that God isn't in that list, and although He isn't a  thing, He should be at the top of every list put together by everybody.

But He's not.

The world, the devil, our own sinful natures -- do all they can to push God to the background and something else to the front. What something else? Goodness, I don't know. I do know every time God says, "I want to be first," you can be absolutely sure that something is going to pop up to move God -- ever so gently, ever so slowly, ever so unnoticeably -- to the side.

This is wrong, The Lord who gave His Son to be sacrificed in our stead is worthy of being held in the highest admiration, respect, reverence, honor and worship. In short, God deserves to be first -- always and forever.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for those times when I have demoted You. Grant that I may always see Your love and appreciate the Savior's sacrifice as being more important than anything else. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

CPTLN Devocional - Rejuvenecido como el águila

20 de Enero 2017

¡Bendice, alma mía, al Señor! ¡Bendiga todo mi ser su santo nombre! ¡Bendice, alma mía, al Señor, y no olvides ninguna de sus bendiciones! El Señor perdona todas tus maldades, y sana todas tus dolencias. El Señor te rescata de la muerte, y te colma de favores y de su misericordia. El Señor te sacia con los mejores alimentos para que renueves tus fuerzas, como el águila. (Salmo 103.1-5)

¿Cuántas veces nos hemos sentido tristes y abandonados? ¿Cuántas veces hemos pensado que nuestra vida carece de valor? ¿Cuántas veces no encontramos motivos para dar gracias a Dios? ¿Cuántas veces nuestra vida se ha convertido en un discurso de lamentos y quejas?

En esas circunstancias, cuando nos sentimos acongojados por el peso de nuestros pecados y de pensamientos negativos, necesitamos mirar hacia arriba y recogernos durante un tiempo, para comenzar un proceso de renovación. Para poder continuar volando en un vuelo de victoria, tenemos que desprendernos de recuerdos, costumbres, viejos hábitos... que nos causan dolor.

Quizás algo parecido le haya sucedido al compositor del Salmo 103. Es una tendencia muy humana olvidar lo bueno que Dios ha hecho en nosotros, pues el orgullo que llevamos en nuestro corazón nos hace ingratos y olvidadizos. Por este motivo es que el salmista involucra todos sus pensamientos, sus recuerdos, su mente, sus emociones, toda su persona en esta ofrenda de adoración, y puede percibir que en realidad su vida está llena de motivos para dar gracias y alabanzas a Dios, y se estimula a sí mismo para hacerlo, diciendo: "Bendice alma mía al Señor... y no olvides ninguno de sus beneficios".

¡Cuántos beneficios recibimos cada día de parte de Dios! Aquí se nos mencionan algunos: el perdón de todos nuestros errores, la salud, la vida y los bienes materiales. Todos los beneficios que recibimos de Dios nos rejuvenecen, dándonos una vitalidad diariamente renovada. ¡Cuántas otras cosas podríamos agregar a esta lista!

Aun en medio de las dificultades y las muchas carencias que podamos tener, Dios en su gran amor quiere que día a día renovemos nuestras fuerzas en Él.

ORACIÓN: Señor, te elevamos nuestra oración de acción de gracias y te pedimos que renueves nuestras fuerzas y nos bendigas. No permitas que pasemos por alto las bendiciones que día a día nos das. Amén


Biografía del autor: Guillermo Herigert, es pastor de la Iglesia Luterana en Uruguay. Colabora como voluntario para las oficinas de Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. En los Centros Ministeriales de CPTLN se atienden a las necesidades de las personas compartiendo las Buenas Nuevas de salvación en Jesucristo con hombres y mujeres en más de 50 países y seis continentes a través de 34 Centros Ministeriales. Si desea más información sobre los Centros Ministeriales, diríjase a Por el mundo en el menú, y seleccione el país que le interesa.

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

Our Daily Bread - Breath of Life

By Amy Boucher Pye

Read: Genesis 2:4–8 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 49–50; Matthew 13:31–58

Then the Lord God . . . breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Genesis 2:7

On a cold and frosty morning, as my daughter and I walked to school, we enjoyed seeing our breath turn to vapor. We giggled at the various steamy clouds we could each produce. I received the moment as a gift, reveling in being with her and being alive.

