LHM Daily Devotion - "No Immunity"

 January 28, 2017

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

- 1 John 1:7

When making their reports, the scientific world generally tries to find a happy balance between good news and bad news.

Recently, Dr. Alexander Kallen, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, made a report about a 70-year-old woman from Reno who had died from CRE (carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae). There was no good news in his report. Kallen's dark perspective was echoed by Dr. James Johnson, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Minnesota. Johnson said, "I think this is the harbinger of future badness to come."

And what has made these MDs into such gloomy-gusses?

Simple: a 70-year-old woman had died from a superbug that shrugged off every legal United States antibiotic. Subsequent testing showed the bug was immune to more than 26 different antibiotics. In other words, this illness doesn't have a cure, which is very bad news for everybody who contracts it.

Now thankfully, this lady, who had first developed a bone infection when she was in India years ago, seems to be the only person to have come down with this particular bacteria. Nobody else seems to be showing any sign of her symptoms.

Heaven help them if whole multitudes of folk start showing symptoms and contract this bad-news bacteria. Heaven is going to have to help them because antibiotics won't.

My friends, 2,000 years ago God's Son came into this world. During His time with us Jesus fulfilled the Laws we had broken, declined every temptation which we find to be so, well, so tempting, and He died our death -- the punishment our many sins had earned.

But Jesus' sacrifice was made a long time ago. Do you think it is possible that, over the centuries, some of our sins have become so big, so strong, that they are now resistant to the forgiveness won by the Savior's shed blood?

When we confess our sins to the Lord, are there some sins which have the ability to shrug off Calvary's sacrifice and leave us frightened and salvation uncertain?

The answer to those questions is simple: no, it is not possible.

Understand, that's not my opinion, that's God's promise. Look at the passage above. "The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin." It doesn't say  some  sins, or  most  sins, or  little  sins, or  common  sins. All sins include the very worst that humanity's perversity can devise.

It says that God's forgiveness is complete for the very worst you and I have done.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are times when the devil tries to convince me that You are unable to forgive the worst of my transgressions, and those sins are resistant to Your grace,. At such times may I remember  the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins . 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.

Our Daily Bread - Always Loved, Always Valued

Read: Romans 8:31–39 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 19–20; Matthew 18:21–35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35

We serve a God who loves us more than our work.

Oh, it’s true that God wants us to work to feed our families and to responsibly take care of the world He created. And He expects us to serve the weak, hungry, naked, thirsty, and broken people around us even as we remain alert to those who have not yet responded to the Holy Spirit's tug on their lives.

And yet we serve a God who loves us more than our work.

We must never forget this because there may come a time when our ability to “do for God” is torn from us by health or failure or unforeseen catastrophe. It is in those hours that God wants us to remember that He loves us not for what we do for Him but because of who we are: His children! Once we call on the name of Christ for salvation, nothing—“trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword”—will ever again separate us “from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35, 39).

When all we can do or all we have is taken from us, then all He wants us to do is rest in our identity in Him.

Father, help us never lose sight of the unconditional love You have for us, and let us hold on to that hope when our labor—and the fruit of our labor—are gone.

The reason we exist is to be in fellowship with God.

By Randy Kilgore

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Siempre amado y valorado

Leer: Romanos 8:31-39 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 18:21-35

¿Quién nos separará del amor de Cristo? ¿Tribulación, o angustia, o persecución, o hambre, o desnudez, o peligro, o espada? (Romanos 8:35).

Servimos a un Dios que nos ama más a nosotros que lo que hacemos.

Sí, es verdad que el Señor quiere que trabajemos para dar de comer a nuestra familia y que cuidemos responsablemente del mundo que Él creó. También espera que sirvamos a las personas débiles, hambrientas, desnudas, sedientas y quebrantadas que nos rodean, y que nos mantengamos alertas ante aquellos que aún no han respondido al llamado del Espíritu Santo a sus vidas.

Pero, aun así, servimos a un Dios que nos ama más a nosotros que lo que hacemos.

Nunca debemos olvidar esto, porque tal vez llegue un momento en que nuestra capacidad para «hacer para Dios» se termine por problemas de salud, fracasos o tragedias imprevistas. En esas ocasiones, el Señor quiere que recordemos que no nos ama por lo que hacemos para Él, sino por lo que somos: ¡sus hijos! Una vez que le pedimos a Cristo que nos salve, nada —ni «tribulación, o angustia, o persecución, o hambre, o desnudez, o peligro, o espada»—nos separará jamás «del amor de Dios, que es en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro» (Romanos 8:35, 39).

Cuando todo lo que tenemos o hemos hecho ya no está, lo único que Dios quiere es que descansemos en nuestra identidad en Él.

