LHM Daily Devotion - "How Dare He"

March 5, 2017

But Herod the tetrarch who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

Luke 3:19-20 (ESV)

Read Luke 3:19-20

"How dare he challenge me like that? Doesn't he know who I am?" Like most wealthy, powerful people, Herod didn't want anyone telling him he was wrong, especially not a young wilderness wanderer, who went around wearing camel's hair and eating locusts and wild honey. The Baptist didn't like Herod's choice in women, but wasn't that Herod's own business? True, he had married his half-brother Philip's wife, the ambitious Herodias. But what was that to John? It was fine when John was laying into the Jewish religious leaders, but Herod thought his family should be off-limits.

But God had sent John to confront sinners, so they would acknowledge their sin and find forgiveness in the promised Messiah. It didn't matter how high and important you were. John knew it was better to face up to your sins now, so God could take them away. The alternative was to wait until life was over, and you were standing before God's judgment seat.

Herod should have listened to John's words and repented; instead, he seized and arrested John. He added this to his many other sins. Not only had he refused to heed John's timely warning and escape the wrath of God, he cut John off from the people who desperately needed to hear God's warning.

THE PRAYER: Almighty God, Your Word confronts my pride and my sin. For Jesus' sake, move me to repent of my sin and seek Your forgiveness. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, I ask this. 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 - Re conciliarse es comenzar de nuevo

5 de Marzo

"Reconcíliense con Dios". Al que no cometió ningún pecado, por nosotros Dios lo hizo pecado, para que en él nosotros fuéramos hechos justicia de Dios. 2 Corintios 5:20-21, RVC (5:16-21)

¿Cómo se puede vivir amargado toda la vida? Parece mentira que algunas personas puedan guardar rabia y rencor por años en su corazón. Si el rencor quedara guardado, no sería tanto problema. Pero el asunto es cuando explota y desparrama palabrotas y acciones que lastiman a quienes están alrededor. Hay muchas personas que viven así. ¿Y si Dios guardara rencor y viviera amargado con nosotros?

San Pablo dice que Dios no guarda rencor. Aunque tiene motivos para estar enojado con nosotros a causa de nuestra indiferencia a su amor y nuestra rebeldía a su santa voluntad, Dios "nos reconcilió consigo mismo a través de Cristo" (2 Corintios 5:18). Dios quiere un nuevo comienzo con nosotros. Por eso, en Cristo, nos hizo una nueva creación.

¿Estás enojado con alguna persona? ¿Explotas de vez en cuando porque no pudiste perdonar? Se dice que el rencor es el veneno que uno toma esperando que el otro se muera. En otras palabras, el que no perdona se hace daño a sí mismo.

San Pablo nos invita a un nuevo comienzo a partir de la reconciliación que Dios logró mediante la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Dios ya no está enojado con nosotros. ¿Por qué habríamos nosotros de seguir amargados y guardando rabia en nuestro corazón hacia los que nos rodean, especialmente hacia aquellos que decimos que amamos? En Cristo podemos comenzar de nuevo, disfrutando nuestras relaciones con un corazón limpio y perdonador. De esa forma, anunciamos a otros que hay una manera mejor de vivir que se extiende incluso hasta a la eternidad.

Gracias, Padre, por el sacrificio de Jesús que nos reconcilió contigo para siempre. Amén.

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

Our Daily Bread - The Gift of Welcome

Read: Hebrews 13:1–2 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 34–36; Mark 9:30–50

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers. Hebrews 13:2

The dinner where we hosted families from five nations remains a wonderful memory. Somehow the conversation didn’t splinter into twos, but we all contributed to a discussion of life in London from the viewpoints of different parts of the world. At the end of the evening, my husband and I reflected that we had received more than we gave, including the warm feelings we experienced in fostering new friendships and learning about different cultures.

The writer of the book of Hebrews concluded his thoughts with some exhortations for community life, including that his readers should continue to welcome strangers. For in doing so, “some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (13:2). He may have been referring to Abraham and Sarah, who as we see in Genesis 18:1–12 welcomed three strangers, reaching out to them with generosity and treating them to a feast, as was the custom in biblical times. They didn’t know that they were entertaining angels who brought them a message of blessing.

We don’t ask people into our homes in the hope of gaining from them, but often we receive more than we give. May the Lord spread His love through us as we reach out with His welcome.

