The Daily Readings for MONDAY, February 12, 2018

Peter Denies Jesus
John 18:15-18, 18:25-27

Daily Readings

Proverbs 27:1-12

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth-- a stranger, and not your own lips. A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy. The sated appetite spurns honey, but to a ravenous appetite even the bitter is sweet. Like a bird that strays from its nest is one who strays from home. Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble. Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent; do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away. Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer whoever reproaches me. The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

Philippians 2:1-13

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

John 18:15-18, 18:25-27

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

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.

Prayer of the Day for MONDAY, February 12, 2018

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

Amen

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, February 12, 2018

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Read all of Proverbs 3

Listen to Proverbs 3

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

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - GIVING OUR ALL TO JESUS

GIVING OUR ALL TO JESUS

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

~ Acts 5:1-10 (NIV)

The sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira are jarring at first glance. After all, the couple voluntarily gave up part of their profits to the church, so what could possibly warrant their deaths? The problem was that they lied about their gift and withheld money for themselves, desiring the status of the large donation and the appearance of radical generosity in the eyes of the apostles and the other members of the church. Furthermore, Peter says that they allowed Satan to fill their hearts (5:3). They lied to the Holy Spirit (5:4), who had filled their community of believers. In the midst of the church’s miraculous growth, remarkable unity and amazing gospel message, Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitful plan stood as the antithesis of the church’s faith-filled generosity and brotherly love.

The Good Shepherd refuses to tolerate wolves roaming freely among his sheep. In contrast, the preceding story of Barnabas (4:36–37) reveals the greater truth that authentic allegiance to Jesus is characterized by the kind of cheerful generosity that both honors God and cares for his people. May those who follow Jesus be so struck by his worth, so confident of his care and so committed to his ways that they likewise “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus, help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. I want others to see my generosity and know it must come from you. Amen.

Taken from NIV The Jesus Bible

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Authentic allegiance to Jesus is characterized by the kind of cheerful generosity that both honors God and cares for his people.

Un dia a la Vez - Tenemos que creer

Tenemos que creer

No temas, porque yo estoy contigo; no te angusties, porque yo soy tu Dios. Te fortaleceré y te ayudaré; te sostendré con mi diestra victoriosa.

~ Isaías 41:10 (NVI)

Es verdad que casi todos hemos experimentado un milagro de Dios en nuestras vidas. Bueno, quizá consideres que no es así en la tuya.

¿Por qué será que los seres humanos dudamos tanto, y a veces más entre los que decimos creer en Dios, de que Él es capaz de hacer cualquier milagro? ¿Por qué olvidamos que Dios es el mismo hoy y siempre y que hace y hará milagros? Lo que ocurre es que nuestra falta de fe no nos permite verlo en nuestras vidas.

En lo personal, he recibido milagros de todo tipo: familiares, financieros, de salud. Dios ha hecho milagros en mis hijas, como lo hizo al sanar a mi princesa de cinco años, Anne, de una enfermedad en la piel. Le detectaron un virus llamado molluscum contagiosum [molusco contagioso] y quedé aterrorizada. Solo sabía que era horrible, contagioso, que las verrugas en la piel le podían durar de seis a dos años y que se podía extender por todo el cuerpo. Sentí un frío en mi interior y la miré con esas pápulas en las piernas y dije: «¡No, Señor, a ella no!».

Esa noche, me metí sola al baño y me derrumbé. Allí me desahogué con mi Padre Dios y le dije: «Por favor, sana a mi hija. Te ofrezco mi vida y mi trabajo, pero sánala».

Recuerdo que la pusimos en el grupo de oración que tenemos en la emisora donde trabajo, y les digo algo, a las dos semanas esas pápulas se desvanecieron. Lo que duraría seis meses como mínimo, Dios lo llevó a dos semanas.

Tenemos que creer que Dios es bueno y conoce nuestra necesidad. Recuerda, «sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios» (Hebreos 11:6).

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Es verdad que casi todos hemos experimentado un milagro de Dios en nuestras vidas.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - REFUSING TO COMPROMISE

REFUSING TO COMPROMISE

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

~ Matthew 10:28 (NIV)

When do you compromise and when do you refuse to? On the one hand, Jesus instructed us to make friends with our enemy before any court case can develop; and on the other, he teaches us to be true to the principles of the kingdom of God.

The history of Christian persecution is filled with inspiring stories featuring people of principle—those individuals who are immortalized for refusing to compromise their beliefs. John Bunyan was one of those.

In 1660, England’s experiment as a republic came to an abrupt end with the return to monarchist rule under Charles II. With this change, religious freedom also ended and Anglicanism was once again designated as the official state religion. It became illegal to conduct church services outside of the Church of England and unlicensed individuals were forbidden from addressing a religious gathering.

With these new laws, John Bunyan was arrested for preaching without a license. His growing popularity, though, prompted the judge to seek some sort of a compromise. Promising Bunyan immediate release if he only promised not to preach again, the judge’s leniency was met with the reply, “If you release me today, I shall preach tomorrow!”

Three times in his life Bunyan was arrested, convicted and jailed for preaching without a license. In the end, he spent over twelve years in prison. At any time during those years he could have secured his freedom by simply promising not to preach. But Bunyan knew God’s calling on his life and so he adamantly refused to compromise his convictions.

Those prison years were certainly not wasted. It was during this time that Bunyan wrote the book Pilgrim’s Progress. Its immediate success and ongoing popularity has made it a Christian classic, the second most read book in English literature next to the Bible.

Today Christians around the world still languish in prison because they will not compromise their faith and give in to government suggestions for release. Christians in Laos are accused of following an “American” religion and would be released from prison and left in peace if they would sign a document recanting their commitment to Christ. Most refuse.

Christians in “shipping container” prisons in Eritrea would be released if they also signed such a document but prefer to suffer indefinitely for the cause of Christ than deny Him.

Compromise is not always bad, but when it comes to issues of faith, we are expected to stand for Christ and His kingdom principles.

RESPONSE: Today I will stand strong and true to my convictions and faith in Jesus and His kingdom principles.

PRAYER: Pray for those Christians in prison today mentioned above, that they will not give in to Satan’s temptations to deny their faith.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

Women of the Bible - Rachel

Rachel

Her name means: "Ewe"

Her character: Manipulated by her father, she had little say over her own life circumstances and relationships. But rather than dealing creatively with a difficult situation, Rachel behaved like a perpetual victim, responding to sin with yet more sin, making things worse by competing with her sister, and deceiving her father in return.
Her sorrow: That her longing for children ultimately led to her death in childbirth.
Her joy: That her husband cherished her and would do whatever was in his power to make her happy.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 29-35; Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18

Her Story

Was it better to have love but no children or to be unloved and yet mother to a house full of sons? The question battered Rachel like a strong wind slamming the same door over and over.

Leah had just given birth to her fourth son, Judah. In her joy she had shouted, "I will praise the Lord!" Her firstborn, Reuben, meant "See, a Son"; Simeon, "One Who Hears"; and Levi, "Attached," as though Jacob could ever be attached to his plain wife! Rachel was sick to death of this habit her sister had of naming her sons in ways that emphasized Rachel's own barrenness.

Leah had become Jacob's wife through her father's treachery, but Rachel had captured his love from their first meeting at the well outside Haran. Every touch communicated his favor. Yet favor could not make children any more than wishing could make wealth. Rachel should have been his first, his only wife, just as Aunt Rebekah was Uncle Isaac's only wife.

Rachel's father, Laban, had promised her to his nephew, Jacob, provided he work for him for seven years. Seven years was a long time to wait for a wife, yet Jacob had thought it a good bargain. And that made Rachel love him all the more.

But as the wedding day approached, Laban hatched a scheme to trick seven more years of labor out of Jacob. Rachel's day of happiness dissolved the moment Laban instructed her older sister, Leah, to disguise herself in Rachel's wedding garments.

After dark he led Leah, veiled, to Jacob's tent, and the two slept together as man and wife. As the first light crept across the tent floor, Jacob reached again for Rachel only to find Leah at his side. Laban's treachery stung him. It was beyond belief. Even so, despite the recriminations and the tears, the marriage could not be undone.

But Rachel felt undone, her blessing seized by stealth. Laban's convoluted plan, however, was still unfolding. He struck another bargain, giving Rachel to Jacob the very next week in exchange for seven more years of labor. So now the two sisters lived uneasily together, Leah's sons a grating reminder that Rachel, the second wife, was cheated still.

"Give me children, or I'll die," Rachel screamed at Jacob one day—as though he could take the place of God and open her womb. So she gave him Bilhah, her maid, who conceived and bore her two sons. When Napthali, the second son, was born, Rachel proclaimed to anyone who would listen, "I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won." But the wrestling match between Rachel and Leah was far from over.

Rachel's bitterness again eased when she herself gave birth to a son, naming him Joseph, meaning "May He Add"—a prophetic prayer that God would add yet another child to her line.

Then one day God spoke to Jacob, telling him to return to the land of Isaac, his father. More than twenty years earlier, Jacob had wrestled the blessing from Esau and then had fled his murderous wrath. Had the long years paid him back twofold? Had Laban's treachery and the wrestling match between Rachel and Leah reminded him of his own struggles with his brother? Would God—and Esau—call it even? Only the Lord could protect him in this matter with his brother.

As Jacob gathered his flocks, his servants, and his children, preparing to leave, Rachel stole her father's household gods, small idols thought to ensure prosperity. After ten days on the road, Laban overtook them in the hill country of Gilead, accusing his son-in-law of theft. Unaware of Rachel's deceit, Jacob invited Laban to search the camp, promising to put to death anyone discovered with the idols.

Having learned a trick or two from her crafty father, Rachel tucked the idols into a saddle and then sat on it. When Laban entered her tent, she greeted him with a woman's ruse, saying, "Don't be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I'm having my period." Her trick worked, much as Jacob's had when he deceived his own father, and Laban finally gave up the search. Later, Jacob made sure that all the old idols were purged from his household.

As they made their way across the desert, Jacob faced his brother Esau, and the two reconciled. But tragedy soon overtook them as Rachel struggled to give birth to a second son, the answer to her many prayers. Ironically, the woman who once said she would die unless she had children was now dying because of a child. Rachel's last words, "He is Ben-Oni, the son of my trouble," capture her anguish at the birth of this son.

But Jacob gathered the infant in his arms and with a father's tenderness renamed him Benjamin, "Son of My Right Hand."

Like her husband, the beautiful Rachel had been both a schemer and the victim of schemes. Tricked by her own father, she viewed her children as weapons in the struggle with her sister. As so often happens, the lessons of treachery and competition were passed from generation to generation. Rachel's own son, Joseph, would suffer grievously as a result, being sold into slavery by his half brothers, Leah's sons.

Yet God would remain faithful. Through a remarkable set of twists and turns, Rachel's Joseph would one day rule Egypt, providing a refuge for his father and brothers in the midst of famine. Step by step, in ways impossible to foresee, God's plan was unfolding—a plan to heal divisions, put an end to striving, and restore hope. Using people with mixed motives and confused desires (the only kind of people there are), he was revealing his grace and mercy, never once forsaking his promise.

Her Promise

Genesis 30:22 says, "God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb." God remembered Rachel, but he had never really forgotten her. When the Bible uses the word remember, it doesn't mean that God forgets and then suddenly recalls—as if the all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe suddenly hits his forehead with the heel of his hand and says, "Oops! I forgot all about Rachel. I'd better do something quickly!"

No, when the Bible says God remembers something, it expresses God's love and compassion for his people. It reminds us of God's promise never to abandon us or leave us without support or relief. He will never forsake us. He will never forget us. He will always remember us.

This devotional is drawn from Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. Used with permission.
Manipulated by her father, she had little say over her own life circumstances and relationships.

Girlfriends in God - 3 Simple Questions: How to Make a Godly Decision

3 Simple Questions: How to Make a Godly Decision

Kelly Balarie

Today’s Truth

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

My husband said to me, "Kelly, you need to be more straightforward with people. Answer with an outright ‘no’ when you know you need to say ‘no.’”

I mulled over his words, considering them.

He had a good point. I have a hard time saying no. I want to make everyone happy. I don't want to let people down. My central goal is to leave them encouraged.

And to avoid feeling unlikable. To avoid dealing with those awful residual icky feelings of knowing a person may not want me anymore, think highly of me, or desire to be my friend. Or worst yet, they talk behind my back and form some kind of club that hates me. The idea of all this hurts enough to live a life that rapidly throws out a yes.

Even the idea of it horribly stresses me out.

Are you like me? Do you say “yes” when you have an inkling the right answer is “no?” Why? Underneath your altruistic, save-the-world, love-on-every man, give-your-whole-life-over goal, what are you seeking?

Do you want to appear the do-it-all woman?

Do you want people to know you are capable?

Do you not want to look weak?

Do you hope to never let anyone down?

Do you believe God has called you to do everything?

Do you cringe at the idea of not being liked?

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)
This verse teaches us: Our goal is not to be loved by man, but to love God first and foremost. We can't easily pursue God's mission when we're caught in the web of everyone else's approval. The only approval we need is the approval of Christ Jesus. Just as many men disliked Jesus, there will be many times when we are disliked too. The value of Christian life is not how liked we are; it is how loved by Jesus we are.

With these foundational truths in our pocket, we can ask God 3 things when making a decision:

1. Are you calling me to do this?

Consider: Our immediate and half-hearted action plan may prohibit God's perfect and powerful plan. It may be another's gifts that are meant to be used for this unique situation, not ours. Sometimes our best strategy is to move out of the way, so God can move in.

2. Am I doing this out of love?

If it's absent of love, it is worthless.

"If I...do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3)


3. Am I wise to wait on this?

If we don’t have clarity, there's validity in waiting. Pray. Seek. Ask. Repeat. By faith, believe God has our way.

Jesus is "The Way." And no matter how you answer... "yes" or "no,” he always loves you. Always. And He's prepared to help, guide and lead you in all of your ways.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, help me to seek You above all else. May I lift my eyes and remember where my help comes from. May I know You orchestrate all things, in all ways, and at all times. May I rest in your care and trust your leading. Thank you, God.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Think of a decision that has you stuck. Run it through the three questions above. See if He brings discernment as to some of your next steps.

More from the Girlfriends

Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of “Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

I have a hard time saying no.

LHM Devotion - February 12, 2018 "Beautiful Feet"

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Beautiful Feet"

Feb. 12, 2018

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.

~ Isaiah 52:7a (ESV)

With only the most modest of editing for the purposes of space, the following devotion was written by Richard Cohrs, a dear friend and retired employee of Lutheran Hour Ministries. His beautiful, albeit unnamed, wife is Carol.

The other day my wife and I flew Southwest Airlines from Flint, Michigan, to St. Louis, Missouri. Switching planes in Chicago, we had time enough to enjoy some of the best of the Windy City's cuisine: hot dogs and Italian beef. That still gave us plenty of time to get to our next gate.

For those of you who don't know, Southwest Airlines doesn't assign seats. Boarding is determined by a letter and number which is printed on your ticket. After you are on the plane you can plunk down in any open seat you wish. To facilitate the boarding process, passengers are asked to line up about ten minutes beforehand.

It is a smooth process, and my wife and I were almost on the plane when there was a problem.

The fellow ahead of us had a boarding pass the electronic scanner didn't like. The gate agent tried numerous times to scan the boarding pass, but each time it was refused. With each rejection, the man became more upset, insisting the fault was in the machine and not his boarding pass. Eventually, the gate agent discovered the problem; the man was trying to get on the wrong plane.

His flight had already boarded and left without him.

I do not know why the man missed his flight, but I do know it wasn't because Southwest didn't try. Every flight has a minimum of three loud-speaker announcements, and there are numerous illuminated flight signs which are continuously being updated. And, if that isn't enough, the airline will call for a passenger, by name, if he fails to show up while the plane is being boarded.

With all of the information available to him, some of you may wonder how he missed his flight.

I don't wonder. I understand. You see, I almost missed my flight. When we were still in Flint, I got involved in a conversation with some very interesting people. We talked, we laughed, we shared stories, and I did not hear any of the airline's announcements. I made my flight only because my wife sought me out and told me personally that it was time to get on the plane.

In today's world, there are various and many ways that the Good News of Jesus is being shared. There is radio, television, internet, print, mailings, billboards, church signs, and even prayers printed on fast food wrappers.

All of these are inviting people to know more about Jesus.

Which makes it hard for us to imagine that there is anybody who is still ignorant of Jesus and all He has done to forgive and save us. Yes, it's hard to imagine, but the truth is there are many millions out there who have not heard or heeded the Holy Spirit's calling. It makes little difference if they have not heard or heeded, either way they are missing God's gracious call to salvation and eternal life.

Now I made my plane because my loving wife cared enough to seek me out and offer a personal witness.

My wife is beautiful; indeed, but how much more beautiful is that person who loves others enough to find and share a personal invitation to meet the Savior. To invite others to see the Savior is a trust the Lord has given us because He knows, not everybody has met or believes in His Son, the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the Gift of Jesus who gives us the gift of eternal life. We ask that You would give us beautiful-feet opportunities, and inspire us to act on them. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
With only the most modest of editing for the purposes of space, the following devotion was...

Devocional del CPTLN de 12 de Febrero de 2018 "Un amigo de verdad"

ALIMENTO DIARIO

"Un amigo de verdad"

12 de Febrero de 2018

Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna.

~ Juan 3:16 (RVC)

¿Alguna vez te has sentido totalmente solo, sin nadie que te comprenda? ¿Te gustaría tener un buen amigo que siempre esté a tu lado y que pueda ayudarte cuando lo necesites?

Ahora mismo puedes conocer a un amigo así. La verdad es que él ya te conoce y te quiere tal como eres. Su nombre es Jesucristo. Él quiere acompañarte todo el tiempo, pero hay un problema: él no puede estar donde hay pecado. Es por ello que, cada vez que mentimos, desobedecemos o hacemos cualquier otra cosa mala, nos alejamos de Cristo.

Lo bueno es que Jesucristo amó a todo el mundo tal como es, y nos sigue amando de la misma manera, aunque somos pecadores.

Recordemos esta cita bíblica: "Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna" (Juan 3:16). En este evangelio, Jesucristo nos dice que la mejor forma de mostrar el amor es estando dispuesto a morir por un amigo.

Eso es precisamente lo que hizo Jesucristo por nosotros. Al morir en la cruz Jesucristo pagó el precio de la culpa por nuestros pecados. Gracias a su sacrificio, ahora Dios nos puede tratar como si nunca hubiéramos pecado y Jesucristo puede ser nuestro amigo para siempre.

Sólo se trata de abrir nuestro corazón, ponernos en sus manos, y dejar que él actúe en nosotros.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, te doy gracias por ese infinito amor que siempre nos has demostrado a pesar de nuestra desobediencia. Gracias por haber enviado a tu amado Hijo para que nuestros pecados fueran perdonados y podamos recibir la vida eterna. En su nombre. Amén.

Biografía del autor: Esta devoción está basada en un texto de Marisela Osorio, una diaconisa que trabaja con el Projecto JOEL de Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones en Nicaragua.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Alguna vez te has sentido totalmente solo, sin nadie que te comprenda?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Hãy Tin Cậy Ta

Hãy Tin Cậy Ta

Đọc: I Các vua 17:7-16 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Lê-vi ký 13; Ma-thi-ơ 26:26-50

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Chớ lo lắng về ngày mai. Ma-thi-ơ 6:34

Sau khi tốt nghiệp đại học, tôi tìm được việc làm với mức lương khá thấp. Với số tiền ít ỏi kiếm được, đôi lúc tôi không có đủ tiền cho bữa ăn kế tiếp. Tôi đã học cách tin cậy nơi sự chu cấp mỗi ngày của Chúa.

Điều này nhắc tôi nhớ đến kinh nghiệm của tiên tri Ê-li. Trong suốt thời gian thi hành chức vụ tiên tri, ông đã học tin cậy nơi sự chu cấp của Chúa cho nhu cầu hằng ngày của mình. Ngay sau khi Ê-li công bố sự đoán phạt của Chúa qua một cơn hạn hán sẽ xảy ra trên toàn xứ Y-sơ-ra-ên, Chúa đã sai ông đi vào sa mạc, đến khe Kê-rít. Tại đó, mỗi ngày Chúa sai chim quạ mang thức ăn đến cho Ê-li và làm tươi mới hồn ông bằng nguồn nước trong khe (I Vua. 17:1-4).

Nhưng cơn hạn hán đã xảy ra. Nước trong khe cạn dần và lòng khe trở nên khô cằn. Chỉ khi đó, Chúa truyền cho Ê-li rằng: “Hãy mau đi đến Sa-rép-ta… Ta đã truyền cho một bà góa ở thành ấy cung cấp thức ăn cho con” (c. 9). Sa-rép-ta thuộc địa phận Phê-ni-xi, vùng đất kẻ thù của dân Y-sơ-ra-ên. Liệu có ai chịu cho Ê-li ở? Và có chắc là một góa phụ nghèo có đủ thức ăn để cho ông không?

Hầu hết chúng ta đều muốn Chúa chu cấp cho mình dư dật để có thể tích trữ lâu dài, hơn là đủ dùng mỗi ngày. Nhưng Cha yêu dấu thì thầm rằng: Hãy Tin Cậy Ta. Ngài đã từng dùng chim quạ và một bà góa để chu cấp cho Ê-li, thì chẳng có gì Ngài không làm được. Chúng ta có thể tin cậy nơi tình yêu và quyền năng của Ngài, Ngài sẽ đáp ứng mọi nhu cầu hằng ngày của chúng ta.

Lạy Cha thành tín, con tạ ơn Cha vì Ngài biết chính xác điều con cần trước khi con cầu xin. Xin giúp con tin cậy Ngài trong mọi nhu cầu hằng ngày của con.

Chúa cung ứng mọi nhu cầu của chúng ta - ngày nào đủ cho ngày nấy.

bởi Poh Fang Chia

© 2018 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Sau khi tốt nghiệp đại học, tôi tìm được việc làm với mức lương khá thấp.