LHM Daily Devotion - "God at Work through Us"

 February 26, 2017

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!" But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. - Romans 10:14-17 (ESV)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

Billions of people around the world are living in the dark.

They are seeking some kind of light, but where should they search and for what should they look? These things they do not know.

In contrast to what they do not know, we believers are fully aware that these people are in urgent spiritual need. We also know we have a responsibility to them that comes from God. He has told us the Holy Spirit will save lives when we preach the Word and bring the risen Christ to all nations.

In Vietnam we are not afraid of hard work, unforeseen inconveniences, and many difficulties. The Savior warned us these things would come. Still, no matter what may be ahead, we rejoice in the opportunity to share the Savior through our lives as well as through our words. In the office or not, we try not to sound like bosses who bark out orders to underlings. No, our words about the Savior ought to be underlined by our sanctified lives in which we offer help and care, love and sympathy.

Some examples taken from our holistic ministry may help you see this point more clearly. Over the years, we have given milk to children at nursery schools and eyeglasses to the impoverished elderly of our country. We do that because we want them to see and feel God's love through our sharing.

We do it because not only the children, but also their teachers, their parents, and their neighbors then see God's Word is being underlined by our actions. And the result? Hundreds of people from our holistic projects have been saved by the power of God's Spirit.

Truly, we have seen many, many people come to know Christ and trust in Him as their Lord and Savior because they have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has been preached to them. We know Paul was right when He was inspired to write that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please help us understand the real importance of evangelism so that we may want to share Your Word and love with the lost. Please help us make our witness in both word and works so the Holy Spirit may move them out of darkness and into the light of Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.

Biography of Author: Mr. Dinh Hai Au is the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries-Vietnam, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City. "I was born into a Christian family but did not really understand who God is," Hai Au relates. Some personal crises led him to the Lord who answered his prayers in powerful ways. "Since then I have experienced countless blessings in my life and work," he says.

Hai Au majored in English and worked as an English teacher for 12 years after his graduation. From 2003 to 2007 he worked for LHM organizing shows that shared the Gospel to non-Christian children and youth. Hai Au began work as the center's director at the end of 2011. Under his leadership, LHM-Vietnam has experienced overwhelming responses and new or revitalized evangelism strategies.

Known in-country as Globalinks, LHM-Vietnam makes use of holistic ministry, sporting events, Internet radio, and musical performances to create opportunities for Gospel presentations. In this country of more than 90 million people, staff and volunteers from LHM-Vietnam's ministry center conduct eyeglass clinics and children's nutritional programs to help foster community relationships. God's Words is shared through print media, puppet productions, films, drama and rallies too. Both Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) and lay Christian training provided through Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops are effective in strengthening believers' faith and giving them instruction of witnessing and personal faith-sharing.

See how LHM-Vietnam is engaging in sports-related ministry and making a difference in the lives of players, their parents, and their friends. You can read this story by, clicking here.

To learn more about our International Ministries, visit www.lhm.org/international

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 - Complete Access

Read: Ephesians 3:7–13 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 15–16; Mark 6:1–29

Through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

A few years ago, a friend invited me to join him as a spectator at a pro golf tournament. Being a first-timer, I had no idea what to expect. When we arrived, I was surprised to receive gifts, information, and maps of the golf course. But what topped it all was that we gained access to a VIP tent behind the 18th green, where we had free food and a place to sit. I couldn’t have gained entry to the hospitality tent on my own though. The key was my friend; it was only through him that I had complete access.

Left to ourselves, we would all be hopelessly separated from God. But Jesus, who took our penalty, offers us His life and access to God. The apostle Paul wrote, “[God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known” (Eph. 3:10). This wisdom has brought Jew and Gentile together in Christ, who has made a way for us to come to God the Father. “Through faith in [Christ] we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (v. 12).

When we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the greatest access of all—access to the God who loves us and desires relationship with us.

Father! Just being able to call You Father is an incredible gift. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who has made it possible for me to come into Your presence, to know You personally, and, yes, to call You my Father.

Because of the cross of Christ, we can become friends of God.

By Bill Crowder

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Được Toàn Quyền Bước Vào

Đọc: Ê-phê-sô 3:7-13 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 15-16; Mác 6:1-29

Trong Ngài và nhờ đức tin nơi Ngài, chúng ta dạn dĩ và tự tin mà đến gần Đức Chúa Trời. (Ê-phê-sô 3:12)

Cách đây vài năm, một người bạn mời tôi cùng anh làm khán giả cho một trận đấu golf nhà nghề. Là người lần đầu được tham dự, tôi không biết mình phải mong đợi điều gì. Khi chúng tôi đến, tôi ngạc nhiên vì nhận được quà, thông tin và bản đồ sân golf. Nhưng trên hết là chúng tôi được vào trại VIP phía sau thảm cỏ số 18, nơi chúng tôi có thức ăn miễn phí và có chỗ để ngồi. Dù vậy, nếu tự thân thì tôi sẽ không được tiếp đón vào trong trại. Chìa khóa chính là người bạn của tôi; chỉ qua anh ấy mà tôi được toàn quyền bước vào.

Nếu chỉ bằng sức mình, chúng ta đều vô vọng, xa cách Đức Chúa Trời. Nhưng Chúa Jêsus, Đấng nhận lấy hình phạt của chúng ta, đã ban sự sống Ngài cho chúng ta và cho chúng ta cơ hội được đến gần Đức Chúa Trời. Sứ đồ Phao-lô viết: “Bây giờ, qua Hội Thánh, sự khôn ngoan vô hạn của Đức Chúa Trời được bày tỏ” (Ê-phê-sô 3:10). Sự khôn ngoan này đã đem người Do Thái và người ngoại lại với nhau trong Đấng Christ, Đấng mở ra một con đường cho chúng ta đến với Đức Chúa Cha. “Trong Ngài và nhờ đức tin nơi Ngài, chúng ta dạn dĩ và tự tin mà đến gần Đức Chúa Trời” (c.12).

Khi đặt đức tin của mình nơi Chúa Jêsus, chúng ta nhận được đặc quyền lớn lao nhất – đó là được đến với Đức Chúa Trời, Đấng yêu thương và ao ước có mối liên hệ với chúng ta.

Cha ơi, được gọi Ngài là Cha đã là một món quà mà chúng con không thể tin mình được nhận. Cảm ơn Con Ngài, là Chúa Jêsus đã cho chúng con được bước vào sự hiện diện của Ngài, được biết Ngài cách cá nhân và được gọi Ngài là Cha.

Nhờ thập tự giá của Đấng Christ, chúng ta được trở thành bạn hữu của Đức Chúa Trời.

bởi Bill Crowder

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Acceso total

Leer: Efesios 3:7-13 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 6:1-29

En quien tenemos seguridad y acceso con confianza por medio de la fe en él (Efesios 3:12).

Hace unos años, un amigo me invitó a acompañarlo a ver un torneo profesional de golf. Como era la primera vez que yo iba, no tenía idea de qué esperar. Cuando llegamos, me sorprendió que me dieran regalos, información y mapas del campo de juego. Pero lo que superó todo fue que pudimos entrar en la tienda VIP, detrás del hoyo 18, donde había comida gratuita y lugar para sentarse. Sin duda, no podría haber disfrutado de toda esa hospitalidad por mi cuenta. La clave fue mi amigo; solo por él, tuve acceso total.

Si fuera por nosotros, estaríamos irremediablemente separados de Dios. Pero Jesús, quien cargó con nuestro castigo, nos ofrece vida y acceso a Dios. El apóstol Pablo escribió: «la multiforme sabiduría de Dios sea ahora dada a conocer por medio de la iglesia» (Efesios 3:10). Esta sabiduría unió a judíos y gentiles en Cristo, quien nos abrió el camino para llegar al Padre: «en quien tenemos seguridad y acceso con confianza por medio de la fe en él» (v. 12).

Cuando ponemos nuestra fe en Cristo, recibimos el mayor acceso de todos: al Dios que nos ama y desea relacionarse con nosotros.

Padre, gracias porque puedo llamarte así y entrar en tu presencia al haber puesto mi fe en tu Hijo Jesús, quien abrió el camino al morir en la cruz por mí. ¡Qué regalo tan maravilloso!

Gracias a la cruz de Cristo, podemos hacernos amigos de Dios.

Por Bill Crowder

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Freier Zugang

Lesen: Epheser 3,7-13 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 4.Mose 15-16; Markus 6,1-29

Durch Christus und unseren Glauben an ihn können wir nun ohne Furcht und voller Zuversicht zu Gott kommen. Epheser 3,12 NLB

Vor ein paar Jahren lud mich ein Freund ein, mit ihm zusammen zu einem Profi-Golfturnier zu gehen. Es war für mich das erste Mal, und so hatte ich keine Ahnung, was mich erwartete. Als wir ankamen, bekam ich zu meiner Überraschung Geschenke, Informationen und Karten des Golfplatzes. Am tollsten aber war, dass wir Zutritt zu einem Zelt hinter dem 18. Loch bekamen, in dem wir kostenlos sitzen und essen konnten. Allein wäre ich nicht in den Genuss dieser Gastfreundschaft gekommen; ich verdankte sie meinem Freund. Nur seinetwegen bekam ich Zugang.

Auf uns allein gestellt, wären wir alle hoffnungslos getrennt von Gott. Aber Jesus, der unsere Strafe auf sich nahm, schenkt uns Leben und Zugang zu Gott. Der Apostel Paulus schrieb: „Gottes Absicht war es, dass Mächte und Gewalten im Himmel durch seine Gemeinde den Reichtum seiner Weisheit erkennen“ (Eph. 3,10 NLB). Diese Weisheit hat Juden und Heiden in Christus zusammengeführt, der für uns den Weg bereitet hat, damit wir zum Vater kommen können. „Durch Christus und unseren Glauben an ihn können wir nun ohne Furcht und voller Zuversicht zu Gott kommen“ (V.12 NLB).

Wenn wir unser Vertrauen auf Jesus setzen, bekommen wir den besten Zutritt, den es gibt—Zutritt zu dem Gott, der uns liebt und in Beziehung zu uns treten will.

Vater! Allein die Tatsache, dass wir dich Vater nennen dürfen, ist ein unglaubliches Geschenk. Danke für deinen Sohn, Jesus, der es möglich gemacht hat, dass ich zu dir kommen, dich persönlich kennen und ja, dich Vater nennen darf.

Durch das Kreuz Jesu können wir Gottes Freunde werden.

Von Bill Crowder

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un libre accès

Lisez : Éphésiens 3.7‑13 | La Bible en un an : Nombres 15 – 16 et Marc 6.1-29

[En] qui nous avons, par la foi en lui, la liberté de nous approcher de Dieu avec confiance. (Éphésiens 3.12)

Il y a quelques années, un ami m’a invité à venir assister à un tournoi de golf professionnel avec lui. Comme c’était une première pour moi, j’ignorais complètement à quoi m’attendre. À notre arrivée, j’ai été surpris de recevoir des cadeaux, des renseignements et des plans du parcours de golf. Le plus merveilleux, c’est toutefois l’accès que l’on nous a donné à la tente des VIP plantée derrière le 18e trou, où nous avons eu droit gratuitement à des victuailles et à un siège. Or, je n’aurais pu obtenir le droit d’y entrer par moi‑même. C’est mon ami qui me l’a fourni ; c’est uniquement par son entremise que j’ai pu y avoir libre accès.

Laissés à nous‑mêmes, nous serions tous désespérément séparés de Dieu. Cependant, Jésus, qui a pris sur lui notre châtiment, nous offre sa vie et l’accès auprès de Dieu. L’apôtre Paul a écrit à ce sujet : « [Afin] que les dominations et les autorités dans les lieux célestes connaissent aujourd’hui par l’Église la sagesse infiniment variée de Dieu » (ÉP 3.10). Cette sagesse a eu pour effet de faire entrer Juifs et non‑Juifs ensemble en Christ, qui nous procure le chemin menant à Dieu le Père : « [En] qui nous avons, par la foi en lui [Christ], la liberté de nous approcher de Dieu avec confiance » (V. 12).

