Girlfriends in God - The Cure for Restlessness

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)

Friend to Friend

It’s recorded in the book of Genesis that at the dawn of creation God made the heavens and the earth, separated light from darkness, and that everything was good. Then He held the sky away from the water, established day and night, and it was good. Next He spoke the land, seas, sun, moon and stars into existence, and again all good. He went on to fill the earth with fish, birds, and animals, and fashion man in His own image … and it was good, good, good and good. Then He rested - which we ALL know is awesome. Amen? Amen.

Peace covered the earth like a warm blanket.

God had a perfect relationship with all that He created. Adam and Eve got to know Him intimately. They walked and talked with Him in the Garden of Eden in a way so pure and sacred I can scarcely imagine.

Then Adam and Eve wrecked the good with greed.

They rejected what was meant to be respected, took what was not theirs to take, ate what was not theirs to eat, and sent perfection into a downward spiral of impossibility.

After good was spoken and perfection broken God sent Adam and Eve out of Eden. And it was there in their freshly fallen, imperfect reality that they conceived their first son, Cain, and eventually their second, Abel.

These brothers were very different. Able was an animal guy, Cain a farmer. Both brought offerings to God, but they were not received the same. The offering Abel presented pleased God. Cain’s did not. We aren’t told why, but can safely conclude that it was a matter of motive. God always looks at the heart.

Cain did NOT appreciate God calling him out on his heart situation by rejecting his offering. “So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” (Genesis 4:5) God asked him why he was miffed and followed up with a strong question. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” Then God warned Cain, “If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)

Jealousy, hate, bitterness, and anger filled and fueled Cain when he invited his brother Abel to go hang out in a field and then attacked and killed him.

God punished Cain for the murder by placing him under a curse. “When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” (Genesis 4:12)

Cain became a restless wanderer because he refused to heed the discipline and redirection of God. Instead, of turning his heart to the Lord in repentance and asking God to teach him the ways that are right, he allowed the crouching-at-his-door sin to master him. He let feelings of jealousy and anger lead his responses, and in doing so, brought destruction and restlessness upon himself and others.

Proverbs 3:11-12 instructs us this way, “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

Apologist Ravi Zacharias said, “God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness.” Imagine that! You and I are invited to share in His holiness. Incredible.

But you and I can become restless wanderers who ignore correcting just as easily as Cain. Can’t we? Sin crouches at the doors of our hearts each day too. It looks like comparison and smells like envy. It sneaks like arrogance and creeps like gossip and promiscuity. Satan longs to control and master us so that our relationships with both God and man suffer.

Jesus said that our enemy is a thief that comes to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) This sobering, slithering reality stirs me to take a fresh stand today.

I resolve that I will not allow the lying tempter to lead me away from the good God that has for me. I will consider the matter of my motives by asking God to search my heart and show me any ways that are offensive (Psalm 139:23-24). I will stop pretending that God turns a blind eye to any sin in my life. (That’s not who He is. God is holy and just.) I resolve that restlessness will not overcome me because I stand in the same power that resurrected Christ from the grave. I have decided to follow Jesus and there will be no turning back.

Will you take a fresh stand today as well?

Fair warning: the enemy will still crouch low trying to trip us up, but the Spirit of God within will help us to master and reject sin. The challenge is daily and the struggle is real, but the supply of God’s power is endless. The cure for restlessness is found when we turn from temptations toward Jesus. And as we call out God in prayer, His grace will meet us with strength for every trial.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times I allow sin to master me. Convict my heart of any thoughts, beliefs or actions that are not right in Your eyes. Root out all stubbornness, jealousy, pride and rebellion from my heart so that I will no longer be restlessness, but can rest in Your grace.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Romans 12, then join me on my blog and leave a comment telling me which of the heart directives of Romans 12 speaks most to you today. Also tell me what you plan to do about it!

More from the Girlfriends


FREE EBOOK: 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. I WANT IT ALL 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.)

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LHM Daily Devotion - "Secret Sins"

February 23, 2017

You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.  - Psalm 90:8 (ESV)

As all of us sometimes do, Joseph Talbot made a mistake. In this case, Mr. Talbot had a bit too much to drink before he got behind the wheel of his car.