Lord God, You are the source of all that we have. May we share what we receive, that You may be glorified.

When we practice hospitality, we share God’s goodness and gifts.

By Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Phần Thưởng Của Sự Tiếp Khách

Đọc: Hê-bơ-rơ 13:1-2 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 34-36; Mác 9:30-50

Chớ quên tỏ lòng hiếu khách. (Hê-bơ-rơ 13:2)

Bữa tối tiếp đãi các gia đình đến từ năm quốc gia đã để lại trong chúng tôi ký ức tuyệt vời. Cuộc trò chuyện không hề bị chia rẽ, mà tất cả chúng tôi đều cùng tham gia thảo luận về cuộc sống ở Luân Đôn từ cái nhìn của những vùng miền khác nhau trên thế giới. Cuối buổi tối đó, chồng tôi và tôi suy gẫm lại rằng chúng tôi đã nhận nhiều hơn là cho đi, bao gồm những tình cảm ấm áp khi nuôi dưỡng những tình bạn mới và học biết về nhiều nền văn hóa khác.

Trước giả sách Hê-bơ-rơ kết lại những suy nghĩ của ông bằng lời khích lệ cho cuộc sống cộng đồng, bao gồm việc các độc giả của ông nên tiếp tục tiếp đón khách lạ. Vì khi làm vậy, “có người đã tiếp đãi thiên sứ mà không biết” (13:2). Ông có thể đang nói đến Áp-ra-ham và Sa-ra, như chúng ta thấy trong Sáng thế ký 18:1-12 đã tiếp đón 3 vị khách lạ, bày tỏ sự rộng rãi và đãi họ một bữa tiệc, theo tập quán trong thời Kinh Thánh. Họ không biết mình đang tiếp đãi các thiên sứ đem đến sứ điệp phước hạnh cho họ.

Chúng ta không tiếp đón những người khách bước vào nhà mình với hy vọng nhận được gì đó ở họ, nhưng thường thì chúng ta nhận được nhiều hơn là cho. Nguyện Chúa rải khắp tình yêu của Ngài qua chúng ta khi chúng ta tiếp đón người khác như Ngài.

Lạy Chúa, mọi điều chúng con có đều thuộc về Ngài. Nguyện chúng con chia sẻ mọi điều mình nhận được để Ngài được vinh hiển.

Khi bày tỏ lòng hiếu khách, chúng ta đang chia sẻ sự tốt lành và sự ban cho của Chúa.

bởi Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - El don de la bienvenida

Leer: Hebreos 13:1-2 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 9:30-50

No os olvidéis de la hospitalidad… (Hebreos 13:2).

L a ocasión en que invitamos a comer a familias de cinco naciones sigue siendo un recuerdo maravilloso. De alguna manera, la conversación no se dio de a dos, sino que todos participamos del debate sobre la vida en Londres, aportando perspectivas de diferentes partes del mundo. Esa noche, mi esposo y yo reflexionamos en que habíamos recibido más de lo que habíamos dado, incluida la calidez que sentimos al desarrollar amistades nuevas y aprender sobre culturas diferentes.

El escritor de Hebreos concluyó sus conceptos con algunas exhortaciones respecto a la vida comunitaria; entre ellas, que sus lectores debían continuar recibiendo a los extranjeros. Al hacerlo, «algunos, sin saberlo, hospedaron ángeles» (13:2). Tal vez se refería a Abraham y Sara, quienes, como vemos en Génesis 18:1-12, recibieron a tres extraños, fueron generosos con ellos y les prepararon un festín, tal como se acostumbraba en los tiempos bíblicos. No sabían que las visitas eran ángeles que les llevaban un mensaje de bendición.

No invitamos a personas a nuestra casa esperando recibir algo a cambio, pero, a menudo, recibimos más de lo que damos. Que el Señor extienda su amor a través de nosotros y dé la bienvenida a aquellos con quienes compartimos.

Señor, quiero glorificarte compartiendo con otros lo que me has dado.

Cuando somos hospitalarios, compartimos la bondad y las dádivas de Dios.

Por Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Herzlich willkommen

Lesen: Hebräer 13,1-2 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 4.Mose 34–36; Markus 9,30-50

Gastfrei zu sein vergesst nicht. Hebräer 13,2

Der Abend, an dem wir Familien aus fünf verschiedenen Ländern zu Gast hatten, bleibt mir unvergesslich. Irgendwie bildeten sich beim Gespräch keine Zweiergrüppchen, sondern jeder hatte aus seiner Sicht etwas dazu beizutragen, wie er mit dem Leben in London zurechtkam. Hinterher fanden wir beide, mein Mann und ich, dass wir mehr empfangen als gegeben hatten, und dazu gehörte auch das schöne Gefühl, neue Freundschaften geschlossen und mehr über andere Kulturen gelernt zu haben.

Der Verfasser des Hebräerbriefs schließt seine Ausführungen mit ein paar Ermahnungen zum Zusammenleben. Unter anderem mahnt er seine Leser, gastfreundlich zu sein, denn „dadurch haben einige ohne ihr Wissen Engel beherbergt“ (Hebr. 13,2). Vielleicht hat er dabei an Abraham und Sara gedacht, die, wie wir in 1.Mose 18,1-12 nachlesen können, drei Fremde einluden und ein Gastmahl für sie veranstalteten, wie es damals der Brauch war. Sie wussten nicht, dass sie Engel willkommen hießen, die ihnen eine Botschaft des Segens brachten.

Wir laden Menschen nicht zu uns ein, weil wir etwas von ihnen wollen. Aber oft empfangen wir mehr als wir geben. Möge Gott seine Liebe durch uns weitergeben und uns bereitmachen, andere in seinem Namen willkommen zu heißen.

Lieber Herr, du bist die Quelle von allem, was wir haben. Lass uns teilen, was wir empfangen haben, damit du verherrlicht wirst.

Wenn wir gastfrei sind, teilen wir Gottes Güte und Gaben.

Von Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Le don de l’accueil

Lisez : Hébreux 13.1,2 | La Bible en un an : Nombres 34 – 36 et Marc 9.30-50

N’oubliez pas l’hospitalité ; car, en l’exerçant, quelques‑uns ont logé des anges, sans le savoir. (Hébreux 13.2)

Nous gardons un merveilleux souvenir de notre repas d’accueil de familles originaires de cinq nations différentes. Étonnamment, au lieu de discuter en groupes de deux, nous avons tous participé à une même discussion au sujet de la vie à Londres d’après l’opinion qu’en avaient ces immigrants. En fin de soirée, mon mari et moi nous sommes passé la réflexion que nous avions reçu plus que nous avions donné, y compris les sentiments réconfortants que nous a valus la création de nouvelles amitiés et la découverte de nouvelles cultures.

L’auteur de l’épître aux Hébreux l’a conclue par quelques exhortations portant sur la vie communautaire, incluant celle incitant ses lecteurs à accueillir les étrangers parmi eux, car, ce faisant, « quelques‑uns ont logé des anges, sans le savoir » (13.2). Il se peut qu’il ait ainsi évoqué Abraham et Sara, qui, comme nous le voyons dans Genèse 18.1‑12, ont accueilli trois étrangers avec générosité en faisant préparer un festin à leur intention, conformément aux coutumes de l’époque. Ils ignoraient bénir ainsi des anges, eux‑mêmes porteurs d’un message de bénédiction.

Bien entendu, nous ne recevons pas des gens sous notre toit dans l’espoir d’obtenir quelque chose en retour, même si nous en retirons souvent plus que nous leur en apportons. Puisse le Seigneur répandre cet amour par nous en tant que ses agents d’accueil.

En exerçant l’hospitalité, on partage la bonté et les dons de Dieu.

par Amy Boucher Pye

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Дар гостинності

Читати: Євреїв 13:1-2 | Біблія за рік: Числа 34–36 ; Марка 9:30-50

Не забувайте любови до приходнів. — Євреїв 13:2

Назавжди в нашій пам’яті залишиться той чудовий вечір, коли ми запросили на вечерю сім’ї з п’ятьох країн. Сталося, що співрозмовники не розділились парами, але всі приймали участь в обговоренні життя в Лондоні. Наприкінці вечора ми з чоловіком зрозуміли, що самі більше отримали, ніж віддали. Особливо це стосувалось того приємного відчуття, коли зав’язується дружба з новими людьми і коли взнаєш багато цікавого про інші культури.

