Ichthus Ministries: 03/14/17

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - "Pilate's First Appearance"

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Pilate's First Appearance"

March 15, 2017

There were some present at that very time who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1, ESV)

Read Luke 13:1-5

Today we catch our first glimpse of Pontius Pilate, the Roman military governor. Jesus is making His way toward Jerusalem when He gets word of a recent tragic event in Jerusalem. While some of Jesus' fellow Galileans were offering sacrifices in the temple courts, Pilate's soldiers rushed in and killed them. This event is not recorded by any other Gospel writer or ancient historian and Luke doesn't explain Pilate's reasons, he is more interested in Jesus' reaction.

"Do you think that these Galileans where worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way?" That's how people thought in that day, and it's a conclusion we sometimes are too quick to jump to in our day too. If someone suffers something horrendous such as a tragic accident or an illness, then God must be punishing them for some secret sin. Jesus warns us not to judge by outward appearances.

In a short time another Galilean will be killed at the hands of Pontius Pilate. People will look at Jesus hanging on the cross and reach the false conclusion that God is punishing Him for falsely claiming to be His Son. But in truth, Jesus is God's perfect Son. He will hang on the cross and endure punishment for the sins of all people for all time. This He will do so that God may give complete forgiveness to all who repent and believe.

Jesus continues, "No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." All people are sinners. Only those who repent and trust in Jesus' sacrifice in their place will find salvation and eternal life.

THE PRAYER: Almighty God, teach me not to judge how You feel about me or anyone else by mere appearances and circumstances. Let me instead live by faith in Jesus Christ my Lord. I pray in His 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 - La palabra que bendice

Devociones de Cuaresma 2017

La palabra que bendice

15 de Marzo de 2017

Dichosos los que escuchan la palabra de Dios y la obedecen. Lucas 11:28, RVC (11:24-28)

Pienso que la mujer que con voz fuerte le dijo a Jesús: "Dichoso el vientre que te dio a luz", hubiera querido tener un hijo como él. Parece que ella pensaba en el orgullo que sentiría la madre de este hombre que producía conmoción cada vez que hablaba u obraba un milagro. Yo hago lo mismo, pienso en lo orgullosos que estarían mis padres de mis "buenas acciones" o de mis logros. Me gusta también enorgullecerme de los logros de mis hijos. Jesús me reenfoca. ¿Dónde debo poner mi atención? En la Palabra de Dios.

El término 'dichoso' utilizado aquí en Lucas, en realidad puede ser mejor traducido como 'bendito'. No es cuestión de estar 'feliz', sino de ser 'bendecido'... y al ser bendecidos, somos felices. Dios hizo todo lo necesario para bendecirnos ricamente, tanto temporal como eternamente. Al perdonar nuestros pecados nos sacó el enojo que sentíamos por los que nos agreden, nos quitó la amargura de no saber cómo será el final de nuestra historia, nos abrió las puertas de los cielos para llenarnos de paz y alegría.

La Palabra de Dios es la que nos comunica todas estas bendiciones. Ella nos cuenta la mayor historia jamás contada: la de Jesús, quien ocupó nuestro lugar en una cruz para librarnos del castigo divino. Ella nos habla del cielo y de la vida después de la muerte, nuestra mayor esperanza. Ella nos indica en quién creer para recibir todas esas bendiciones. La Palabra de Dios nos llama a ser obedientes para que no nos perdamos ninguna de las grandes cosas que Dios quiere darnos. La Palabra de Dios es la única Palabra confiable que nos lleva por buen camino.

Sigue leyendo la Palabra y viviendo de acuerdo a ella. Tu camino será seguro, porque ella te trae a Cristo.

Gracias, Padre, por tu Palabra eterna. Ella nos bendice. Danos fuerza para obedecerla. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡U tilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL. Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) Copyright © 2009, 2011 by Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas.