Our breath, which is usually invisible, was seen in the cold air, and it made me think about the Source of our breath and life—the Lord our Creator. For He who formed Adam out of the dust of the ground, giving him the breath of life, also gives life to us and to every living creature (Genesis 2:7). All things come from Him—even our very breath, which we inhale without even thinking about.

We may be tempted, living with today’s conveniences and technology, to forget our beginnings and that God is the one who gives us life. But when we pause to remember that God is our Creator, we can build an attitude of thankfulness into our daily routines. We can ask Him for help and acknowledge the gift of life with humble, thankful hearts. May our gratitude spill out and touch others, so that they also may give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness.

Dear heavenly Father, what an awesome and powerful God You are! You created life by Your very breath. We praise You and stand in awe of You. Thank You for Your creation.

Give thanks to God, our Creator, who gives us the breath of life.

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Aliento de vida

Por Amy Boucher Pye

Leer: Génesis 2:4-8 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 13:31-58

Entonces el Señor Dios […] sopló en su nariz aliento de vida… (Génesis 2:7).

Una mañana fría y escarchada, mientras caminábamos con mi hija a la escuela, nos encantó ver cómo nuestro aliento se convertía en vapor, y nos reíamos ante las diferentes figuras que podíamos hacer. Ese momento me pareció un regalo, tanto por el deleite de estar con ella como por estar viva.

Nuestro aliento, que suele ser invisible, se percibía en el aire frío, y eso me hizo pensar en la Fuente de nuestro aliento y vida: Dios, nuestro Creador. Aquel que formó a Adán del polvo de la tierra y sopló en él aliento de vida, también nos da vida a nosotros y a todo ser viviente (Génesis 2:7). Todas las cosas proceden de Él; incluso nuestra propia respiración… inhalamos y exhalamos sin siquiera pensarlo.

Con todas las comodidades y las tecnologías de que disponemos, tal vez tendamos a olvidarnos de nuestros comienzos y que Dios es quien no da la vida. Sin embargo, cuando hacemos una pausa para pensar que Él es nuestro Creador, podemos agregar a nuestras rutinas diarias una actitud de gratitud, pedirle al Señor que nos ayude y reconocer con un corazón humilde y agradecido el regalo de la vida. Que esta gratitud impacte e incentive a otros, para que ellos también den gracias al Señor por su bondad y fidelidad.

¡Querido Dios, gracias por tu poder y tu creación! Te alabo por haberme dado la vida.

Demos gracias a Dios, nuestro Creador, quien nos da el aliento de vida.

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Odem des Lebens

Von Amy Boucher Pye

Lesen: 1.Mose 2,4-8 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Mose 49–50; Matthäus 13,31-58

Da . . . blies [Gott] ihm den Odem des Lebens in seine Nase. (1.Mose 2,7)

An einem frostig-kalten Morgen ging ich mit meiner Tochter zur Schule. Fasziniert beobachteten wir, wie unser Atem in der Luft zu sehen war. Wir kicherten über die kleinen Dampfwölkchen, die wir produzierten. Für mich war der Augenblick wie ein Geschenk. Ich freute mich an meiner Tochter und am Leben.

Unser Atem, der normalerweise unsichtbar ist, war in der kalten Luft sichtbar, und ich musste an die Quelle unseres Atems und des Lebens denken—an Gott, unseren Schöpfer. Er, der Adam aus Staub von der Erde formte und ihm den Lebensodem einblies, gibt auch uns und allen anderen Geschöpfen unser Leben (1.Mose 2,7). Alle Dinge kommen von ihm—sogar die Luft, die wir einatmen, ohne darüber nachzudenken.

Bei den Annehmlichkeiten und technischen Möglichkeiten, die wir heute haben, sind wir vielleicht in Gefahr, zu vergessen, wo wir herkommen und dass Gott es ist, der uns Leben gibt. Aber wenn wir einmal innehalten und uns daran erinnern, dass Gott unser Schöpfer ist, kann das in unsere Alltagsroutine eine Haltung der Dankbarkeit bringen. Wir können ihn um Hilfe bitten und mit demütigem und dankbarem Herzen das Geschenk des Lebens annehmen. Und diese Dankbarkeit kann sich an andere mitteilen, so dass auch sie beginnen, dem Herrn für seine Güte und Treue zu danken.

Lieber himmlischer Vater, was für ein großer, mächtiger Gott bist du! Du hast mit deinem Atem das Leben geschaffen. Wir loben dich und beten dich an. Danke für deine Schöpfung.