Автор Послання до євреїв завершує свого листа деякими настановами щодо життя в общині. Вони включають і заклик до читачів не забувати про гостинність. Адже чинячи так, деякі, “не відаючи, гостинно були прийняли Анголів” (Євр. 13:2). Скоріш за все, йдеться про те, як Авраам і Сарра виявили щиру гостинність до трьох Мужів. В Книзі Буття 18:1-12 написано, що ця подружня пара запросила їх до шатра й запропонувала невеличкий банкет. Вони не знали тоді, що частують самих ангелів, які принесли їм благословенну звістку.

Ми не запрошуємо людей у наші домівки в надії щось отримати від них, але нерідко маємо від своєї гостинності навіть більше користі, ніж ті, кому цю гостинність виявляємо. Нехай Господь являє людям Свою любов через нас, через наше ласкаве ставлення до приходнів.

Господи Боже, Ти − джерело всього того, що ми маємо. Навчи віддавати те, що ми отримали від Тебе, щоб Ти прославлявся через це.

Практикувати гостинність – значить ділитись з іншими Божою ласкою і Його дарами.

Автор Емі Бушер Пай

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Дар гостеприимства

Читать сейчас: Евреям 13:1-2 | Библия за год: Числа 34-36; Марка 9:30-50

Странноприимства не забывайте. — Евреям 13:2

Мы пригласили на обед пять семей из разных народностей и получили в награду незабываемые воспоминания. Беседуя, участники не разделились на пары, как можно было ожидать, но устроили общий разговор о жизни в Лондоне с точек зрения людей из разных частей земного шара. Под конец вечера мы с мужем согласились, что получили больше, чем отдали. Среди прочего, это были светлые чувства от новой дружбы и интересные сведения о различных культурах.

Автор Послания к евреям завершает свою книгу рядом наставлений, касающихся жизни в мире. Среди них – побуждение к гостеприимству. В библейские времена, поступая так, «некоторые, не зная, оказали гостеприимство ангелам» (Евр. 13:2). Возможно, речь идет об Аврааме и Сарре, которые приняли трех странников и приготовили для них трапезу, как было принято на Востоке. Они не знали, что их посетили ангелы с вестью о благословении.

Приглашая гостей, мы не рассчитываем нажиться на них, однако зачастую мы действительно получаем больше, чем отдаем. Пусть Господь распространит Свою любовь через нас, а мы откроем пошире двери искреннего гостеприимства.

Господь и Бог, Ты – источник всего, что у нас есть. Даруй нам благодать делиться тем, что мы получили, для Твоей славы.

Проявляя гостеприимство, мы являем Божью благость.

автор: Эми Бушер Пай

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, March 4, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Deuteronomy 7:17-26

If you say to yourself, "These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?" do not be afraid of them. Just remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. Moreover, the LORD your God will send the pestilence against them, until even the survivors and the fugitives are destroyed. Have no dread of them, for the LORD your God, who is present with you, is a great and awesome God. The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to make a quick end of them, otherwise the wild animals would become too numerous for you. But the LORD your God will give them over to you, and throw them into great panic, until they are destroyed. He will hand their kings over to you and you shall blot out their name from under heaven; no one will be able to stand against you, until you have destroyed them. The images of their gods you shall burn with fire. Do not covet the silver or the gold that is on them and take it for yourself, because you could be ensnared by it; for it is abhorrent to the LORD your God. Do not bring an abhorrent thing into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it. You must utterly detest and abhor it, for it is set apart for destruction.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Titus 3:1-15

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 1:43-51
Glory be to Thee, O Lord

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 30 Exaltabo te, Domine
1   I will exalt you, O LORD, because you have lifted me up and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2   O LORD my God, I cried out to you, and you restored me to health.
3   You brought me up, O LORD, from the dead; you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4   Sing to the LORD, you servants of his; give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5   For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favor for a lifetime.
6   Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.
7   While I felt secure, I said, "I shall never be disturbed. You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains."
8   Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear.
9   I cried to you, O LORD; I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10   What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11   Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; O LORD, be my helper."
12   You have turned my wailing into dancing; you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13   Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.

Psalm 32 Beati quorum
1   Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!
2   Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3   While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, because of my groaning all day long.
4   For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5   Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt.
6   I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7   Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8   You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9   I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with my eye.
10   Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you."
11   Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD.
12   Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 42 Quemadmodum
1   As the deer longs for the water-brooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.
2   My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3   My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long they say to me, "Where now is your God?"
4   I pour out my soul when I think on these things; how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God,
5   With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, among those who keep holy-day.
6   Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? and why are you so disquieted within me?
7   Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8   My soul is heavy within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, and from the peak of Mizar among the heights of Hermon.
9   One deep calls to another in the noise of your cataracts; all your rapids and floods have gone over me.
10   The LORD grants his loving-kindness in the daytime; in the night season his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
11   I will say to the God of my strength, "Why have you forgotten me? and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?"
12   While my bones are being broken, my enemies mock me to my face;
13   All day long they mock me and say to me, "Where now is your God?"
14   Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? and why are you so disquieted within me?
15   Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 43 Judica me, Deus
1   Give judgment for me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.
2   For you are the God of my strength; why have you put me from you? and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?
3   Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling;
4   That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness; and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God.
5   Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? and why are you so disquieted within me?
6   Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

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 04, 2017

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Read all of Joshua 1

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 - "People God Can Use"

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

—1 Corinthians 1:26 (NLT)

What kind of qualities does God look for in the man or woman that He wants to use? What kind of people is He searching for? Is He looking for a towering intellect? Is He looking for a born leader? Or, does the Spirit of God look for different timber, if you will, when He is searching for a man or a woman that He can use?

One thing is clear in the Scriptures: it seems as though God intentionally goes out of His way to find individuals who don’t necessarily look like they will amount to much. He chooses people who, at first glance, do not even appear to have what it takes.

When God was looking for a man to lead the nation of Israel, whom did He select? He chose a little shepherd boy named David, who was watching over a flock of sheep. When God wanted to have someone lead an army to defeat the enemies of Israel known as the Midianites, whom did God choose? He chose a cowardly man named Gideon who couldn’t even muster up the courage to show himself publicly.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. . . . As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26–27, 29).

God is not looking for ability as much as He is looking for availability. Would you be a person who would say, “Lord, I don’t have much to offer, but what I have, Lord, I offer to you”? Then just watch what God will do.

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 - Cada día es una oportunidad

Bendito el hombre que confía en el Señor, y pone su confianza en él. Será como un árbol plantado junto al agua, que [...] nunca deja de dar fruto.
Jeremías 17:7-8 (NVI)

Hoy es tu oportunidad de servir a alguien. La historia de ayer es tan verídica como la que te cuento hoy. Hace un año, leíamos el devocional A los pies del Maestro, de Charles Spurgeon. Fue una tremenda bendición para muchos de nosotros.

En uno de esos capítulos, el autor nos hablaba de que debemos estar gozosos donde estemos, ya sea en grandes trabajos o en sencillos. Que debemos aprovechar cada posición en la que Dios nos permite estar, no solo en el trabajo, sino en nuestra vida en general.

Además, que debemos entender que Él lo permite porque allí aprenderemos y cumpliremos ese propósito. Luego de leer esa reflexión, empezamos a ver que no debemos quejarnos.

Que nos debemos levantar agradecidos y felices aunque no nos guste los que hacemos. Que Dios ve nuestro corazón y que nuestra actitud es determinante en la vida.

No pasaron ni cinco minutos cuando nos escribió Edgar diciendo: «¿Qué hago yo que no me quiero levantar porque no me gusta ir al trabajo que tengo? ¿Cómo sé que Dios me está llamando?». Y esta quizá sea tu pregunta hoy: «¿Para qué voy para mi casa si no soy feliz?». Lo que sí te puedo decir es que debemos ser fieles en todo, aunque lo que vivamos no sea lo que deseamos.

¿Quieres un mejor trabajo? Empieza siendo fiel por este que no te gusta y cambia tu actitud.

Dios es el único que conoce tu corazón y podrá manifestarse en tu vida. Él está listo para bendecirnos y darnos lo mejor a cada uno de nosotros que somos sus hijos. ¡Hoy es tu oportunidad!

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 - TEARS OF SUFFERING

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? 

Psalm 56:8 (NIV)

Somewhere in this world a persecuted Christian might be crying right at this moment. It might seem that their tears are in vain and simply drop to the ground. But ages ago King David was convinced that God was interested in his tears. In the passage noted above, alternate translations for listing tears on a “scroll” include putting tears in a “bottle” or “wineskin.”

Today in the Middle East it is not uncommon to see a collection of oddly-shaped bottles, labeled only as “sprinklers.” But in ancient Middle Eastern times these bottles were known as “tear-catchers.” When a husband went off to war, his wife would collect her tears for him in a bottle. On his return she would hand him the bottle as proof of her love. In times of death or serious trouble, family members would bring their tear-catchers and collect tears from all the people present. Sometimes the tears would be stored in a small round jar with a lid. These tear bottles represented the sorrows of the family; tears serving as a message in a bottle. In those days each person was buried with his or her tear bottle; archaeologists have found many of these bottles in ancient tombs.

In the days of King David of Israel the bottle was more likely made of animal skin. David was a man who went through a lot of suffering and persecution. David had no doubts: his tears were not shed in vain, but were collected by God. The words in Psalm 56 could also be those of our persecuted brothers and sisters. They serve as a reminder for us to “treasure” their tears.

The words of David are still true today. People try to trample on our brothers and sisters; want to harm them; spy on their movements. David put his trust clearly in the Lord. In verses 3 and 4 he says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Watching the moving DVD documentary, A Cry from Iran, you will be brought to tears as you see and hear the story of Iranian Pastor Haik who was martyred for his faith in the mid-1990’s. He worked tirelessly for the release from prison of Christian brother Mehdi Dibaj who was sentenced to death for apostasy. Miraculously Mehdi was released. At Pastor Haik’s funeral, a teary-eyed Mehdi Dibaj said, “I was the one who should have died, not Haik.” Six months later he too was martyred.

Recently our office for the Middle East received an Iranian “tear-catcher” as a present. The bottle helps us to remember the tears of the Iranian Christians, but with them all of the Christians around the world who are being persecuted. It speaks about grief, about tears, about suffering; but also about faith and confidence in the Lord.

Let us remember their tears, knowing that as one member suffers, all members suffer. And let us rejoice that someday God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and our eyes.

RESPONSE: Today I will remember those of my extended Christian family around the world who are suffering and shedding tears.

PRAYER: Pray for persecuted church believers today who may be shedding sorrowful tears of grief.

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 - Fuel for the Long Run

Isaiah 40:1–31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30–31

More weddings at which I tie the knot result in strong marriages than end in divorce. Maybe that’s because I won’t officiate unless both partners can openly declare their trust in God. I also insist that they go through significant prenuptial counseling. Still, one couple lasted a mere 14 weeks because he didn’t match up to her romantic ideals and she way overspent his budget. Another marriage survived for a decade before it was asphyxiated by his hyper-controlling tendencies. 

But what scares me more is when a couple calls it quits after 20, 30 or 40 years. Once you get past the “11th-year-fear,” shouldn’t some deep interconnectedness set in to provide stability for the onslaught of the years? Shouldn’t it be like the old John Deere tractor that I farmed with as a boy, which took more work to get going than to keep running? I would strain to turn the massive flywheel over the first time, but once the magnets caught, the pistons popped and the flywheel gained momentum, it almost took an act of God to kill the thing!

God isn’t in the business of killing a good thing. As Isaiah notes, he “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). Even in marriage? Especially in marriage, since God thought that one up in the first place. Still, how do we find the grace to run the race of relationship and not trip along the way?

Isaiah 40 isn’t about magic. Its opening verses recall the stumbling and sinfulness of God’s people. They speak also about the warm and compassionate heart of God. The rest of the chapter breathes a reminder to seek God’s care. Marriages, like careers or characters, aren’t made overnight. They happen when folks dig in for the long run and keep their eyes on the prize.

Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck said that the scariest people aren’t those who have quirky personalities or relational scars. The most threatening folk, he wrote in People of the Lie, are those who don’t believe in a power beyond themselves. When people stop praying and assume an attitude of belligerent self-sufficiency, said Peck, they shrink the world to their perspective and seek to control it according to their whims. The result is always horrifying.

Marriages that go the distance are inevitably built on trust—in God and in each other. It’s as an 81-year-old man told me from his oversized chair. Slapping his hands on the armrests, he said, “We’re 60 years married this week and mighty proud of our family. But it’s not us that did it; it’s the grace of God.”

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk

• What do we depend on God for in our relationship? How do we express that dependency?
• Where do we need God’s help right now? Where are we stumbling or fainting? What should we ask for to recover our courage?
• Who around us has gone through rough places and survived? What can we learn from them? How might we gain new insights from their experiences?

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