Our Daily Bread - A Good Inheritance

Read: 2 Timothy 1:1–5 | Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 26–27; Mark 14:27–53

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. 2 Timothy 1:5

Grandpa and Grandma Harris didn’t have a lot of money, yet they managed to make each Christmas memorable for my cousins and me. There was always plenty of food, fun, and love. And from an early age we learned that it was Christ who made this celebration possible.

We want to leave the same legacy to our children. When we got together last December to share Christmas with family, we realized this wonderful tradition had started with Grandpa and Grandma. They couldn’t leave us a monetary inheritance, but they were careful to plant the seeds of love, respect, and faith so that we—their children’s children—might imitate their example.

In the Bible we read about grandma Lois and mom Eunice, who shared with Timothy genuine faith (2 Tim. 1:5). Their influence prepared this man to share the good news with many others.

We can prepare a spiritual inheritance for those whose lives we influence by living in close communion with God. In practical ways, we make His love a reality to others when we give them our undivided attention, show interest in what they think and do, and share life with them. We might even invite them to share in our celebrations! When our lives reflect the reality of God’s love, we leave a lasting legacy for others.

Father, may I leave a good spiritual inheritance to my family as You use me to show Your everlasting love.

If someone has left you a godly inheritance, invest it in others.

By Keila Ochoa

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Di Sản Tốt Đẹp

Đọc: II Ti-mô-thê 1:1-5 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Phục truyền 26-27; Mác 14:27-53

Ta cũng nhớ đến đức tin chân thành của con, là đức tin trước đã sống trong Lô-ít, bà ngoại con, và trong Ơ-nít, mẹ con. (II Ti-mô-thê 1:5)

Ông bà nội của tôi không có nhiều tiền, nhưng họ đã xoay xở để khiến ngày Giáng Sinh trở nên đáng nhớ đối với tôi và những anh chị em họ của tôi. Thức ăn, niềm vui và tình thương luôn tràn ngập. Và từ khi còn nhỏ chúng tôi biết rằng chính Chúa đã giúp cho chúng tôi có được những kỷ niệm đó.

Chúng tôi cũng muốn để lại di sản như vậy cho con cháu mình. Tháng Mười Hai vừa rồi, khi tập trung lại để dự Giáng Sinh với gia đình, chúng tôi nhận ra truyền thống tuyệt vời này đã bắt đầu từ ông bà của mình. Họ không thể để lại cho chúng tôi tài sản thừa kế, nhưng họ cẩn thận để gieo trồng hạt giống yêu thương, tôn kính và đức tin để chúng tôi, những đứa cháu của họ có thể noi theo.

Trong Kinh Thánh, chúng ta đọc về bà ngoại Lô-ít và mẹ Ơ-nít, là người đã ảnh hưởng đến đức tin chân thành của Ti-mô-thê (II Tim. 1:5). Ảnh hưởng của họ đã chuẩn bị cho chàng thanh niên này để chia sẻ Phúc Âm với nhiều người khác.

Chúng ta có thể chuẩn bị di sản thuộc linh cho những người mà chúng ta có thể ảnh hưởng đến cuộc đời họ khi sống trong mối tương giao gần gũi với Chúa. Bằng những cách thực tiễn, chúng ta khiến tình yêu của Chúa trở nên thực tế với người khác khi chúng ta hết lòng quan tâm đến họ, chú ý đến điều họ suy nghĩ và làm và chia sẻ cuộc sống với họ. Chúng ta cũng có thể mời họ dự phần trong những ngày lễ đặc biệt. Khi cuộc đời phản chiếu tình yêu của Chúa, chúng ta sẽ để lại di sản lâu bền cho người khác.

Lạy Cha, nguyện con sẽ để lại di sản thuộc linh tốt đẹp cho gia đình mình khi Ngài sử dụng con để bày tỏ tình yêu vĩnh cửu của Ngài.

Nếu ai đó để lại cho bạn di sản tin kính, hãy đầu tư vào người khác.

bởi Keila Ochoa

Nuestro Pan Diario - Una buena herencia

Leer: 2 Timoteo 1:1-5 | La Biblia en un año: Marcos 14:27-53

Trayendo a la memoria la fe no fingida que hay en ti, la cual habitó primero en tu abuela Loida, y en tu madre Eunice… (2 Timoteo 1:5).

L os abuelos Harris no tenían mucho dinero, pero se las arreglaban para hacer que cada Navidad fuera memorable para mis primos y para mí. Siempre había mucha comida, diversión y amor. Además, desde niños, aprendimos que quien hizo posible esta celebración fue Jesús.

Nosotros queremos dejarles el mismo legado a nuestros hijos. El año pasado, cuando nos reunimos para celebrar Navidad en familia, nos dimos cuenta de que esta maravillosa tradición había empezado con nuestros abuelos. No pudieron dejarnos una herencia monetaria, pero se ocuparon de plantar las semillas de amor, respeto y fe, para que nosotros, los hijos de sus hijos, imitáramos su ejemplo.

La Biblia habla de la abuela Loida y la madre Eunice, quienes le enseñaron a Timoteo sobre la fe auténtica (2 Timoteo 1:5). La influencia de estas mujeres preparó a este hombre para que compartiera el evangelio a muchos.

Al vivir en una íntima comunión con Dios, preparamos una herencia espiritual para aquellos cuyas vidas están bajo nuestra influencia. Hacemos realidad el amor de Dios al prestarles atención, mostrarles interés en lo que piensan y hacen, y compartir la vida con ellos. Cuando nuestras vidas reflejan la realidad del amor de Dios, les dejamos una herencia duradera.

Señor, ayúdame a dejar una buena herencia espiritual.

Si alguien te dejó una herencia piadosa, inviértela en los demás.

Por Keila Ochoa

Unser Täglich Brot - Ein reiches Erbe

Lesen: 2.Timotheus 1,1-5 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 5.Mose 26–27; Markus 14,27-53

Ich erinnere mich an den ungefärbten Glauben in dir, der zuvor schon gewohnt hat in deiner Großmutter Lois und in deiner Mutter Eunike. 2.Timotheus 1,5

Oma und Opa Harris hatten nicht viel Geld, aber sie schafften es, jedes Weihnachtsfest für meine Cousins und Cousinen und mich zu etwas Besonderem zu machen. Immer gab es viel Essen, viel Spaß und viel Liebe. Und von Kindheit an lernten wir, dass Jesus der Grund unserer Feiern war.

Wir möchten unseren Kindern dasselbe Vermächtnis hinterlassen. Als wir letzte Weihnachten mit der Familie zusammenkamen, wurde uns bewusst, dass diese schöne Tradition mit Oma und Opa begonnen hatte. Sie konnten uns kein finanzielles Erbe vermachen, aber sie hatten dafür gesorgt, dass der Same von Liebe, Respekt und Glaube gesät wurde, so dass wir—die Kinder ihrer Kinder—ihrem Beispiel folgen können.

In der Bibel lesen wir von Oma Lois und Mama Eunike, die Timotheus den Glauben vorlebten (2.Tim. 1,5). Ihr Einfluss bereitete den jungen Mann darauf vor, anderen die gute Nachricht weiterzugeben.

Wir können ein geistliches Vermächtnis für die Menschen in unserer Umgebung vorbereiten, indem wir selbst in enger Gemeinschaft mit Gott leben. Wir zeigen seine Liebe ganz praktisch, wenn wir ihnen unsere ungeteilte Aufmerksamkeit schenken, Interesse an ihrem Denken und Tun zeigen und an ihrem Leben Anteil nehmen. Ja, wir können sie sogar zu Weihnachten einladen! Wenn unser Leben Gottes Liebe widerspiegelt, hinterlassen wir ein reiches Erbe.

Vater, hilf mir, meiner Familie ein reiches geistliches Vermächtnis zu hinterlassen. Gebrauche mich, damit sie deine ewige Liebe kennen lernen.

Wenn jemand dir ein Vermächtnis des Glaubens hinterlassen hat, gibt es an andere weiter.

Von Keila Ochoa

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un bon héritage

Lisez : 2 Timothée 1.1‑5 | La Bible en un an : Deutéronome 26 – 27 et Marc 14.27-53

[Gardant] le souvenir de la foi sincère qui est en toi, qui habita d’abord dans ton aïeule Loïs et dans ta mère Eunice. (2 Timothée 1.5)

Grand‑papa et grand‑maman Harris n’avaient pas beaucoup d’argent ; pourtant, ils ont trouvé le moyen de rendre chaque Noël mémorable pour mes cousins et moi. Il y avait toujours de la nourriture, du plaisir et de l’amour en abondance. Et dès un très jeune âge, nous avons appris que nous devions cette célébration à Christ.

Nous désirons laisser le même héritage à nos enfants. Réunis en décembre dernier pour partager Noël en famille, nous avons pris conscience que cette merveilleuse tradition avait vu le jour sous grand‑papa et grand‑maman. Ils n’avaient aucun argent à nous léguer, mais ils ont veillé à semer l’amour, le respect et la foi en nous – les enfants de leurs enfants –, afin que nous suivions leur exemple.

La Bible nous parle de grand‑maman Loïs et de maman Eunice, qui ont transmis leur foi sincère à Timothée (2 TI 1.5). Leur influence a préparé cet homme à communiquer la Bonne Nouvelle à une multitude de gens.

Nous pouvons préparer un héritage spirituel à transmettre à ceux dont nous influençons la vie en communiant étroitement avec Dieu. De façons pratiques, nous faisons de son amour une réalité en accordant aux gens notre attention exclusive, en nous intéressant à ce qu’ils pensent et en partageant notre vie avec eux. Nous pouvons même les inviter à participer à nos célébrations ! Si notre vie reflète la réalité de l’amour de Dieu, nous laisserons un héritage durable à d’autres.

Si vous avez reçu un bon héritage, investissez‑le dans votre prochain.

par Keila Ochoa

Хліб Наш Насущній - Добра спадщина

Читати: 2 Тимофія 1:1-5 | Біблія за рік: Повторення Закону 26–27 ; Марка 14:27-53

Я приводжу на пам’ять собі твою нелицемірну віру, що перше була оселилася в бабі твоїй Лоіді та в твоїй матері Евнікії. — 2 Тимофія 1:5

Мої бабуся та дідусь не мали багато грошей, але їм вдавалось кожне Різдво зробити особливим, незабутнім для мене й моїх двоюрідних братів і сестер. Було багато їжі. Панувала атмосфера радості й любові. З раннього дитинства ми знали, що саме завдяки Христу це велике свято стало можливим.

Ми прагнемо залишити нашим дітям таку ж спадщину. Коли минулого грудня ми зібрались усією родиною, щоб разом святкувати Різдво, то глибоко усвідомили, що цій чудовій традиції ми зобов’язані дідусю й бабусі. Вони не залишили нам у спадщину капітал, але старанно сіяли в наші серця зернятка любові, поваги й віри. І тепер ми, наслідуючи їх приклад, робимо те ж саме для своїх дітей.

У Біблії ми читаємо про Лоіду та Евнікію – бабусю й матір Тимофія, який отримав від них у спадщину щиру, справжню віру (2 Тим. 1:5). Їхній добрий вплив допоміг йому нести Благу Звістку багатьом людям.

Ми можемо підготувати духовну спадщину для тих, на кого впливаємо благочестивим життям, маючи близькі стосунки з Богом. Практично це означає, що ми являємо іншим реальність Божої любові, коли приділяємо їм щиру увагу. Можемо навіть запрошувати їх на різні свята! Якщо наше життя відображає реальність Божої любові, ми залишаємо для інших неминущу спадщину.

Отче, допоможи мені залишити для своєї сім’ї добру духовну спадщину, являти моїм рідним Твою вічну любов.

Якщо отримали добру спадщину віри, передайте її іншим.

Автор Кейла Очоа

Хлеб наш насущный - Доброе наследие

Читать сейчас: 2 Тимофею 1:1-5 | Библия за год: Второзаконие 26-27; Марка 14:27-53

[Привожу] на память нелицемерную веру твою, которая прежде обитала в бабушке твоей Лоиде и матери твоей Евнике. — 2 Тимофею 1:5

Мои бабушка с дедушкой были небогаты, однако каждое Рождество они устраивали что-нибудь незабываемое для меня и моих двоюродных братьев и сестер. Всегда было много еды, веселья и любви. С ранних лет мы узнали, что этот праздник нам подарил Иисус Христос.

Своим детям мы хотим оставить такое же наследие. Собираясь вместе на праздник Рождества, мы помним, что эта чудесная традиция была начата бабушкой и дедушкой. Они не могли оставить нам много денег, зато они посеяли в нас семена любви, уважения и веры, чтобы мы, дети их детей, могли подражать их примеру.

В Библии мы читаем о бабушке Лоиде и маме Евнике, которые передали юному Тимофею свою искреннюю веру (2 Тим. 1:5). Благодаря их влиянию молодой служитель был подготовлен к тому, чтобы делиться Благой вестью со многими людьми.

Мы все можем собрать духовное наследие для своих близких, живя в тесном общении с Богом. Мы делаем Его любовь живой, оказывая людям внимание, проявляя интерес к тому, что для них важно, и делая им добро. Если наша жизнь отражает действенность Божьей любви, мы оставим людям доброе и долгое наследие.

Отче, дай мне оставить доброе духовное наследие моей семье и прояви через меня Свою вечную любовь.

Если кто-то оставил вам доброе наследие, передайте его другим.

автор: Кейла Очо

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, March 14, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

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

The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD: I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the first fruits of his harvest. All who ate of it were held guilty; disaster came upon them, says the LORD. Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves? They did not say, "Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that no one passes through, where no one lives?" I brought you into a plentiful land to eat its fruits and its good things. But when you entered you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, "Where is the LORD?" Those who handle the law did not know me; the rulers transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things that do not profit. Therefore once more I accuse you, says the LORD, and I accuse your children's children. Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has ever been such a thing. Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 1:16-25

For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 4:43-54
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!

When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet's own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival. Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my little boy dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, "Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him." The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 61 Exaudi, Deus
1   Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer.
2   I call upon you from the ends of the earth with heaviness in my heart; set me upon the rock that is higher than I.
3   For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4   I will dwell in your house for ever; I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5   For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have granted me the heritage of those who fear your Name.
6   Add length of days to the king's life; let his years extend over many generations.
7   Let him sit enthroned before God for ever; bid love and faithfulness watch over him.
8   So will I always sing the praise of your Name, and day by day I will fulfill my vows.

Psalm 62 Nonne Deo?
1   For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.
2   He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3   How long will you assail me to crush me, all of you together, as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4   They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; lies are their chief delight.
5   They bless with their lips, but in their hearts they curse.
6   For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him.
7   He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8   In God is my safety and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9   Put your trust in him always, O people, pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10   Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11   On the scales they are lighter than a breath, all of them together.
12   Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13   God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God.
14   Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 68 Exsurgat Deus
1   Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
2   Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3   But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.
4   Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5   Father of orphans, defender of widows, God in his holy habitation!
6   God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7   O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8   The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9   You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10   Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
11   The Lord gave the word; great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12   Kings with their armies are fleeing away; the women at home are dividing the spoils.
13   Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver, whose feathers are like green gold.
14   When the Almighty scattered kings, it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15   O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16   Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain, at the hill which God chose for his resting place? truly, the LORD will dwell there for ever.
17   The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18   You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19   Blessed be the Lord day by day, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20   He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the LORD, by whom we escape death.
21   God shall crush the heads of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of those who go on still in their wickedness.
22   The Lord has said, "I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea;
23   That your foot may be dipped in blood, the tongues of your dogs in the blood of your enemies."
24   They see your procession, O God, your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25   The singers go before, musicians follow after, in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26   Bless God in the congregation; bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27   There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head; the princes of Judah in a company; and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28   Send forth your strength, O God; establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29   Kings shall bring gifts to you, for your temple's sake at Jerusalem.
30   Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31   Trample down those who lust after silver; scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32   Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33   Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
34   He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35   Ascribe power to God; his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36   How wonderful is God in his holy places! the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be 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 14, 2017

2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read all of 2 Peter 1

2 Pedro 1:5-8 (NVI) Precisamente por eso, esfuércense por añadir a su fe, virtud; a su virtud, entendimiento; al entendimiento, dominio propio; al dominio propio, constancia; a la constancia, devoción a Dios; a la devoción a Dios, afecto fraternal; y al afecto fraternal, amor. Porque estas cualidades, si abundan en ustedes, los harán crecer en el conocimiento de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, y evitarán que sean inútiles e improductivos.

Read all of 2 Pedro 1

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Trust God's Timing"

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

—2 Peter 3:9 (KJ21)

Conversion can happen instantaneously. Some have a hard time believing that, especially when they hear of someone coming to faith who has committed a terrible crime.

They may say, “Well, isn’t that convenient? I doubt that person really has become a Christian.” Maybe not. But then again, maybe so. Conversion can take place instantaneously in any life.

It’s worth noting that both criminals who were crucified with Jesus heard Him say, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Yet one believed and one did not. That is the mystery of the gospel. One can hear the gospel proclaimed and say, “Yes, I believe that” and give his or her life to Christ. Another, hearing the same message, can be absolutely unmoved and continue in his or her sin.

Interestingly, one criminal started correcting the other, who had said to Jesus, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us” (verse 39). The Bible says he “rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong’” (verses 40–41).

Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (verse 42). Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Here was this man facing eternal separation from God, and he was crucified next to God incarnate, who pardoned him on the spot, absolved him of all sin, and was ready to take him into paradise with Him.

God desires for people to come to faith, but He also has His timing. I don’t know when that time is. But we have to leave it in the hands of God.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Scripture taken from the 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Deja que Dios sea tu todo

Ciertamente les aseguro que si el grano de trigo no cae en tierra y muere, se queda solo. Pero si muere, produce mucho fruto.

Juan 12:24 (NVI)

Cuando le das la oportunidad a Dios de ser tu «TODO», créeme que puedes vivir más confiado y más tranquilo. Nosotros estamos viviendo tiempos muy complicados. La misma Biblia lo dice y no miente. Si la lees con detenimiento, verás que todo se ha ido cumpliendo. Estamos viviendo los tiempos finales y lo que debemos tener presente es que no se van a mejorar. Cada vez va a haber más guerras, terremotos, desastres, hambrunas, plagas y las personas tendrán mucha necesidad de conocer de Jesús.

Estamos en tiempos donde a lo malo llaman bueno, donde se levantan falsos profetas que vienen solo a confundir y donde persiguen a muchos por proclamar la Palabra de Dios.

¡Vaya, qué difícil es imaginarse esto! Aun así, hay que pensarlo. Por eso es que hoy te digo que es un riesgo vivir sin Dios en nuestro corazón. No podemos vivir como llaneros solitarios pensando que somos tan autosuficientes que controlamos el mundo.

No podemos seguir con esos aires de que nosotros controlamos la vida, cuando en realidad no controlamos nada. Con mucho esfuerzo algunos tienen domino propio y disciplina como para creerse la última Coca-Cola del desierto.

¿Cómo le rindes tu vida a Dios? Reconociéndolo en todos los caminos y dejando que Él sea el conductor de tu vida. Muere al «YO» y darás fruto.

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 - WORTH FOLLOWING

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

The first thing most Christians think of when they hear or read the word, “persecution” is torture. And indeed torture is what many persecuted believers experience. Helen Berhane was kept in shipping container prisons for almost three years because she would not deny her faith. She was beaten so severely she could not even walk. Other times Helen was chained for hours outside in the severe heat of the sunshine.

One time after a full day of being chained outside, she was handcuffed and thrown into an old rusty shipping container full of holes. She lay on the icy floor in her thin dress. With no blanket, she soon began shivering. Her whole body ached from the cold and the beating she had received. She feared she might die from the freezing cold so she composed this song and sang it repeatedly throughout the chilly night:

I love you, that’s why I draw myself closer to you
I know that it’s worth following you.
I am not only ready for prison, but I trust you until death.
Even in a closed space or in a pit I will not surrender to evil spirits,
Not even if I am bound or I am chained and I am suffering from cold,
I will sing and I am not going to tire of singing, nor give up.
My heart is burning with your love,
And my heart declares I will never stop respecting you or lifting you up.
I will sing again and again,
I will sing a melody for you,
My soul is pleased to sing for you.[1]

RESPONSE: I will praise the Lord today and every day—regardless of my circumstances.

PRAYER: Pray for all Christians who today are persecuted by being tortured. Pray they will respond as Helen did.

1. Helen Berhane, Song of the Nightingale (Colorado Springs: Authentic Media, 2009), p. 52.

Scripture taken from the King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

Girlfriends in God - When God Throws a Little Bit of “All Things” in Your Life

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I love Romans 8:28.

Now, let me be honest…sometimes I don’t.

When I am going through a dark time of loss or disappointment, and someone throws a sloppy coat of Romans 8:28 on my open wound, I just want to scream.

There. I said it.

What does God mean by “all things” anyway? I looked it up in my Greek dictionary and guess what it means—it means “all things.” I was hoping for something a little different.

“All things” includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. In every dark circumstance of life, there is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. However, for that to happen, we must get out of the dirt, push it aside, and look beneath the surface.

Is it easy? No.

Is it messy? Usually.

It is worth it? Always.

Many years after we had lost our second child, I was standing in the doorway of my sleeping sixteen-year-old son’s bedroom. He was a tangle of sheets and limbs. Steven was six feet tall, needed a shave, and sported a mass of shaggy thick brown hair. Drool slid down his jaw, and a hairy leg hung off the bed.

Man, I love this kid, I thought to myself. Then a prayer slipped off my lips.

“Lord,” I prayed, “you know how much I love children, and how I always longed to have a houseful of kids. Why was there just one?”

Then, God’s Word washed over me: For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

“Is that You Lord?” I asked.

Again the words flowed. For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The words washed over me like a spring rain on parched ground. It was a moment of sudden glory. For the first time in my life, I truly grasped the height, the depth, and the breadth of those familiar words.

See, I have a one and only son. There are many people whom I love in this world, but there is no one…no one…that I love enough to sacrifice my one and only son. And yet, God loved me so much He did just that. He loved you so much He did just that. He sacrificed His one and only Son in order to save us from the penalty of sin and give us eternal life.

With tears streaming down my cheeks, I thanked God for helping me truly understand John 3:16—for giving me a living, breathing, walking (and sometimes sleeping) example of His great love. And if that was the only purpose behind the years of infertility and loss of a child, then that was enough.

It was Romans 8:28. It was good.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love for me. Thank You for giving Your Son for me. Open my eyes to see moments of sudden glory where You make Your presence known in my life. I love You so much.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

More From the Girlfriends

Do you long to feel close to God but sense there’s something missing? That you’ve missed that mysterious formula to make it happen? Do you have a glory ache—a persistent longing to experience God’s presence and working in your life, but you’re not quite sure how to make it happen? If so, my book, A Sudden Glory: God’s Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More, is just for you. Join me and discover how to erase the lines between the secular and the sacred to experience a deeper, more intimate relationship with God than ever before. While you’re there, you can download a free chapter or watch a video book trailer.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017