Señor, aunque pierda todo, que nunca me olvide de tu amor incondicional por mí.

Cuando lo perdemos todo, Dios solamente quiere que descansemos en lo que somos en Él.

Por Randy Kilgore

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Immer geliebt

Lesen: Römer 8,31-39 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Mose 19–20; Matthäus 18,21-35

Wer will uns scheiden von der Liebe Christi? Trübsal oder Angst oder Verfolgung oder Hunger oder Blöße oder Gefahr oder Schwert? Römer 8,35

Wir dienen einem Gott, der uns mehr liebt als unsere Arbeit.

Sicher, Gott will, dass wir arbeiten, um unsere Familie zu ernähren, und uns verantwortungsvoll um die Welt kümmern, die er geschaffen hat. Und er erwartet, dass wir den Schwachen, Hungrigen, Nackten, Durstigen und Zerbrochenen um uns herum dienen und gleichzeitig an die denken, die noch nicht auf das Drängen des Heiligen Geistes reagiert haben.

Und dennoch dienen wir einem Gott, der uns mehr liebt als unsere Arbeit.

Das dürfen wir nie vergessen, denn es kann eine Zeit kommen, in der wir nicht mehr „für Gott wirken“ können, weil wir krank sind, etwas Unvorhergesehenes passiert oder wir aus anderen Gründen nicht mehr können. Aber gerade in diesen Stunden sollen wir wissen, dass Gott uns nicht deswegen liebt, weil wir etwas für ihn tun, sondern weil wir sind, wer wir sind: seine Kinder! Sobald wir den Namen Jesu angerufen haben, kann uns nichts mehr „von der Liebe Gottes [trennen], die in Christus Jesus ist unserm Herrn“—keine „Trübsal oder Angst oder Verfolgung oder Hunger oder Blöße oder Gefahr oder Schwert“ (Röm. 8,35.39).

Wenn alles, was wir können oder haben, von uns genommen ist, dann will er von uns nicht mehr, als dass wir in ihm Ruhe finden.

Vater, lass uns nie vergessen, dass du uns bedingungslos liebst, und lass uns an dieser Hoffnung festhalten, wenn unsere Arbeit—und die Früchte unserer Arbeit—nicht mehr da sind.

Wir leben, damit wir Gemeinschaft mit Gott haben.

Von Randy Kilgore

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Toujours aimé, toujours estimé

Lisez : Romains 8.31‑39 | La Bible en un an : Exode 19 – 20 et Matthieu 18.21-35

Qui nous séparera de l’amour de Christ ? Sera‑ce la tribulation, ou l’angoisse, ou la persécution, ou la faim, ou la nudité, ou le péril, ou l’épée ? (Romains 8.35)

Nous servons un Dieu qui nous aime plus que nos oeuvres.

Il est bien vrai que Dieu désire que nous veillions à nourrir notre famille et à prendre soin du monde qu’il a créé et nous a confié. Il s’attend à ce que nous nous mettions au service des faibles, de ceux qui ont faim, qui sont nus, qui ont soif et qui ont le coeur brisé autour de nous, au même titre que nous restions sensibles aux besoins de ceux qui n’ont pas encore accepté l’invitation du Saint‑Esprit à laisser entrer Christ dans leur vie.

Nous servons pourtant un Dieu qui nous aime plus que nos oeuvres.

Nous ne devons jamais l’oublier, car il se peut que le jour vienne où notre capacité à « oeuvrer pour Dieu » nous soit enlevée, par la maladie, l’échec ou un malheur inattendu. Or, c’est dans ces moments que Dieu désire que nous nous rappelions qu’il nous aime non en raison de ce que nous faisons pour lui, mais de qui nous sommes : ses enfants ! Dès l’instant où nous demandons à Christ de nous sauver, rien – « la tribulation, ou l’angoisse, ou la persécution, ou la faim, ou la nudité, ou le péril » – ne saurait nous séparer à nouveau « de l’amour de Dieu manifesté en Jésus‑Christ notre Seigneur » (RO 8.35,39).

Lorsque nous perdons toutes nos capacités et tous nos biens, alors tout ce qu’il souhaite, c’est que nous nous reposions dans notre identité en lui.

Communier avec Dieu est notre raison d’être.

par Randy Kilgore

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Завжди любить і цінує

Читати: Римлян 8:31-39 | Біблія за рік: Вихід 19–20 ; Матвія 18:21-35

Хто нас розлучить від любови Христової? Чи недоля, чи утиск, чи переслідування, чи голод, чи нагота, чи небезпека, чи меч? — Римлян 8:35

Ми служимо Богу, Який більше любить нас, ніж нашу працю.

