LHM Daily Devotion - February 3, 2017 "All Things Well"

 February 3, 2017

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." 

- Mark 7:37, ESV

You know, I've often wondered, what does it take for people to speak nicely about you?

Even the most casual of observers cannot help but note how men and women in public office have a difficult time keeping their names at the top of the popularity polls. Even with advice flowing from a whole herd of advisers and counsel coming from a host of public-relations people, the brass ring of permanent approval seems always beyond their grasp.

Both movie stars and musicians struggle to present a positive profile. Still, as hard as they work, today's box-office hunk often becomes tomorrow's trivia question and the chart-topping recording artist often finds himself old news, being mentioned only when someone asks, "Whatever became of so-and-so, anyway?"

Most teens spend a great deal of time thinking how they can be accepted into this group or that clique. Certainly, they don't want to be written off as worthless or unwanted.

Now, I'll concede there may be a few folks out there who don't give a hoot or a plugged nickel for what others think about them, but they are a rare breed, an almost endangered species.

Much of what most of us do -- from the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the movies we see, and the car we drive -- are selected to help us fit in: to make people think positively about us. Sadly, no matter how hard we try to win people's approval, most of the time we fail.

All of this is said as an introduction to the remarkable verse of Mark 7:37.

Taking a look at the words printed at the top of the devotion, maybe you, like me, are absolutely amazed to see that there was a day in the life of Jesus when people actually said about the Redeemer, "He has done all things well." Quite possibly, Jesus was also amazed. After all, when Jesus walked among us during the years of His earthly ministry, He didn't often receive positive comments about His teaching, His disciples, His ministry, and His claim to be the promised Messiah.

Indeed, it was that last claim which, more than anything else, took Him to the cross.

Two-thousand years later, Jesus' title, "Savior of the world" is what makes other religions, godless-rulers, and free-thinking critics go just a little bit crazy. They can accept Him as a teacher, a philosopher, a healer, and a social activist, but Savior? Impossible!

Still, for those of us who have knelt before His manger, stood before His cross, and gazed into His open, empty tomb of resurrection, He can be nothing less. Seeing how He has won our forgiveness and guaranteed our salvation, without hesitation or reservation, we too must comment: "He has done all things well."

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we know that You desire all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Grant that we may tell the world that Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, has truly done all things well. 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 - El que resucitará a los muertos

03 de Febrero 2017

... el Señor mismo descenderá del cielo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel y con trompeta de Dios, y los muertos en Cristo resucitarán primero.

-1 Tesalonicenses 4:16, RVC

Un grupo de incrédulos le preguntó a un científico cristiano: "¿Cómo es posible que usted, que es científico, pueda creer que Dios va a resucitar a los muertos del polvo?"

Rápidamente, el científico mezcló unos puñados de arena con viruta de hierro, y a su vez desafió a los incrédulos, preguntándoles: "¿Quién de ustedes puede separar las partículas de arena de las de hierro?"

Habiendo sido tomados por sorpresa, ninguno de ellos supo qué decir. El científico, entonces, tomó un imán de mucha potencia, y con él separó las partículas de hierro.

Luego, volviéndose a los incrédulos, les dijo: "Si el Creador ha establecido leyes que le otorgan semejante poder a un imán, ¿cómo no voy a creer que Él no tenga poderes aún mayores? Si el poder invisible del imán puede sacar de la arena las pequeñas partículas de hierro, no puedo menos que creer que mi Dios puede utilizar su poder para llamar de la muerte a los cuerpos que se han convertido en polvo."

Ese fue el fin de la discusión.

De manera similar, en Vietnam tratamos de desafiar a quienes están convencidos que la idea de Dios no tiene sentido. Para nosotros es un honor compartir que Dios es el poderoso Creador. La Biblia dice que Dios formó al hombre del polvo de la tierra, que creó su cuerpo como una máquina perfecta, con funciones completas, capaz de dominar el mundo que Dios le había dado.

Lamentablemente, con la caída en pecado, ese mundo fue perdido.

Pero eso no cambia el amor que Dios nos tiene. Es por ello que Jesús vino al mundo: para morir en nuestro lugar y así pagar el precio por nuestros pecados. Pero su historia no terminó en la tumba: tres días después, Jesús resucitó de la muerte y se apareció a sus discípulos.