It was a mistake noted by a New York patrolman who arrested him.

After that, things got a bit strange. Mr. Talbot called the officer a not-so-nice name and said the officer was ruining his life. Then Mr. Talbot refused to be fingerprinted and he refused to be photographed. His reason? He didn't want his mug shot in the local paper, which he called a "rag."

Well, the newspaper in question, the Times of Wayne County has a circulation of about 12,000. They got hold of the story along with Mr. Talbot's picture and published them both. Well, the paper underestimated how much Mr. Talbot wanted people not to know what he had done wrong.

That's why, when the delivery trucks went out to the newsstands, Mr. Talbot followed and bought up every paper they put out. Yes, he bought up almost 1,000 papers at the going rate of $1.25.

Well, Mr. Talbot underestimated the power of the press. The publisher of the paper went out and replenished the papers in all of its outlets, and then the Associated Press got hold of the story and it went viral, including being used as the basis for this Daily Devotion.

And the sin Mr. Talbot wanted so desperately to keep secret, wasn't.

Of course, he may take comfort in the fact he is not alone. Reading through the Bible, he may find many others who tried to keep their sins secret from the Lord. Adam and Eve hid after they had eaten the forbidden fruit. Achan tried to hide the forbidden booty he stole from Jericho when it was destroyed. David tried, unsuccessfully, to keep his sins of adultery and murder hush-hush. Ananias and his wife Sapphira tried to keep their business dealings secret and lied to the Lord.

Yes, all these biblical personalities had a sin they tried to keep from other people and the Lord. They tried and they failed. They failed because along with being just and merciful, our Lord is also omniscient, that is, He knows everything. That is a truth Moses recognized when he wrote: "You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence."

John agreed with that idea, and under the Holy Spirit's direction, took it one step further when he wrote, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).

So that the Lord might forgive our sins and save us from eternal punishment, Jesus was sent into this world. Jesus' entire life was dedicated to Him being the prophesied Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Forgiveness -- that's the gift the Lord gladly bestows on every soul who acknowledges his sin and confesses them to the Lord, and that includes all our not-so-secret sins as well.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I regret and confess my sins to You. Now may I rejoice in the forgiveness which is given because of Your Son's sacrifice. In His 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 - No, gracias

23 de Febrero 2017

"Estas palabras que hoy te mando cumplir estarán en tu corazón, y se las repetirás a tus hijos, y hablarás de ellas cuando estés en tu casa, y cuando vayas por el camino, y cuando te acuestes y cuando te levantes." 

Deuteronomio 6:6-7 (RVC)

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Frisco, en Texas, permitió a los Gedeones que regalaran Biblias en las 13 escuelas intermedias y secundarias de ese distrito.

En las mismas mesas utilizadas para compartir periódicos, folletos de campamentos, folletos anunciando clases privadas, información de reclutamiento militar y de universidades, a los Gedeones les fue dado un día para repartir sus Biblias.

¿Cuál fue la reacción?

Algunos padres se pusieron furiosos. Una madre dijo que se quedó "estupefacta". Un padre comentó: "La escuela es un lugar de aprendizaje, no un lugar de adoración". Otro padre expresó su opinión de esta manera: "Yo simplemente no quiero que se le imponga ninguna religión a mi hijo. Por eso es que va a una escuela pública".

Déjeme explicar algo: nadie obliga a los niños a buscar una Biblia. Las Biblias fueron puestas ahí para que cualquiera las tomara SI ASÍ LO DESEABA. Así de simple y claro. Si usted quiere una Biblia... aquí está. Si no la quiere, está bien.

Yo no sé cómo son las cosas en Frisco, TX, pero mis padres me enseñaron que cuando alguien me ofrece algo y yo no lo quiero, todo lo que debo hacer es decir "no, gracias". No es ninguna ciencia; si usted no quiere algo, cortésmente lo rechaza. Esto se aplica tanto a las Biblias como a una planta de lechuga.

Pero en un mundo de una moral tecnológica, donde es fácil para el progresismo ideológico hacer la verdad a un lado en nombre del derecho ajeno, cuando esto sucede los padres terminan permitiendo a sus niños leer o ver o creer algo, siempre y cuando ese "algo" no venga de la Biblia.