Звісно, Бог чекає від нас, щоб ми працювали, годували наші сім’ї, турбувались з відповідальністю про цей світ, що Він створив. Він також бажає, щоб ми піклувались про слабких, голодних, спраглих, нужденних і взагалі нещасних людей – хоча при цьому й не забували про долю тих, хто ще не відповіли на голос Святого Духа в їхньому житті. 

І все-таки ми служимо Богу, Який більше любить нас, ніж нашу працю.

Не потрібно про це забувати, тому що може прийти час, коли здібність “щось робити для Бога” відніметься від нас – через хворобу, різні проблеми або непередбачувану катастрофу. Саме в такі часи Бог хоче, щоб ми пам’ятали: Він любить нас не за те, що ми робимо для Нього, а за те, хто ми є – Його діти! З того моменту, як ми покликали Ім’я Христове для спасіння, ніщо – “недоля, чи утиск, чи переслідування, чи голод, чи нагота, чи небезпека, чи меч” – й ніколи вже не відлучить нас “від любови Божої, яка в Христі Ісусі, Господі нашім!” (Рим. 8:35, 39).

Якщо прийде час, коли відніметься від нас все, що ми маємо або можемо, тоді пам’ятаймо: все, що Бог тепер чекає від нас, – просто покладатися на нашу ідентичність в Ньому.

Отче, допоможи нам ніколи не втрачати з поля зору Твою безумовну любов до нас. Дай сили ціпко триматись цієї надії, коли вже не зможемо працювати для Тебе і бачити плід свого служіння.

Сенс нашого існування – спілкування з Богом. 

Автор Ренді Кілгор

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Всегда любимы

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:31-39 | Библия за год: Исход 19-20; Матфея 18:21-35

Кто отлучит нас от любви Божьей: скорбь, или теснота, или гонение, или голод, или нагота, или опасность, или меч? — Римлянам 8:35

Мы служим Богу, Который любит нас больше, чем наш труд.

Конечно же, Бог желает, чтобы мы трудились, заботясь о своих семьях и мире, который Он создал. Он ожидает, что мы будем помогать слабым, голодным, раздетым, жаждущим и сокрушенным людям, даже тем, которые равнодушны к действию Святого Духа в их жизни.

И все равно, мы служим Богу, Который любит нас больше, чем наш труд.

Мы никогда не должны этого забывать, потому что могут настать времена, когда наша способность трудиться для Бога исчезнет по причине болезни или непредвиденной катастрофы. Бог желает, чтобы в такие моменты мы не забыли, что Он любит нас не за то, что мы для Него делаем, а за то, кто мы есть, – Его дети! После того как мы обратились к Иисусу Христу и обрели спасение, ничто из того, что может случиться: «скорбь, или теснота, или гонение, или голод, или нагота, или опасность, или меч», – никогда не отлучит нас «от любви Божьей во Христе Иисусе Господе нашем» (Рим. 8:35, 39).

Когда все, что мы можем сделать или что мы имеем, отнимется от нас, тогда мы можем просто успокоиться в надежде на Него.

Отче, помоги нам никогда не терять из виду Твою безусловную любовь к нам. Помоги держаться за эту надежду, когда наш труд или плод нашего труда отнимется от нас.

Причина нашего существования – общение с Богом.

автор: Рэнди Килгор

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, January 27, 2017

The Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 50:1-11
Thus says the LORD: Where is your mother's bill of divorce with which I put her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? No, because of your sins you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was put away. Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? By my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water, and die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and make sackcloth their covering. The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens-- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light, yet trusts in the name of the LORD and relies upon his God? But all of you are kindlers of fire, lighters of firebrands. Walk in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled! This is what you shall have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

This is the Word of the Lord

The Epistle Reading

Galatians 3:15-22
Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person's will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, "And to offsprings," as of many; but it says, "And to your offspring," that is, to one person, who is Christ. My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise. Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one. Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

This is the Word of the Lord

The Holy Gospel Reading

Mark 6:47-56
When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Here ends the Gospel reading for today.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 40 Expectans, expectavi
1   I waited patiently upon the LORD; he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2   He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3   He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD.
4   Happy are they who trust in the LORD! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5   Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! there is none who can be compared with you.
6   Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! but they are more than I can count.
7   In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure (you have given me ears to hear you);
8   Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, and so I said, "Behold, I come.
9   In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: 'I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.'"
10   I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O LORD, you know.
11   Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
12   You are the LORD; do not withhold your compassion from me; let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
13   For innumerable troubles have crowded upon me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.
14   Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
15   Let them be ashamed and altogether dismayed who seek after my life to destroy it; let them draw back and be disgraced who take pleasure in my misfortune.
16   Let those who say "Aha!" and gloat over me be confounded, because they are ashamed.
17   Let all who seek you rejoice in you and be glad; let those who love your salvation continually say, "Great is the LORD!"
18   Though I am poor and afflicted, the Lord will have regard for me.
19   You are my helper and my deliverer; do not tarry, O my God.

