Girlfriends in God - A Childlike Heart

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mark 10:15, NIV).

Friend to Friend

I recently read the story of a young family who went out to eat at a local restaurant. They were the only family with children eating. The mom sat their little boy, Erik, in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi!" He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin as he wriggled and giggled with joy.

The mother looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man wearing baggy pants and shoes so worn that his toes poked out. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard, and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. The man sat far away, but the mother was sure he smelled bad. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists in an effort to make Erik laugh.

“Hi there, baby. Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik. Erik’s mom and dad exchanged looks and asked, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi." Everyone in the restaurant noticed the man who was creating a nuisance with the beautiful baby. Their meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo." Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

Erik’s parents were embarrassed and ate in silence. Not Erik. He was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. The parents finally got through the meal and headed for the door. The husband went to pay the check and told his wife to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between the mother and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," she prayed. As she drew closer to the man, she turned her back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As she did, Erik leaned over her arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before the mom could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from her arms to the man's.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head on the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and tears hovered beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled the baby and gently stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. The mother and every other person in the restaurant were awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and in a firm and even commanding voice said, "You take care of this baby." Somehow the mother managed, "I will" from a throat choked with emotion.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. The mom took her baby and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am. You've given me my Christmas gift."

With Erik in her arms, the mom ran for the car. Her husband was wondering why his wife was crying and holding Erik so tightly saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." Everyone had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. The mother was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. A ragged old man had unwittingly preached the message found in Scripture, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."

Let’s Pray

Father, please forgive me for the times I have judged others and failed to love them like You wanted me to love them. Help me see others through Your eyes of unconditional love. Give me a heart of love and mercy toward others in need.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Put yourself in the place of the wounded man. How would you have responded to the actions of the Samaritan? Put yourself in the place of the Samaritan. What was he thinking when he saw the wounded Jewish man lying on the road? Put yourself in the place of the inn keeper. What do you imagine he thought when the Samaritan brought the wounded Jewish man in? How does this story apply to your life?

More from the Girlfriends

It is so easy to live each day with tunnel vision. To dismiss people because they don’t look like we do or act like we do. Jesus never did that. He always made time for the lonely man, woman and child in need. I want to be more like Him. I want to have His eyes and His heart when it comes to meeting the needs of people He brings into my life. How about you? Need help? Check out Mary’s book, Sandpaper People.

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.

LHM Daily Devotion - "More than Conquerors"

January 26, 2017

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  - Romans 8:37-39

It was the 1930s and a group of friends was sitting at a restaurant sharing sad stories.

One told of the suicide of a once-rich man who could not face financial ruin. Another spoke of recent cuts at the local factory. Still another told of meeting an entire family, which was sleeping, homeless, in the city park. With the telling of each story, the mood of the group darkened.

One of the men, a minister by the name of William Stidger, thought he heard God whisper in his ear: "Why not give thanks for the people who have been a blessing in your life? Why not encourage them in a time which is terrible?"

As Stidger gave the idea some thought, his mind recalled an old school teacher, a lady who had gone out of her way to help him. Stidger sat down and wrote a letter to the elderly lady.

He was surprised at how soon a reply came back. Written with a wobbly hand, the letter began, "My dear Willy."

"Willy"? the man thought to himself. "I'm almost 50 and have lost most of my hair. How long has it been since someone called me 'Willy'?" Willy smiled and kept reading.

This is what the teacher wrote: "My Dear Willy: I can't tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely, and like the last leaf of autumn, lingering behind. You might want to know that I taught in school for more than fifty years, and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue, cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has done in many years."

Stidger cried.

And he wrote another letter: this one to a kindly pastor -- a pastor who had just said an earthly goodbye to his wife.

In two days a letter came back: "My Dear Will: Your letter was so beautiful, so real, that as I sat reading it in my study, tears fell from my eyes, tears of gratitude. Before I realized what I was doing, I rose from my chair and I called my wife's name to share it with her, forgetting she was gone. You'll never know how much your letter has warmed my spirit. I have been walking around in the glow of your letter all day long."

Having told that story, I have to confess this devotion could go a number of different ways. I could talk to you about how it is sad when we forget those who have helped us. I could even talk about how, if we look hard enough, we can find a silver lining in the darkest of clouds.