Las palabras del libro de Deuteronomio han sido pervertidas para que se lean así: "No te grabes en el corazón estas palabras que hoy te mando. No se las inculques a tus hijos ni les hables de ellas cuando estés en tu casa ni cuando vayas por el camino, ni cuando te acuestes ni cuando te levantes."

Y los niños y sus familias pagarán el precio de este error. Vamos a orar por ellos.

ORACIÓN: Amado Dios, vivimos en un mundo que cree no necesitarte a Ti ni a tu Hijo. Mientras todavía hay tiempo, te rogamos que ellos sean despertados a la salvación que tu Hijo ha ganado para todos nosotros. Esto oramos 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 - Press On

Read: Philippians 3:12–21 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 7–8; Mark 4:21–41

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

One of my favorite television programs is The Amazing Race. In this reality show, ten couples are sent to a foreign country where they must race, via trains, buses, cabs, bikes, and feet, from one point to another to get their instructions for the next challenge. The goal is for one couple to get to a designated finishing point before everyone else, and the prize is a million dollars.

The apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race and admitted that he had not yet arrived at the finish line. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Phil. 3:13–14). Paul did not look back and allow his past failures to weigh him down with guilt, nor did he let his present successes make him complacent. He pressed on toward the goal of becoming more and more like Jesus.

We are running this race too. Despite our past failures or successes, let us keep pressing on toward the ultimate goal of becoming more like Jesus. We are not racing for an earthly prize, but for the ultimate reward of enjoying Him forever.

Read Philippians 4:11–13. How are we able to press on toward our future hope? Read Hebrews 12:1–2. What are some practical things we must do to continue to press on and persevere?

Never call it quits in pursuing Jesus.

By Marvin Williams

 © 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Vươn Tới

Đọc: Phi-líp 3:12-21 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 7-8; Mác 4:21-41

[Tôi] vươn tới những gì ở đằng trước, tôi nhắm mục đích mà theo đuổi để đoạt giải về sự kêu gọi trên cao của Đức Chúa Trời trong Đấng Christ Jêsus. (Phi-líp 3:14)

Một trong những chương trình Tivi yêu thích của tôi là chương trình Cuộc đua Kỳ thú. Trong show truyền hình thực tế này, mười cặp đôi được cử đi nước ngoài, ở đó họ phải thi đua với nhau bằng cách đi tàu lửa, xe buýt, xe taxi, xe đạp và đi bộ, từ điểm này đến điểm khác để nhận được chỉ dẫn cho thách thức kế tiếp. Mục tiêu là mỗi cặp phải đến được đích đã đề ra trước các cặp khác, và giải thưởng là một triệu đô-la.

Sứ đồ Phao-lô so sánh cuộc sống Cơ Đốc nhân với một cuộc đua và tự nhận rằng ông vẫn chưa đến đích. Ông nói: “Thưa anh em, tôi không nghĩ rằng mình đã đoạt được rồi; nhưng tôi cứ làm một điều: quên đi những gì ở đằng sau, vươn tới những gì ở đằng trước, tôi nhắm mục đích mà theo đuổi để đoạt giải về sự kêu gọi trên cao của Đức Chúa Trời trong Đấng Christ Jêsus” (Phi-líp 3:13-14). Phao-lô không nhìn lại phía sau và để cho thất bại trong quá khứ trì kéo ông lại bằng mặc cảm tội lỗi, ông cũng không cho những thành công trong hiện tại khiến ông tự mãn. Ông bươn tới mục tiêu trở nên ngày càng giống Chúa Jêsus hơn.

Chúng ta cũng đang chạy trên cuộc đua như vậy. Bất chấp những thất bại hay thành công trong quá khứ, chúng ta hãy cứ bươn tới mục tiêu cuối cùng là trở nên giống Chúa Jêsus hơn. Chúng ta không chạy đua vì phần thưởng trần thế, nhưng vì phần thưởng tối thượng đó là được vui hưởng Chúa mãi mãi.

Đọc Phi-líp 4:11-13. Làm thế nào chúng ta có thể bươn tới niềm hy vọng tương lai? Xin đọc Hê-bơ-rơ 12:1-2. Một vài điều cụ thể chúng ta phải làm để tiếp tục bươn tới và bền lòng là gì?