Psalm 54 Deus, in nomine
1   Save me, O God, by your Name; in your might, defend my cause.
2   Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3   For the arrogant have risen up against me, and the ruthless have sought my life, those who have no regard for God.
4   Behold, God is my helper; it is the Lord who sustains my life.
5   Render evil to those who spy on me; in your faithfulness, destroy them.
6   I will offer you a freewill sacrifice and praise your Name, O LORD, for it is good.
7   For you have rescued me from every trouble, and my eye has seen the ruin of my foes.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 51 Miserere mei, Deus
1   Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2   Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
3   For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4   Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.
5   And so you are justified when you speak and upright in your judgment.
6   Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother's womb.
7   For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
8   Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9   Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10   Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.
11   Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
12   Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13   Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
14   I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you.
15   Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.
16   Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
17   Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18   The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
19   Be favorable and gracious to Zion, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
20   Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices, with burnt-offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.

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 27, 2017

Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Read all of Ephesians 6

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 - "Thank God for Guilt"

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. —Hebrews 12:5–6 (NKJV)

Some people say that guilt is a horrible thing. In reality, guilt is a design God has put in our souls. It is similar to the pain we feel in our bodies when something is wrong. If I'm walking down the street barefoot and step on a piece of broken glass, a signal goes through my body, saying, "Red alert! Don't step any further!" The pain effectively warns me that more pain is coming unless I stop.

In the same way, when we experience guilt, our conscience says, "Warning! Don't do that." That is the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

When someone who claims to be a Christian can live in sin without sensing it, then something is seriously wrong. I know we aren't perfect. I know we all fall short of the glory of God. But there is a difference between stumbling unintentionally and being sorry for it and living in habitual, continual sin without any pangs of conscience, guilt, or remorse.

If this is happening in your life, then it means your conscience is being "seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2). As the Bible says in Hebrews 12, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?" (verse 7). In other words, if you are a child of God, when you begin to cross the line, the Holy Spirit will be there to say, "No, don't do that."

That very conviction is a reminder that you are a child of God. So rejoice when you feel guilt. Thank God for guilt.

If you can live in sin without any guilt or remorse, then one must question whether you are a child of God. Throw on the brakes if this is happening to you.

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 - Oración por perdón y firmeza

Orará a ti todo santo en el tiempo en que puedas ser hallado [...] Tú eres mi refugio; me guardarás de la angustia; con cánticos de liberación me rodearás. (Salmo 32:6-7, RV-60)

Señor Jesús, en esta hora busco tu presencia porque deseo limpiar mi corazón de toda maldad. Quiero que me des firmeza, Señor, en este día, a fin de seguir adelante y poder perdonar a quien me ha hecho daño.

También te pido, Dios mío, que me perdones por el daño que les he causado a los demás. Dame sabiduría para entender que cuando perdono, estoy siendo libre en ti.

Dios mío, quita de mí todo orgullo, todo pensamiento que no venga de ti y hazme humilde.

Señor, sé que la venganza es tuya y que tú eres mi Defensor. Así que estoy seguro en tus manos.

Quiero honrarte y adorarte. Por lo tanto, reafirma mi espíritu y no me dejes caer en tentación.

Te amo con todo mi corazón. Y sé que tienes grandes y maravillosas cosas para mí. Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón. Versión Reina-Valera 1960 © Sociedades Bíblicas en América Latina, 1960. Renovado © Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas, 1988.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THOSE WHO ARE MISTREATED

Continue to remember those…who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3b, 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 remembering those who are mistreated. And again he adds an empathy and personalized application. Remember them as if you yourself were the one suffering!

Dr. Jan Pit often shared the poignant story of a young Christian in Egypt he met named Timothy. Through the Christian radio broadcasts of Trans World Radio Timothy was introduced to Jesus whom he received into his heart and began to follow.

But when he shared his new faith with his Muslim family, they reacted so strongly that he was told to leave home and never come back. After several years of living with other Christians, he decided to try and make contact with his family again. On his mother’s birthday, he bought some flowers and walked to his family’s home. When he knocked on the door, his mother opened it.

“Happy birthday, Mother!” Timothy said. “I brought you these flowers because I love you!” Timothy’s mother turned to him with a stern look and said, “I don’t know who you are!” And she slammed the door.

Timothy said to Jan with tears streaming down his face, “I don’t have a family any more. Will you be my family?”

Today you can be a surrogate family for Christians treated this way. You can also remember to pray for Christians like fifteen-year-old Shirin who has gone through a difficult time of persecution.

When Shirin became a believer he also met with much opposition from his relatives. They shouted at him, threatened him and finally gave him a choice: Jesus or the family.