Gracias a que Jesús resucitó, junto con el apóstol Pablo podemos afirmar que, los que han muerto en Jesucristo, en el día del Juicio Final habrán de resucitar y recibir la vida eterna.

Lamentablemente, la Biblia también dice que quienes no se han reconciliado con Dios a través de Cristo, estarán condenados al fuego eterno... y nadie quiere terminar allí, ¿no es cierto?

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, gracias por prepararme un lugar en el cielo contigo. Perdóname mis pecados, y ayúdame a vencer las tentaciones del diablo. En tu nombre. Amén.

Biografía del autor: Esta devoción fue enviada por la Oficina de Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones en Vietnam. 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 - I See You

Read: Genesis 16:1–13 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 31–33; Matthew 22:1–22

I have now seen the One who sees me. Genesis 16:13

“I see you,” a friend said in an online writers’ group where we support and encourage each other. Having felt stressed and anxious, I experienced a sense of peace and well-being with her words. She “saw” me—my hopes, fears, struggles, and dreams—and loved me.

When I heard my friend’s simple but powerful encouragement, I thought of Hagar, a slave in Abram’s household. After many years of Sarai and Abram still longing for an heir, Sarai followed the custom of the culture and told her husband to conceive through Hagar. But when Hagar became pregnant, she treated Sarai with contempt. When Sarai mistreated her in return, Hagar fled far away to the desert.

The Lord saw Hagar in her pain and confusion, and He blessed her with the promise that she would be the mother of many descendants. After the encounter, Hagar called the Lord “El Roi,” which means “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13), for she knew she wasn’t alone or abandoned.

As Hagar was seen—and loved—so are we. We might feel ignored or rejected by friends or family, yet we know that our Father sees not only the face we present to the world, but all of our secret feelings and fears. He speaks the words that bring us life.

Father God, just as You saw Hagar in her distress, so You see those who are hurting, fleeing oppression, and afraid. Please send them help and encouragement.

To know that God sees us gives us comfort and confidence.

By Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Ta Đoái Xem Con

Đọc: Sáng thế ký 16:1-13 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Xuất Ê-díp-tô Ký 31-33; Ma-thi-ơ 22:1-22

Chẳng phải chính nơi nầy tôi đã thấy Đấng đoái xem tôi sao? (Sáng thế ký 16:13)

“Tôi hiểu chị!” một người bạn trong nhóm viết văn trên mạng, nơi chúng tôi thường hỗ trợ và khích lệ nhau, đã nói. Đang căng thẳng và lo lắng, tôi cảm thấy bình an và nhẹ nhàng bởi những lời của chị. Chị “hiểu” tôi – những hy vọng, sợ hãi, tranh chiến và ước mơ của tôi – và chị cũng yêu quý tôi.

Khi nghe lời khích lệ đơn giản nhưng mạnh mẽ của chị, tôi nghĩ về A-ga, một nô lệ trong nhà Áp-ram. Sau nhiều năm Sa-rai và Áp-ram mong đợi có một người kế tự, Sa-rai đã theo tục lệ địa phương và bảo chồng đến có con với A-ga. Nhưng khi A-ga có thai, cô kinh miệt Sa-rai. Khi Sa-rai đối xử tệ lại với cô, A-ga chạy trốn thật xa vào trong sa mạc.

Chúa thấy A-ga trong đau khổ và bối rối của mình, và Ngài chúc phước cho cô bằng lời hứa cô sẽ là mẹ của nhiều hậu tự. Sau cuộc gặp gỡ Chúa, A-ga gọi Chúa là “El Roi”, nghĩa là “Đấng đoái xem tôi” (Sáng 16:13), vì cô biết mình không cô đơn và không hề bị bỏ rơi.

A-ga được Chúa nhìn thấy – và được Chúa yêu – chúng ta cũng vậy. Có thể chúng ta cảm thấy mình bị bạn bè và gia đình làm ngơ hoặc chối từ, nhưng chúng ta biết rằng Cha Thiên Thượng không chỉ nhìn thấy gương mặt của chúng ta như mọi người thấy, mà còn thấy tất cả những cảm xúc và nỗi sợ hãi kín giấu của chúng ta. Ngài mang đến cho chúng ta những lời của sự sống.