Danke Gott, dem Schöpfer, der uns den Odem des Lebens schenkt.

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Дыхание жизни

автор: Эми Бушер Пай

Читать сейчас: Бытие 2:4-8 | Библия за год: Бытие 49-50; Матфея 13:31-58

...Господь Бог... вдунул в лицо его дыхание жизни. — Бытие 2:7

Морозным утром, идя с дочерью в школу, мы играли с паром от дыхания: выдували облака разных форм и размеров и показывали друг другу. Я как-то по- особенному наслаждалась этими минутами, принимая как дар то, что я могу проводить время с дочерью и что мы живы.

Наше дыхание, обычно невидимое, в морозном воздухе принимало светлые очертания, и я задумалась об источнике нашего дыхания и жизни вообще – Господе и Создателе. Это Он, сотворивший Адама из земного праха и давший ему дыхание жизни, дает жизнь и нам, а также любому живому существу (Быт. 2:7) Все приходит от Него, даже дыхание, о котором мы редко задумываемся.

В наше время, перенасыщенное суетой и технологиями, мы можем легко забыть свое происхождение и тот факт, что Бог дает жизнь. Зато, останавливаясь и вспоминая, что Бог – наш Создатель, мы можем выработать в себе благодарное отношение среди всех дел и забот. Мы можем просить у Него помощи и принимать дар жизни со смиренными, благодарными сердцами. Пусть наша благодарность разливается вокруг и касается других, чтобы они тоже могли воздать славу Господу за Его благость и верность.

Дорогой Небесный Отец, как ты дивен и велик! Ты создал жизнь Своим дыханием. Мы славим Тебя и стоим в благоговении перед Тобой. Благодарим Тебя за Твое творение.

Воздайте славу Богу, нашему Создателю, давшему нам дыхание жизни.

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un souffle de vie

par Amy Boucher Pye

Lisez : Genèse 2.4‑8 | La Bible en un an : Genèse 49 – 50 et Matthieu 13.31‑58

L’Éternel Dieu […] souffla dans ses narines un souffle de vie et l’homme devint un être vivant. (Genèse 2.7)

Par une matinée froide et givrée, tandis que ma fille et moi marchions jusqu’à l’école, nous nous sommes amusées à regarder notre souffle se changer en vapeur. Nous trouvions comique de voir les divers nuages vaporeux que nous parvenions à créer. Or, j’ai accueilli ces instants comme un cadeau, celui d’être en compagnie de ma fille et en vie.

Notre souffle, qui est généralement invisible, se voyait dans l’air froid, ce qui m’a amenée à réfléchir à la Source de notre souffle et de notre vie : le Seigneur, notre Créateur. En effet, celui qui a formé Adam de la poussière, lui insufflant la vie, insuffle aussi la vie à chacun de nous et à toute créature vivante (GE 2.7). Toutes choses proviennent de lui, même notre souffle, que nous inspirons et expirons sans même y prêter attention.

Il se pourrait que nous soyons tentés, nous qui vivons dans un monde de confort et de technologie, d’oublier nos débuts et le fait que nous tenons notre vie de Dieu. Par contre, si nous nous arrêtons pour nous rappeler que Dieu est notre Créateur, nous serons en mesure d’adopter et d’intégrer une attitude de reconnaissance dans notre routine quotidienne. Nous pourrons donc lui demander de nous aider à reconnaître le don qu’est la vie d’un coeur humble et reconnaissant. Puisse notre gratitude se répandre autour de nous et toucher les gens de notre entourage, afin qu’ils en viennent à leur tour à remercier le Seigneur de sa bonté et de sa fidélité.

Remercions Dieu, notre Créateur, de nous avoir insufflé la vie.

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Why All Christians are Actually Non-Denominational

by Pastor Dan Delzell

Your church building may have a denominational name on it. Your mouth might speak often of your own particular denomination. And the majority of your friends may all belong to your denomination. But I'll tell this much....there is no denominational label imprinted on your soul....and there will be no denominations in heaven.

When you think of your "brand" of Christianity, you may tend to view it with at least a small sense of superiority relative to the other brands out there. After all, you probably wouldn't be part of it unless you were convinced that it is the closest thing to New Testament Christianity available today. Amidst all the denominations out there, you have carefully chosen to belong to your particular group.