En mettant notre foi en Jésus, nous recevons le plus grand accès de tous – l’accès auprès du Dieu qui nous aime et qui désire jouir d’une relation avec nous.

La crucifixion de Christ nous permet de devenir les amis de Dieu.

par Bill Crowder

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Цілковитий доступ

Читати: Ефесян 3:7-13 | Біблія за рік: Числа 15–16 ; Марка 6:1-29

В Якім маємо відвагу та доступ у надії через віру в Нього. — Ефесян 3:12

Кілька років тому один мій друг запросив мене піти з ним подивитись турнір з професійного гольфу. Я вперше був на такому заході, тому навіть гадки не мав, чого очікувати. Але коли ми прибули туди, я був дуже здивований – бо отримав дарунки, корисну інформацію та мапи для гольфу. Але найбільше мене вразив вільний доступ до VIP-палатки на галявині. Там було вдосталь безкоштовної їжі й місця для сидіння. Однак я не зміг би скористатися такою гостинністю, якби прийшов сам по собі. Справа була в моєму другові. Лише через нього я отримав вільний доступ до всього того сервісу.

Самі по собі ми були б навічно відчужені від Бога. Але Ісус Христос, взявши на Себе наше покарання, пропонує нам тепер нове життя й вільний доступ до Бога. Апостол Павло писав: “Щоб тепер через Церкву була оголошена початкам та владам на небі найрізніша мудрість Божа” (Еф. 3:10). Ця мудрість привела до єдності в Христі євреїв та поган і зробила для нас можливим доступ до Бога й Отця. В Ісусі Христі ми “маємо відвагу та доступ у надії через віру” (Еф. 3:12).

Коли ми складаємо на Христа свою надію, то отримуємо доступ до найвеличнішого місця – до Самого Бога, Хто любить нас і прагне мати з нами близькі стосунки.

Отче! Дякую Тобі за Твого Сина Ісуса, Хто зробив для нас можливим входити у Твою присутність, знати Тебе особисто і називати Тебе своїм Батьком.

Через хрест Христовий ми стали друзями Богу.

Автор Білл (Уїльям) Краудер

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Полный доступ

 Читать сейчас: Ефесянам 3:7-13 | Библия за год: Числа 15-16; Марка 6:1-29

Мы имеем дерзновение и надежный доступ [к Богу] через веру в Него. — Ефесянам 3:12

Несколько лет назад друг пригласил меня посмотреть турнир по профессиональному гольфу. Идя с ним впервые, я не знал, чего ожидать. Когда мы приехали, меня ждал сюрприз – сувениры, разные информационные бюллетени и карты. Но все это померкло в сравнении с последующим: нас провели в VIP-зону, где были кресла и бесплатное угощение. Сам я в эту роскошь ни за что не пробился бы. Заслуга принадлежала моему другу: только благодаря ему я получил такой привилегированный доступ.

Сами по себе мы были бы навсегда разделены с Богом. Но Иисус Христос, взявший на Себя наш грех, открыл нам путь к вечной жизни и доступ к Богу. Апостол Павел написал, что Бог совершил это, «чтобы ныне соделалась известной... многоразличная премудрость Божья» (Еф. 3:10). Эта премудрость соединила иудеев и язычников во Христе. Он привел и тех, и других к Богу Отцу, к Которому «мы имеем дерзновение и надежный доступ через веру в Него» (Еф. 3:12).

Обращаясь с верой к Иисусу Христу мы получаем самое лучшее – доступ к Богу, Который любит нас и желает общения с нами.

Небесный Отец! Даже то, что я называю Тебя Отцом, – величайший дар. Благодарю за Твоего Сына Иисуса Христа, Который открыл мне вход в Твое присутствие, чтобы знать Тебя лично и называть Своим Отцом.

Благодаря кресту мы стали друзьями Бога.

автор: Билл Краудер

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, February 25, 2017

 The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Ruth 4:1-17

No sooner had Boaz gone up to the gate and sat down there than the next-of-kin, of whom Boaz had spoken, came passing by. So Boaz said, "Come over, friend; sit down here." And he went over and sat down. Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, "Sit down here" so they sat down. He then said to the next-of-kin, "Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our kinsman Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it, and say: Buy it in the presence of those sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not, tell me, so that I may know; for there is no one prior to you to redeem it, and I come after you." So he said, "I will redeem it." Then Boaz said, "The day you acquire the field from the hand of Naomi, you are also acquiring Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead man, to maintain the dead man's name on his inheritance." At this, the next-of-kin said, "I cannot redeem it for myself without damaging my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it." Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one took off a sandal and gave it to the other; this was the manner of attesting in Israel. So when the next-of-kin said to Boaz, "Acquire it for yourself," he took off his sandal. Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "Today you are witnesses that I have acquired from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the dead man's name on his inheritance, in order that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his kindred and from the gate of his native place; today you are witnesses." Then all the people who were at the gate, along with the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you produce children in Ephrathah and bestow a name in Bethlehem; and, through the children that the LORD will give you by this young woman, may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah." So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the LORD made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture-- "I believed, and so I spoke"-- we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling-- if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Matthew 6:1-16
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 137 Super flumina
1   By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered you, O Zion.
2   As for our harps, we hung them up on the trees in the midst of that land.
3   For those who led us away captive asked us for a song, and our oppressors called for mirth: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."
4   How shall we sing the LORD'S song upon an alien soil?
5   If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
6   Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.
7   Remember the day of Jerusalem, O LORD, against the people of Edom, who said, "Down with it! down with it! even to the ground!"
8   O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy the one who pays you back for what you have done to us!
9   Happy shall he be who takes your little ones, and dashes them against the rock!

Psalm 144 Benedictus Dominus
1   Blessed be the LORD my rock! who trains my hands to fight and my fingers to battle;
2   My help and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I trust, who subdues the peoples under me.
3   O LORD, what are we that you should care for us? mere mortals that you should think of us?
4   We are like a puff of wind; our days are like a passing shadow.
5   Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6   Hurl the lightning and scatter them; shoot out your arrows and rout them.
7   Stretch out your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the great waters, from the hand of foreign peoples,
8   Whose mouths speak deceitfully and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.
9   O God, I will sing to you a new song; I will play to you on a ten-stringed lyre.
10   You give victory to kings and have rescued David your servant.
11   Rescue me from the hurtful sword and deliver me from the hand of foreign peoples,
12   Whose mouths speak deceitfully and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.
13   May our sons be like plants well nurtured from their youth, and our daughters like sculptured corners of a palace.
14   May our barns be filled to overflowing with all manner of crops; may the flocks in our pastures increase by thousands and tens of thousands; may our cattle be fat and sleek.
15   May there be no breaching of the walls, no going into exile, no wailing in the public squares.
16   Happy are the people of whom this is so! happy are the people whose God is the LORD!

Evening Psalms

Psalm 104 Benedic, anima mea
1   Bless the LORD, O my soul; O LORD my God, how excellent is your greatness! you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
2   You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak and spread out the heavens like a curtain.
3   You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above; you make the clouds your chariot; you ride on the wings of the wind.
4   You make the winds your messengers and flames of fire your servants.
5   You have set the earth upon its foundations, so that it never shall move at any time.
6   You covered it with the Deep as with a mantle; the waters stood higher than the mountains.
7   At your rebuke they fled; at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.
8   They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, to the places you had appointed for them.
9   You set the limits that they should not pass; they shall not again cover the earth.
10   You send the springs into the valleys; they flow between the mountains.
11   All the beasts of the field drink their fill from them, and the wild asses quench their thirst.
12   Beside them the birds of the air make their nests and sing among the branches.
13   You water the mountains from your dwelling on high; the earth is fully satisfied by the fruit of your works.
14   You make grass grow for flocks and herds and plants to serve mankind;
15   That they may bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden our hearts,
16   Oil to make a cheerful countenance, and bread to strengthen the heart.
17   The trees of the LORD are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon which he planted,
18   In which the birds build their nests, and in whose tops the stork makes his dwelling.
19   The high hills are a refuge for the mountain goats, and the stony cliffs for the rock badgers.
20   You appointed the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows the time of its setting.
21   You make darkness that it may be night, in which all the beasts of the forest prowl.
22   The lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God.
23   The sun rises, and they slip away and lay themselves down in their dens.
24   Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening.
25   O LORD, how manifold are your works! in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
26   Yonder is the great and wide sea with its living things too many to number, creatures both small and great.
27   There move the ships, and there is that Leviathan, which you have made for the sport of it.
28   All of them look to you to give them their food in due season.
29   You give it to them; they gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
30   You hide your face, and they are terrified; you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.
31   You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; and so you renew the face of the earth.
32   May the glory of the LORD endure for ever; may the LORD rejoice in all his works.
33   He looks at the earth and it trembles; he touches the mountains and they smoke.
34   I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being.
35   May these words of mine please him; I will rejoice in the LORD.
36   Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and the wicked be no more.
37   Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah!

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 25, 2017

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Read all of Matthew 22

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 - "Undercover Agents"

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

—Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV)

Wouldn’t it be interesting if you had actually met an angel and didn’t even know it? In fact, it is even possible that you have personally met an angel, because Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

In fact, when we read in the Bible of angels appearing, many times they were mistaken for men. They had to reveal the fact that they were indeed angels sent from God. Angels are actively involved in our lives as Christians on a regular basis.

Billy Graham described angels as “God’s secret agents.” I like that because they are undercover, really. They are not out to draw attention to themselves. They do the work of God and point us to Jesus Christ. That is their role. Angels are working behind the scenes, even when we are praying.

On one occasion in the Old Testament, the prophet Elisha’s servant woke up and saw the armies of their enemy closing in on them. He was filled with fear, but Elisha said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see” (2 Kings 6:17). The servant’s eyes were opened to the supernatural realm, and he was able to see what was actually going on behind the scenes. He was able to see the angelic protection that is around the children of God.

We have the assurance that God is with His people. We’re never alone. Of course, Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). That’s the most important thing of all. But He has promised that His angels are for us. And certainly this gives us hope in these troubled times in which we are living. When danger is around, the angels of God are with us.

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 - No estás en derrota

Levántate [...] Ya brotan flores en los campos; ¡el tiempo de la canción ha llegado!

Cantares 2:10, 12 (NVI)

Darnos por vencidos en la vida es cerrarles las puertas al cambio. Un divorcio, una enfermedad, una pérdida, un despido repentino de un trabajo, un hijo que se va de casa, tener un familiar en la cárcel o, más aun, en las drogas… ¡Qué terrible!

Sé que muchos de los que hoy leemos este libro hemos pasado al menos por una de estas penosas situaciones. Y sabes que la misma frustración de lo que estamos viviendo no nos permite ver, mucho menos creer, que después de la tormenta viene la calma.

En ocasiones dudamos que hasta Dios, que es el dueño de nuestra vida, pueda estar interesado en tal problema y que nos dé en algún momento la salida o una solución.

Sin embargo, necesitamos conocer a Dios en medio de estas crisis. En esos momentos tenemos la oportunidad más maravillosa de entregarnos por completo en sus brazos y decirle: «Estoy cansado… He luchado en mis fuerzas y ya no puedo más».

Sabemos que no existe prueba tan grande que tú y yo no podamos soportar. O sea, Dios conoce tu capacidad de dolor y sabe cuánto puedes resistir.

Recuerda, a Dios sí le puedes creer.

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

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SUFFERING CAN MAKE OUR LIVES MORE HOLY

Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

Hebrews 12:10 (NIV)

Christmas is a time of peace and joy for those who are fortunate enough to celebrate the birth of their Saviour in freedom. For Marko and his two fellow believers it was the fifteenth Christmas that they had to celebrate behind the bars of a prison cell in a Muslim country.

The next day some colleagues felt they had to visit Marko and his friends as an encouragement and confirm to them once again the love of Immanuel—God with us.

Even though they often heard the saying that a prison cell in the Middle East is the closest to hell that you will experience on earth, nothing prepared them for the sense of hopelessness that they experienced in that waiting room of despair.

As the prisoners entered, it was not difficult to recognize Marko and his two friends. Beaming eyes and smiling faces immediately assured them Marko and friends knew they had not been separated from the love of God.

Tears flowed freely as they shared how lonely they were on Christmas day and how joyful they were to know that they were not forgotten.

“It was so difficult yesterday.” Marko spoke softly. “Apart from being Christian prisoners in a Muslim prison, it was also a fast day of Ramadan. We were not allowed out of our cells and we were not allowed to talk to anyone. Fortunately, a week ago the three of us got hold of pieces of a cake and we hid them underneath our cushions especially for Christmas day. Yesterday, when the fast was broken, we simply walked to one another, held the slices of cake together and said “Merry Christmas!”

The visiting hour flew past and soon it was time to say goodbye. Before being marched back to his prison cell, we looked at Marko and asked him a final question. “What are you going to do when you get to your cell and are once again all alone?

Marko smiled and answered, “I will simply spread the wings of my spirit and fly to Jesus.”

RESPONSE: Today I will seek to understand the biblical principle that suffering makes our lives more holy.

PRAYER: Lord, help me, like Marko, to keep my eyes fixed on You regardless of my circumstances.

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

NIV Devotions for Couples - Tending Our Marriage

Isaiah 5:1–7

“What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it?” Isaiah 5:4 (NIV)

When I was young, I attended the wedding of an extended family member. I don’t remember much about the ceremony, dancing or food. But I do remember the terrible fight at the reception. In front of all the guests, a woman screamed at her husband, broke down in tears and hid in a corner while her friends consoled her. The man yelled back, threatened to hit her, then stormed out of the building with his friends. He did not return that night.

It might shock you to learn that I’m describing the bride and groom. But it probably will not surprise you to learn that their marriage lasted less than a month.

In Isaiah 5, God addressed the people of Israel and described himself as the owner of a vineyard and Israel as the vineyard. He had chosen a prime location for his grapevines, nurtured the soil and protected the land from harm. But in the end, the crop of grapes was no good. So he asked, “What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it?”

The farmer had done everything right; there was no reason why the crop should not have flourished. But the painful message soon became clear: Israel had failed despite God’s efforts to ensure her success. Though the people kept up elaborate rituals of worship, those were meaningless to God because the people neglected to do what he truly valued: caring for orphans, widows and the poor. As a result, they managed to spoil the harvest that God had nurtured.

God offers this same nurturing care today for your marriage. Even before you met your spouse, God was preparing the soil, removing the stones and building a watchtower. God placed you in a cultivated land, ready to produce good fruit. But in this vineyard, the Farmer doesn’t do all the work; you must also do your part.

More and more Christian couples today are producing bad marital fruit, spoiling their relationship despite God the Farmer’s efforts. Some couples, like the couple mentioned earlier, manage to kill their vine before it even takes hold.

In the end, a marriage will be judged not by the strength of its passion or by its ceremonial promises, but by the fruit it produces. The Farmer is there to weed, water and cultivate. But we must also take practical steps that will help our marriage reflect authentic devotion to each other and a true love for God and his values.

We can choose to forgive quickly and resist resentment. We can serve each other in purposeful ways throughout the day. We can encourage each other with words of love and by praying for each other. We can invite strong Christian couples to mentor us in spiritual growth. We can minister to others in need. By authentically reflecting God’s values in our relationship, we can do our part to nourish our marriage vineyard and produce a harvest of good fruit.

David and Kelli Trujillo

Let’s Talk

• When we reflect on our life together (how we met, our courtship and our engagement), where do we see God’s guidance, protection and nurturing?
• If we, as God’s people, are compared to a vineyard, how might we ensure the growth of good fruit within our marriage? What types of fruit do we most want to produce as a couple?
• What habits or behaviors have we fallen into that could spoil the fruit of our marriage? What steps can we take to stop those damaging patterns?

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