Lạy Chúa Cha, như Ngài nhìn thấy A-ga trong nỗi thống khổ của cô, Ngài cũng nhìn thấy những ai đang tổn thương, đang trốn chạy khỏi áp bức và sợ hãi. Xin Chúa đem đến cho họ sự cứu giúp và khích lệ.

Nhận thức Chúa luôn đoái xem khiến chúng ta được an ủi và vững tin.

bởi Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Te veo

Leer: Génesis 16:1-13 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 22:1-22

… ¿No he visto también aquí al que me ve? (Génesis 16:13).

«T e veo», dijo una amiga en un grupo en línea de escritores en el que nos respaldamos y animamos unos a otros. Como me sentía estresada y ansiosa, sus palabras me infundieron una sensación de paz y bienestar. Ella me «veía» —con mis esperanzas, temores, luchas y sueños— y me amaba.

Cuando escuché la sencilla pero poderosa expresión de ánimo de mi amiga, pensé en Agar, una esclava de la familia de Abram. Tras muchos años de esperar ansiosa un heredero, Sarai siguió la costumbre cultural de su época y le dijo a su esposo Abram que tuviera un hijo con Agar. Pero, cuando esta quedó embarazada, comenzó a despreciar a su ama. Sarai, a su vez, maltrató a su sierva, hasta que Agar huyó al desierto.

El Señor vio la angustia y la turbación de Agar, y la bendijo prometiéndole que tendría muchos descendientes. Después de aquel encuentro, Agar llamó al Señor El Roi, que significa «Dios que me ve» (Génesis 16:13), ya que supo que no estaba sola ni abandonada.

Así como Agar fue vista —y amada—, también lo somos nosotros. Tal vez nos sintamos ignorados o rechazados por familiares o amigos, pero sabemos que nuestro Padre no solo ve nuestro aspecto exterior, sino también todos nuestros sentimientos y temores secretos. Él habla palabras que nos vivifican.

Señor, gracias porque ves mi interior.

Saber que Dios nos ve nos da consuelo y confianza.

Por Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ich sehe dich

Lesen: 1.Mose 16,1-13 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Mose 31–33; Matthäus 22,1-22

Gewiss hab ich hier hinter dem hergesehen, der mich angesehen hat. 1.Mose 16,13

„Ich sehe, was du meinst“, sagte eine Bekannte in einer Internet-Schreibgruppe, in der wir einander unterstützen und ermutigen. Ich war unsicher und ängstlich gewesen, aber ihre Worte hatten mich beruhigt. Sie „sah“ mich—meine Hoffnungen, Ängste, Kämpfe und Träume—und stand zu mir.

Die einfachen, aber wirkungsvollen Worte ließen mich an Hagar denken, eine Magd in Abrahams Haushalt. Als Sarah und Abraham auch nach vielen Jahren des Wartens keinen Erben bekamen, besann sich Sarah auf einen Brauch ihrer Umgebung und forderte ihren Mann auf, mit Hagar ein Kind zu bekommen. Als Hagar tatsächlich schwanger wurde, begann sie ihre Herrin zu verachten. Das passte Sarah nicht und sie fing an, Hagar zu schikanieren, woraufhin diese in die Wüste floh.

Der Herr sah Hagar in ihrer Not und Verwirrung und segnete sie mit der Verheißung, ihr viele Nachkommen zu schenken. Daraufhin nannte Hagar Gott einen „Gott, der mich sieht“ (1.Mose 16,13), denn nun wusste sie, sie war nicht allein und verlassen.

So, wie Hagar gesehen—und geliebt—wurde, geht es auch uns. Wir meinen vielleicht, wir wären von Familie und Freunden verlassen. Aber unser Vater sieht nicht nur das Gesicht, das wir der Welt zeigen, sondern auch alle unsere geheimen Gefühle und Ängste. Und er sagt Worte, die Leben schenken.

Himmlischer Vater, so wie du Hagar in ihrer Not gesehen hast, so siehst du alle, die leiden, vor Unterdrückung fliehen und Angst haben. Bitte schicke ihnen Hilfe und Ermutigung.