While you may always view your life of discipleship through the lens of your denomination, the Lord doesn't view you that way. If you are born again, you belong to the body of Christ. He has only one body. He has only one family. There is only one Christian faith by which people enter the kingdom of God. You are either in, or you are out. There are people within all Christian denominations who are in.....and others within those denominations who are out. The true church is an "invisible" church made up of all Christians, regardless of denomination.

Every Christian is actually non-denominational in the deepest sense of the word. You might be choosing to view yourself as completely separate from believers in other denominations, but Jesus does not separate Himself from anyone in His church. Only man makes those divisions. The blood which forgives your sins is the same blood that forgives born again people in other denominations as well. God's children are related by blood and not by any one denominational label or denominational doctrine.

The Gospel message and the faith which unites all believers are greater than the secondary doctrines that differ from one Christian church to another. When God put His name on you, you became part of something far stronger than any one denomination. A single denomination is like one branch of the tree. Jesus is the true vine. Being on the same tree is more important than being on different branches. It's natural for man to want to distinguish himself and his branch. "Look at us. We are the ones following Christ the closest." Oh really. I wonder if our Savior would agree with your assessment....of if He would find it offensive and unnecessary.

Speaking of offensive, it seems like much of what comes out of Hollywood these days is distasteful. There are some exceptions however. In my opinion, one of the most talented actors in Hollywood today is Jim Caviezel. His portrayal of our Lord in "The Passion of the Christ" was amazing. Jim also starred in the movie, "Frequency." In that film which involves time travel, there is an emotional scene where Jim tells the villain: "You went down thirty years ago, pal. You just don't know it yet." Now hold that image and those words in your mind for a second.

If we could travel ahead in time, we would see what heaven will be like and how denominations will be useless and nonexistent in that place. If Jesus spoke to believers today about the various brands of Christianity, I can envision Him saying something like this: "You often think of yourselves with a label like Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Assembly of God, Catholic, or Presbyterian. Your souls do not belong to any of those denominations. All of you who are born again are actually non-denominational. You just don't know it yet."

This insight has been around for a long time. Martin Luther said, "I pray you leave my name alone. Do not call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians." John Wesley said, "I wish the name Methodist might never be mentioned again, but lost in eternal oblivion. Charles Spurgeon said, "I say of the Baptist name, let it perish, but let Christ's own name last forever. I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living." Those giants in the faith certainly had much wisdom for the entire body of Christ.

You may not be following the admonition of those men, but that won't change the fact that all Christians are actually non-denominational. Fortunately, the labels that come out of the mouths of believers are not imprinted on our souls in time or in eternity. A recognition of that fact can lead us to discover how powerfully the Holy Spirit is working in many Christian churches across the board and around the world.

Memo to all those who are in God's family through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ: When you arrive at the entrance to heaven, you will have to leave your denominational label at the gate. Sorry. No exceptions.

Dan Delzell is the pastor of Wellspring Lutheran Church in Papillion, Neb.

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, January 19, 2017

First Reading

Isaiah 45:5-17
I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the LORD do all these things. Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may spring up, and let it cause righteousness to sprout up also; I the LORD have created it. Woe to you who strive with your Maker, earthen vessels with the potter! Does the clay say to the one who fashions it, "What are you making"? or "Your work has no handles"? Woe to anyone who says to a father, "What are you begetting?" or to a woman, "With what are you in labor?" Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Will you question me about my children, or command me concerning the work of my hands? I made the earth, and created humankind upon it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. I have aroused Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his paths straight; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward, says the LORD of hosts. Thus says the LORD: The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, tall of stature, shall come over to you and be yours, they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, "God is with you alone, and there is no other; there is no god besides him." Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. All of them are put to shame and confounded, the makers of idols go in confusion together. But Israel is saved by the LORD with everlasting salvation; you shall not be put to shame or confounded to all eternity.

Second Reading

Ephesians 5:15-33
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind-- yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, because we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church. Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband.

The Holy Gospel

Mark 4:21-34
He said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 37: Part I Noli aemulari
1   Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
2   For they shall soon wither like the grass, and like the green grass fade away.
3   Put your trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
4   Take delight in the LORD, and he shall give you your heart's desire.
5   Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.
6   He will make your righteousness as clear as the light and your just dealing as the noonday.
7   Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.
8   Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
9   Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
10   For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.
11   In a little while the wicked shall be no more; you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
12   But the lowly shall possess the land; they will delight in abundance of peace.
13   The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash at them with their teeth.
14   The Lord laughs at the wicked, because he sees that their day will come.
15   The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow to strike down the poor and needy, to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.
16   Their sword shall go through their own heart, and their bow shall be broken.
17   The little that the righteous has is better than great riches of the wicked.
18   For the power of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 37: Part II Novit Dominus
19   The LORD cares for the lives of the godly, and their inheritance shall last for ever.
20   They shall not be ashamed in bad times, and in days of famine they shall have enough.
21   As for the wicked, they shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD, like the glory of the meadows, shall vanish; they shall vanish like smoke.
22   The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are generous in giving.
23   Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.
24   Our steps are directed by the LORD; he strengthens those in whose way he delights.
25   If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
26   I have been young and now I am old, but never have I seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread.
27   The righteous are always generous in their lending, and their children shall be a blessing.
28   Turn from evil, and do good, and dwell in the land for ever.
29   For the LORD loves justice; he does not forsake his faithful ones.
30   They shall be kept safe for ever, but the offspring of the wicked shall be destroyed.
31   The righteous shall possess the land and dwell in it for ever.
32   The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and their tongue speaks what is right.
33   The law of their God is in their heart, and their footsteps shall not falter.
34   The wicked spy on the righteous and seek occasion to kill them.
35   The LORD will not abandon them to their hand, nor let them be found guilty when brought to trial.
36   Wait upon the LORD and keep his way; he will raise you up to possess the land, and when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
37   I have seen the wicked in their arrogance, flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
38   I went by, and behold, they were not there; I searched for them, but they could not be found.
39   Mark those who are honest; observe the upright; for there is a future for the peaceable.
40   Transgressors shall be destroyed, one and all; the future of the wicked is cut off.
41   But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
42   The LORD will help them and rescue them; he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them, because they seek refuge in him.

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 19, 2017

Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Read all of Matthew 7

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Ready to Go?"

I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. —John 14:2–3

When you go on a trip, you must have your bags packed and be ready to move. In the same way, as followers of Christ, we're going on a trip. We don't know exactly when it will begin. It could be 20 years or 30 years from now. Or it could begin in 20 minutes or 20 seconds. That is why the Bible tells us to prepare to meet our God.

The prophet Isaiah said to King Hezekiah, "Thus says the Lord: 'Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live'" (2 Kings 20:1).

Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. The hope and promise to all Christians is that we have a place prepared for us by Jesus. He said, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2–3).

Are you prepared? Is your house in order right now? Are you ready? Maybe you're saying, "What do you mean by ready? How does a person get ready?"

You get ready by having Christ in your heart and knowing your sin is forgiven, knowing your life is right with Him.

You don't want to be living in a backslidden or compromised state. You want to be watching, ready, and alert—and even looking forward to the return of the Lord. In fact, I think that is something of a litmus test of your true spirituality. You will be homesick for Heaven. It is not that you have a death wish; it's that you are homesick for Heaven.

Is your house in order? Are you ready to go? Then you won't have to fear what happens beyond the grave.

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.

Converting Samaritans and Apostles - Fearfully and WonderfullyMade, Day 9

What does the Bible have to say about prejudice? What messages of love does God have for all the people and cultures He created? What opportunities does a diverse church of today have in a society still troubled by racism?

The two-week Fearfully and Wonderfully Made daily devotional—based on passages from the NKJV Modern Life Study Bible—will guide you through a series of Biblical excerpts focused on confronting ethnic prejudice. You'll walk through both the Old and New Testaments, discovering a tapestry of cultural connections throughout the historical richness of Scripture and learn about God's promises of love to those who face discrimination and prejudice. From the call of Abraham to the Samaritan woman at the well, find out how the God of Israel has shown himself to be the God of all tribes and nations.

Today’s reading is drawn from Acts 8:4-25.

Jesus predicted that His disciples would take His message not only to Jerusalem but also to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). But at the start of Acts 8, the church had not yet left Jerusalem. Several years had probably passed since Jesus uttered His command. But it would take persecution to move the Lord’s people to obedience.

Jerusalem was not the apostles’ home. The church had no buildings dedicated for its use. The authorities certainly had not welcomed the presence of their movement. Why were the apostles reluctant to leave?

One leading factor was that the apostles had been raised in a culture that was deeply divided along ethnic lines. Preaching the gospel to Jews in Jerusalem was a manageable challenge. But to preach to Samaritans was worse than difficult. Cultural barriers may have kept the apostles in Jerusalem despite Saul’s persecution (Acts 8:1).

It took a man who was probably a Hellenist (Greek-speaking) Jew to cross the Jewish-Samaritan divide. Philip was a veteran cross-cultural worker (6:1–7) and knew firsthand what it was like to be considered a second-class citizen. When he preached Jesus in the city of Samaria, multitudes responded. The gospel broke through a centuries-old wall of separation.

When news of the revival reached the apostles in Jerusalem, they dispatched Peter and John to investigate. The two Galileans must have been stunned and humbled by what they saw. John, who once wanted to call down fire from heaven on unbelieving Samaritans (Luke 9:52–54), now joined Peter in praying for the Holy Spirit to fall on the new believers.

Ironically, Peter condemned Simon the magician for wanting to purchase the Spirit’s power with money. “I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity,” Peter said (Acts 8:23). Yet a poison of bitterness and bondage of iniquity were also evident in Christians who allowed ethnic differences to keep Samaritans and others from entering the kingdom.

Peter and John returned to Jerusalem changed men. Along the way, they preached in Samaritan villages (8:25). Samaritans were now embracing the gospel, and at least two of the apostles were beginning to embrace Samaritans.

This devotional is drawn from the Modern Life Study Bible. Used by permission.

Un Dia a la Vez - Dios conoce tus sueños

Ante ti, Señor, están todos mis deseos; no te son un secreto mis anhelos. (Salmo 38:9)

Ayer aprendimos que con la ayuda de Dios podemos dejar atrás nuestro pasado y forjar nuevas metas. Así como en una sencilla oración puedes pedirle que te muestre su voluntad, Dios es especialista en hacer realidad los sueños más profundos de nuestro corazón.

Su Palabra dice que antes de que nosotros abramos nuestra boca para pedirle algo, Él ya conoce ese deseo (véase Mateo 6:8). Sin embargo, le gusta que seamos bien específicos en lo que queremos.

Muchas personas creen que, debido a que no han visto aún un sueño hecho realidad, ese sueño no es posible y lo descartan. Dios hoy quiere decirte que Él conoce tu corazón, quiere que tengas una relación personal con Él y que aprendas a entender que nuestro tiempo no es su tiempo y nuestros pensamientos no son sus pensamientos (véase Isaías 55:8).

Sin embargo, algo que siempre me dio mucha seguridad ante mis anhelos y deseos del corazón es que sabía que Dios tenía lo mejor para mí. Y muchas veces me dijo «no» a cosas que le pedí y hoy en día entiendo que fue su perfecta voluntad.

Somos como niños cuando le piden a mami un dulce. A veces, sabemos que le puede caer pesado y que no es el momento. Aun así, ese pequeñito no lo entiende, y cuando se le da después de tanta insistencia, al niño le da un dolor fuerte de estómago.

Dios primero que todo es Padre y sabe lo que es bueno para cada uno de sus hijos. Por lo tanto, pon tus sueños delante de Él y confía en su mejor respuesta.

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.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - ONE BIG FAMILY IN CHRIST

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:1-2

I was reading this scripture on January 19th, 1994, the day Bishop Haik Hovsepian-Mehr mysteriously disappeared en route to the airport in the capital of Iran. He had spoken out courageously against the persecution of Iranian Christians and the closure of the Iranian Bible Society as well as the closing of a number of churches across Iran. He had campaigned vigorously for the release of Rev. Mehdi Dibaj from prison and had acted as substitute father for Mehdi’s four children during his imprisonment in addition to his own four children. Days later his dead body with multiple stab wounds was identified.

Iranian Christians reported that the bishop was a brave and humble man who was much loved and respected by the church community in Iran. They added that in his last few weeks of life, he would often speak about his possible martyrdom for which he was prepared. At his memorial service one of his taped sermons was played which spoke about giving your life for the sake of Jesus. One of his statements regarding the possibility of losing his life was made to Brother Andrew just weeks before he died, “I will not die a silent death!”

Today’s verses from the Bible gave me great encouragement as to the purpose of God in allowing martyrdom among His people. They rest in peace. But what about their families?

This day and event changed the life of Haik’s son, Andre, forever. He says, “As a pastor’s son growing up in Iran, I got used to the fact that sometimes my dad would be gone for a day or two for interrogation. But then on that dreadful day in January ’94, my father left the house and never came back.”

Looking back, Andre testifies that God used the love and support of the body of Christ to bring the Hovsepian family courage during the dark days following his father’s murder. “It meant a lot to me that someone I didn’t know from another country was praying for me and was caring for me.”

Andre and his mother, Takoosh, now live in the United States where they use their freedom to continue ministry to Iran via satellite. They produce programs, movies, teaching materials and music to air in all the Farsi-speaking nations like Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Andre and his family really value your prayers as, following in the footsteps of Haik himself, they work to advance the kingdom in those countries where still today faith costs the most.

He concludes, “I learned we are one big family in Christ—and I think that was the number one thing which gave us courage and helped us heal.”

RESPONSE: Today I will accept the purposes of God in the martyrdom of His saints and pray for courage and healing among the members of the families left behind.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the way you are using the Hovsepian family in ministry back to their original homeland and region. May their efforts greatly expand Your kingdom.

NIV Devotions for Men - Hopeful Fans

Zephaniah 3:14–20

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 29:4–13; Ezekiel 37:24–28; 1 Peter 3:15

Every team in professional sports has a group of devoted followers you might call hopeful fans. Without them, the team couldn’t survive. These aren’t rabid fans who constantly vacillate between intense hatred and delight during each game, or fickle fans who cheer enthusiastically during winning streaks but lose interest when the team loses games. These fans remain true no matter what. They’re happy when their team wins, certainly, but still wear their colors proudly when they lose. For them, there’s always next year.

Israel possessed an unparalleled record of losing seasons. Nations and dynasties flourished and vanished while God’s people experienced more losers than winners. The nation’s continued existence was in itself a miracle. A casual observer might wonder why God didn’t get tired of losing. He could have sold off the team long before. Yet God never gave up his franchise. The people of Israel were his chosen people. He knew they’d eventually win. With God, next year is always a certainty.

This message came to Israel through Zephaniah when storm clouds of devastation and defeat darkened the nation’s horizon. While he had earlier joined the chorus of prophets who were predicting Israel’s suffering, Zephaniah also added words of hope. The reign of King Josiah included a season of righteousness in Judah, delaying God’s judgment. The nation showed all the signs of a “rebuilding team.” The people changed their old habits and eliminated evil practices.

Unfortunately, Josiah’s reforms didn’t last long. Losing ways ran deep within the nation. Yet hope became the refuge of a small group determined to remain faithful. God’s hopeful fans stood fast. They realized that “next year” might not happen for a long time, but it would eventually come. God had promised.

The same God who kept his word to Israel keeps his promises to you. You can count on it. So live as a hopeful fan. God’s promise describes both his relationship with Israel and the one he longs to have with you: “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

To Take Away

• What do you think God wants to accomplish in and through your life?
• Why didn’t God give up on Israel? Why doesn’t God give up on us?
• In what ways are you inspired by God’s promise to always be with you?

Girlfriends in God - The One Thing God Doesn’t See

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Friend to Friend

When my three children were young, it was a challenge to keep track of where they were at all times. My husband and I baby proofed the house as best we could, used gates and did our best. I’ll never forget the day that Preston and Kennedy were accounted for in the playroom, but Hunter had wandered off. I called for him, but got no response.

Curious, I headed for the front staircase and listened for his little two-year-old voice. I checked his bedroom – no Hunter. I checked Preston’s room – no Hunter. I checked Kennedy’s room – no Hunter. By now, my heart was racing and I was growing concerned. As I headed into my bedroom, I began to hear faint noises from the master bathroom. Our bathroom mirror gave me all the information that I needed… Hunter had gotten into my red lipstick.

It. Was. Everywhere!

I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry!

He was unaware of my presence as he continued his creative red-lipstick artwork on my walls and on the linen closet door. I quickly crossed the threshold of the bathroom door and confronted my little chubby-cheeked, red lipstick-all-over-his-face boy.

And you know what he did?

He hid his scandalous red tool behind his back … thinking I was none the wiser.

As. If.

I asked him what he was doing. “Nothing,” he said with his lips - although his face and my bathroom clearly said otherwise. In my best trying-not-to-laugh mommy voice, I asked him a series of questions and he continued to deny any wrongdoing. Gah!

This sets my heart to wonder … how many times have I’ve gone before the Lord in prayer holding a tube of red lipstick behind my back? How many times have I – and do I – think I’m pulling one over on HIM?

Just as simply as I saw the tangible evidence of Hunter’s red-lipsticked face, God sees my heart and knows what I’ve been up to. He knows what we’ve all been up to.

He sees invisible heart matters like pride, anger, and bitterness.

He sees un-forgiveness, un-confessed sins, the habits we cling to, the shows we watch, the gossip we speak or listen to, the private texts and conversations that are happening on social media, and the books we read that don’t honor Him.

He sees our failures, every last one of them, and lovingly invites us to allow Him to clean up the messes we’ve made. The only thing God doesn’t see is our sins that have been forgiven. Even when you and I fail God, His love and faithfulness never fails us.

The Bible calls you and me to a higher level of living. A higher level of holiness: in Christ.

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Before the messy sins and secrets in our lives can be cleaned up, our red lipsticks need to be tossed. We all have them, you know.

Take a moment to search your heart.

What’s your red lipstick today? Are you ready to hand it over to God?

Let’s Pray

Dear God, please forgive me for the things in my life that I’ve kept from You or try to hide from You. You deserve better from me. Help me eliminate everything in my life and in my heart that “contaminates my body and spirit.” I want to reflect Your holiness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Consider the red lipstick(s) that God may be calling you to toss aside. Seek Him in prayer and toss away! Ask God to strengthen your faith and to purify your heart, then swing by the wall of my blog and say, “I tossed my lipstick!”

A few years back, after praying about my constant need for restoration and forgiveness, I wrote and recorded a song called “Restore.” I’ve posted the song on my blog today. As you reflect on our lipstick toss, listen to the song and let it lead you to a response of worship. 

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen’s book Broken Into Beautiful. Every step of forgiveness begins with the heart of God. If you’d like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God’s beauty, get your copy today. To order the book go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen’s web store.

Get 20% OFF Gwen’s BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL book today when you order from her website and use the code: 20OFF

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LHM Daily Devotion - "Looking Good"

January 19, 2017

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.  - Acts 26:22-23

Not so long ago a pastor shared a story with me.

The tale spoke of three melancholy friends who had just attended the funeral of an old buddy who had passed on quite unexpectedly. As they were walking away from the gravesite, one of the mourners morosely asked, "Boys, when your time comes, what would you like the preacher to say about you?"

One of the men replied, "Well, I don't know. I guess I'd like him to tell the multitude that will be gathered there that day to mourn me ... I want him to say, 'Before us today lies a great humanitarian, an exceptional man.'"

The man who had asked the question countered, "Not bad, but I think I'd prefer the minister to say something like 'We are mourning a man who was a great husband and father, a man who always managed to set an example for all of us to follow. He's going to be missed.'"

Both were still congratulating each other on the wisdom and rightness of those eulogies when they realized their companion hadn't said a word.

Treading carefully lest they upset him in his reflections, they gently asked, "And, old friend, what do you think the pastor ought to say when you leave this veil of tears?"

The third fellow broke the somber mood when he said, "I want them to say, 'Look! He's moving! He's alive!'"

Silly?

Not really.

You see, my friends, with some major modifications, that  is  what is going to happen to all who die believing in Jesus. When our Savior was crucified, they buried Him. Then they set a seal on His tomb; then they put a guard in place to make sure there would be no shenanigans.

You, I pray, know what happened next.

Three days later, long after corruption should have begun to decay and decompose Him, a living Lord Jesus, Defeater and Destroyer of death, came out, and an angel announced, "He is risen!"

That's a theological way of saying, "Look! He's moving; He's alive!"

As Luke shared in our Bible verse at the top of this devotion, Jesus, according to prophecy, would be the  first to rise from the dead.

This implies that there will be others who will follow Him. And, indeed, there will be. When God's fullness of time comes, the Savior will come back and He will claim His own. On that day, all who have died with faith in their hearts will be called out of their graves to eternal life.

In other words, we are going to look around and say about all of the risen family of faith, "Look! They're moving! They're alive!"

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that when I leave the graveside of an old, Christian friend or relative, I can be comforted that this is not the end. Because of the forgiveness the Savior has won and the faith the Holy Spirit has given, I know there will be an unending reunion of believers. Please grant that others may be brought to such a faith. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). Scripture from the The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.