He chose Jesus and then left his home. He was living on the streets; alone, hungry and very poor. A local Christian saw him, had pity on him and took him into his house.

“Shirin loves God with all his heart! His mother and father are in prison now for being drug addicts, but he is witnessing to many about God’s great love which has been revealed to him.

RESPONSE: Today I will remember those believers who are mistreated and do everything possible to assist them in the way I would want assistance if I was in their shoes.

PRAYER: Lord grant me empathy and a giving heart for those being severely persecuted today.

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

Men of the Bible - Isaac

His name means: "He Laughs"

His work: Isaac was an accomplished farmer and herdsman.
His character: The only son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac at a young age witnessed, through the faithfulness of his father, the meaning of obedience. He was gentle and hardworking.
His sorrow: As an old and feeble man, Isaac was victimized by the deception of his son Jacob and to his later dismay gave him the blessing that he had intended for his older son, Esau.
His triumph: Isaac is considered one of the three great patriarchs. For millennia his progeny have revered him.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 25-27 

A Look at the Man

When a man is hugely successful in his work, everyone notices. Some of those people celebrate his prosperity; others hate him for it. That is what Isaac experienced. He is one of the early farmers in the Scriptures with a remarkable green thumb. "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold." But Isaac had a secret—something more powerful than a precise crop rotation strategy or specially formulated fertilizer: The Lord blessed him.

Godly excellence in the marketplace and the generous compensation that often follows it have been subjects of controversy among believers for centuries. Surely Christians are supposed to aspire to serving professions like physicians, missionaries, nurses, and teachers. But is there a place for successful, competitive businesspeople in God's plan as well?

The story of Isaac and Rebekah's years in the land of the Philistines illustrates the answer to these questions—and the reason why. As Isaac and Rebekah were leaving Canaan and looking for a new home, the Lord appeared to Isaac. "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you."

Isaac listened to God's voice and obeyed.

It didn't take too long for him to see that his neighbors were envious. The first time Isaac's servant brought word to him that one of his wells had been filled in with dirt would have been a strong indicator! Nothing specific is said about Isaac's reaction to this act of treachery, but there is no indication that Isaac was angry or vengeful. Instead, he simply sent his servants out to redig the wells or to find places for new ones.

Next, it was the king's turn to pay Isaac a visit. He asked Isaac to move, sounding much like an Egyptian pharaoh hundreds of years later. Once again Isaac could have been upset at such treatment. "After all I've done for you and your people," Isaac could have said to Abimelech, "this is the way you treat me?"

But he didn't. Instead, Isaac and Rebekah moved on, setting up yet another successful business in a new location.

Then Abimelech paid a visit to Isaac. As he greeted Isaac, the Philistine king summarized why he had come and why he wanted to establish a peace treaty with Isaac. "We saw clearly that the LORD was with you."

Why would a man pursue excellence in business?

The story of Isaac clearly gives us the answer: God had called (and gifted) Isaac for this work, and he was obedient; Isaac had shown respect for those in authority over him; he worked hard, and his efforts were productive; and Isaac did not allow the sabotage of his enemies to discourage or distract him.

What was the result of Isaac's faithfulness? God received the glory, and his name was honored among those who previously did not know or revere him.

Reflect On: Genesis 25:1-31
Praise God: For his generosity.
Offer Thanks: For the ways God has already blessed you and for all the ways he yet intends to bless you.
Confess: Any tendency to take credit for what God has given you.
Ask God: To richly bless your life as you seek to follow him.

Girlfriends in God - When You’re in the ‘Not Yet’ Season

by Susie Larson

Today’s Truth

When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped (Exodus 4:31, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Every time God makes a promise, the devil makes a plan. And when the enemy presses in, it’s tempting to grab for ourselves, gripe at God, and grind our gears in our own strength. Lord, help us to remember in the darkness what You told us in the light!

Most everyone, it seems, is walking through a storm right now. If that describes you, may I ask you a question? Amidst your current struggle, do you sense God’s nearness? Or does is feel like He’s forgotten about you? Are you starting to wonder if He is with you? Do you actually believe He treasures you even though He’s not giving you what you want at the moment?

He does! The One who set the starts in place—Almighty God—has set His affection upon you.

It’s hard to wait, and walk, and worship in the ‘not yet’ season. And yet. And yet, this is the time to remember that God moves on our prayers. If we will trust and obey Him right here in this season, we will watch and see how He turns the table on the enemy of our soul. We’ll marvel at how He leverages our hardships to actually work in our favor. And, we’ll rejoice over the way He makes all things beautiful in their proper time.

We’ve got to settle it in our hearts that God is good, His promises are true, and He will always make a way for us. Then, we trust His timing and we worship while we wait.

Trust His Timing: Do you remember the story of when David ended up in the same cave with a raging, jealous Saul (see 1 Samuel 24)? Clearly the Lord had delivered Saul into his hands, right? David was a God-fearing man and even though deliverance seemed to be at his fingertips, he would not take it until the Lord gave it.

I can think of a number of times when it seemed my breakthrough was at my fingertips, there for the taking.

And yet, I knew deep inside me that it wasn't my time yet.

I would’ve had to drop the ball on something else to grab hold of what I believed God had promised me. My breakthrough seemed so close, but not close enough to be mine yet.

And when my time finally came, it was like plucking a ripe piece of fruit from a tree.

Are you in that place right now? This is what the Lord would say to you: My beloved one, I’ve got you! That dream in your heart? I put it there! Trust Me in this, and see if I won't establish you beyond your wildest dreams. I intend to do a mighty work through you. But first, I must do a mighty work in you. Humble yourself before Me. Refuse jealousy or a competitive spirit. Embrace Me, embrace My timing, and I will establish you at the proper time. I promise.

Worship While You Wait: Read this beautiful verse: I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name (Psalm 138:2).

Trust in the Name of the Lord. It’s impossible for Him to fail you! Worship Him while you wait for your breakthrough. Turn a deaf ear to the enemy’s threats. Worship God because He’s always good, even when we can’t see what He is up to. And, in due time, He will surely break through.

What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?

Dear Friend, to truly walk in places that are far beyond your qualifications, to make an impact that is bigger than you are, you need God. You need to remember that it's in HIS hands to make great. And He truly wants to do great things through you.

These battles you face? God will use them to grow greatness in you!

Embrace Your Identity. Obey Him Fully. Humble Yourself before Him. Trust His Timing. Tune out the enemy. And face down your fears. So when it’s all said and done, you will stand in the place God has for you.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20, MSG).

Prayer

Father in Heaven, I’m starting to learn that You make me wait because You’re making me ready. Thank you for taking Your time with me. You are a protective, invested Father, and You know what’s best for me. Awaken fresh and bold faith in me! Help me to trust You in the meantime. When it’s all said and done, I know I’ll be glad I trusted You, so let me declare with my whole heart: I trust You now. My soul waits for You, O Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray.
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

How does God want you to stand in battle while you wait for your breakthrough?

What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?

More from the Girlfriends

Susie Larson is a talk radio host, national speaker, and author of twelve books and many articles. Susie has been married to her husband Kevin since 1985 and together they have three wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see women everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.

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LHM Daily Devotion - "Saving Them All"

 January 27, 2017

The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. -  2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

A race can be a fun thing to watch.

Marathons, sprints, the Indy 500, and numerous contests on sea, land and air can capture our imaginations and transform athletes into super heroes.

Sadly, not all races are innocent competitions.

For example, right now, some scientists are in a race as they try to create a vaccine for the plague. Yes, that's right, the plague, aka, "the black death," the disease that wiped out one-third of Europe's population in the 1300s.

Now finding a vaccination for a bad-nasty thing like the plague is a mighty fine thing to do. I'm sure you agree these men and women scientists are to be commended for their work. But does that work really need to be called a "race"? After all, who are these scientists racing against?

That's an easy question to answer: the scientists are racing against the bad guys.

In this case, the bad guys are terrorists who would love to turn the plague into a bio-weapon.

According to Dr. Ashok Chopra, who is working for the Department of Defense, the plague is a great choice for any terrorist who wants to make a name for himself. Amplifying that idea, Dr. Chopra says the plague

1. is easy to grow;
2. is easy to make resistant to antibiotics;
3. in the airborne, pneumonic form, is very contagious, hard to treat, and has a mortality rate close to 100 percent;
4. is capable of killing millions has the ability to upset the intricacies of a society and reduce a military's effectiveness.

And that, my friends, is just about as good as it gets for the fanatics and terrorists of some religions.

In contrast to those who are trying to kill millions, we have a Lord who is committed to saving billions... scratch the word "billions" there and substitute  everybody . As the passage above says,  God does not want anyone to perish . To make salvation a reality, He sent His Son into this world to offer Himself as the Ransom who would save us.

Now, because of Jesus' success, the Lord desires all the world's lost souls to be touched by the Holy Spirit, be given a repentant heart, and brought to saving faith in the Redeemer.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have enlisted us in the race to reclaim the lost souls of humankind. Grant that we may witness where we can, to those we can, as often as we can. This we ask in our Redeemer's 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 - Lleno de maldad

27 de Enero 2017

... y es que a todos los mortales nos espera lo mismo, y que durante toda nuestra vida tenemos el corazón lleno de maldad e insensatez, y que al final acabamos entre los muertos. Eclesiastés 9:3b (RVC)

El mercado nocturno de la calle Temple en Hong Kong es un lugar muy concurrido. Rodeado de antiguos edificios de apartamentos, está usualmente repleto de residentes locales y turistas en busca de artículos inusuales y ofertas.