Das Wissen, dass Gott uns sieht, schenkt Trost und Zuversicht.

Von Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Je te vois

Lisez : Genèse 16.1‑13 | La Bible en un an : Exode 31 – 33 et Matthieu 22.1-22

Ai-je rien vu ici, après qu’il m’a vue ? (Genèse 16.13)

Je te vois », m’a écrit une amie d’un groupe de soutien mutuel en ligne. Comme j’étais stressée et angoissée, ce mot m’a procuré un sentiment de paix et de bien‑être. Cette amie m’avait donc vue – mes espoirs, mes craintes, mes combats et mes rêves – et m’aimait telle que j’étais.

En entendant ce mot d’encouragement tout simple, mais puissant, j’ai repensé à Agar, une servante de la maison d’Abraham. Après que Saraï et Abram ont attendu pendant de nombreuses années d’avoir enfin un héritier, Saraï a demandé à son mari de lui donner un enfant par Agar, comme c’était la coutume de le faire à l’époque. Cependant, lorsque Agar est tombée enceinte, elle a traité Saraï avec mépris. Quand Saraï lui a rendu la monnaie de sa pièce, Agar s’est enfuie dans le désert.

C’est là que, voyant Agar dans toute sa douleur et toute sa confusion, le Seigneur l’a bénie en lui promettant de faire d’elle la mère de nombreux descendants. Après cette rencontre divine, Agar a appelé Dieu El Roi, ce qui signifie « le Dieu qui m’a vue » (GE 16.13), car elle savait désormais n’être ni seule ni abandonnée.

Agar a été vue – et aimée –, et nous le sommes aussi. Il se peut que nous nous sentions négligés ou rejetés de nos amis ou de nos proches, mais nous savons que notre Père voit plus que notre visage. Il voit également tous les sentiments et toutes les craintes que nous dissimulons au monde. Il nous exprime les paroles qui insufflent la vie.

Le fait de savoir que Dieu nous voit nous réconforte et nous rassure.

par Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Він бачить тебе

Читати: Буття 16:1-3 | Біблія за рік: Вихід 31−33 ; Матвія 22:1-22

Чи й тут я дивилась на Того, Хто бачить мене? — Буття 16:13

“Я все бачу й розумію”, – сказала мені подруга в онлайн-групі письменників, де ми підтримуємо і підбадьорюємо один одного. Після цих слів я відчула в серці спокій; відчула, що все гаразд.

Коли я почула від своєї подруги таке підбадьорення, то згадала Агар, рабиню, що жила у таборі Авраама. Після багатьох років чекання Авраам та Сарра все ще не отримали спадкоємця, народження якого так прагнули. Тому Сарра вчинила згідно до звичаїв того часу: веліла чоловіку переспати з невільницею, щоб мати від неї дитину. Але коли Агар завагітніла, вона почала зверхньо ставитись до своєї господині. Сарра відповіла на це утисками, і рабиня втекла від неї далеко в пустелю.

Господь побачив сердечну біль та розпач Агарі й благословив її обітницею, що вона стане матір’ю численних нащадків. Після цієї зустрічі Агар дала Господу ім’я “Ель Рой” – тобто, “Бог, що бачить мене” (Бут. 16:13). Вона зрозуміла, що не самотня й не полишена Богом.

Бог не тільки Агарі явив Свою любов. Він бачить і любить нас також. Ми, буває, почуваємося усіма полишеними – друзями і навіть своєю сім’єю. Здається, всі відвернулись від нас. Однак ми знаємо, що Бог бачить нас – і не лише ту маску, що ми носимо перед людьми, але й наші потаємні почуття, страхи. І Він промовляє слова, що несуть нам життя.

Отче наш, Ти бачиш тих, кому боляче, страшно, хто потерпає від утисків – так само, як Ти бачив колись відчай Агарі в пустелі. Будь ласка, даруй таким людям поміч та підбадьорення.

Усвідомлення, що Бог все бачить і розуміє, дарує нам втіху та впевненість.