Đừng bao giờ từ bỏ sứ mạng theo đuổi Chúa.

bởi Marvin Williams

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Sigue avanzando

Leer: Filipenses 3:12-21 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 4:21-41

Prosigo a la meta, al premio del supremo llamamiento de Dios en Cristo Jesús (Filipenses 3:14).

Uno de mis programas favoritos de televisión podría llamarse en español Sublime audacia. En este programa de telerrealidad, diez parejas van a otro país, donde deben correr —usando trenes, autobuses, taxis, bicicletas, y a pie— de un lugar a otro para obtener las instrucciones para el próximo desafío. La meta es que una pareja alcance el punto de llegada antes que las demás, y el premio es un millón de dólares.

El apóstol Pablo comparó la vida cristiana con una carrera y admitió que aún no había llegado a la meta: «Hermanos, yo mismo no pretendo haberlo ya alcanzado; pero una cosa hago: olvidando ciertamente lo que queda atrás, y extendiéndome a lo que está delante, prosigo a la meta, al premio…» (Filipenses 3:13-14). Pablo no miró atrás ni dejó que sus fracasos del pasado lo agobiaran por la culpa. Tampoco permitió que sus logros del presente lo dejaran satisfecho. En cambio, continuó avanzando hacia la meta de ser cada vez más como Jesús.

Nosotros también corremos esta carrera. Independientemente de los fracasos y los éxitos, sigamos avanzado hacia el objetivo de volvernos más semejantes a Cristo. El premio no es terrenal, sino que disfrutaremos una suprema recompensa eterna.

Señor, muéstrame qué debo hacer y cambiar para seguir avanzando hacia la meta de asemejarme cada día más a Cristo.

Nunca dejes de seguir a Jesús.

Por Marvin Williams

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Bleib dran

Lesen: Philipper 3,12-21 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 4.Mose 7–8; Markus 4,21-41

Ich jage nach dem vorgesteckten Ziel, dem Siegespreis der himmlischen Berufung Gottes in Christus Jesus. Philipper 3,14

Eine meiner liebsten Fernsehsendungen ist The Amazing Race. Es handelt sich um eine Realityshow, in der zehn Paare in ein fremdes Land geschickt werden, wo sie mit Zug, Bus, Taxi, Rad oder zu Fuß von einem Punkt zum anderen rennen müssen, wo sie dann Anweisungen für die nächste Aufgabe finden. Ziel ist, dass ein Paar vor allen anderen an den festgesetzten Zielpunkt kommt. Der Preis beträgt eine Million Dollar.

Der Apostel Paulus verglich das Leben des Christen mit einem Rennen und gab zu, dass er die Ziellinie noch nicht erreicht hatte. „Meine Brüder“, schrieb er, „ich schätze mich selbst noch nicht so ein, dass ich’s ergriffen habe. Eins aber sage ich: Ich vergesse, was dahinten ist, und strecke mich aus nach dem, was da vorne ist, und jage nach dem vorgesteckten Ziel“ (Phil.3,13-14). Paulus sah nicht zurück und ließ sich von den Fehlern der Vergangenheit nicht niederdrücken. Aber der Erfolg machte ihn auch nicht selbstgefällig. Er jagte weiter auf das Ziel zu, nämlich, Jesus immer ähnlicher zu werden.

Auch wir sind in diesem Rennen unterwegs. Trotz allem Versagen und allen Erfolgen der Vergangenheit wollen auch wir uns weiter nach dem vorgesteckten Ziel ausstrecken. Wir kämpfen nicht um einen irdischen Preis, sondern darum, für immer in der Nähe Jesu sein zu dürfen.

Lies Philipper 4,11-13. Wie können wir unsere zukünftige Hoffnung fest im Blick behalten? Lies Hebräer 12,1-2. Was können wir ganz praktisch tun, um dranzubleiben?

Gib nie auf, Jesus nachzufolgen.