Es también donde hace unos años tuvo lugar uno de los más atroces atentados con bombas de ácido.

Para quienes no lo saben, y oro que ese desconocimiento se extienda a la mayoría de ustedes, un ataque con bomba de ácido es cuando alguien arroja de lo alto de un edificio botellas conteniendo ácido, que caen sobre las personas que pasan por la calle.

Debido a que nadie se adjudicó los ataques, la policía asumió que no tenían motivación política. Por otro lado, al no tener sospechosos, se cree que, quien tiró la bomba lo hizo sólo por placer. El atacante es como el piro maníaco, sólo que en este caso disfruta destruyendo personas, en vez de edificios.

En nuestra sociedad actual, la mayoría de las personas rechazan la idea del pecado original, y también la mayoría cree que el hombre es básicamente bueno. Pero no es así. Eclesiastés está en lo correcto cuando dice: "... tenemos el corazón lleno de maldad e insensatez".

La mayoría de nosotros no arroja bombas de ácido. Pero todos nosotros, por naturaleza, somos pecadores... pecadores perdidos y sin esperanza.

Es a este mundo enfermo y pecador, que el Señor envió a su Hijo perfecto, con la misión de rescatarnos del mal. Una misión que Jesús cumplió sin falla. Y gracias a su sacrificio abnegado, todo el que cree en él será perdonado y recibirá su promesa de la vida eterna junto a Dios.

En un mundo de constantes amenazas, donde una bomba de ácido--o cualquier otra cosa--puede cambiar nuestra vida en un segundo, necesitamos la esperanza que sólo Jesús puede darnos.

ORACIÓN: Amado Señor, ¡cuánta pena debes sentir cuando ves el estado de tu creación! Enviaste a tu Hijo a rescatarnos, pero son muchos los que prefieren seguir viviendo en pecado. Te pido que me uses como tu testigo dondequiera que vaya. 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 - Unseen Heroes

Read: Exodus 17:8–15 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 16–18; Matthew 18:1–20

Aaron and Hur held [Moses’s] hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Exodus 17:12

Stories in the Bible can make us stop and wonder. For instance, when Moses led God’s people into the Promised Land and the Amalekites attacked, how did he know to go to the top of the hill and hold up God’s staff? (Ex. 17:8–15). We aren’t told, but we learn that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win the battle, and when he lowered them, the Amalekites would win. When Moses got tired, his brother Aaron and another man, Hur, held up Moses’s arms so the Israelites could triumph.

We aren’t told much about Hur, but he played a crucial role at this point in Israel’s history. This reminds us that unseen heroes matter, that supporters and those who encourage leaders play a key and often overlooked role. Leaders may be the ones mentioned in the history books or lauded on social media, but the quiet, faithful witness of those who serve in other ways is not overlooked by the Lord. He sees the person who intercedes daily in prayer for friends and family. He sees the woman who puts away the chairs each Sunday in church. He sees the neighbor who reaches out with a word of encouragement.

God is using us, even if our task feels insignificant. And may we notice and thank any unseen heroes who help us.

Dear Father, thank You for creating me and gifting me in my own unique way. Help me to serve You and others faithfully and to appreciate those You have sent to help me.

Unseen heroes are always seen by God.

By Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Héroes inadvertidos

Leer: Éxodo 17:8-15 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 18:1-20 

… Aarón y Hur sostenían [las] manos [de Moisés], el uno de un lado y el otro de otro… (Éxodo 17:12).

L a Biblia relata historias que nos hacen detener a pensar. Por ejemplo, cuando Moisés guiaba al pueblo de Dios a la tierra prometida y los amalecitas lo atacaron, ¿cómo supo que debía ir a la cima del monte y mantener en alto la vara de Dios? (Éxodo 17:8-15). No lo sabemos, pero sí se nos dice que, cuando Moisés levantaba la mano, los israelitas ganaban, y que, cuando la bajaba, vencían los amalecitas. Entonces, al cansarse Moisés, su hermano Aarón y otro hombre llamado Hur le sostenían los brazos para que los israelitas pudieran triunfar.

No se dice mucho sobre Hur, pero jugó un papel crucial en ese momento de la historia de Israel. Esto nos recuerda a los héroes inéditos; aquellos que sostienen y alientan a los líderes, y que suelen pasar inadvertidos. Tal vez los libros de historia mencionen a los líderes y los medios sociales los elogien, pero el Señor no ignora a aquellos que sirven en silencio y fielmente de otras maneras. Él ve a aquel que intercede diariamente por sus amigos y familiares; a la mujer que acomoda las sillas en la iglesia cada domingo; al vecino que se acerca con una palabra de aliento.

