LHM Daily Devotion - "Who Gave You the Right?"

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Who Gave You the Right?"

March 24, 2017

... "Tell us, by what authority You do these things, or who is it that gave You this authority?" (Luke 20:2b, ESV).

Read Luke 20:1-8

The Jewish Sanhedrin or high court led by the high priest is the recognized authority in Jerusalem. They aren't crazy about Jesus driving the animals and moneychangers out of the temple and teaching huge crowds right under their noses. So a group from the Sanhedrin comes to ask who gave Him the authority to do these things.

They expect Jesus to say His authority came from God. Then they will demand proof, which they will refuse to recognize, thus discrediting Him in front of the crowds. Jesus recognizes their intended trap. He politely answers, "I also will ask you a question. Now tell Me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?"

Suddenly, their trap is sprung, but they are the ones caught in it! They could give an answer that would please the crowds, saying John's authority was from God, but they know Jesus will ask why then did they not obey him and receive his baptism. If they tell Him what they honestly think, saying John's authority did not come from God, they fear the crowd will rise up and stone them to death because the people held John to be a prophet.

So the only answer they can give is no answer at all: "We don't know where his authority came from." This is hardly a suitable answer, since they are considered the leaders who are responsible for religious instruction in Israel. They are completely humiliated by the answer they have to give.

Jesus turns it back against them. If you will not answer Me, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, Your authority indeed came from God Your Father, the same source of John's authority. Help me accept Your authority and trust in You always. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). Scripture is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Jewish Sanhedrin or high court led by the high priest is the...

Devociones de Cuaresma - ¡Qué alivio!

Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

¡Qué alivio!

24 de Marzo de 2017

Tampoco yo te condeno. Vete y no peques más. Juan 8:11, RVC

¡Por fin una historia con un final feliz! No todas las historias en la Biblia terminan dibujándonos una sonrisa. Sin embargo, hay un patrón que se repite una y otra vez: cuando Jesús está presente, las historias terminan bien. Así sucede en las bodas de Caná, en la tormenta en el lago y la calma posterior, en la pesca infructuosa y la pesca milagrosa, en la muerte y la resurrección.

¡Qué alivio para esta mujer! Ella estaba condenada por los fariseos y por la Palabra; la sentencia de muerte era justa. Sin embargo, fue perdonada. Mientras el "juicio" era llevado a cabo, ella no tuvo oportunidad de decir nada. Su corazón palpitaba fuertemente esperando la sentencia, pero lo que sucede a continuación es totalmente diferente: Jesús se endereza, y le da la absolución. La mujer es "sentenciada" por el amor de Dios que pasó por alto el grave pecado de adulterio y la envió a vivir una nueva vida. Su historia tuvo un final feliz, inesperado, y eterno.

Nosotros estamos condenados por la Palabra. La sentencia al infierno es justa. Fuimos--y somos--sorprendidos en pecado a cada momento. A veces tampoco faltan quienes nos acusan. Y ahí estamos, solos, delante de Jesús, desnudos con nuestro pecado, exhibiendo nuestra vergüenza. Sin embargo, nuestra historia también tiene un final feliz gracias a la muerte y resurrección de Jesús, que cambió nuestra vergüenza en alegría, nuestro infierno en su cielo, y nuestra muerte en vida eterna.

Jesús tampoco nos condena, sino que nos perdona y nos envía a vivir una vida donde reina el amor y no nuestro pecado. Jesús se enderezó desde la cruz, y nos dio la absolución.

Querido Padre, gracias porque enviste a Jesús no para condenar al mundo, sino para salvarlo. Amén.

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

 Alimento diario... un mensaje de esperanza

Our Daily Bread® - His Wonderful Face

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:8–27 | Bible in a Year: Joshua 16–18; Luke 2:1–24

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  1 Chronicles 16:11

My four-year-old son is full of questions, and chatters constantly. I love talking with him, but he’s developed an unfortunate habit of talking to me even when his back is turned. I often find myself saying, “I can’t hear you—please look at me when you’re talking.”

Sometimes I think God wants to say the same thing to us—not because He can’t hear us, but because we can tend to talk to Him without really “looking” at Him. We pray, but we remain caught up in our own questions and focused on ourselves, forgetting the character of the One we’re praying to. Like my son, we ask questions without paying attention to the person we’re talking to.

Many of our concerns are best addressed by reminding ourselves of who God is and what He has done. By simply refocusing, we find comfort in what we know of His character: that He is loving, forgiving, sovereign, graceful.

The psalmist believed we ought to seek God’s face continually (Ps. 105:4). When David appointed leaders for worship and prayer, he encouraged the people to praise God’s character and tell stories of His past faithfulness (1 Chron. 16:8–27).

When we turn our eyes toward the beautiful face of God, we can find strength and comfort that sustain us even in the midst of unanswered questions.

Lord, let the light of Your face shine upon us. 

Our Daily Bread welcomes writer Amy Peterson! Meet Amy and all our authors at odb.org/all-authors.

Seeking the face of God can strengthen our faith.

By Amy Peterson

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Gương Mặt Diệu Kỳ

Đọc: I Sử ký 16:8-27 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Giô-suê 16-18; Lu-ca 2:1-24

Hãy tìm cầu Đức Giê-hô-va và sức mạnh Ngài, hãy tìm kiếm mặt Ngài luôn luôn! (I Sử ký 16:11)

Đứa con trai bốn tuổi của tôi luôn có những câu hỏi thắc mắc và nói liên hồi. Tôi thích nói chuyện với cháu, nhưng cháu hình thành thói quen đáng tiếc là nói chuyện với tôi ngay cả khi quay lưng. Tôi thường nói: “Mẹ không nghe thấy con nói – hãy nhìn mẹ khi con nói chuyện.”

Đôi khi, tôi nghĩ Chúa cũng muốn nói như vậy với chúng ta – không phải bởi vì Ngài không thể nghe được, nhưng vì có thể chúng ta có khuynh hướng nói chuyện với Ngài mà không thật sự “nhìn” Ngài. Chúng ta cầu nguyện, nhưng vẫn còn nghĩ tới những câu hỏi và tập trung vào chính mình, quên mất thuộc tính của Đấng mà chúng ta đang cầu nguyện. Giống như con trai tôi, chúng ta thường hỏi mà không chú ý đến người mà mình đang nói chuyện.

Nhiều mối lo âu sẽ được giải quyết ổn thỏa nếu chúng ta nhắc nhở mình về Đức Chúa Trời, Ngài là ai và Ngài đã làm gì. Chỉ cần tập trung, chúng ta có thể tìm thấy sự an ủi bởi những điều chúng ta biết về Ngài: Đấng yêu thương, tha thứ, tể trị và đầy ân điển.

Tác giả Thi thiên tin rằng chúng ta phải tìm kiếm mặt Ngài luôn luôn (Thi. 105:4). Khi Đa-vít bổ nhiệm những người lãnh đạo lo việc thờ phượng và cầu nguyện, ông khích lệ dân sự ngợi khen thuộc tính của Đức Chúa Trời và kể những câu chuyện về sự thành tín của Ngài trong quá khứ (I Sử 16:8-27).

Khi hướng mắt mình nhìn gương mặt diệu kỳ của Chúa, chúng ta có thể tìm thấy sức lực và sự an ủi có thể khiến mình vững vàng giữa những thắc mắc không lời đáp.

Lạy Chúa, xin ánh sáng mặt Ngài chiếu trên chúng con.

Tìm kiếm mặt Chúa có thể khiến đức tin vững mạnh.

bởi Amy Peterson

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Su rostro maravilloso

Leer: 1 Crónicas 16:8-27 | La Biblia en un año: Lucas 2:1-24

Buscad al Señor y su poder; buscad su rostro continuamente (1 Crónicas 16:11).

Mi hijo de cuatro años está llenó de preguntas, y habla todo el tiempo. Me encanta charlar con él, pero ha desarrollado un feo hábito de hablarme dándome la espalda. Muchas veces, termino diciendo: «No te escucho. Por favor, mírame cuando me hablas».

A veces, pienso que Dios quiere decirnos lo mismo; no porque no pueda oírnos, sino porque tendemos a hablar con Él sin «mirarlo». Oramos, pero seguimos envueltos en nuestras preguntas y enfocados en nosotros mismos, olvidándonos de quién es Aquel al que elevamos nuestra oración. Como mi hijo, hacemos preguntas sin prestar atención a la persona a quien le hablamos.

Muchas de nuestras preocupaciones se resolverían mejor si recordáramos quién es Dios y lo que Él ha hecho. Si tan solo reenfocamos nuestra mirada, encontramos consuelo en lo que ya sabemos de su carácter: el Señor es amoroso, perdonador, soberano y bondadoso.

El salmista estaba convencido de que debíamos buscar constantemente el rostro de Dios (Salmo 105:4). Cuando David designó líderes para la adoración y la oración, alentó al pueblo a alabar al Señor por sus atributos y su fidelidad en el pasado (1 Crónicas 16:8-27).

Al volver nuestra mirada hacia el rostro precioso de Dios, hallamos fortaleza y consuelo aun en la incertidumbre.

Señor, que la luz de tu rostro brille sobre nosotros.

Buscar el rostro de Dios puede fortalecer nuestra fe.

Por Amy Peterson

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Sein Angesicht

Lesen: 1.Chronik 16,8-27 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Josua 16–18; Lukas 2,1-24

Fraget nach dem Herrn und seiner Macht, suchet sein Angesicht allezeit. 1.Chronik 16,11

Mein vierjähriger Sohn ist voller Fragen und ständig am Quasseln. Ich rede gern mit ihm, aber er hat die unangenehme Angewohnheit, mir beim Reden den Rücken zuzukehren. Oft sage ich deshalb: „Ich kann dich nicht hören. Bitte schau mich an, wenn du mit mir sprichst.“

Ich denke, manchmal sagt Gott dasselbe zu uns—nicht, weil er uns nicht hören kann, sondern weil wir dazu neigen, mit ihm zu reden, ohne ihn wirklich „anzusehen“. Wir beten, aber wir drehen uns dabei um unsere eigenen Fragen und um uns selbst und vergessen, zu wem wir da eigentlich beten. Wie mein Sohn stellen wir Fragen, ohne auf den Menschen einzugehen, mit dem wir reden.

Bei vielen unserer Probleme wäre es das Beste, wenn wir uns daran erinnern würden, wer Gott ist und was er getan hat. Mit dem richtigen Blickwinkel finden wir Trost in dem, was wir von ihm wissen—nämlich, dass er uns liebt, vergibt, mächtig und gnädig ist.

Der Psalmist glaubte, dass wir ständig Gottes Angesicht suchen sollen (Ps. 105,4). David ermunterte die Leute, die er dazu bestimmt hatte, Lob und Gebet zu leiten, Gott zu preisen und von seiner Treue in der Vergangenheit zu erzählen (1.Chron. 16,8-27).

Wenn wir unseren Blick auf Gottes Angesicht lenken, finden wir Kraft und Trost, die uns durchtragen, auch wenn manche Fragen unbeantwortet bleiben.

Herr, lass dein Angesicht über uns leuchten. Amy Peterson unterrichtet Englisch als Fremdsprache an der Taylor-Universität in Indiana. Vor kurzem ist ihr erstes Buch erschienen.

Wer Gottes Angesicht sucht, wird im Glauben gestärkt.

Von Amy Peterson

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Sa merveilleuse face

Lisez : 1 Chroniques 16.8‑27 | La Bible en un an : Josué 16 – 18 et Luc 2.1-24

Ayez recours à l’Éternel et à son appui, cherchez continuellement sa face ! (1 Chroniques 16.11)

Mon fils de quatre ans est un véritable moulin à paroles et à questions. Je me plais à parler avec lui, mais il a acquis la fâcheuse habitude de me parler en ayant le dos tourné. Je dois souvent lui rappeler : « Je ne t’entends pas, regarde‑moi quand tu me parles s’il te plaît. »

Il m’arrive de penser que Dieu veut nous dire la même chose – non parce qu’il ne peut nous entendre, mais parce que nous avons tendance à lui parler sans vraiment le « regarder ». Nous prions, mais en restant absorbés dans nos propres questions et centrés sur nous‑mêmes, oubliant les attributs de celui à qui nous adressons nos prières. Comme mon fils, nous posons des questions sans prêter attention à notre interlocuteur ou interlocutrice.

Or, nous aurions intérêt à gérer nos préoccupations en nous remémorant qui est Dieu et ce qu’il a accompli. En nous recentrant simplement sur lui, nous puisons du réconfort dans ce que nous savons de ses attributs : il est bienveillant, prompt à pardonner, souverain et empreint de grâce.

Le psalmiste croyait qu’il fallait sans cesse chercher la face de Dieu (PS 105.4). Lorsque David a nommé des leaders à la tête de l’adoration et à la prière, il a encouragé le peuple à louer Dieu pour ses attributs et à témoigner de sa fidélité passée (1 CH 16.8‑27).

En tournant le regard vers la merveilleuse face de Dieu, nous trouvons la force et la consolation nécessaires pour nous soutenir malgré nos questions qui restent sans réponses.

Chercher la face de Dieu peut nous valoir d’affermir notre foi.

par Amy Peterson

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Світло Його лиця

Читати: 1 Хронік 16:8-27 | Біблія за рік: Ісуса Навина 16–18 ; Луки 2:1-24

Пошукуйте Господа й силу Його, лице Його завжди шукайте! — 1 Хронік 16:11

Мій чотирьохрічний син постійно щось запитує і без угаву розмовляє. Я люблю спілкуватись з ним, але в нього з’явилась погана звичка розмовляти зі мною навіть тоді, коли він стоїть до мене спиною. Тому я змушена казати: “Я не чую тебе. Дивись на мене, будь ласка, коли розмовляєш зі мною”.

Інколи я думаю про те, що Богу хочеться сказати нам те ж саме, коли маємо тенденцію розмовляти з Ним, “не дивлячись” на Нього. Ми молимося і в той же час більше переймаємося власними проблемами. Як і мій син, ми щось запитуємо у Бога, не усвідомлюючи, що звертаємося до Особистості.

Більшості наших тривог і сумнівів можна позбутись, нагадуючи собі істини про те, Хто є Бог і що Він учинив для нас. Варто лише зосередитись на рисах Божого характеру, що включає любов, прощення, суверенну владу, благодать – і знайдемо велику втіху.

Цар Давид щиро вважав, що потрібно постійно шукати Божого лиця (Пс. 104:4). Коли він призначав лідерів для служіння Господу, то заохочував їх славити Бога за Його характер і розповідати народу про Його вірні діла в минулому (1 Хр. 16:8-27). Коли підводимо очі, щоб споглядати прекрасне Боже лице, можемо отримати силу і втіху, що підбадьорюватимуть нас навіть за часів проблеми і коли не маємо відповідей на свої питання.

Підійми ж на нас, Господи, світло Свого лиця!

Пошуки Божого лиця можуть зміцнити нашу віру. 

Автор Емі Петерсон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Светлый лик

Читать сейчас: 1 Паралипоменон 16:8-27 | Библия за год: Иисуса Навина 16-18; Луки 2:1-24

Взыщите Господа и силу Его, ищите непрестанно лица Его. — 1 Паралипоменон 16:11

Мой четырехлетний сын без конца задает вопросы. Я люблю разговаривать с ним, но у него появилась неприятная привычка обращаться ко мне, повернувшись спиной. Приходится говорить: «Я тебя не слышу. Пожалуйста, смотри на меня, когда говоришь».

Порой мне кажется, что Бог желает сказать нам то же самое. Не потому, что Он не слышит нас, но потому, что мы склонны говорить с Ним, «не глядя» на Него. Мы молимся, но при этом остаемся погруженными в собственные мысли, обращенными в себя и забываем о характере нашего Господа. Подобно моему сыну, мы задаем вопросы, не обращая особого внимания на Того, к Кому обращаемся.

Со многими нашими заботами можно разобраться, напомнив себе, каков Бог и что Он совершил. Утешение придет от того, что мы вспомним драгоценные качества Его характера: Господь любящ, прощающ, всевластен и милостив.

Давид считал, что мы должны постоянно искать Божьего лица (Пс. 104:4). Назначив руководителей поклонения и молитвы, псалмопевец призвал народ славить Бога за Его совершенства и возвещать Его верность в прошлом (1 Пар. 16:8-27).

Обращая глаза души к прекрасному лику Божьему, мы можем обрести силу и утешение, которые поддержат нас даже среди вопросов, остающихся без ответа.

Господь, пусть свет лица Твоего сияет над нами.

Поиск Божьего лица укрепляет нашу веру.

автор: Эми Петерсон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, March 23, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Jeremiah 10:11-24

Thus shall you say to them: The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens. It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings for the rain, and he brings out the wind from his storehouses. Everyone is stupid and without knowledge; goldsmiths are all put to shame by their idols; for their images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. Not like these is the LORD, the portion of Jacob, for he is the one who formed all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; the LORD of hosts is his name. Gather up your bundle from the ground, O you who live under siege! For thus says the LORD: I am going to sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and I will bring distress on them, so that they shall feel it. Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is severe. But I said, "Truly this is my punishment, and I must bear it." My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken; my children have gone from me, and they are no more; there is no one to spread my tent again, and to set up my curtains. For the shepherds are stupid, and do not inquire of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. Hear, a noise! Listen, it is coming-- a great commotion from the land of the north to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a lair of jackals. I know, O LORD, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in just measure; not in your anger, or you will bring me to nothing.

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

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 5:12-21

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 8:21-32
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!

Again he said to them, "I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." Then the Jews said, "Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?" He said to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he." They said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him." They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him." As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

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

Morning Psalms

Psalm 83 Deus, quis similis?
1   O God, do not be silent; do not keep still nor hold your peace, O God;
2   For your enemies are in tumult, and those who hate you have lifted up their heads.
3   They take secret counsel against your people and plot against those whom you protect.
4   They have said, "Come, let us wipe them out from among the nations; let the name of Israel be remembered no more."
5   They have conspired together; they have made an alliance against you:
6   The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; the Moabites and the Hagarenes;
7   Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines and those who dwell in Tyre.
8   The Assyrians also have joined them, and have come to help the people of Lot.
9   Do to them as you did to Midian, to Sisera, and to Jabin at the river of Kishon:
10   They were destroyed at Endor; they became like dung upon the ground.
11   Make their leaders like Oreb and Zeëb, and all their commanders like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12   Who said, "Let us take for ourselves the fields of God as our possession."
13   O my God, make them like whirling dust and like chaff before the wind;
14   Like fire that burns down a forest, like the flame that sets mountains ablaze.
15   Drive them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm;
16   Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, that they may seek your Name.
17   Let them be disgraced and terrified for ever; let them be put to confusion and perish.
18   Let them know that you, whose Name is YAHWEH, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 85 Benedixisti, Domine
1   You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2   You have forgiven the iniquity of your people and blotted out all their sins.
3   You have withdrawn all your fury and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4   Restore us then, O God our Savior; let your anger depart from us.
5   Will you be displeased with us for ever? will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6   Will you not give us life again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7   Show us your mercy, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
8   I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9   Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
10   Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11   Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12   The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.
13   Righteousness shall go before him, and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

Psalm 86 Inclina, Domine
1   Bow down your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and in misery.
2   Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3   Be merciful to me, O LORD, for you are my God; I call upon you all the day long.
4   Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
5   For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, and great is your love toward all who call upon you.
6   Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7   In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, for you will answer me.
8   Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD, nor anything like your works.
9   All the nations you have made will come and worship you, O LORD, and glorify your Name.
10   For you are great; you do wondrous things; and you alone are God.
11   Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
12   I will thank you, O LORD my God, with all my heart, and glorify your Name for evermore.
13   For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.
14   The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent men seeks my life; they have not set you before their eyes.
15   But you, O LORD, are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16   Turn to me and have mercy upon me; give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid.
17   Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; because you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

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 23, 2017

James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Read all of James 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 - "Because He Loves Us"

So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

—John 11:6 (NKJV)

Lazarus was sick. But instead of going to see him in Bethany, Jesus intentionally waited two more days. Then He arrived in Bethany a full four days after Lazarus had died.

Sometimes it might seem as though Jesus is completely indifferent to our troubles. He might not do what we’re expecting Him to do.

As Martha and Mary were waiting for Jesus to heal their brother Lazarus, maybe they thought, “He’s going to let us down. Maybe prayer doesn’t work.”

But John 11:5 tells us, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus delayed His arrival, yet we read that He loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

In the original language, the word for loved is the Greek word agape. It speaks of a sacrificial, agonizing love that loves a person in spite of his or her lovability.

It’s the same word used in John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus died for every person. God loves us in spite of ourselves, in spite of our lovability.

Interestingly, when Martha and Mary sent word that Lazarus was sick, they said, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). The word they used for love is the Greek word phileo, from which we get our English word Philadelphia. It speaks of “brotherly love,” the love that a friend has for a friend.

Martha and Mary were thinking only of friendship, but Jesus was thinking of sacrificial love. They were thinking only of their temporal comfort, but Jesus was thinking of their eternal benefit. They wanted a healing; He wanted a resurrection. He wanted to do above and beyond that which they could ask or think.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny 

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV® Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Dile «no» a la crítica

No juzguen, y no se les juzgará. No condenen, y no se les condenará. Perdonen, y se les perdonará [...] Porque con la medida que midan a otros, se les medirá a ustedes.
Lucas 6:37-38, NVI

Como humanos, somos muy dados a la murmuración y la crítica. Es triste, pero entre nosotros mismos somos más fuertes en nuestras apreciaciones y comentarios.

Muchas veces he escuchado cómo critican a quienes hacen una labor de tanto valor como ciertas personas que mencioné en el devocional de ayer.

Creemos que porque se desenvuelven en un mundo secular, merecen estas críticas, muchas veces injustas, sin saber que a lo mejor estén haciendo más obra que tú y que yo.

Me vienen a la mente otros dos grandes seres humanos:

Ricardo Montaner, quien no solo a donde va proclama quién es Jesucristo en su vida, sino que ha grabado temas cristianos. En la actualidad, tiene ministerios en los que ayuda a los niños con condiciones especiales.

¿Y qué me dices de Juan Luis Guerra? Aunque está constantemente en sus presentaciones, siempre le da el reconocimiento a Dios en su vida. Además, se encuentra en una de las mayores iglesias de República Dominicana.

Si esto no es cumplir la misión, ¿qué esperamos de la vida?

Paremos la crítica y más bien preocupémonos por lo que tú y yo estamos haciendo por el conocimiento de la Palabra. Es más, reflexiona en esto hoy: ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que le hablaste a alguien de Jesús?

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - PEACE THAT OVERCOMES FEAR

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27, NIV

Yesterday we shared the first part of the life story of Maulana the Islamic terrorist persecutor from Indonesia. Here is part two of his dramatic conversion story:

Our focused activity on Ambon was how to close churches. From the persecution, the Christian people did not fight back. When I see children with no parents running around the church, I feel guilty.

As time passes, my heart becomes softer, and then love enters my heart. There’s a change in my heart that I become sensitive and start to love them slowly. The love becomes thick. One night, I was fasting and praying, I said, “God, you’re the one who create my heart, show me your righteousness.” In the middle of my heart-crying, I saw a man appear to me. There was fresh blood spattered on the bottom of his white robe, He greeted me with “Salaam Al I Kum,” (Peace be with you!) I tried to figure out who I had seen in my vision. It could be the angel of Gabriel, or Mohammed, or could be Nabi Isa, maybe He is Jesus.

To earn income, I became a distributor of an Islamic magazine in Solo, and then went to a small town called Desa Mangu. One day I was distributing magazines, and an old man called to me. He said, “Maulana, come here. I was waiting for you.” It was Friday at lunch time. He asked me to eat rice and noodle sarimi together with him. Then he prayed in the name of Jesus before eating. I was shocked!

After lunch, he brought me to a room, and he picked up a large Bible and opened it to John 14:27. It said, “I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The mystery of the voice is Isa (Jesus). I confess that Jesus is God! Jesus is great! And I cry, and I received Him, Isa, as the people of Ambon whom I’ve persecuted.

Now that I believe Jesus is Savior, there is a miracle that happens in my life. What I received from God is an assignment, instead of regrets. My first Christmas morning as a Christian, I was walking with courage and joy on my way to church. But all of a sudden there’s a group of young people standing in front of me. One of them knew me and asked, “Where are you going?”

I said, “To church.” They said, “Stop! You’re not going there!” Then punches from all directions come to my body. When I was there in the hospital, I prayed like Stephen prayed. “God, forgive them for they know not what they were doing.” Spiritual strength from within!

That is powerful and gives me strength to be brave and give testimony. I deliver to the people that this government is under His authority. God’s authority works in every believer so that we have the freedom to speak. The authority is from the Lord. God’s authority is in every believer, so you don’t need to be afraid.

RESPONSE: Today I will submit to the peace Jesus gives that overcomes troubles and fear.

PRAYER: Pray that many more terrorists will have an encounter with Jesus and become His follower.

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

NIV Devotions for Men - Operating System

1 Corinthians 2:1–16

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 1:1–7; 2:1–22; 4:1–27

Do you stay up on New Year’s Eve to wait for the clock to strike midnight? If you do, you probably don’t care that much about when the New Year begins in places like Fiji or Auckland, New Zealand. However, you probably cared a bit more on December 31, 1999, as TV cameras captured the stroke of midnight in those locations to see whether the world had avoided the Y2K disaster. As clocks struck 12:00, 12:01, 12:02 in each time zone around the world, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief that televisions still functioned, nuclear power plants hadn’t failed and cars continued running.

Remember the craziness that preceded Y2K? Companies and governments spent billions of dollars to hire software programmers to pore over and correct millions of lines of computer code. All because of a looming catastrophe if computers were to misread the last two zeroes in the year 2000 as 1900.

Ironically, most of us have zero understanding of computer code. The apostle Paul said that wisdom is much the same way. Unless we have the Holy Spirit to help us know the language of God’s wisdom, we won’t really understand it. “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:14). People who don’t have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them quite naturally struggle to grasp spiritual wisdom—God’s Word, his desires, his character, his values. In fact, God’s wisdom often seems foolish to non-Christians. It’s like a foreign language to them. But when people trust in Christ as Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within them (see John 14:16–17). They can begin learning God’s wisdom while the Holy Spirit helps them understand it.

If we believe that true wisdom comes only from God, where should we turn when we seek wisdom? Paul provides the answer: “’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit’” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10). In the Bible God speaks the language that drives us—our spiritual operating system. If we want to know God’s wisdom so that we can process the joys and trials of everyday living, we need to turn often to God’s Word and ask the Spirit to help us understand it.

To Take Away

• Do you ever struggle to understand thoughts and concepts from the Bible? How do you think the Holy Spirit can help?
• Are you growing in your understanding of God and spiritual truth? When was the last time you asked the Spirit to help you understand God’s Word?
• What practical steps can you take to grow in God’s wisdom?

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

Girlfriends in God - Celebrate Your Weaknesses!

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me’ (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

Friend to Friend

For many years, I did everything I possibly could to hide or erase any weakness in my life. When that didn’t work, I simply pretended that those weak areas didn’t exist. Why? Because if I was weak, how could Jesus love me? How could anyone love me? How could I love myself?

When our son, Jered, began to walk, I immediately noticed that his feet turned inward. Our pediatrician recommended a specialist who examined Jered thoroughly, then ordered several x-rays. The more he examined Jered, the more concerned we became. When the specialist finally called us in for a consultation, we braced ourselves for bad news … just in case. The doctor’s stoic face revealed nothing, but his diagnosis was a gift. “There is nothing wrong with Jered’s feet,” he said. “They are simply the feet of a natural athlete and were designed to give him great balance.” What we feared as a weakness, an obstacle to overcome, was really a great strength and part of the Master’s plan for Jered who graduated from college with the help of a football and academic scholarship.

The same is true in our lives as children of God. God created us according to His plan, in love and with purpose – weaknesses and all. We tend to view our weaknesses as liabilities. However, since our worth does not depend upon us in any way, we must be honest about our weaknesses, knowing they do not diminish our value in the heart and mind of God. In fact, our weaknesses can become the areas through which God does His greatest work.

Instead, we try to ignore weaknesses, hoping no one will notice. We live in denial, assigning blame to others when we fail. Eventually, we attempt to bury our weaknesses only to find them resurrecting themselves when we least expect it.

A powerful life embraces pain, brokenness and weakness, and understands that perfection is for Heaven, not Earth. The words of Paul are profound, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV).

When we are honest about our weaknesses, we are conceding the fact that only God can accomplish anything good in or through us. God’s power is instantly recognizable in obvious weakness. God has always allowed man’s weakness to validate the immeasurable need of His redemption and His sufficiency in our lives. He can and will use us if we allow Him to do so – not despite our weaknesses – but through our weaknesses.

We are not the message – just the messenger. Our weaknesses are not excuses to escape God’s plan. They are divinely appointed opportunities for that plan to work. More important than where you have been or even where you are, is where you are headed.

Don’t wait until you have it all figured out. That won’t happen this side of Heaven.

Don’t wait until you think you are good enough. You never will be.

Step up to the plate and be the imperfect you; allowing God’s perfection to shine through each and every weakness.

Do not listen to the doubts and lies of Satan. His goal is to render you helpless and defeated, no longer a threat to him or his kingdom.

I recently told a friend, “I want to get to the place in my walk with God, that when my feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, ‘Oh, no! She’s awake!’” I know I have a long way to go, but join me in the choice to embrace weakness and pain, allowing God’s strength and restoration to shine through each broken place.

Let’s Pray

Father, right now, I yield to the truth that I am weak and You are strong. Forgive me for the arrogance and pride that makes me think I can do anything good on my own. Keep me broken, Father, and on my face before You. Please use the broken places in my life to let Your light shine through.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

• Read the story of Gideon in Judges 6:1 – 27.
• What was Gideon’s response to God when God called him to serve? What is your usual response to God’s voice?
• Whose strength accomplished the task God called Gideon to do? How can you relate that to your own daily life?

More from the Girlfriends

For years, I struggled with not being good enough. Many of my hopes and dreams were lost or paralyzed by doubt and fear … until I found myself in a clinical pit of depression where God taught me so many life changing lessons. No one can take my place in the Father’s heart. I am indispensable to no one but God. I will never be “good enough” but my relationship with God does not exist because of good works, nor will it be sustained by what I do. Instead, He lives through me, and I live by His power. Do not let the enemy backhand you with the lie that you are nothing to God. Girlfriend, you are everything to Him. Go for it!

Need help seeing yourself through the eyes of God? Check out Mary’s MP3 download, In His Eyes, for a message that will lead you to discover how precious you are to God. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.