Von Marvin Williams

 © 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Courir vers le but

Lisez : Philippiens 3.12‑21 | La Bible en un an : Nombres 7 – 8 et Marc 4.21-41

[Je] cours vers le but, pour remporter le prix de la vocation céleste de Dieu en Jésus‑Christ. (Philippiens 3. 14)

The Amazing Race (Le rallye autour du monde) compte parmi mes émissions de télévision préférées. Dans cette émission de téléréalité, dix couples sont envoyés en pays étranger, où ils doivent participer à une course de lieux en lieux – en train, en autocar, en taxi, à vélo ou à pied –, afin d’y obtenir les instructions qui les conduiront à leur défi suivant. Cette course a pour but d’amener un couple à atteindre une destination finale déterminée avant tous les autres, afin de remporter un prix d’un million de dollars.

L’apôtre Paul a comparé la vie chrétienne à une course et a reconnu ne pas avoir encore franchi la ligne d’arrivée : « Frères, je ne pense pas l’avoir saisi ; mais je fais une chose : oubliant ce qui est en arrière et me portant vers ce qui est en avant, je cours vers le but, pour remporter le prix de la vocation céleste de Dieu en Jésus‑Christ » (PH 3.13,14). Paul n’a pas regardé derrière lui et n’a pas laissé ses échecs antérieurs l’accabler de culpabilité, pas plus qu’il n’a laissé ses réussites présentes le rendre complaisant. Au contraire, il a continué de courir vers le but consistant à ressembler toujours plus à Jésus.

Or, nous participons nous aussi à cette course. En dépit de nos réussites et de nos échecs passés, ne cessons jamais de courir vers le but ultime, celui de devenir de plus en plus semblables à Jésus. Nous ne courons pas pour remporter un prix terrestre, mais pour remporter le prix ultime : jouir de sa compagnie pour l’éternité.

Ne renoncez jamais à suivre Jésus.

par Marvin Williams

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Женись до мети

Читати: Филип’ян 3:12-21 | Біблія за рік: Числа 7–8 ; Марка 4:21-41

Я женусь до мети за нагородою високого поклику Божого в Христі Ісусі. — Филип’ян 3:14

Мені дуже подобається телепередача “Неймовірні перегони” . В цьому реаліті-шоу десять пар відправляють до чужої країни, де вони залучаються до перегонів – потягом, кабріолетом, велосипедом, пішки. Вони прямують від одного пункту до іншого, де мають отримувати інструкції для подолання наступних труднощів. Мета перегонів – дістатись кінцевої точки раніше за інших. Приз складає мільйон доларів.

Апостол Павло порівнював християнське життя з перегонами. Він визнавав, що ще не досяг фінішної смуги. “Браття, я себе не вважаю, що я досягнув, – писав він. – Та тільки, забуваючи те, що позаду, і спішачи до того, що попереду, я женусь до мети за нагородою” (Фил. 3:13-14). Апостол Павло не озирався і не дозволяв, щоб минуле гнітило його провиною. Водночас він не попускав собі ставати самовдоволеним через теперішні успіхи, але наполегливо йшов до мети: все більше й більше уподібнюватись Ісусу Христу.

Всі ми теж залучені до життєвих перегонів. Та незважаючи на всі свої успіхи й невдачі, давайте наполегливо йти до кінцевої, найважливішої мети: бути схожими на Господа Ісуса Христа. Ми женемось не заради земної нагороди, але найбажанішої нагороди вічного й радісного перебування з Господом Ісусом.

Прочитайте Филип’ян 4:11-13. Як ми можемо наполегливо йти шляхом світлої надії? Прочитайте Євреїв 12:1-2. Які практичні речі можемо робити, щоб бути стійкими й наполегливими на цьому шляху?

Ніколи не зупиняйтесь у своєму прагненні пізнавати Ісуса.

Автор Марвін Уїльямс

 © 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Стремитесь

Читать сейчас: Филиппийцам 3:12-21 | Библия за год: Числа 7-8; Марка 4:21-41

Стремлюсь к цели – к почести вышнего призвания Божьего во Христе Иисусе. — Филиппийцам 3:14

Одна из моих любимых телевизионных программ называется «Удивительная гонка». В этом реалити-шоу десять супружеских пар отправляются в другую страну, где должны на поездах, автобусах, такси, велосипедах и пешком добраться из одного пункта в другой, чтобы получить дальнейшие указания. Цель – достичь финиша прежде других. Приз – миллион долларов.

Апостол Павел сравнивал христианскую жизнь с забегом и признавал, что сам еще не дошел до заветной цели. «Братия, я не почитаю себя достигшим; а только, забывая оставшееся позади и простираясь вперед, стремлюсь к цели – к почести вышнего призвания Божьего во Христе Иисусе», – пишет он (Флп. 3:13-14). Павел не оглядывался назад и не позволял прежним неудачам отягощать его ненужным бременем. Также и нынешние достижения не кружили ему голову. Он стремился вперед, к высшей цели – уподобление Иисусу Христу.

Мы все участвуем в этом забеге. Вопреки прошлым победам и поражениям, будем стремиться к главной цели, преображаясь в образ Христов. Мы не состязаемся за земной приз, а за высшую награду вечного пребывания с Ним.

Прочитайте Филиппийцам 4:11-13. Что помогает нам стремиться к будущей надежде? Прочитайте Евреям 12:1-2. Что нам следует сделать, чтобы продолжать проходить поприще и устоять?

Кто следует за Христом, тот не проиграет.

автор: Марвин Уильямс

 © 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, February 22, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Ruth 2:1-13

Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband's side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain, behind someone in whose sight I may find favor." She said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem. He said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you." They answered, "The LORD bless you." Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "To whom does this young woman belong?" The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment." Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn." Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?" But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the LORD reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!" Then she said, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants."

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17

But I call on God as witness against me: it was to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith. So I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came, I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice; for I am confident about all of you, that my joy would be the joy of all of you. For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent-- not to exaggerate it-- to all of you. This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person; so now instead you should forgive and console him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote for this reason: to test you and to know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Matthew 5:21-26
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder' and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 119: Qoph Clamavi in toto corde meo
145   I call with my whole heart; answer me, O LORD, that I may keep your statutes.
146   I call to you; oh, that you would save me! I will keep your decrees.
147   Early in the morning I cry out to you, for in your word is my trust.
148   My eyes are open in the night watches, that I may meditate upon your promise.
149   Hear my voice, O LORD, according to your loving-kindness; according to your judgments, give me life.
150   They draw near who in malice persecute me; they are very far from your law.
151   You, O LORD, are near at hand, and all your commandments are true.
152   Long have I known from your decrees that you have established them for ever.

Psalm 119: Resh Vide humilitatem
153   Behold my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
154   Plead my cause and redeem me; according to your promise, give me life.
155   Deliverance is far from the wicked, for they do not study your statutes.
156   Great is your compassion, O LORD; preserve my life, according to your judgments.
157   There are many who persecute and oppress me, yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
158   I look with loathing at the faithless, for they have not kept your word.
159   See how I love your commandments! O LORD, in your mercy, preserve me.
160   The heart of your word is truth; all your righteous judgments endure for evermore.

Psalm 119: Shin Principes persecuti sunt
161   Rulers have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word.
162   I am as glad because of your promise as one who finds great spoils.
163   As for lies, I hate and abhor them, but your law is my love.
164   Seven times a day do I praise you, because of your righteous judgments.
165   Great peace have they who love your law; for them there is no stumbling block.
166   I have hoped for your salvation, O LORD, and have fulfilled your commandments.
167   I have kept your decrees and I have loved them deeply.
168   I have kept your commandments and decrees, for all my ways are before you.

Psalm 119: Taw Appropinquet deprecatio
169   Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding, according to your word.
170   Let my supplication come before you; deliver me, according to your promise.
171   My lips shall pour forth your praise, when you teach me your statutes.
172   My tongue shall sing of your promise, for all your commandments are righteous.
173   Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your commandments.
174   I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
175   Let me live, and I will praise you, and let your judgments help me.
176   I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; search for your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 128 Beati omnes
1   Happy are they all who fear the LORD, and who follow in his ways!
2   You shall eat the fruit of your labor; happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3   Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4   The man who fears the LORD shall thus indeed be blessed.
5   The LORD bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6   May you live to see your children's children; may peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 129 Sæpe expugnaverunt
1   Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, let Israel now say;
2   Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth", but they have not prevailed against me."
3   The plowmen plowed upon my back and made their furrows long.
4   The LORD, the Righteous One, has cut the cords of the wicked.
5   Let them be put to shame and thrown back, all those who are enemies of Zion.
6   Let them be like grass upon the housetops, which withers before it can be plucked;
7   Which does not fill the hand of the reaper, nor the bosom of him who binds the sheaves;
8   So that those who go by say not so much as, "The LORD prosper you. We wish you well in the Name of the LORD."

Psalm 130 De profundis
1   Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice; let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2   If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, O LORD, who could stand?
3   For there is forgiveness with you; therefore you shall be feared.
4   I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; in his word is my hope.
5   My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
6   O Israel, wait for the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy;
7   With him there is plenteous redemption, and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

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 22, 2017

1 John 4:18 (NIV) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Read all of 1 John 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 - "Not Ashamed"

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

—Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

It seems today that it’s open season on Christians. People attack us as intolerant, Bible-thumping bigots. Because we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, we are dismissed as simple-minded fools.

What are we to do? We should keep praying. We should keep preaching. And we should keep living the Christian life and not compromise our principles.

It’s interesting to note that when Daniel was attacked for his faith, he didn’t change a thing. As a Jew living in a foreign country, his custom was to open his windows, face Jerusalem, and call upon the name of the Lord. It was a habit of prayer. From the time that he was a young man, he always took time to pray. He established that grid in his life, and even in his nineties, he was still praying.

But Daniel’s enemies had set a trap for him. They convinced the king to sign a decree that made it illegal for him to continue his daily practice of prayer. Yet for Daniel, to not pray would be a compromise.

There are certain things in life that you won’t feel comfortable doing. Listen to what God’s Spirit is saying to you, and don’t compromise. Don’t deny Him. Sometimes to not confess Him when the occasion arises is to deny Him. Someone may say, “I have been watching you. You’re different. What is it about you? Where do you get your value system? Why are you happy all the time?”

“Oh, I was brought up well. It’s just my way. You may choose to live differently. I don’t want to push my beliefs on you.”

No, tell them it’s because of Jesus Christ and the change He has made in your life. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV®, 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 - La amistad

El perfume y el incienso alegran el corazón; la dulzura de la amistad fortalece el ánimo.
Proverbios 27:9 (NVI)

Desde que tengo uso de razón, recuerdo a doña Norma, mi madre, diciéndonos a mis hermanos y a mí: «Los verdaderos amigos se cuentan con los dedos de las manos y nos sobran».

¿Por qué será que las madres la mayoría de las veces tienen toda la razón? Y qué bien por eso, pues aunque son nuestras mejores consejeras, no todas las veces obedecemos las advertencias que nos dan.

No sé tú, pero yo si he tenido decepciones con amigas. La amistad es muy hermosa cuando se valora bien. Por eso es espectacular tener un amigo, o una amiga, que sea nuestro confidente. Sin embargo, ¡qué triste es cuando nos fallan o nosotros les fallamos! Ocasionamos mucho daño y nos queda una sensación bien extraña el saber que ese íntimo amigo pasó a ser un conocido.

En el Manual de Instrucciones aprendemos también de la amistad. La Palabra nos dice que «en todo tiempo ama el amigo, y es como un hermano en tiempo de angustia» (Proverbios 17:17, rv-60).

Con todo, hasta en esto debemos tener mucho cuidado. Hay personas que nos pueden ofrecer su amistad y, aun así, quizá no tengan nuestras mismas creencias y nos arrastren a hacer cosas que sabemos que no son buenas. Dios permita que, cuando brindemos amistad, nuestra vida sea un ejemplo a seguir y podamos representar al Señor en la tierra con nuestro testimonio.

Hoy te presento a mi mejor amigo, Jesús. Él nunca cambia, permanece a tu lado en cada momento, está dispuesto a escucharte y ayudarte a cada instante. Y lo tienes siempre a tu alcance.

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 - PEACE IN THE FACE OF FEAR

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Twenty-nine-year-old Maryam Rostampour and thirty-two-year old Marzieh Amirizadeh spent 259 days in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison in 2009 in Iran. They had to overcome the fear of life imprisonment and the possibility of execution because they loved and followed Jesus Christ. They had to remain strong through weeks in solitary confinement, and endless hours of interrogation by Iranian officials and religious leaders. They had to endure months of harsh living conditions and debilitating sickness. In their first interview (with Sam Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries), they shared what life was like in prison and how they survived.

When asked about the worst part of the prison experience, Marzieh wept as she explained:

“One of the worst was the execution of two of my fellow prisoners. I had never experienced such a thing. One of those killed was my roommate. We had spent a lot of time together. And one day they took her to be executed. For a week I was in shock that killing a human being was so easy…After these executions the spirit of sorrow and death hung over the prison. There was deadly silence everywhere. We all felt this. There was nothing we could do. Everyone was under pressure. The sadness was overwhelming. We stared at each other but had no power to speak. This was the worst experience. It was horrifying and tangible.”

When asked if she feared execution, Marzieh responded:

“I never thought about execution, I thought we might be sentenced to life imprisonment because that is the punishment for women convicted of apostasy. I just thought this was something we would have to bear.

“Before prison we talked about execution, but when we got to prison and experienced the fear of it—our way of talking changed. The very first night that we were arrested, when they threatened us, we were really frightened. We never imagined we would be so frightened; we had talked about these things before. But the atmosphere there and what happened to us frightened us beyond our expectations. We were confined to a dark and dirty room and paralyzed with fear. We could see the fear in each other’s faces. We prayed and what calmed us was the presence of God and the peace that He gave us.

“It is easy to say that I give my life for the Lord and I will do anything for Him, even die. I always thought it would be a privilege to give my life for the Lord. You say these things. I know for sure that if this would happen to us we would rejoice ultimately. But human fears gripped us. The power the Lord gave us helped us to overcome these fears, just as when we prayed in the police station, God banished our fear and renewed our strength.”

RESPONSE: Today I acknowledge that God can grant His peace in every trying situation I face.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the promise of Your presence, Your peace and renewing strength.

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

Girlfriends in God - Systems Verses Sitting

by Kathi Lipp

Today’s Truth

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NASB)

Friend to Friend

I am a systems girl.

Give me a new system, whether it’s in my house, on my computer, or for my calendar and I’m in my happy place. I feel deeply that if I have a good system, along with enough Post It Notes, I could rule the world.

So, when I signed up for the course on developing a devotional system, I thought to myself, “This is it! This is the secret sauce I’ve been missing all these years. If I just had a devotional system that really worked, my quiet time will be so much deeper.”

I got my system all organized (my inner Office Supply Geek was leaping for joy). There was a place for my Bible notes, my sermon notes, my prayer requests, Bible memorization and more. I loved all the tabs, lists and fill-ins. Loved each and every page of that devotional.

And then I sat down to use it.

Oh, it was fun to flip through all the pages and tabs, but after a little bit, I realized that this new system was not making me go deeper with God. It was a great tool, but the system wasn’t what I was missing.

Systems are great to help us establish routines to get us into the practice of quiet times, but when it comes down to it, what I need are exactly two things:

1. My Bible
2. A chunk of time

For some reason, I thought that the system would get me where I wanted to go, spiritually, more quickly. But God is not interested in our speed.

I realized I was trying for an instant connection, instead of giving myself, and God, time to truly linger with each other.

What I’ve come to understand is that my way of practicing the presence of God needs to be less about systems and more about sitting.

Sitting and anticipating the slow, faithful hand of God.

Sitting and waiting on his voice, even if I can’t hear it right away.

Sitting quietly and expectantly.

While systems are great, and can give me a false sense of presence. I need to take steps to go beyond the system, so that I can truly meet with God. Here are a few things to consider if you are struggling:

1. Pray for desire and grace. If you know you should be having a quiet time, but it feels like a struggle each and every time, ask God for the desire to meet with him, and then ask him for the grace when it comes out less than perfectly.
2. Put your phone in another room. When things feel dry in my quiet time, I want an instant hit of connection – and that’s what social media offers. Instant connection. Put the phone out of reach so that you wait on your connection with God.
3. Anticipate.

God is not hiding from you. Persistently linger in His presence. He will meet you there.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, Thank You for always being present, even when I can’t feel Your presence. Lord, I need more of You, each and every day. Teach me to be patient and never stop seeking Your face, for as long as I may live. May knowing You more deeply be my greatest desire.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Sometimes we resist quiet time with God because of our struggle to hear from Him. What is your biggest fear about waiting on God?

More from the Girlfriends

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