But this devotion wishes to say that we Christians have been given "Good News of great joy which is for all people" (see Luke 2:10). In the salvation won by the Savior, we have been given forgiveness, hope and the knowledge that, ultimately, we will emerge victorious.

The world may be filled with darkness -- our lives overflowing with difficulties, but in everything we will ultimately enjoy Jesus' great and final victory. That is our good news, and it's worth sharing with others who need to hear "Jesus loves you!"

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are the Good News which has changed my world. Help me help others to realize nothing in this world can overshadow the joy You bring us in having our sins forgiven and our eternity assured. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

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

26 de Enero 2017

La mujer vio que el árbol era bueno para comer, apetecible a los ojos, y codiciable para alcanzar la sabiduría. Tomó entonces uno de sus frutos, y lo comió; y le dio a su marido, que estaba con ella, y él también comió. Génesis 3:6, RVC

En el año 2009, más de 425 personas en 43 estados se enfermaron por haber consumido productos conteniendo manteca de maní contaminada con salmonella de cierta marca.

El Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades dijo en ese momento que, toda persona que tuviera en su hogar manteca de maní de esa marca, debía tirarla.

La manteca de maní es una de las cosas más tradicionales y confiables de este país. No es sólo que a todo el mundo le gusta, sino que además es muy buen alimento. Pero, si no podemos confiar ni siquiera en ella, ¿en qué podemos confiar?

Después de haber escuchado a Satanás y comido de la fruta tan tentadora que colgaba del árbol prohibido, es probable que Eva se haya hecho la misma pregunta.

¿En quién podemos confiar? La respuesta es fácil: podemos confiar en Dios. Podemos confiar en él absoluta, completa y totalmente. Miles de años de historia lo muestran como aquél que nunca decepciona a su pueblo. Cuando hace una promesa, la mantiene. Cuando da una profecía, la cumple.

Si él dice que quienes creen en su Hijo como Salvador de sus vidas son perdonados y salvos, así es, y podemos estar seguros que es cierto.

En un mundo en que nada es absolutamente seguro o confiable, es bueno conocer al Dios en quien se puede confiar.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, oramos por quienes están enfermos no sólo física, sino también espiritualmente, para que les abras los ojos y sus almas sean llevadas a la fe. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

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

Our Daily Bread - All Too Human

Read: Romans 7:14–25 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 14–15; Matthew 17

The trouble is with me, for I am all too human. Romans 7:14 NLT

British writer Evelyn Waugh wielded his words in a way that accentuated his character flaws. Eventually the novelist converted to Christianity, yet he still struggled. One day a woman asked him, “Mr. Waugh, how can you behave as you do and still call yourself a Christian?” He replied, “Madam, I may be as bad as you say. But believe me, were it not for my religion, I would scarcely be a human being.”

Waugh was waging the internal battle the apostle Paul describes: “I want to do what is right, but I can’t” (Rom. 7:18 nlt). He also says, “The trouble is not with the law . . . [It] is with me, for I am all too human” (v. 14 nlt). He further explains, “In my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me . . . . Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (vv. 22–24). And then the exultant answer: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 25).

When we come in faith to Christ, admitting our wrongdoing and need of a Savior, we immediately become a new creation. But our spiritual formation remains a lifelong journey. As John the disciple observed: “Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But . . . when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

Father, we bring our struggles to You because You know all about them, yet You love us anyway. Teach us to rely on Your Holy Spirit. Make us more like Your Son each day.

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis 

By Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Muy humano

Leer: Romanos 7:14-25 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 17 

… Pero yo soy meramente humano, y estoy vendido como esclavo al pecado (Romanos 7:14 NVI).

El escritor británico Evelyn Waugh manejaba sus palabras de un modo que acentuaba sus debilidades. Finalmente, se convirtió al cristianismo, pero la lucha seguía. Un día, una mujer le preguntó: «Sr. Waugh, ¿cómo puede comportarse así y seguir llamándose cristiano?». Él respondió: «Señora, créame, si no fuera por mi religión, difícilmente parecería un ser humano».

Waugh experimentaba la lucha interna que describió el apóstol Pablo: «el querer el bien está en mí, pero no el hacerlo» (Romanos 7:18). También dice: «Sabemos que la ley es espiritual. Pero yo soy un simple ser carnal» (v. 14 RVC). Luego, explica: «Porque según el hombre interior, me deleito en la ley de Dios; pero veo otra ley en mis miembros, […] ¿quién me librará de este cuerpo de muerte?» (vv. 22-24). Finalmente, responde exultante: «¡Gracias a Dios! La respuesta está en Jesucristo nuestro Señor» (v. 25 NTV).

Cuando ponemos nuestra fe en Cristo, reconociendo nuestro pecado y la necesidad de un Salvador, nos convertimos de inmediato en una nueva creación, aunque el crecimiento espiritual dura toda la vida. Como señala el apóstol Juan: «ahora somos hijos de Dios, y aún no se ha manifestado lo que hemos de ser; pero […] cuando él se manifieste, seremos semejantes a él» (1 Juan 3:2).

Señor, hazme cada día más semejante a ti.

«Ser cristiano significa perdonar lo inexcusable en otro, porque Dios ha perdonado lo inexcusable en ti». C. S. Lewis 

Por Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Allzu menschlich

Lesen: Römer 7,14-25 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Mose 14–15; Matthäus 17

Ich aber bin nur ein Mensch und der Herrschaft der Sünde ausgeliefert. Römer 7,14 HFA

In den Texten des englischen Schriftstellers Evelyn Waugh kam viel von seinen Schwächen zum Ausdruck. Auch als er Christ geworden war, hörten seine Probleme nicht auf. Eine Frau fragte ihn einmal: „Mr. Waugh, wie können Sie sich so verhalten und immer noch Christ nennen?“ „Madam“, erwiderte er, „vielleicht bin ich so schlecht, wie Sie sagen. Aber glauben Sie mir, wäre ich nicht fromm, wäre ich kaum ein Mensch zu nennen.“

Waugh kannte die Kämpfe, von denen Paulus schrieb: „Ich will immer wieder Gutes tun und tue doch das Schlechte“ (Röm. 7,19 HFA). Und auch: „Das Gesetz ist von Gottes Geist bestimmt. . . . Ich aber bin nur ein Mensch“ (V.14 HFA). Oder: „Ich habe Lust an Gottes Gesetz nach dem inwendigen Menschen. Ich sehe aber ein anderes Gesetz in meinen Gliedern . . . Wer wird mich erlösen von diesem todverfallenen Leib?“ (V.22-24). Dann aber die jubelnde Antwort: „Dank sei Gott durch Jesus Christus, unsern Herrn!“ (V.25).

Wenn wir im Glauben zu Jesus kommen, macht er uns neu. Aber unser geistliches Wachstum dauert ein Leben lang. Das wusste auch der Jünger Johannes: „Wir sind schon Gottes Kinder; es ist aber noch nicht offenbar geworden, was wir sein werden. Wir wissen aber: wenn es offenbar wird, werden wir [Christus] gleich sein; denn wir werden ihn sehen, wie er ist“ (1.Joh. 3,2).

Vater, wir bringen dir unsere Kämpfe, denn du kennst sie schon und hast uns trotzdem lieb. Lehre uns, deinem Heiligen Geist zu vertrauen. Mach uns jeden Tag deinem Sohn etwas ähnlicher.

Christ sein heißt, das Unentschuldbare verzeihen, weil Gott das Unentschuldbare in dir bereits vergeben hat. C. S. Lewis 

Von Tim Gustafso

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Человеческая природа

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 7:14-25 | Библия за год: Исход 14-15; Матфея 17

Ибо мы знаем, что закон духовен, а я плотян. — Римлянам 7:14

Английский писатель Ивлин Во писал так, что в его текстах отражались все изъяны его характера. В дальнейшем он стал христианином, но с языком все еще имел проблемы. Однажды какая-то женщина спросила его: «Мистер Во, как вы можете вести себя таким образом и называться христианином?» Он ответил: «Мадам, я, наверное, действительно так плох, как вы говорите. Но поверьте, если б не моя вера, я бы вообще не был похож на человека».

Во испытывал ту внутреннюю борьбу, о которой писал апостол Павел: «Желание добра есть во мне, но чтобы сделать оное, того не нахожу» (Рим. 7:18). Дальше он объясняет: «По внутреннему человеку нахожу удовольствие в законе Божьем; но в членах моих вижу иной закон... Бедный я человек! Кто избавит меня от этого тела смерти?» (Рим. 7:22-24). А затем победный ответ: «Благодарю Бога моего через Иисуса Христа, Господа нашего» (Рим. 7:25).

Когда мы приходим к вере во Христа, признавая свои согрешения и нужду в Спасителе, Он тут же делает нас новым творением. Но наше духовное преображение – дело всей оставшейся жизни. Как пишет Иоанн: «Мы теперь дети Божии, но еще не открылось, что будем. Знаем только, что, когда откроется, будем подобны Ему, потому что увидим Его, как Он есть» (1 Ин. 3:2).

Отче, мы приносим к Тебе свою внутреннюю борьбу, потому что Ты все о ней знаешь, но все равно нас любишь. Научи нас полагаться на Духа Святого. Преображай нас в образ Твоего Сына.

«Быть христианином – значит прощать непрощаемое, потому что Бог простил вам еще больше». — Клайв Льюис

автор: Тим Густафсон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Vendu au péché

Lisez : Romains 7.14‑25 | La Bible en un an : Exode 14 – 15 et Matthieu 17

[Mais] moi, je suis charnel, vendu au péché. (Romains 7.14)

Le romancier britannique Evelyn Waugh s’exprimait d’une manière qui accentuait ses défauts. Or, quand il a fini par se convertir, ses combats intérieurs n’ont pas cessé pour autant. Un jour, une femme lui a demandé : « Monsieur Waugh, comment pouvez‑vous vous comporter de la sorte et continuer de vous dire chrétien ? » À cela, il a répondu : « Madame, il se pourrait que je sois aussi mauvais que vous le dites, mais croyez‑moi quand je vous dis que, sans ma religion, je serais à peine humain. »

Waugh livrait en lui‑même le combat que l’apôtre Paul a décrit ainsi : « [J’ai] la volonté, mais non le pouvoir de faire le bien » (RO 7.18), après avoir dit : « Nous savons, en effet, que la loi est spirituelle ; mais moi, je suis charnel, vendu au péché » (V. 14) et avant d’ajouter à son explication : « Car je prends plaisir à la loi de Dieu, selon l’homme intérieur ; mais je vois dans mes membres une autre loi […] Qui me délivrera du corps de cette mort ? » (V. 22‑24), pour ensuite s’exalter : « Grâces soient rendues à Dieu par Jésus Christ notre Seigneur ! » (V. 25.)

Mettons notre foi en Christ, confessant nos péchés et notre besoin du Sauveur, et nous deviendrons dès lors une nouvelle création, mais notre formation spirituelle restera le parcours de toute une vie. « [Nous] sommes maintenant enfants de Dieu, et ce que nous serons n’a pas encore été manifesté ; mais […] lorsque cela sera manifesté, nous serons semblables à lui, parce que nous le verrons tel qu’il est » (1 JN 3.2).

À l’instar de Dieu, nous devons pardonner l’impardonnable. C. S. LEWIS

par Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

The Daily Readings for January 25, 2017 WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017 - The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

Baptism of Saint Paul

The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

O God, who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you

through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today, and so make us witnesses to your truth in the world.

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 26:9-21
"Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. "With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord answered, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles-- to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

This is the Word of the Lord

Psalms

Psalm 67 Deus misereatur
1   May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2   Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.
3   Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
4   Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.
5   Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
6   The earth has brought forth her increase; may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7   May God give us his blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

The Epistle Reading

Galatians 1:11-24
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.

This is the Word of the Lord

The Holy Gospel Reading

Matthew 10:16-22
"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Here ends the Gospel reading for today.

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 25, 2017

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Read all of Philippians 4

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

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "The Judas Awards"

Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)

The music industry has the Grammys, the movie industry has the Oscars, and the television industry has the Emmys. I think the church could have its own award ceremony as well. The church could give away the Judas, a special award designated for the greatest actor of the year, the person who fooled everyone.

You see, Judas was a great actor. He was the first of many among Jesus' followers who were—and are—tremendous actors: people who talk the talk, but underneath they are phonies. They are fooling only themselves.

It's amazing to consider the fact that Judas was one of the original Twelve. With his own ears, he heard the great teachings of Jesus. He was there when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. He was there when Jesus gave His sweeping overview of the future of the world, known as the Olivet Discourse. He heard Jesus say, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21). He heard Jesus' words on hypocrisy.

Certainly those teachings would have applied to Judas. But amazingly, it seems as though none of them penetrated his hardened heart. And not only did Judas hear the great teachings of Christ, but he also personally witnessed many dramatic miracles. But still he did not believe.

It isn't miracles that people necessarily need to see. The real reason people do not believe today was given by Jesus in John 3:19: "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

People can say, "I'm just not convinced" or "There are too many hypocrites," but at the core of rejection for most unbelievers is the fact that they love darkness rather than light.

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 - El amor verdadero se prueba

No amemos de palabra ni de labios para afuera, sino con hechos y de verdad. (1 Juan 3:18, NVI)

Hace una semana vi a través de mi princesa mayor, Naty, el sufrimiento por amor. Pasaba por su primera pena amorosa, una gran desilusión. Así que me dijo: «¿Por qué, mami? ¿Por qué tengo que sufrir? ¿Por qué perdí tanto tiempo creyendo en el amor de esa persona?». Me partía el corazón verla llorar a veces sin consuelo y me hizo recordar el versículo sobre el amor que Dios nos dejó en su Palabra: «El amor es sufrido» (1 Corintios 13:4, RV-60).

Sin duda, todos hemos sufrido o sufriremos por amor. En ese momento mis palabras no traían consuelo a su corazón quebrantado, pero en medio de su dolor Dios me recordó varias cosas: El verdadero amor pasa por pruebas para ver su fortaleza. Me afirmó que Dios nos ama de manera incondicional y que nos cuida de tener más sufrimiento.

A veces nosotros creemos que estamos con la persona adecuada y nos aferramos a ella, aun sabiendo que ni la aprueban nuestros padres y mucho menos Dios.

Como Dios nos ama, nos permite ver cosas y nos muestra de alguna u otra manera que estamos equivocados. Sin embargo, nosotros, en nuestra terquedad, seguimos adelante. Así que cuando viene la desilusión, nos acordamos que nos lo habían advertido. Por eso el consejo a mi hija ahora en medio del dolor es: «Tienes que aferrarte más que nunca a Dios y esperar en Él. Dios sanará tus heridas y te mostrará el verdadero amor».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón. La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional® NVI® Copyright © 1986, 1999, 2015 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Versión Reina-Valera 1960 © Sociedades Bíblicas en América Latina, 1960. Renovado © Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas, 1988.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - HOSPITALITY TO ANGELS

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2, NIV)

As we see in Hebrews chapter twelve, once we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,” we will be aware of how we should then live. The writer now turns to the issue of entertaining strangers. After reminding us to keep on loving each other, he now shares that love should also be extended to the strangers in our midst. They could possibly even be angels. I’m sure the Jewish background believers hearing or reading this letter would immediately hearken back to Father Abraham when three strangers passed by one day. He extended full hospitality to them only to discover they were heavenly beings on a special mission.

Aunty Alice was the wife of Pastor Allen Yuan in China, known for her gracious hospitality to everyone who entered her door right until her death in the summer of 2010. Pastor Allen was imprisoned for twenty-one years and eight months for refusing to join the government controlled Three Self Patriotic Movement—the official Protestant church under the communist regime.

Alice had five children and her mother-in-law to care for during those many years of her husband’s absence. She was also branded a “counter-revolutionary” and thus could also secure a hard-labor job moving construction rubble from one site to another by heavy push wagons. This still did not generate enough resources to provide for the all the family’s needs.

One night her mother-in-law informed her, “Alice, there is no rice left to feed the children tomorrow morning!” Alice was angry and complained to the Lord that He had promised to care for her. She opened her Bible and her eyes fell on the Matthew scripture when Jesus says that if God cares for the birds, will He not also care for you? Her heart was rebuked. She asked forgiveness from the Lord and went to sleep peacefully.

The next morning before six o’clock there was a knock on the door. Alice slipped on her house coat and shuffled to the door. There stood a stranger with a big box in her hands. As was her custom, Alice invited her in. She stoked up the fire in the central heating oven and put the kettle on for tea. But the stranger just walked to the table, set down the box and began to leave.

Alice said, “Wait a minute. What’s your name?” The lady replied, “I have no name. Just thank God for that box!” And the stranger disappeared.

With trembling hands Alice opened the box to find rice, meat and vegetables. Also in it was an envelope with more money than two month’s salary. She knew it was truly an angelic visit.

RESPONSE: Today I will be open to entertaining strangers realizing that God may be in the relationship.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the way You work. Help me be an active participant in Your plans.

Girlfriends in God - When God Does a New Thing

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

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

Friend to Friend

I admit, I’m a sucker for the makeover shows. It doesn’t matter what kind… home makeovers, fashion makeovers… or even the shows that take a person from drab to fab. I just love to see an amazing transformation! Don’t you?

A few years ago we “transformed” our family a bit when we added a bouncy little puppy to the mix. Fun, right? Mostly, yes, but there is a bit more to the story…

Let’s just say that it took a good while for our precious new barky addition to get the hang of potty training and healthy chewing patterns. Our little, little dog caused us big, big problems when he chewed up and stained our family room carpet.

It. Looked. Awful.

And accidents happened repeatedly for months and months that seemed like years and years!

Eventually, when he grew into his bladder and learned better doggy habits, I was ready for a makeover of a carpet-kind for my munched-on, stained-up family room. So I went to the home improvement store, ordered new carpet, and waited with excitement for installation day.

When new-carpet day finally came, I watched the installers painstakingly remove the old flooring layer by layer. First they pulled back and removed the stained, chewed up carpet. Then they tore out the worn down old pad and put all the nasty, soiled carpet and padding in their van to take to the dump. Thank you!

Next they cleared away the remaining debris – cleaned the entire area – and installed the fresh flooring. A fluffy new foundation of padding and carpet! It was a beautiful transformation and I was giddy with gratitude.
The whole process reminded me of this truth: God is all about beautiful transformations. 

He is an active, deeply personal, infinitely caring God who restores us on a heart level with makeovers of a masterful kind. When we turn to Him in repentance, He takes the broken, stained areas of our lives away and replaces our mess with a beauty that is far beyond ourselves – the beauty of Christ.

The Bible has a great deal to say about what happens when we turn to God:

“Those who look to him are radiant; they are never covered in shame.” Psalm 34:5

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

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

Listen, friend, I am living proof of the scandalous nature of God’s grace … of His willingness to forgive and restore ugly, tattered heart places. I don’t write from a platform of perfection, but from a foundation of grace that was finished and established by the blood of Jesus Christ.

He gave His life so that you and I could live beyond our pasts – beyond our disappointments – beyond our biggest mistakes and our deepest pains. He bore a cross so we could be forgiven and made new. So we could have abundant life. Full life. Not a held-back-by-the-stains-and-shames-of-your-past life.

I don’t know where this finds you right now, but God does.

He knows and sees everything – and He loves you like crazy.

We all have brokenness that needs fixing and stains that need to be cleaned. We all need a makeover! The good news of the Gospel is simple: when we call out to God and seek His heart and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, He does a new thing! He meets us with mercy, forgives completely, blesses us with grace that we don’t deserve.

Are you ready for the Lord to do a new thing in your life today?

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I’m so grateful that You love makeovers as much as I do! You know my heart, my messes, failures, and wounds. Please create a clean heart in me today and do a new and beautiful thing in my life.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn

Happy New Year! Are you ready to move forward in God’s fresh grace today? Click over to my blog and leave a comment that says, “I’m ready for a new thing!” While you’re there, check out the photo of my precious, problematic puppy and take a moment to listen to the song Broken into Beautiful.

Is there someone you know who needs to read this message? Forward this email. Post it on your social media sites. Share the hope of healing.

More from the Girlfriends

Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the new book, I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required! You will love that it’s easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS. (CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional Ebook.)

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about

how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.