LHM Daily Devotion - "A Blow for Liberty"

While still in the upper room, Jesus had told His disciples, "Let the...

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"A Blow for Liberty"

April 5, 2017

... "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"
(Luke 22:49b, ESV)

Read Luke 22:35-38, 47-53

While still in the upper room, Jesus had told His disciples, "Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one." The disciples had answered, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." When Jesus said, "It is enough," Peter took one of those swords along to the Mount of Olives.

Now as they see Jesus surrounded by the temple guards, the disciples ask if He wants them to attack with the sword. But before Jesus can answer, Peter draws out his sword and strikes it against a guard standing nearby. Apparently, he was trying to split the man's skull and missed, cutting off his right ear instead. It may seem strange for one lone man to attack a whole company of armed men, but Peter was going to do his part to set Jesus free.

Knowing Peter's attack could lead the guards to draw their swords and attack the disciples, Jesus steps forward and takes charge of the situation. He miraculously heals the servant's ear and brings peace and order back to the garden. This will be Jesus' last miracle before His death and resurrection. It is important to note He does it for one of the enemies who has come to arrest Him and lead Him to His death.

Does Judas see this miracle? It is proof that Jesus is still concerned for His enemies. He is willing to forgive Judas and restore him-if only he will believe it in his hour of guilt and regret.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You put Peter's sword back into its sheath and showed kindness to a stricken enemy, as You went forward to save us by Your suffering and death. In all times, and especially in danger, help me entrust myself into Your mighty hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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Devociones de Cuaresma - Conciencia tranquila

Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

Conciencia tranquila

05 de Abril de 2017

Si la sangre de los toros y de los machos cabríos, y las cenizas de la becerra rociadas sobre los impuros, santifican para la purificación de la carne, ¡cuánto más la sangre de Cristo, que por medio del Espíritu eterno se ofreció a sí mismo sin mancha a Dios, limpiará de obras muertas nuestra conciencia, para que sirvamos al Dios vivo! Hebreos 9:13-14, RVC (9:11-15)

Durante el verano pasado mi esposa y yo visitamos un viejo amigo, ya ahora entrado en años. Nos quedamos a dormir una noche en su casa. A la mañana siguiente le pregunté: '¿Qué tal dormiste?' 'Muy bien', me contestó. 'Tengo la conciencia limpia, ¿cómo no habría de dormir bien?' Me gustó su respuesta, muy arraigada en la obra de Cristo y en la fe cristiana. Es sólo la gracia de Dios la que, mediante el perdón de los pecados, nos puede hacer dormir tranquilos. O, como dice Pablo, nos permite vivir con una conciencia purificada de obras muertas.

No oigo hablar mucho de conciencia limpia últimamente, ni en la iglesia ni en ningún otro lado. Pareciera como que tuviéramos la conciencia cauterizada, insensibilizada por el bombardeo que sufrimos a diario de parte de Satanás de corrupción, libertinaje, infidelidades, y deshonestidad. Y entonces, nos limpiamos por afuera, o "purificamos la carne" para citar a Pablo.

Necesitamos escuchar una y otra vez la ley intransigente de Dios que nos acusa por nuestras obras muertas y que sabemos (somos conscientes) que nos condenan. Ningún sacrificio nos puede librar de las acusaciones de nuestra conciencia. Sólo el Señor Jesús, que derramó sangre inocente y santa, purifica nuestra conciencia para liberarnos de las obras que conducen a la muerte, a fin de que sirvamos al Dios viviente. ¡Qué privilegio dormir tranquilo! ¡Qué privilegio servir con la conciencia tranquila! ¡Gracias Jesús!

Gracias, Padre, porque en Jesús nos libraste de las obras que conducen a la muerte. Amén

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.

Our Daily Bread - Kossi’s Courage

Read: 2 Kings 23:12–14, 21–25 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 1–3; Luke 8:26–56

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You shall have no other gods before me. . . . You shall not bow down to them or worship them. Exodus 20:3, 5

As he awaited his baptism in Togo’s Mono River, Kossi stooped to pick up a worn wooden carving. His family had worshiped the object for generations. Now they watched as he tossed the grotesque figure into a fire prepared for the occasion. No longer would their choicest chickens be sacrificed to this god.

In the West, most Christians think of idols as metaphors for what they put in place of God. In Togo, West Africa, idols represent literal gods that must be appeased with sacrifice. Idol burning and baptism make a courageous statement about a new believer’s allegiance to the one true God.

As an eight-year-old, King Josiah came to power in an idol-worshiping, sex-obsessed culture. His father and grandfather had been two of the worst kings in all of Judah’s sordid history. Then the high priest discovered the book of the law. When the young king heard its words, he took them to heart (2 Kings 22:8–13). Josiah destroyed the pagan altars, burned the vile items dedicated to the goddess Asherah, and stopped the ritual prostitution (ch. 23). In place of these practices, he celebrated the Passover (23:21–23).

Whenever we look for answers apart from God—consciously or subconsciously—we pursue a false god. It would be wise to ask ourselves: What idols, literal or figurative, do we need to throw on the fire?

Lord, forgive us for those things we turn to that show our hearts are not focused on You. Show us what we need to give up, and replace it with the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

1 John 5:21

By Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Can Đảm Đốt Bỏ Thần Tượng

Đọc: 2 Các Vua 23:12-14, 21-25 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Sa-mu-ên 1-3; Lu-ca 8:26-56

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Trước mặt Ta con không được có các thần nào khác... Con không được cúi lạy trước các hình tượng đó hay phụng thờ chúng. Xuất Ê-díp-tô 20:3, 5

Khi đợi đến lượt làm báp-têm ở sông Mono của Togo, Kossi cúi xuống nhặt một bức tượng bằng gỗ đã cũ mòn. Gia đình anh đã thờ vật đó suốt nhiều đời. Giờ đây, họ nhìn theo khi anh quăng cái tượng kỳ quặc ấy vào đám lửa đã được chuẩn bị sẵn. Không còn chuyện chọn những con gà ngon nhất để dâng lên cho vị thần này.

Ở phương Tây, hầu hết các Cơ Đốc nhân xem thần tượng chỉ về những thứ chiếm vị trí của Đức Chúa Trời. Ở Togo, Tây Phi, thần tượng đại diện cho những vị thần theo nghĩa đen mà họ phải làm hài lòng bằng sinh tế. Việc đốt thần tượng và nhận lễ báp-têm là lời công bố can đảm về lòng trung thành của tân tín hữu với Đức Chúa Trời chân thật duy nhất.

Khi được tám tuổi, Vua Giô-si-a lên ngôi tại một nền văn hóa thờ thần tượng và mại dâm. Cha và ông nội của vua Giô-si-a là hai vị vua tệ nhất suốt lịch sử nhơ nhuốc của Giu-đa. Sau đó, thầy tế lễ thượng phẩm đã tìm ra quyển sách luật pháp. Khi vị vua trẻ tuổi nghe những lời trong quyển sách ấy, ông ghi lời ấy vào lòng (2 Các Vua 22:8-13). Giô-si-a phá hủy các bàn thờ ngoại bang, đốt những vật dụng ghê tởm dâng cho nữ thần A-sê-ra và chấm dứt nghi lễ mại dâm (chương 23). Thay vào đó, ông tổ chức lễ Vượt Qua (23:21-23).

Hễ khi nào chúng ta tìm kiếm câu trả lời ngoài Chúa—dù là cố ý hay vô ý—thì chúng ta đang chạy theo thần giả dối. Sẽ khôn ngoan khi chúng ta tự hỏi: Đâu là những thần tượng chúng ta cần quăng vào lửa, theo nghĩa đen hoặc nghĩa bóng?

Lạy Chúa, xin tha tội cho chúng con vì đã hướng đến những điều khác cho thấy lòng chúng con không tập chú về Ngài. Xin chỉ cho chúng con thấy những điều chúng con cần từ bỏ, và thay bằng sự hiện diện của Thánh Linh Ngài.

Các con bé nhỏ ơi, hãy giữ mình khỏi hình tượng! 1 Giăng 5:21

bởi Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - La valentía de Kossi

Leer: 2 Rey. 3:12-14, 21-25 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Samuel 1–3; Lucas 8:26-56

… No te harás imagen […]. No te inclinarás a ellas, ni las honrarás… (Éxodo 20:3, 5).

Mientras esperaba bautizarse en Togo, Kossi se inclinó a levantar una figura de madera. Su familia había adorado el objeto por generaciones. Ahora, observaron cómo él lo arrojaba a una pira preparada para la ocasión. Ya no sacrificarían sus mejores pollos a ese dios.

Para la mayoría de los cristianos occidentales, los ídolos son metáforas de lo que colocan en lugar de Dios. En Togo, África, los ídolos representan dioses literales a los que hay que apaciguar con un sacrificio. La quema de ídolos y el bautismo son una declaración valiente de lealtad al único Dios verdadero.

Con solo ocho años de edad, Josías subió al trono en una cultura idólatra e inmoral. Su padre y su abuelo habían sido dos de los peores reyes de Judá. Entonces, el sumo sacerdote descubrió el libro de la ley. Cuando el rey escuchó sus palabras, las tomó muy en serio (2 Reyes 22:8-13). Destruyó los altares paganos, quemó los utensilios dedicados a la diosa Asera y puso fin a la prostitución ritual (cap. 23). En lugar de estas prácticas, celebró la Pascua (23:21-23).

Cuando buscamos respuestas fuera de Dios, vamos en pos de un dios falso. Sería sabio preguntarnos: ¿Qué ídolos, literales o figurados, necesitamos arrojar al fuego?

Señor, revélanos qué tenemos que dejar de lado, y reemplázalo con la presencia de tu Espíritu.

Hijitos, guardaos de los ídolos.

1 Juan 5:21

Por Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Kossi zeigt Mut

Lesen: 2.Könige 23,12-14.21-25 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Samuel 1–3; Lukas 8,26-56

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Du sollst keine anderen Götter haben neben mir. . . . Bete sie nicht an und diene ihnen nicht! 2.Mose 20,3.5

Während Kossi darauf wartete, im Mono-Fluss in Togo getauft zu werden, hob er eine holzgeschnitzte Figur auf, die seine Familie seit Generationen angebetet hatte, und warf sie ins Feuer. Die besten Hühner sollten ab jetzt nicht mehr diesem Götzen geopfert werden.

Für die Christen im Westen sind Götzen oft nur ein Bild für Dinge, die sie an Gottes Stelle setzen. Im westafrikanischen Togo hingegen sind sie tatsächlich Götter, die mit Opfern besänftigt werden müssen. Götzenverbrennung und Taufe sind ein mutiges Bekenntnis des Neubekehrten zu dem einen, wahren Gott.

Josia war acht Jahre alt, als er in einer von Götzendienst und Sexbesessenheit geprägten Kultur an die Macht kam. Sein Vater und sein Großvater gehörten zu den schlimmsten Königen in Judas wechselhafter Geschichte. Dann fand der Hohepriester das Gesetzbuch. Als der junge König die Worte daraus hörte, nahm er sie zu Herzen (2.Kön. 22,8-13). Er zerstörte die heidnischen Altäre, verbrannte die Geräte, die dem Dienst der Göttin Aschera geweiht waren, und stoppte die Tempelprostitution (Kap. 23). Stattdessen ließ er das Passafest feiern (23,21-23).

Immer, wenn wir ohne Gott nach Antworten suchen—ob bewusst oder unbewusst—begehen wir Götzendienst. Vielleicht sollten wir uns einmal fragen, welche Götzen wir im buchstäblichen oder übertragenen Sinn ins Feuer werfen sollten.

Herr, vergib uns, wo wir uns Dingen zuwenden, die zeigen, dass unser Herz nicht auf dich gerichtet ist. Zeig uns, was wir aufgeben sollen, und erfülle uns mit der Gegenwart deines Geistes.

Kinder, hütet euch vor den Abgöttern! 1.Johannes 5,21

Von Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Le courage de Kossi

Lisez : 2 Rois 23.12‑14,21‑25 | La Bible en un an : 1 SAMUEL 1 – 3 et LUC 8.26‑56

Tu n'auras pas d'autres dieux devant ma face. [...] Tu ne te prosterneras point devant [eux]. Exode 20.3-5

En attendant de se faire baptiser dans le fleuve Mono, au Togo, Kossi s’est penché pour ramasser une sculpture de bois usée. Il y avait des générations que sa famille adorait cette figurine grotesque, que ses proches le regardaient maintenant jeter dans un feu que l’on avait préparé à cette intention. Aucun autre de leurs poulets de choix ne serait sacrifié à ce dieu.

En Occident, la plupart des chrétiens considèrent les idoles comme des métaphores illustrant ce que l’on substitue à Dieu. Au Togo, cependant, les idoles sont littéralement des dieux qu’il faut apaiser par des sacrifices. Brûler une idole et se faire baptiser constituent donc une déclaration d’allégeance courageuse du nouveau croyant au seul vrai Dieu.

À l’âge de huit ans, Josias est monté sur le trône d’un royaume marqué par l’idolâtrie et la débauche. Son père et son grand‑père avaient compté parmi les pires rois de toute l’histoire sordide de Juda. Puis le souverain sacrificateur a découvert le livre de la loi. En entendant les paroles qu’il renfermait, le jeune roi les a immédiatement adoptées (2 R 22.8‑13). Josias a alors détruit les autels païens, brûlé les idoles consacrées à la déesse Astarté et mis fin à la prostitution rituelle (CH 23) pour remplacer tout cela par la célébration de la Pâque (23.21‑23).

Chaque fois que nous cherchons des réponses ailleurs qu’en Dieu — consciemment ou non —, nous adorons un faux dieu. Quelles idoles, au propre ou au figuré, devons-nous donc jeter au feu ?

Petits enfants, gardez-vous des idoles.

1 JEAN 5.21

par Tim Gustafson

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Мужність Коссі

Читати: 2 Царів 23:12-14, 21-25 | Біблія за рік: 1 Самуїлова 1−3 ; Луки 8:26-56

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Хай не буде тобі інших богів передо Мною!.. Не вклоняйся їм і не служи їм. — Вихід 20:3, 5

Коссі, чекаючи на хрещення в річці Моно, що в країні Того, нахилився і підняв із землі вирізьбленого з дерева ідола. Потім кинув його у багаття. Протягом багатьох поколінь його рід вклонявся цьому шматку дерева. Але тепер він та його сім’я вже ніколи не будуть приносити найкращих курчат в жертву цьому божку.

На Заході багато християн використовують поняття “ідол” як метафору для всього того, що займає в житті місце Бога. Проте в західноафриканській країні Того люди вклоняються ідолам у прямому сенсі – задобрюють їх жертвами. Тому спалення ідола і прийняття хрещення – доволі сміливий вчинок для новонаверненого.

Коли восьмирічний Йосія зайняв престол, в його країні панувало ідолопоклонство. Його батько й дід були найгіршими царями в усій історії Юдейського царства, сповненій гріха й аморальності. Але потім первосвященик випадково знайшов Книгу Закону. Маленький цар, почувши прочитане, прийняв це до серця (2 Цар. 22:8-13). Йосія зруйнував поганські олтарі, спалив речі, що були присвячені богині Астарті, і порозбивав доми культу блудодійників (2 Цар. 23). Потім він відсвяткував Пасху (2 Цар. 23:21-23).

Сьогодні мудро буде спитати себе: “Якого ідола – у буквальному чи переносному сенсі – настав час кинути у вогонь?

Господи, пробач нас за ті речі, що дуже приваблюють нас і відволікають від Тебе. Вкажи, від чого потрібно відмовитись, щоб Дух Святий займав те місце, де колись панував ідол.

“Дітоньки, бережіться від ідолів!”

— 1 Івана 5:21

Автор Тім Густавсон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Храбрость Косси

Читать сейчас: 4 Царств 23:12-14, 21-25 | Библия за год: 1 Царств 1-3; Луки 8:26-56

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Да не будет у тебя других богов пред лицом Моим... Не поклоняйся им и не служи им. — Исход 20:3, 5

Перед тем как пойти на собственное крещение в реке Моно, Косси взвалил на плечи старого деревянного идола. Несколько поколений его семьи поклонялись этому истукану. Теперь родственники смотрели, как он тащит уродливую фигуру к специально разведенному костру. Их лучшие куры больше не будут приноситься в жертву ложному богу.

На Западе большинство христиан воспринимают понятие «идол» как метафору того, что занимает место Бога. В стране Того на западе Африки идолы – это настоящие изваяния, которым молятся и приносят жертвы. Сожжение истукана и последовавшее крещение стали дерзновенным заявлением о принадлежности нового верующего единому истинному Богу.

Восьмилетний Иосия воцарился над идолопоклонническим, распущенным народом. Его отец и дед были худшими царями за всю историю Израиля. Но вскоре после восхождения Иосии на престол священник нашел в храме книгу закона. Услышав слова книги, царь принял их к сердцу (4 Цар. 22:8-13). Он уничтожил языческие жертвенники, сжег истукан Астарты и прекратил обрядовый блуд при капищах (4 Цар. 23). Затем он устроил грандиозный праздник Пасхи.

Ища ответы на свои вопросы вне Бога (сознательно или бессознательно), мы следуем за ложными богами. Спросите себя: каких идолов, буквальных или образных, нужно бросить в огонь?

Господи, прости, что мы порой обращаемся к тому, что уводит от Тебя. Покажи нам, где нужно исправиться и дать место Твоему Святому Духу.

«Дети, храните себя от идолов».

— 1 Иоанна 5:21

автор: Тим Густафсон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, April 4, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Jeremiah 25:8-17

Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, I am going to send for all the tribes of the north, says the LORD, even for King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these nations around; I will utterly destroy them, and make them an object of horror and of hissing, and an everlasting disgrace. And I will banish from them the sound of mirth and the sound of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity, says the LORD, making the land an everlasting waste. I will bring upon that land all the words that I have uttered against it, everything written in this book, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations. For many nations and great kings shall make slaves of them also; and I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands. For thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and go out of their minds because of the sword that I am sending among them. So I took the cup from the LORD's hand, and made all the nations to whom the LORD sent me drink it:

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 10:1-13

Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 9:18-41

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." He said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him. Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 120 Ad Dominum
1   When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD; I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2   Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips and from the deceitful tongue.
3   What shall be done to you, and what more besides, O you deceitful tongue?
4   The sharpened arrows of a warrior, along with hot glowing coals.
5   How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6   Too long have I had to live among the enemies of peace.
7   I am on the side of peace, but when I speak of it, they are for war.

Psalm 121 Levavi oculos
1   I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?
2   My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3   He will not let your foot be moved and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4   Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5   The LORD himself watches over you; the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6   So that the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7   The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; it is he who shall keep you safe.
8   The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 122 Lætatus sum
1   I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2   Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3   Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself;
4   To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, the assembly of Israel, to praise the Name of the LORD.
5   For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6   Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
7   Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.
8   For my brethren and companions' sake, I pray for your prosperity.
9   Because of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek to do you good."

Psalm 123 Ad te levavi oculos meos
1   To you I lift up my eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens.
2   As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3   So our eyes look to the LORD our God, until he show us his mercy.
4   Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5   Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, and of the derision of the proud.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 124 Nisi quia Dominus
1   If the LORD had not been on our side, let Israel now say;
2   If the LORD had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us;
3   Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us;
4   Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us;
5   Then would the raging waters have gone right over us.
6   Blessed be the LORD! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7   We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8   Our help is in the Name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 125 Qui confidunt
1   Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2   The hills stand about Jerusalem; so does the LORD stand round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3   The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to the just, so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4   Show your goodness, O LORD, to those who are good and to those who are true of heart.
5   As for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; but peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 126 In convertendo
1   When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
2   Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3   Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
4   The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.
5   Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses of the Negev.
6   Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
7   Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Psalm 127 Nisi Dominus
1   Unless the LORD builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it.
2   Unless the LORD watches over the city, in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3   It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4   Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5   Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
6   Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

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 - April 4, 2017

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Read all of Ephesians 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 - "Certain of His Death"

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

—1 Corinthians 15:3 (NKJV)

An advice columnist received this letter about the Resurrection: “Dear Uticus, Our preacher said on Easter that Jesus just swooned on the cross and the disciples nurtured Him back to health. What do you think? Sincerely, Bewildered.”

Here was the response: “Dear Bewildered, Beat your preacher with a cat of nine tails with 39 heavy strokes. Nail him to a cross. Hang him in the sun for three hours. Run a spear through his heart. Embalm him. Put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours, and see what happens. Sincerely, Uticus.”

Inevitably, unbelievers will offer their own concepts regarding the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus in an attempt to discredit the Bible and its message. Among the most commonly held theories is “the swoon theory,” proposing that Jesus didn’t actually die on the cross, but went into a deep coma, or swoon. It further proposes that He was revived in the cool atmosphere of the tomb, was somehow able to get out of the tightly wrapped strips of cloth, and appeared to His disciples.

Yet the Roman guards were the first to report the death of Jesus. They were experts at execution, and they would be put to death themselves if they allowed a condemned man to escape death. These soldiers were so certain Jesus was dead, they did not bother to break His legs. They thrust a spear into His body and out came blood and water (which occurs when the heart stops beating), giving them the final proof they needed.

We can either believe or hang our doubts on some flimsy theory. But the death and Resurrection of Jesus means that one day, we all will stand before God and be held accountable.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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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 - Oración por confianza en Dios

En ti confían los que conocen tu nombre, porque tú, Señor, jamás abandonas a los que te buscan.
Salmo 9:10, NVI

Te busco con todo mi corazón porque he podido reflexionar acerca de las veces que no he confiado en ti y he puesto mi mirada en otras imágenes. Las veces en que he prestado mis oídos para escuchar a personas que usurpan tu lugar adivinando el futuro que solo tú conoces.

He entendido que esto te desagrada y que las consecuencias no son las mejores.

Por eso, Dios mío, te pido perdón y renuncio hoy mismo a este tipo de creencias.

Te pido que me limpies y me liberes de cualquier atadura con el enemigo.

Hoy, Dios mío, me comprometo a confiar en ti y a creer en que tú tienes grandes cosas para mi vida.

Señor, dame sabiduría y ayúdame a vivir día a día bajo tus cuidados y protección.

Gracias por todo lo que estás haciendo y por todo lo que harás.

Amén y amén

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25

A tentmaker missionary in Morocco struggled with the issue of dying for Christ. He shares these words:

Is faith in Christ worth dying for? I quickly saw that if it wasn’t, I had no business presenting the Gospel to Muslims. You see, when a Muslim receives Christ, he faces certain persecution and possible death. How can I ask a Muslim to receive Christ as Lord if I have doubts in my own heart. If Christ isn’t worth dying for, He isn’t worth living for. On the other hand, if Christ is worth living and dying for, then we have a Gospel that is of infinite value to Muslims...

Ahmed came to see me one day, honestly sharing his fears with me about following Christ. He asked, “What if I go to prison?” This kind of question had always intimidated me; I wasn’t sure that I could ask someone to be willing to go to prison when I myself had never gone. Yet now I realized that it was Jesus who was calling him to take up his cross and follow, not me. This was between Ahmed and the Lord.

A thirty-two-year-old pastor works in Upper Egypt, an area of intense persecution for Christians. He runs a day care center, a medical clinic, a literacy training program as well as caring for the families of those in prison. He has been beaten twice by Muslim extremists and threatened daily with death. He knows they are trying to kill him...but he continues to daily bear his cross.

A leading pastor in Egypt shared about a parishioner who tearfully came for counseling. Young people she had trained at her work were recently promoted to be her supervisors. She was passed over solely because she was a Christian. The pastor concluded, “That’s the cross we must bear here in Egypt!”

The essence of these examples is that instead of exercising and asserting my will, I learn to cooperate with God’s wishes and comply with His will.

RESPONSE: Today I give my will over to God and comply with His will for me.

PRAYER: Lord, I want to cooperate with Your wishes and desires. Help me bear my cross for You.

Girlfriends in God - Jesus, Take The Whole Car

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2, NIV)

Friend to Friend

One of the things we do at dinnertime as a family is a daily recap. Simple stuff: we talk through the things that happened that day. When my kids were in elementary school, one of the first things they talked about was who got to be the line leader that day. It was a pretty big deal, especially to young Smiths who really, really loved being the line leader. (I don’t know where they get that . . .)

Okay, I need to be honest here. Following is not necessarily my strong suit. I like to be in charge and in control. Especially on the road. If you and I have somewhere to go together, you might just want to let me drive because I tend to freak out in the passenger seat. I wonder why the invisible brake on my side never works, even when I pump it. I get frustrated with the guy in the passing lane who drives ten miles an hour below the speed limit and does not pass anybody. It’s the PASSING lane, people, therefore, pass! Clearly no one can drive as well as I can . . .

Hot messes. All of us!

We are so concerned with blue ribbons and lead positions.

Lord, forgive us.

Jesus showed us a better way to get where we need to go. He told his disciples to follow Him. To stop doing their own things and to do His thing. These instructions were meant for you and me as well. He wants us to do what He did—to love like He loved, to lead like He led. And He led by serving others. By humbling Himself sacrificially. He was the greatest, but treated others as if they were.

In her book Love Story, songwriter and author Nichole Nordeman puts it this way. “Jesus sort of topples the model of traditional leadership. He starts at the bottom. First things first. Let’s get those feet washed. This is how Jesus leads. And it’s why marriages and corporations and ministries thrive under his model of servant leadership. Stooping, not looming. Tending, not monitoring.”

I know this.

I really do.

I want this.

I want this for me, and I want this for my family. I want this for you. I want to live this type of radical life that showcases Jesus and pushes His fame to the forefront. Not only on the good days, but also on the bad days. Not only in the comfortable times, but also in the uncomfortable, fiery times. Don’t you?

I am thankful that God convicts my heart when I get bossy, start comparing, running ahead of God, or getting caught up in self-centered pursuits. His Spirit reminds me that my flesh needs to be put down because I am bound to Christ and He is my master. The Spirit of God reminds me that I am not to live as a slave to sin, but to live as a slave to righteousness (Romans 5).

When Jesus becomes our focus, we will be in the center of God’s will for us.

Today, for me, this probably means I will do more praying than social media posting or news watching. And it also means that when that certain mom bends my ear about the awesome accomplishments of her darling daughter, I will smile, share in her joy, and not respond with, “Well, my daughter just...”

Things go better for me when I choose humility, make a big deal about God’s greatness, and follow His lead by lovingly serving the people in my life. When I live by the instructions that Paul gave to the church of Ephesus, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

My peace is greater when I look to the needs of others instead of my own, when I humble myself before our awesome Lord and beg for Him to be magnified in my words, thoughts, efforts, and decisions.

Jesus is the line leader.

I am just a girl in line who needs to keep her eyes fixed on the Guy up front.

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, Please lead me. Take the wheel. Take the whole car! Take my life. No more pushing to the front of the line for me. I want You, Jesus. I want more of You.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Ephesians 4.

Write out verse 2 then write down the initials of a few people you need to apply this with. Pray for the Lord to help you ... and pray for those people.

More from the Girlfriends

FREE EBOOK: Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required. I WANT IT ALL is easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS. (CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional Ebook.)

Seeking God?

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relationship with Jesus Christ.

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