Автор Емі Бушер Пай

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Я тебя вижу

Читать сейчас: Бытие 16:1-13 | Библия за год: Исход 31-33; Матфея 22:1-22

Точно я видела здесь вслед видящего меня. — Бытие 16:13

«Я тебя вижу», – сказала мне подруга по авторской группе в Интернете, где мы поддерживаем и ободряем друг друга. Мне в то время как раз было тяжело и тревожно. Ее слова принесли в сердце мир и спокойствие. Она «видела» меня: мои надежды, страхи, переживания и мечты. И любила меня.

Услышав это простое, но благословенное ободрение от подруги, я вспомнила Агарь, служанку Сарры. После многих лет бесплодного ожидания сына Сарра решила последовать местному обычаю и завести ребенка от служанки. Но когда та забеременела, то стала возноситься над Саррой. В ответ Сарра стала ее притеснять, и Агарь убежала в пустыню.

Господь увидел беглянку в бедственном положении и благословил ее обетованием, что она станет матерью многих потомков. После этой встречи Агарь назвала Господа «Эль Рои», что значит «Бог, видящий меня» (Быт. 16:13). Она поняла, что не забыта и не покинута.

Так же как Бог видел и жалел Агарь, Он видит и нас. Мы можем чувствовать себя одинокими и отвергнутыми родными и друзьями, но наш Отец видит нас, зная все тайные чувства и страхи. Он говорит слова, несущие жизнь.

Бог Отец, как Ты видел Агарь в пустыне в ее отчаянном положении, так Ты видишь всех, кто скорбит, боится и терпит притеснение. Пошли им помощь и ободрение.

Мы укрепляемся мыслью о том, что Бог видит нас.

автор: Эми Бушер Пай

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, February 2, 2017 - The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ Painting from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000 AD)

Nunc Dimittis
LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel (Luke 2:29–32).

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Malachi 3:1-4

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Psalms

Psalm 84 Quam dilecta!
1   How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2   The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
3   Happy are they who dwell in your house! they will always be praising you.
4   Happy are the people whose strength is in you! whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5   Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6   They will climb from height to height, and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7   LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob.
8   Behold our defender, O God; and look upon the face of your Anointed.
9   For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10   For the LORD God is both sun and shield; he will give grace and glory;
11   No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who walk with integrity.
12   O LORD of hosts, happy are they who put their trust in you!

 The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Hebrews 2:14-18

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 2:22-40
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Here ends the Gospel lesson for today.
Glory be to Thee ,O Christ!

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 - February 02, 2017

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—

Read all of 1 Corinthians 2

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 - "Marriage and Family: Powered by the Spirit"

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. —Hebrews 13:4, NLT

I was watching a television interview a while back, and the interviewer asked a pastor, "Don't you think it is time to bring the Bible kicking and screaming into the 21st century?" I wanted to jump through the television screen! I wanted to say, "No sir, it is time to bring culture kicking and screaming back to what the Bible teaches, because that is where the problems are coming from." Either we're going to accept that the Bible is the source of truth on marriage, family, and every other topic, or we're not.

You can't pick and choose what parts of the Bible you agree with, or what fits with current culture. If you follow cultural clues, your marriage may be doomed. Instead, you have to come back to the Word of God, and develop a biblical worldview—see things through a scriptural lens.

And to have a successful marriage, you must also be filled with the Holy Spirit. You see, we have the power given to us from God to do what He has called us to do. Ephesians 5:18-19 says, "Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves." In the Greek, it is implied that it's done over and over again. In other words, be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit—again and again. When you get up every morning you might just say, "Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit. Help me to be the husband, the wife, the parent you have called me to be."

I will be honest with you. There is no way that I can do what the Bible tells me to do without the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no way a husband can love his wife as Christ loves the church without the power of the Spirit. And there is no way a wife can submit to the leadership of her husband without the power of the Spirit. We need this power. Keep asking for this power. And remember, the only authoritative source on any topic is the Word of God.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2016 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Que nuestro caminar sea firme

Siempre tengo presente al Señor; con él a mi derecha, nada me hará caer. Salmo 16:8

Es muy común que los problemas de la vida nos roben nuestra confianza en Dios.

Llegar a un país extraño, la separación por una situación migratoria de tu familia, un divorcio, un hijo en las drogas, una desilusión en tu iglesia, una traición de un amigo… Son tantas y tan comunes las situaciones que te menciono hoy que es muy fácil que tú y yo podamos estar pasando alguna de ellas.

Sabemos que no todos tenemos la misma resistencia al dolor ni todos tenemos la misma capacidad para enfrentarnos a la vida. Sabemos que esas situaciones nos pueden aturdir y hasta nos pueden alejar de Dios. Incluso, a menudo culpamos a Dios de lo que nos está pasando y por error podemos tomar decisiones fuera de su voluntad.

¡Qué riesgo es vivir la vida sin tener a Dios de nuestro lado! ¡Qué peligro es desafiar a Dios a que podemos vivir sin Él y hacer nuestra voluntad!

Ahora quiero que aprendas algo: Dios es AMOR, Dios es COMPASIVO, Dios es JUSTO y es PADRE. Y al que ama corrige. Por favor, no quieras experimentar la corrección del Padre. Entrega este día toda soberbia, todo orgullo, y ríndete en los brazos del Único que puede cambiar tu situación.

La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional® NVI® Copyright © 1986, 1999, 2015 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Devotions for Men - Make the Most of Today

Matthew 24:36–51

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 25:14–30; John 9:4; Philippians 1:20–26

Carpe diem.

This Latin phrase means “seize the day,” and it certainly echoes a valid objective. We do need to seize each day, because we don’t know whether tomorrow will come or just how much of this life remains for us.
But what if we did? Imagine if a clock on the bottom of one foot digitally displayed how many days remained before we died. Theologian Francis Schaeffer put it another way: “Life is like a clock with no hands. It’s ticking but you never know when it’s going to strike midnight.”

What a sobering thought—for those living in the 1st century or the 21st century. Despite all of our advances in safety measures, in both industry and transportation, and all of our progress in the medical field, life still maintains a measure of unpredictability for us today. Accidents still happen, and people still suffer from strokes and coronary artery disease, often seemingly out of the blue. Nearly everyone has a story to tell regarding a friend, family member or coworker who has experienced something like this.

The 1st century disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). In the midst of his teaching, Jesus replied, “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).

In a way, Jesus urges his followers to “seize the day” because no one knows when he will return. But we do know that each of us will come face-to-face with Jesus and give an account of how we have lived for him. Each of us in large measure determines how that encounter will go.

Jesus wants us to be ready no matter when he returns—to be “faithful and wise” servants (Matthew 24:45). Who are the faithful and wise servants? Those who are ready—those whom the Master finds doing his will when he returns.

Are you ready?

To Take Away

• How would your life be different if you knew you had just a year left to live? A month? A day?
• God gives each of us gifts with which to serve him. Can you identify the ways in which God wants you to serve him?
• Do you think God sees you as a “faithful and wise servant”? Why or why not?

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

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SATAN’S TACTIC OF PRIDE

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

We each have to come to terms with Satan's deadliest tactic, which the Bible calls pride. Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has promulgated The Great Lie: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5b). We all must learn to overcome pride, which was Satan’s own initial sin and which is his pervasive and repetitive tactic against us.

In Proverbs 6:17, “haughty eyes” are first on the list of the seven things that are an “abomination” to God. Proverbs 27:2 adds, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” Christ spoke of pride in Luke 18:14 when He instructs, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Over and over again, we are reminded in the Bible of God’s utter disdain for a prideful spirit.

Why does God have so much to say about this issue? Because, ultimately, a prideful person is saying, “I don't need God. I can do it on my own.” As our Creator and Sustainer, God has the perfect plan laid out before us. Attempting to “go it alone” will only lead us down a path of self-destruction. No one knows that better than God—He has seen pride destroy the lives of His creations throughout time.

In the Old Testament we see an example of this in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-37) until he acknowledged the Most High God. We also see it in the life of King Belshazzar, who saw the handwriting on the wall and received judgment because of his pride (Daniel 5: 22-31).

In the New Testament, the Pharisees, filled with self-righteousness, denied the work of Christ, even as He stood before them. The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians to “not take pride in one man over against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Peter repeats the warning about pride from Proverbs 3:34.

Pride is so devastating because of its deceptiveness. C. S. Lewis said, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you.” We may easily point out pride in the life of someone else, completely oblivious to the stranglehold that pride may have in our own lives. Pride causes us to focus solely on being “better” than someone else. Don’t compare yourself to others; compare yourself to Christ. Remember where you came from, and recall what God has saved you from.

When all else fails, God may allow adversity into our lives. Nothing gets our attention better than going through a difficult time. He allows these experiences in order to filter out pride, causing us to return our focus on Him. As much as our prideful spirit may disagree, we cannot live a fulfilling life without God. Simply put, when God is out, pride is in!

RESPONSE: Today I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and steer clear of pride’s deceptiveness.

PRAYER: Lord, I need Your help to keep focused on You and avoid pride’s stranglehold.

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

Girlfriends in God - No Goals – No Gold (Part 2)

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Watching our daughter introduce solid foods to our six-month-old grandson was an intriguing process to witness. I'm not sure if it was the texture or taste that surprised Justus, but the faces he made when that new food was first placed in his little mouth were hilarious. When he liked the new food, his eyes got big; he grinned and made a big smacking sound as if to say, "Where have you been keeping this stuff?" However, a few foods elicited a very different reaction. He scrunched up his face, turned his head and promptly spat out the offending food. Danna quickly learned the art of mixing foods in a single bite and also learned the same food Justus refused to eat on Thursday was often consumed the next time she tried.

God only reveals what we can understand, perceive, apply and digest at the time. Setting life goals allows us to do just that. In my last devotion we covered several criteria for Godly life goals. Let’s continue. 

Attainable. Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

If you have seen the movie, "Miss Congeniality," you will remember the scene during which each contestant was asked about life goals. "I want to achieve world peace" was the popular answer. World peace is a great goal, but not an attainable goal for one person. A better personal goal would be to make peace with your neighbor. Reaching a life goal requires action. We are called by God to not only hear His Word, but to put it into practice - to do something about it through setting goals.

Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable in each area where you want to improve and grow. When we involve others, we feel a greater sense of responsibility and accountability. Run your plans and goals past other people. You don't want to do this with every goal and at every step along the way, but you should with big and important plans, especially if they impact other people.

Realistic. Hebrews 11:6 "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him."

When we set an unrealistic goal, we are setting ourselves up to fail. I once set a goal to read and memorize at least two chapters of the Bible each week. Yes, it was a great goal, but an unrealistic one for that season of my life. I had two small children and was directing the women's ministry of the church where my husband was the lead pastor. I taught a community Bible study of over 400 women, had 20 voice and piano students, and had begun traveling and speaking for women's events. When I did not reach that goal of memorizing two chapters of Scripture, I beat myself up with guilt. A more realistic goal would have been to memorize a few verses each week.

We must brutally examine motives. Are the goals we’re setting from God or are they from our own selfish desires? Do I want my relationship with God to grow or do I want others to think I am Godly? 

Timely. Ephesians 5:15 -16 "Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity … “

I need deadlines to achieve goals. When someone books me to speak for an event, I always ask them to give me a deadline for submitting handouts and Power point, shipping resources, etc. I then record those deadlines on my personal calendar. Sometimes the only reason we don't accomplish our goals is that we don't have a written plan of what needs to be done. 

Pray! Ask God to give you direction to create goals and the power to reach them. He has a plan for our lives. Success and purpose come when we uncover those plans and go hard after them. Ask the Father to bless your holy pursuit of His will.

We need to order our lives in a more conscious way. Set forward-focused, spiritually sound goals, and be delivered from the futility of a life with no purpose. 

Let’s Pray

Father, I want to follow Your plan for my life. Please lead me and guide me in Your ways. Give me Your wisdom and truth and show me the purpose for which I was created. I will seek You first in my life. I will trust You with my whole heart and do whatever You ask me to do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read and memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

Record these verses in your journal.

Circle each action word.

In your own words, define the action words you circled.

How can you apply each directive to your daily life? 

More from the Girlfriends

As fully devoted followers of Christ, one of our goals should be to get healthy and stay healthy for this race of life. Mary’s book, Fit for Life explores four areas of fitness and health - spiritual, physical, mental and emotional. Within each one of these areas, Fit for Life examines principles and goals relating to rest, diet and exercise. Check it out!

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

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