Dios nos utiliza, aunque nuestra tarea parezca insignificante. No olvidemos reconocer y dar gracias a los héroes inadvertidos que nos ayudan.

Señor, que no deje de apreciar a los que me ayudan.

Dios siempre ve a los héroes invisibles.

Por Amy Boucher Py 

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Unbekannte Helden

Lesen: 2.Mose 17,8-15 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Mose 16–18; Matthäus 18,1-20

Aaron aber und Hur stützten [Mose] die Hände, auf jeder Seite einer. So blieben seine Hände erhoben, bis die Sonne unterging. 2.Mose 17,12

Manche Geschichten in der Bibel können uns ins Fragen bringen. Woher zum Beispiel wusste Mose, dass er auf den Berg steigen und Gottes Stab halten sollte, als er Gottes Volk ins Gelobte Land führte und von den Amalekitern angegriffen wurde (2.Mose 17,8-15)? Wir erfahren es nicht. Aber wir lesen, dass die Israeliten siegten, wenn Mose die Hände emporhielt, und die Amalekiter siegten, wenn er sie sinken ließ. Als Mose müde wurde, hielten sein Bruder Aaron und ein anderer Mann mit Namen Hur seine Arme, damit Israel triumphieren konnte.

Wir erfahren nicht viel über Hur, aber an diesem Punkt in Israels Geschichte spielte er eine entscheidende Rolle. Das zeigt uns, dass auch unbekannte Helden wichtig sind, dass Unterstützer und alle, die ihre Leiter ermutigen, eine wichtige, wenn auch oft übersehene Rolle spielen. Die Leiter sind es, die im Geschichtsbuch erwähnt oder in den Social Media gelobt werden. Aber Gott übersieht die stillen, treuen Zeugen nicht, die auf andere Weise dienen. Er sieht die Frau, die täglich für Familie und Freunde betet. Er sieht den Mann, der jeden Sonntag nach dem Gottesdienst die Stühle wegräumt. Er sieht den Nachbarn, der für andere ein freundliches Wort hat.

Gott gebraucht uns, auch wenn uns eine Aufgabe unbedeutend vorkommt. Und wir wollen ein offenes Auge für jene haben, die so schnell übersehen werden, und ihnen danken.

Danke, lieber Vater, dass du mich geschaffen und einzigartig begabt hast. Hilf mir, dir und anderen treu zu dienen und mich über die zu freuen, die du geschickt hast, damit sie mir helfen.

Gott sieht auch die unbekannten Helden. 

Von Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Хліб Наш Насущній - Непомічені герої

 Читати: Вихід 17:8-15 | Біблія за рік: Вихід 16–18 ; Матвія 18:1-20

Аарон та Хур підтримували руки йому, один із цього боку, а один із того. І були його руки сталі аж до заходу сонця. — Вихід 17:12

Біблійні історії часто змушують нас зупинятись і замислюватись. Наприклад, коли під час подорожі до Обітованої Землі на ізраїльтян напав Амалик, то звідки Мойсей знав, що потрібно зійти на верхівку гори й тримати, піднявши, Божу палицю? (Вих. 17:8-15). Про це невідомо. Написано лише, що коли Мойсей піднімав палицю, то перемагав Ізраїль. Коли ж опускав палицю – перемагав Амалик. Але Мойсей не мав сили постійно тримати палицю піднятою, тому його руки підтримували його брат Аарон та один чоловік на ім’я Хур – завдяки чому Ізраїль зрештою переміг.

Ми мало що знаємо про Хура. Але він зіграв важливу роль у цей критичний момент історії ізраїльського народу.

Велику працю роблять ті, хто підбадьорюють лідерів. Вони відіграють ключову роль, хоча мало хто це бачить. Про відомих лідерів можуть згадувати в історичних книгах та хвалити в соціальних мережах, але Господь завжди знає непомітну (але дуже важливу) працю тих, хто вірно служать Йому. Бог бачить ту людину, яка щоденно молиться, стоїть у проломі за свою родину та друзів. Він бачить ту жінку, що кожну неділю прибирає в церкві стільці. Бачить того, хто дбає про ближніх своїх, знаходячи слова втіхи й підбадьорення.

Давайте помічати тих героїв, що роблять свою тиху, непомітну справу, і дякувати їм за поміч.

Дорогий Отче, дякую Тобі за те, що створив мене і дав мені унікальні дари. Допоможи вірно служити Тобі та іншим і цінувати тих помічників, що Ти мені посилаєш.

Бог завжди бачить тих героїв, яких не помічають інші. 

Автор Емі Бушер Пай 

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній