LHM Daily Devotion - "A NEW BEGINNING"

March 4, 2017

...and when Jesus had also been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove... (Luke 3:21b-22a, ESV).

Read Luke 3:21-23

For 30 years Jesus had grown and lived in obscurity in the northern region of Galilee, working as a carpenter, alongside His father Joseph. None of His neighbors knew His true identity. But now it was time to set aside those carpentry tools and reveal Himself to the people of Israel. The great Son of God made His way to the Jordan River to be baptized by His prophet John.

As He steps out of the water two amazing things happen. Something in the form of a dove comes down from above and lands on Jesus, while a voice from heaven thunders, "You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased."

The "dove" was the Holy Spirit who came down from heaven to set Jesus apart from all other Jews. It singled Him out as the "promised Messiah" (Hebrew) or the "Christ" or "anointed one" (Greek). The booming voice was that of God the Father; He declared His approval of Jesus' life from childhood to this point.

Winning God's approval is no small feat, for God is far stricter than any human father. He demands complete and perfect obedience in all our thoughts, words, deeds and desires. And that is exactly what Jesus accomplished. Every day of His life He completely obeyed God's will. Now He goes to work completing His great mission to save all people from sin, death and God's fiery judgment.

THE PRAYER:  Almighty God, when the time was right, Jesus began revealing Himself to His people. Through this season of Lent reveal Him to me as well. I pray 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.

Devociones de Cuaresma - ¿ Qué clase de Dios tienen ustedes ?

4 de Marzo

"Señor, ¡perdona a tu pueblo! ¡No los entregues al oprobio, ni dejes que las naciones los dominen!" ... Entonces el Señor mostrará su amor por su tierra, y perdonará a su pueblo.
Joel 2:17-18, RVC (2:17-20)

Muchas veces he escuchado la burla de los que no conocen al Dios que se reveló tan claramente en su Palabra, y luego tan humanamente en su Hijo Jesús. Cada vez hay más personas que piensan que Dios es tonto, que no pudo haber tenido la inteligencia ni el poder de crear el universo que conocemos. Se burlan de un Dios que es "moralista", y se enojan con el Dios que no detiene las catástrofes y que es insensible al dolor de la enfermedad, del sufrimiento, y de la muerte.

Pero la burla y el menosprecio no se dirigen sólo a Dios, sino también a su pueblo. El profeta Joel lo sabía muy bien. Joel ora desde lo profundo, con sentimiento y convicción espiritual: "No permitas que entre los pueblos se diga que nuestro Dios nos ha abandonado." Es fácil "ver" cómo nuestra sociedad se burla de nosotros, los cristianos, porque las cosas no siempre nos salen bien, porque creemos en el matrimonio pero nos divorciamos, porque decimos que Dios nos ha perdonado pero nos cuesta perdonar a los demás, porque decimos que tenemos un mensaje de paz pero nos peleamos con medio mundo. Nuestra oración también tiene que ser: "Señor, ¡perdona a tu pueblo!" Porque no somos diferentes al pueblo de Israel en los días de Joel. Una y otra vez necesitamos orar por perdón.

Y la promesa no se hace esperar: "Entonces el Señor... perdonará a su pueblo." La cruz sangrienta donde murió Jesús, y su tumba vacía, son la muestra palpable de cuánto Dios nos ama. Tanto, que no se cansa de esperar nuestro pedido de misericordia, sino que está siempre presto a llenarnos de su paz.

Gracias, Padre, por perdonarnos en Jesús. Ayúdanos a vivir como hijos tuyos. Amén.

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

Our Daily Bread - Of Love and Old Shoes

Read: Psalm 139:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 31–33; Mark 9:1–29

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:4

Sometimes my wife and I finish each other’s sentences. In over thirty years of marriage we’ve become increasingly familiar with the way the other thinks and speaks. We may not even have to finish a sentence at all; just a word or a glance is enough to express a thought.

There’s comfort in that—like an old pair of shoes you continue to wear because they fit so well. Sometimes we even refer to each other affectionately as “my old shoe”—a compliment that might be difficult to understand if you didn’t know us well! Through the years our relationship has developed a language of its own, with expressions that are the result of decades of love and trust.

It’s comforting to know that God loves us with a deep familiarity. David wrote, “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely” (Ps. 139:4). Imagine having a quiet conversation with Jesus where you’re telling Him the deepest matters of your heart. Just when you’re struggling to get the words out, He gives you a knowing smile and expresses exactly what you couldn’t quite say. How good it is to know that we don’t have to get our words just right to talk to God! He loves us and knows us well enough to understand.

You know all about me, Lord, and You love me. Thank You for understanding me completely! Please help me to love You and follow You today.

God looks past our words to our hearts.

By James Banks

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Tình Yêu Và Chiếc Giày Cũ

Đọc: Thi Thiên 139:1-12 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 31-33; Mác 9:1-29

Khi lời chưa ở trên lưỡi con, lạy Đức Giê-hô-va, Ngài đã biết hết rồi. (Thi Thiên 139:4)

Đôi khi, tôi và vợ tôi lại hoàn tất những câu nói của nhau. Hơn 30 năm trong cuộc sống hôn nhân, chúng tôi ngày càng quen thuộc với cách người kia suy nghĩ và nói. Chúng tôi thậm chí không cần phải nói hết câu; chỉ một từ hay ánh mắt là đủ để bày tỏ suy nghĩ của mình.

Tôi thấy được an ủi về điều đó – giống như đôi giày cũ mà bạn thích mang vì nó rất vừa vặn. Đôi khi, chúng tôi nói về nhau cách trìu mến là “chiếc giày cũ của tôi” – lời khen có thể khó hiểu nếu bạn không biết rõ chúng tôi. Qua nhiều năm, mối quan hệ của chúng tôi đã hình thành nên ngôn ngữ riêng của mình, với những cách diễn đạt xuất phát từ hàng chục năm yêu thương và tin tưởng.

Thật an ủi khi biết rằng tình yêu Đức Chúa Trời dành cho chúng ta thật thân thuộc sâu sắc. Đa-vít viết: “Khi lời chưa ở trên lưỡi con, lạy Đức Giê-hô-va, Ngài đã biết hết rồi” (Thi. 139:4). Hãy tưởng tượng bạn trò chuyện thầm với Chúa Jêsus và kể cho Ngài nghe những vấn đề sâu thẳm nhất trong lòng bạn. Khi bạn cố gắng để thốt nên lời, Ngài mỉm cười thấu hiểu và diễn đạt chính xác điều bạn không thể nói ra. Thật vui khi biết rằng chúng ta không cần phải tìm từ ngữ chính xác để nói chuyện với Chúa! Ngài yêu thương và biết chúng ta đủ rõ để hiểu được.

Lạy Chúa, Ngài biết mọi điều về con và Ngài yêu con. Cảm ơn Chúa đã hiểu con một cách trọn vẹn! Xin giúp con yêu mến Ngài và bước theo Ngài hôm nay.

Chúa nhìn xuyên từ lời nói đến tấm lòng chúng ta.

bởi James Banks

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Amor y zapatos viejos

Leer: Salmo 139:1-12 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 9:1-29

Pues aún no está la palabra en mi lengua, y he aquí, oh Señor, tú la sabes toda (Salmo 139:4).

A veces, mi esposa y yo completamos las frases el uno del otro. Después de 30 años de matrimonio, cada vez conocemos mejor la manera de pensar y hablar del otro. Incluso, a veces ni siquiera tenemos que terminar una frase; solo una palabra o una mirada basta para expresar lo que pensamos.

Todo esto tiene su lado placentero… como un par de zapatos que uno sigue usando porque son tan cómodos. A veces, hasta nos llamamos afectuosamente el uno al otro: «mi zapato viejo»; ¡elogio que te resultaría difícil entender si no nos conocieras bien! Con los años, nuestra relación ha generado un lenguaje propio, con expresiones que son el resultado de décadas de amor y confianza.

Es placentero saber que Dios nos ama con una profunda familiaridad. David escribió: «aún no está la palabra en mi lengua, y he aquí, oh Jehová, tú la sabes toda» (Salmo 139:4). Imagina tener una conversación tranquila con Jesús y contarle lo que más pesa en tu corazón. Mientras luchas por encontrar las palabras, Él te sonríe y dice exactamente lo que no puedes expresar. ¡Qué bueno es saber que no necesitamos decir las palabras correctas para hablar con Dios! Él nos ama y nos conoce lo suficiente para entender.

¡Señor, gracias por entenderme por completo! Ayúdame a amarte y seguirte hoy.

Dios mira más allá de nuestras palabras; ve nuestro corazón.

Por James Banks

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Liebe und alte Schuhe

Lesen: Psalm 139,1-12 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 4.Mose 31–33; Markus 9,1-29

Es ist kein Wort auf meiner Zunge, das du, Herr, nicht schon wüsstest. Psalm 139,4

Manchmal spricht meine Frau den Satz den ich angefangen habe zu Ende oder andersherum. In über dreißig Jahren Ehe sind wir vertraut mit der Art, wie der andere denkt oder spricht. Manchmal müssen wir einen Satz nicht einmal zu Ende sprechen. Ein Wort oder ein Blick genügen und wir wissen Bescheid.

Irgendwie ist das sehr tröstlich—wie ein Paar alter Schuhe, die man immer noch trägt, weil sie so gut passen. Wir nennen uns sogar manchmal zärtlich „mein alter Schuh“—ein Kosename, der für Leute, die uns nicht so gut kennen, sicher schwer zu verstehen ist! Aber im Lauf der Jahre hat unsere Beziehung eine eigene Sprache entwickelt mit Ausdrücken, die in Jahrzehnten der Liebe und des Vertrauens gewachsen sind.

Es ist tröstlich, dass Gott uns mit genauso vertrauter Liebe liebt. David schreibt: „Denn siehe, es ist kein Wort auf meiner Zunge, das du, Herr, nicht schon wüsstest“ (Ps. 139,4). Stell dir einmal vor, du wärst im stillen Gespräch mit Jesus und würdest ihm alles erzählen, was dir auf dem Herzen liegt. Aber noch während du um die Worte ringst, lächelt er dir wissend zu und sagt genau das, was du nicht richtig formulieren konntest. Wie gut ist es zu wissen, dass wir nicht erst die richtigen Worte finden müssen, um mit Gott zu reden! Er liebt uns und kennt uns gut genug, um uns zu verstehen.

Herr, du weißt alles von mir und du liebst mich. Danke, dass du mich durch und durch verstehst! Bitte hilf mir heute, dich zu lieben und dir zu folgen.

Gott sieht hinter unsere Worte in unser Herz.

Von James Banks

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - D’amour et de vieux souliers

Lisez : Psaume 139.1‑12 | La Bible en un an : Nombres 31 – 33 et Marc 9.1-29

Car la parole n’est pas sur ma langue, que déjà, ô Éternel ! tu la connais entièrement. (Psaume 139.4)

Il nous arrive parfois, à ma femme et à moi, de finir les phrases l’un de l’autre. En plus de trente années de mariage, nous avons appris à toujours mieux connaître ce que l’autre pense ou dira. Il n’est pas même nécessaire à chacun de finir ses phrases ; un simple mot ou coup d’oeil suffit à exprimer une pensée.

Il y a du réconfort en cela – comme une vieille paire de chaussures que l’on continue de porter parce qu’elles nous vont à merveille. Nous nous désignons même parfois l’un l’autre affectueusement comme « ma vieille chaussure », un compliment que ceux qui ne nous connaissent pas bien pourraient avoir du mal à juger affectueux ! Au fil des ans, notre relation s’est acquis un langage lui étant propre, dotée d’expressions résultant d’un amour et d’une confiance qui durent depuis des décennies.

Il est réconfortant de savoir que Dieu nous aime d’une grande intimité. David a écrit : « Car la parole n’est pas sur ma langue, que déjà, ô Éternel ! tu la connais entièrement » (PS 139.4). Imaginez un peu vous entretenir en privé avec Jésus de ce qui vous tient le plus à coeur. Au moment même où vous vous efforcez de vous livrer à lui, il vous sert un sourire entendu qui exprime tout à fait ce que vous ne parveniez pas à nommer avec exactitude. Quel bienfait que de ne pas avoir à toujours tout dire correctement dans nos entretiens avec Dieu ! Il nous aime et nous connaît assez pour bien nous comprendre.

Dieu regarde au‑delà de nos paroles, jusque dans notre coeur.

par James Banks

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Любов і старі черевики

Читати: Псалом 138:1-12 | Біблія за рік: Числа 31–33 ; Марка 9:1-29

Ще слова нема на моїм язиці, а вже, Господи, знаєш те все! — Псалом 138:4

Інколи я договорюю речення дружини, а вона – мої. За тридцять років шлюбного життя ми навчились дуже добре розуміти один одного – “читаємо” думки, завчили типові фрази і знаємо наперед, що буде сказано. Тому інколи не потребуємо навіть закінчувати речення. Достатньо одного лише слова. Навіть погляду.

В цьому є неабияка втіха. Це чимось нагадує пару старих черевиків, які ми продовжуємо носити, бо почуваємося в них дуже зручно. Інколи ми з дружиною навіть називаємо ніжно один одного “мій старенький черевичок”. Звісно, такий комплімент важко зрозуміти тим, хто нас не знає достатньо близько! Після багатьох років наші стосунки породили свій власний лексикон – ті вирази й слова, що є результатом десятирічь шлюбного життя в любові й довірі.

Велика втіха знати, що Бог любить нас особисто. Давид писав: “Ще слова нема на моїм язиці, а вже, Господи, знаєш те все!” (Пс. 138:4). Уявіть собі тихе спілкування з Ісусом, коли ви розказуєте Йому найпотаємніше, що є у вашому серці. Коли ж вам важко підібрати потрібне слово, Він просто з посмішкою завершує ваше речення. Як добре знати, що під час бесіди з Богом нам не потрібно підбирати “лише правильні” слова! Він любить нас і знає нас достатньо, щоб розуміти.

Ти знаєш все про мене, Господи. І ти любиш мене. Дякую за те, що цілковито мене розумієш! Допоможи, будь ласка, любити Тебе й слідувати за Тобою.

Бог не лише чує наші слова – Він бачить наше серце.

Автор Джеймс Бенкс

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - О любви и старых туфлях

Читать сейчас: Псалом 138:1-12 | Библия за год: Числа 31-33; Марка 9:1-29

Еще нет слова на языке моем, Ты, Господи, уже знаешь его совершенно. — Псалом 138:4

Иногда мы с женой заканчиваем предложения друг за друга. После тридцати лет брака образ мышления и наши манеры выражаться настолько слились, что мы понимаем друг друга с полуслова. Порой в разговоре мы не утруждаемся закончить предложение: одного-двух слов вполне достаточно, чтобы выразить мысль.

В этом есть своего рода комфорт – как в старых туфлях, которые вы продолжаете носить, потому что они изумительно сидят на ноге. Мы иногда так и называем друг друга: «моя старая туфля» – комплимент, которого не понимают те, кто мало с нами знаком. За годы совместной жизни мы выработали свой собственный язык. Это плод десятилетий любви и доверия.

Утешительно знать, что Бог любит каждого из нас лично. Давид писал: «Еще нет слова на языке моем, Ты, Господи, уже знаешь его совершенно» (Пс. 138:4). Представьте тихую беседу с Иисусом, в которой вы рассказываете Ему все, что вас волнует. И прежде чем вы подберете нужное слово, Он улыбается вам и говорит именно то, что вы хотели сказать. Как замечательно знать, что в нашем с Ним общении слова играют второстепенную роль! Он любит нас и знает настолько хорошо, что понимает с полуслова.

Ты все обо мне знаешь, Господь. Благодарю Тебя за любовь и понимание. Помоги и мне любить Тебя и следовать за Тобой.

Прежде слов Бог слушает сердце.

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, March 3, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Deuteronomy 7:12-16

If you heed these ordinances, by diligently observing them, the LORD your God will maintain with you the covenant loyalty that he swore to your ancestors; he will love you, bless you, and multiply you; he will bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock, in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you. You shall be the most blessed of peoples, with neither sterility nor barrenness among you or your livestock. The LORD will turn away from you every illness; all the dread diseases of Egypt that you experienced, he will not inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you. You shall devour all the peoples that the LORD your God is giving over to you, showing them no pity; you shall not serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Titus 2:1-15

But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, being submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. Tell slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to talk back, not to pilfer, but to show complete and perfect fidelity, so that in everything they may be an ornament to the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 1:35-42
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 31 In te, Domine, speravi
1   In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2   Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me.
3   Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4   Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength.
5   Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.
6   I hate those who cling to worthless idols, and I put my trust in the LORD.
7   I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress.
8   You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; you have set my feet in an open place.
9   Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10   For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11   I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12   I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot.
13   For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
14   But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. I have said, "You are my God.
15   My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16   Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me."
17   LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; rather, let the wicked be put to shame; let them be silent in the grave.
18   Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against the righteous, haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.
19   How great is your goodness, O LORD! which you have laid up for those who fear you; which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you.
20   You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander them; you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21   Blessed be the LORD! for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.
22   Yet I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes." Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.
23   Love the LORD, all you who worship him; the LORD protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
24   Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 35 Judica, Domine
1   Fight those who fight me, O LORD; attack those who are attacking me.
2   Take up shield and armor and rise up to help me.
3   Draw the sword and bar the way against those who pursue me; say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4   Let those who seek after my life be shamed and humbled; let those who plot my ruin fall back and be dismayed.
5   Let them be like chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the LORD drive them away.
6   Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the LORD pursue them.
7   For they have secretly spread a net for me without a cause; without a cause they have dug a pit to take me alive.
8   Let ruin come upon them unawares; let them be caught in the net they hid; let them fall into the pit they dug.
9   Then I will be joyful in the LORD; I will glory in his victory.
10   My very bones will say, "LORD, who is like you? You deliver the poor from those who are too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."
11   Malicious witnesses rise up against me; they charge me with matters I know nothing about.
12   They pay me evil in exchange for good; my soul is full of despair.
13   But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth and humbled myself by fasting.
14   I prayed with my whole heart, as one would for a friend or a brother; I behaved like one who mourns for his mother, bowed down and grieving.
15   But when I stumbled, they were glad and gathered together; they gathered against me; strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and would not stop.
16   They put me to the test and mocked me; they gnashed at me with their teeth.
17   O Lord, how long will you look on? rescue me from the roaring beasts, and my life from the young lions.
18   I will give you thanks in the great congregation; I will praise you in the mighty throng.
19   Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice over me, nor let those who hate me without a cause wink at each other.
20   For they do not plan for peace, but invent deceitful schemes against the quiet in the land.
21   They opened their mouths at me and said, "Aha! we saw it with our own eyes."
22   You saw it, O LORD; do not be silent; O Lord, be not far from me.
23   Awake, arise, to my cause! to my defense, my God and my Lord!
24   Give me justice, O LORD my God, according to your righteousness; do not let them triumph over me.
25   Do not let them say in their hearts, "Aha! just what we want!" Do not let them say, "We have swallowed him up."
26   Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; let those who boast against me be clothed with dismay and shame.
27   Let those who favor my cause sing out with joy and be glad; let them say always, "Great is the LORD, who desires the prosperity of his servant."
28   And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

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 - March 03, 2017

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Read all of Isaiah 55

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 - "Life's Second Greatest Joy"

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

—Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

When I started going to church, it was a whole new world to me. I had no knowledge of the Bible or church in general. I wasn’t raised in the church as a child, although I had been to church a few times. I was unfamiliar with the way Christians thought and reasoned. And I was certainly mystified by the rather cryptic language they used with one another. They spoke of blessing and conviction, and burdens and discernment. I wanted to learn the language. I wanted to learn more about the Lord. And, most importantly, I wanted to have this relationship with God. I just couldn’t get enough.

Then there were my old friends. I wanted to be a Christian, I wanted to learn the Bible, and I wanted to know God, but I still wanted to fit in with my friends. To be thought of as a fanatic was the one thing I dreaded above all things. For a short time, I tried desperately to live in both worlds. But I quickly found out that just didn’t work.

God was changing me, and I wanted to reach out to other people with the message of the gospel. I wanted to be used by Him. And as I have often said, next to being a Christian, the greatest joy that I know in this life is serving the Lord. It’s having God direct your steps. It may be preaching, or it may be a one-on-one conversation where the Lord is guiding and directing.

But it amazes me that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God, would condescend to work in our lives and say, “I want to direct you to go over here and do thus and so.” It is the highest privilege conceivable that God would want to use us.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation®, NLT® 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 - Aprendemos cada día

Porque todo el que pide, recibe; el que busca, encuentra; y al que llama, se le abre.

Lucas 11:10 (NVI)

Debido a que he estado por mucho tiempo en la radio, soy más sensible y tengo más conocimiento de las necesidades de los demás. Así que, mediante este devocional, quiero que veas que no eres la única persona que sufre, se siente sola o enferma. Y que cuando clamamos por ayuda, Dios no nos deja esperando.

En días pasados, le pedíamos al Señor que nos permitiera tener más misericordia por los demás. Ahora, esas necesidades han hecho eco en mí. Y solo le pido a Dios que nos haga sensibles y sigamos aprendiendo de estas lecciones de vida.

En menos de una hora de programa radial, dos personas se pusieron en contacto con la cabina para informarnos que sus vidas eran un desastre. Coincidían en que conocen de Dios, pero que no es suficiente y claman por la ayuda de un consejo.

Recuerdo a Aurora que me llamó desesperada diciendo: «Claudia, estoy mal. Me siento muy mal de salud. Mi esposo es alcohólico y tengo cinco hijos». Cuando atendí su llamada y le hice algunas preguntas, me dijo que debido a tanto trabajo se ha alejado de Dios. Los domingos está tan cansada que prefiere no ir a la iglesia. Por lo tanto, mi reflexión fue: «Estando en necesidad, te acuerdas de Dios. Entonces, ¿por qué no cambias tus prioridades y le das el primer lugar a Dios?». También le dije: «Te aseguro que si le das el primer lugar a Dios, Él enderezará tus caminos».

¿Estás tú en esa misma situación? ¿Estás tan ocupado en tus cosas que no buscas de su instrucción? Invierte tus prioridades y nunca te arrepentirás.

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.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - LIVING CHRIST IN THE FAMILY

All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.

Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about Grandfather,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?”

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening, the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy, godly home atmosphere, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.

The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for their children’s future.

RESPONSE: Today I will purpose to live a life that exemplifies to everyone the love of Jesus…especially in my home.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to be a positive Christ-like impact on members of the younger generation.

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

Men of the Bible - Moses

His name Is Associated with the Phrase "To Give Birth"

His work: To lead God's people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
His character: Moses enjoyed a depth of relationship with God that set him apart from every other figure in the Old Testament and enabled him to intercede powerfully on behalf of his people. Though a reluctant prophet, he obeyed God as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. Through him God communicated his plan to forge a people unique in history, a people who belonged to him.
His sorrow: To have been burdened with the leadership of a "stiff-necked" people whose failure to believe and obey God resulted in delaying their entrance into the Promised Land while they wandered for forty years in the desert wilderness. Moses died before entering the Promised Land.
His triumph: On numerous occasions Moses encountered both the power and the love of God to such a degree that his face shone. Unlike other men, Moses spoke with God directly, face to face.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 1-20; Numbers 13-14

A Look at the Man

When Moses witnessed how God had demolished the enemies of his people, he must have been filled with the knowledge of the greatness of God, utterly convinced that no one and nothing was beyond the reach of the Lord's power. That day Moses may have thought the worst was over in his struggle to lead the Israelites to freedom and into the land of promise. He couldn't have known how hard it would be to lead them across the Sinai Peninsula and into Canaan, a journey that would take not months but years.

For though God had freed the people, they were still in bondage—not to any military power but to their own way of looking at the world, to their stubbornness, and to their fear of taking the risks that inevitably accompany a life of faith.

When Moses appointed a contingent of leaders, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, to conduct a reconnaissance mission in Canaan, all but two (Joshua and Caleb) came back with a bad report: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large. The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

The spies' report incited the people to rebellion, and they grumbled and complained, saying: "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"

Because the Israelites entertained an evil vision of God's intentions toward them, making it impossible for them to obey him, he punished them by making them wander in the desert until the last of their generation (except for Joshua and Caleb) had died off. The Israelites who had left Egypt as slaves were not yet ready for the full freedom God intended for them.

But though Moses was frustrated by their response, he did not abandon his people. He did not shrug off the burden of leadership God had given him. Instead, he led them, taught them God's commandments, judged their disputes, prayed for them, and stayed with them until a new generation had grown up that was no longer burdened by a slave's mentality. And God loved Moses and praised him for his faithfulness and strengthened him with everything he needed to stay faithful throughout his long ordeal.

Reflect On: Exodus 32:30–32
Praise God: For his mercy.
Offer Thanks: That God hears our prayers on behalf of others.
Confess: Any failure to regularly intercede for the needs of others.
Ask God: To bring people to mind for whom he wants you to pray regularly.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media. Coming this fall: watch for Wicked Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler.