Sunday, December 31, 2017

The Daily Readings for SUNDAY, December 31, 2017 - New Year's Eve - First Sunday after Christmas


Daily Readings

Opening Sentence
Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.
~ Revelation 21:3

Confession and Forgiveness
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

God is light; in him there in no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and son not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
~ John 1:5b-8

Most holy and merciful Father, We confess to you and to one another, that we have sinned against you by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not fully loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not always had in us the mind of Christ. You alone know how often we have grieved you by wasting your gifts, by wandering from your ways. Forgive us, we pray you, most merciful Father; And free us from our sin. Renew in us the grace and strength of your Holy Spirit, for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen

Sunday Morning Prayer
God, as you gave us the sun to lighten our days, so you have given us your Word to lighten our minds and our souls. I pray that you will pour out on me your Spirit as I pray today, that my heart and mind may be opened to your Word, and that I may learn and accept your will for my life.

Shine within my heart, loving God, the pure light of your divine knowledge; open the eyes of my mind and the ears of my heart to receive your Word, this day and always, Amen


The Lessons

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Psalm 147 Laudate Dominum
1   Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God!
how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
2   The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3   He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4   He counts the number of the stars
and calls them all by their names.
5   Great is our LORD and mighty in power;
there is no limit to his wisdom.
6   The LORD lifts up the lowly,
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7   Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God upon the harp.
8   He covers the heavens with clouds
and prepares rain for the earth;
9   He makes grass to grow upon the mountains
and green plants to serve mankind.
10   He provides food for flocks and herds
and for the young ravens when they cry.
11   He is not impressed by the might of a horse;
he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
12   But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who await his gracious favor.
13   Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion;
14   For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
15   He has established peace on your borders;
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16   He sends out his command to the earth,
and his word runs very swiftly.
17   He gives snow like wool;
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18   He scatters his hail like bread crumbs;
who can stand against his cold?
19   He sends forth his word and melts them;
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20   He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21   He has not done so to any other nation;
to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah!

Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.


Here ends the Readings

Click HERE to read today's Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Prayer of the Day - New Year's Eve
Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future.

We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.

In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.

In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.

And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need.

We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them.

As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year.

And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come. Amen.
~ Billy Graham 1963


Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer
O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to your fold again. Deal favorably with me according to your good pleasure, until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise you forever and ever with them that are there. Amen
~ from a prayer of St. Jerome, 408 A.D.


The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
~ Numbers 6:22-27

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.

"Beginning A New Year" Sermon for SUNDAY, December 31, 2017 - New Year's Eve - First Sunday after Christmas

“In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.
~ John 1:1-18

"Beginning A New Year"
by Rev. Tom McVicar
Maybole, South Ayrshire, Scotland

Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen

“In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Totay we stand on the edge of a New Year. Many wonder what it will bring; joy or sorrow, increase or decline, grief or happiness, yet a New Year can be a time of a new beginning when we leave the past behind and turn the corner. In some ways we can do little about the past yet many spend their lives living in the past, seeking to relive its joy and sorrows only to realize that physically there is nothing we can do.

We certainly can not return to past glories or grief. I said physically for there is a difference here, for God will hold us accountable for the past. The only way we can adequately deal with it is through the cross of Calvary and to realize the Child of Bethlehem was to become our Redeemer, shedding his blood for our sins, that we could realize a position of being justified by Christ before Almighty God. That means I can sleep at night secure in the knowledge that my past is forgiven, my present secured and my future is certain. So no matter what way the wind blows, I am centred in Christ and in Him I am anchored in life and certain in death which leads to eternal life.

John 1:1 In the beginning repeats Genesis 1:1. Genesis tells of the old creation order when God created man and women and breathed into man the breath of life.

In John’s gospel it is the story of the new creation needed by a fallen mankind where man is told of God’s great love.

As John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life”

It is far beyond any of our understanding but this is the one way provided. Where a spiritually dead person becomes alive forever, alive to God’s promises and keeping. John reminds us in the wonderful opening verse (John 1:1), exactly who Jesus is, notice the present tense.

He is the eternal Word of God

Psalm 33:6 “By the Word of God the heavens were made”

John is telling us of the eternal pre-existent one the Logos, the Word of God who is the child in the manger.

The Bible does not speak of cheap grace or a special one invented to become a baby. The Bible says “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory full of grace and truth.”

Why we should stress this at the beginning of the year is to realize that God is ahead of our ball game. He simply does not play our silly games, blowing hot or cold, believing and not believing, fearing and not fearing.

He says to us today. Look at my Son, hear him. Remember life is not a game, the reality check is here. We are sinners needing a Saviour.

The Bible says He is the pre-existent one. The one who spoke and creation came into being but He also is the One who plans my future, forgives my past and fortifies my present.

OK. It does not depend on me. All I can do is to trust in God. To hope in Him. To take Him at His word.

To say Lord my life is in your hand not mine.

To say Bless me that I might walk in your way.

To say Lord sometimes I fear for the future, but I realize also, you are the Lord of the future, the First and the Last. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. The Eternal Word of God.

God has spoken to us by His Son. The one who was and who is and who is to come. The Almighty. He is the one who at the beginning of the New Year says “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.” Rev 1:17-18.

I trust that God will bless you during 2018.


Seeking God?
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relationship with Jesus Christ

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. Sermon contributed by Rev. Tom McVicar on Dec 27, 2005.

Prayer of the Day for SUNDAY, December 31, 2017 - New Year's Eve


Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future.

We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.

In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.

In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.

And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need.

We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them.

As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year.

And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come. Amen.
~ Billy Graham 1963

Verse of the Day for SUNDAY, December 31, 2017


John 1:1 (NIV)[The Word Became Flesh] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Read all of John 1

Listen to John 1

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

Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por un nuevo comienzo


Oración por un nuevo comienzo

Nuestra boca se llenó de risas; nuestra lengua, de canciones jubilosas [...] Sí, el Señor ha hecho grandes cosas por nosotros, y eso nos llena de alegría.
~ Salmo 126:2-3 (NVI)

Señor Jesús, solo pueden salir de mis labios palabras de agradecimiento por todo lo poderoso que has sido con nosotros en este año. En cada momento de mi vida estuviste a mi lado escuchando mi necesidad. Fuiste mi socorro en tiempos de angustia.

Gracias porque me ayudaste a que muchas de mis peticiones se hicieran realidad. Te agradezco también que me llenaras de valentía cuando pensaba que no sería capaz de salir adelante.

Te amo con todo con mi corazón y, a partir de hoy, entrego en tus manos mi vida, mi salud, mi economía, mi familia, mi trabajo y todos los anhelos profundos de mi corazón que ya tú conoces.

Guárdame, mi Dios, y acompáñame en mi entrar y en mi salir.

En el nombre de Jesús te lo pido, amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STAND STRONG THROUGH ALL STORMS


STAND STRONG THROUGH ALL STORMS

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither…
~ Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

Concluding Thoughts:

1. Ours is the Kingdom. No matter what setbacks we see or experience, in the end the Kingdom will revert to our Lord and we will reign with Him.

2. Ours is the victory through dying and living again – victory through being able to drink the cup of evil and injustice poured out and not being consumed by it.

3. Ours is the responsibility of caring for our suffering brethren, especially converts and those in countries more restrictive and repressive than ours.

4. Ours is the responsibility of reaching those who still sit in darkness.

5. Ours are the lives that should manifest purity and Christlikeness.

6. Ours are the hearts that should be willing to pay the price to bring peace and understanding among men and between men and God. Hearts willing to be proactive. Hearts willing to stand at the end of the day and having done all; stand.

7. Ours is the challenge to stand strong through all the storms we face and come through the fire refined and purified to walk the way of the cross before a dying world.

RESPONSE: Today I will accept the challenge to stand strong through all the storms I may face!

PRAYER: Pray for Christians living in severe persecution areas that refined and purified, they may experience all of the victory which is available through Christ.

LHM Advent Devotion - December 31, 2017 "REMEMBER"


Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"REMEMBER"

December 31, 2017

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
~ Luke 2:19 (ESV)

For many children, the story of their birth is their favorite bedtime story. They want to hear what happened-where they were born, who was present, how their parents cared for them in the earliest days. They may have the story memorized, but they want to hear it once again.

If Jesus felt this way, His mother was well prepared to tell the story. Luke says, "Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Mary's next few years would be filled with the mundane challenges of everyday life: feeding a baby, changing diapers, cooking dinner, cleaning house. It was a far cry from angels and miracles in a stable.

But Mary remembered. God's work in the past helped to strengthen her faith. It reminded her that her baby playing on the floor was in fact the Son of God, the Savior of the world. It reminded her that the boy doing chores that day would have much greater work to do as the Savior of the world. No doubt the memories got her through the bad days-the escape to Egypt, the move back to Nazareth, the eventual death of her husband, probably some time in Jesus' teens or young adulthood.

Mary remembered what God had done-and we should remember, too. I remember that God came to me when I was a young child in a difficult and dangerous time. Although I was nobody important, God loved me and chose me to be His own. He gave His own Son Jesus to be my Savior, to suffer and to die on the cross for me. And He raised Jesus from the dead to be our Lord who gives everlasting life to everyone who belongs to Him. God made me His through Baptism, and has stayed with me even through the darkest times in my life. I know that He is faithful and will never leave me.

What has God done for you? Remember.

THE PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for all that You have done for me. Keep me close to You always, trusting in You. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
For many children, the story of their birth is their favorite bedtime story.

Devociones de Adviento de 31 de Diciembre de 2017 "Recuerda"


ALIMENTO DIARIO

"Recuerda"

31 de Diciembre de 2017

Pero María guardaba todo esto en su corazón, y meditaba acerca de ello.
~ Lucas 2:19 (RVC)

A los niños les encanta que sus padres les cuenten la historia de cuando nacieron.

Quieren saber dónde nacieron, quién estaba con ellos, cómo los cuidaron en sus primeros días y, por más que la sepan de memoria, les gusta oírla una y otra vez.

Si con Jesús fue igual, su madre estaba bien preparada para contarle su historia. Lucas dice: "María guardaba todo esto en su corazón". En los años siguientes, la vida de María iba a estar llena de los desafíos normales: alimentar al bebé, cambiarle los pañales, preparar la cena, limpiar la casa. Estaba muy lejos de los ángeles y los milagros en el establo.

Pero María recordaba. Y la obra de Dios en el pasado ayudó a fortalecer su fe. Le recordó que, en realidad, ese bebé que jugaba en el piso era el Hijo de Dios. Le recordó que ese niño que hacía sus tareas, un día iba a tener que hacer una tarea mucho mayor como el Salvador del mundo. Sin duda alguna, los recuerdos le ayudaron en los momentos difíciles: el escape de Egipto, el regreso a Nazaret, la muerte de su esposo, seguramente algunas etapas en la adolescencia de Jesús.

María recordaba lo que Dios había hecho--y nosotros también deberíamos recordar. Yo recuerdo que Dios vino a mí en un momento difícil y peligroso de mi infancia. Aun cuando no era nadie importante, Dios me amó, me eligió y dio a su propio hijo Jesús para que fuera mi salvador, sufriendo y muriendo en la cruz por mí y resucitándolo luego de los muertos, para que sea mi Señor. Dios me hizo suya a través del bautismo y ha estado conmigo a través de los peores momentos de mi vida. Sé que él es fiel y que nunca me abandonará.

¿Qué ha hecho Dios por ti? Recuerda.

ORACIÓN: Gracias, Señor, por todo lo que has hecho por mí. Ayúdame a recordar. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
A los niños les encanta que sus padres les cuenten la historia de cuando nacieron.

Unser Täglich Brot - Gute Erinnerungen

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/12/31/gute-erinnerungen/

Gute Erinnerungen

Lesung: Klagelieder 3,19-26
Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Maleachi 1–3; Offenbarung 22

MP3 herunterladen

Deine Treue ist groß. Klagelieder 3,23

Durch die Kirche klang Musik. Die Gemeinde hatte sich zur Silvesterfeier versammelt und mein Herz war voll Freude beim Gedanken an all die Gebete, die wir im zurückliegenden Jahr gesprochen hatten. Wir hatten getrauert um Kinder, die falsche Wege gingen, den Tod geliebter Menschen, den Verlust von Arbeitsstellen und zerbrochene Beziehungen. Aber wir hatten auch Gottes Gnade erlebt. Er hatte Herzen verändert und Beziehungen geheilt. Wir hatten Siege gefeiert und Hochzeiten, Examen und Taufen, Geburten und Adoptionen, hatten unsere Kinder dem Herrn geweiht und noch viel mehr.

Wie viele Anfechtungen hatte es in unserer Gemeinde gegeben. Mir ging es fast wie Jeremia, der sich „elend und verlassen“ vorkam. Aber wie er glaube ich, dass es „die Güte des Herrn ist, dass wir nicht gar aus sind, seine Barmherzigkeit hat kein Ende“ (V.22). Die Worte, mit denen der Prophet sich an Gottes Treue erinnerte, trösteten auch mich: „Der Herr ist freundlich dem, der auf ihn harrt, und dem Menschen, der nach ihm fragt“ (V.25).

Jeder Einzelne aus unserer Gemeinde war an jenem Abend ein lebendiger Ausdruck von Gottes verändernder Liebe. Egal, was in den kommenden Jahren vor uns liegt, als Glieder am Leibe Christi dürfen wir uns auf ihn verlassen. Und dann werden wir, wie Jeremia, erleben, wie unsere Hoffnung durch das Erinnern an Gottes unwandelbares Wesen ein festes Fundament erhält.


Herr, was wir in der Vergangenheit mit dir erleben durften, stärkt in uns die Hoffnung, dass deine Treue uns auch in Zukunft hält.

Wenn wir in das neue Jahr hineingehen, wollen wir daran denken, dass Gott immer treu war und treu bleiben wird.

Von Xochitl Dixon

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot
Wenn wir in das neue Jahr hineingehen, wollen wir daran denken, dass Gott immer treu war und treu bleiben wird.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, December 30, 2017

Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
John 4:46-54
Daily Readings

1 Kings 17:17-24
After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. She then said to Elijah, "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" But he said to her, "Give me your son." He took him from her bosom, carried him up into the upper chamber where he was lodging, and laid him on his own bed. He cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?" Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again." The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper chamber into the house, and gave him to his mother; then Elijah said, "See, your son is alive." So the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."

3 John 1:1-15
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God; for they began their journey for the sake of Christ, accepting no support from non-believers. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may become co-workers with the truth. I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with those charges, he refuses to welcome the friends, and even prevents those who want to do so and expels them from the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Everyone has testified favorably about Demetrius, and so has the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. Peace to you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet the friends there, each by name.

John 4:46-54
Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my little boy dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, "Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him." The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.

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 SATURDAY, December 30, 2017


O Lord, I beseech you to deliver me, and all of your children, from the fear of the unknown future; from fear of failure; from fear of poverty; from fear of bereavement; from fear of loneliness; from fear of sickness and pain; from fear of age; from fear of death. Help us, O Father, by your grace to love and fear only you, and fill our hearts with cheerful courage and loving trust in you; through our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
Amen

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, December 30, 2017


Psalm 61:2 (NIV) From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Read all of  Psalm 61

Listen to Psalm 61

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 -


When You're Overwhelmed

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
~ Psalm 61:2 (NIV)

Are you facing a personal crisis right now? Maybe it’s a lack of employment. Maybe it’s a foreclosure on your home or a loss in your investments. Maybe your marriage is falling apart or you have a son or daughter who is away from the Lord. Maybe you have a life-threatening illness. Or maybe you’re paralyzed by fear as you think about an uncertain future.

When we’re facing a crisis, we like to have a backup plan. Then we like to have a backup plan for the backup plan. Then we have a backup plan for the backup plan for the backup plan. But sometimes the Lord will allow us to be in a set of circumstances where there are no backup plans. There is no safety net. There is no way out but Him.

In Acts, chapter 12, that is what we see the early church facing. Things were looking very bleak. Herod had put James to death, and then he arrested Peter. If God did not come through for him, it would be a complete disaster. So what did the believers do? They prayed.

Philippians 4:6–7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And David wrote, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1–2).

God promises that He will give us a peace that passes understanding, but not necessarily a peace that always will give understanding. When you are overwhelmed, pray.
O Lord, I beseech you to deliver me, and all of your children, from the fear of the unknown future; from fear of failure; from fear of poverty; from fear of bereavement; from fear of loneliness; from fear of sickness and pain; from fear of age; from fear of death. Help us, O Father, by your grace to love and fear only you, and fill our hearts with cheerful courage and loving trust in you; through our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Amen
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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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. Devotion © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.
The first thing you should do when you face crisis . . .

Un Dia a la Vez - Hagamos todo lo bueno


Hagamos todo lo bueno

Dios es el que me ciñe de fuerza, y quien despeja mi camino; Quien hace mis pies como de ciervas, y me hace estar firme sobre mis alturas.
~ 2 Samuel 22:33 (RV-60)

Todo lo negativo que pudo ocurrir este año no debe marcar tu nuevo año.

Hace algún tiempo, como lo dije al comienzo de este devocional, hacía por estos días una agenda de peticiones y se las presentaba a Dios con una oración el 31 de diciembre a la medianoche. Era como colocar un montón de sueños y anhelos en la presencia de Dios y confiar que Él me los cumpliría uno a uno.

Sin embargo, hay cosas que ya Dios tiene programadas para cada uno de nosotros y, tarde o temprano, se cumplirán. Así que no te encierres solo en tus deseos, sino deja varios puntos en blanco para que Él mismo sea el que los llene. Déjate sorprender por Dios. ¡No te vas a arrepentir!

Entra a un nuevo año con tu mente y corazón en sintonía con el Señor. Ah, y otra cosa, recuerda que Él siempre desea lo mejor para ti.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - GIVEN WHAT TO SAY


GIVEN WHAT TO SAY

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

It was early in the morning the day after Christmas. It was cold. Mehdi Forootan sat in the back seat of an undercover police car in front of his house in Tehran, Iran. An officer pointed a camcorder at him. “Do you know why you were arrested?” the officer asked him. “No,” Forootan replied.

The officer turned off the camera and looked Forootan in the eyes. “I can beat you until blood is coming out of your mouth and every part of you. The next time I turn on the camera, you tell me why we are taking you,” the officer said and turned the camera back on.

Forootan spoke of his faith in Christ, and he spent the next 105 days in Iran’s harshest prison. On Dec. 26, 2010, authorities had arrested Forootan in a wave of persecution against Iran’s underground church. More than three months later, he was one of a few who had not been released.

During one interrogation, an officer turned on a camcorder and pointed it toward him, demanding that Forootan tell him about his “crime.” Forootan began to tell him how he had struggled with substance abuse as a teenager, “and how when I was in university I found Jesus and He saved me, and I have been free ever since. But he became angry and turned off the camera. He said, ‘I asked you to tell about your crime, not evangelize us.’”

After months of trying to get him to write statements confessing a crime, authorities inexplicably released him. Forootan said his first month out of prison was one of the worst of his life. He couldn’t speak to anyone of his prison experience for fear that authorities were watching and would re-arrest him. His parents had given the deed of their house to authorities as bail.

He and his fiancée decided it was best for him to leave Iran and go to Turkey as a refugee. For Forootan, this meant an illegal escape through the mountains, because authorities had confiscated his passport.

“I came out of Iran with 70 Afghanis,” Forootan said. “I went to the mountains and walked in the mountains for eight hours, and after eight hours I came to Turkey…That was really hard, because I really love Iran, and I’m really sad about this land. Maybe I can’t see my country again.”

Many who follow Jesus in other lands make great sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Despite harsh treatment—even prison with interrogations—they still love their home country. But during those interrogations, the Holy Spirit gives the right words to be spoken.

RESPONSE: Today I will rest in the Lord realizing that when pressures come, He is with me and His Spirit will give me the right words to speak.

PRAYER: Pray for those who like Forootan above are forced to leave the home land they love because of their witness to the gospel of Christ.

NIV Devotions for Couples - When You Have to Say No


When You Have to Say No

Esther 1:1–22

“This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.”
~ Esther 1:18 (NIV)

King Xerxes, the military leader of the Medes and Persians, tried to fulfill his father’s failed plan to conquer Greece. Darius had been defeated at Marathon in 490 B.C. and had died soon after. Xerxes amassed one of the largest armies ever and marched back toward Greece. His army managed to get around the Spartan forces at Thermopylae but went down outside Athens when the Persian fleet was sunk in the bay of Salamis.

Esther 1 records what may have been Xerxes’ planning meeting for the military campaigns of 482–479 B.C. During this lengthy meeting (lasting 180 days), the men feasted and drank extensively. At one point, Xerxes commanded his wife, Vashti, to appear before the assembled men. We are not told why Vashti refused, but given the circumstances and the rate at which we can assume the men were consuming alcohol, perhaps Vashti was afraid they would ask her to act immodestly—or worse.

Xerxes reacted like a spoiled child. He was furious that his order had not been obeyed. His advisers encouraged the king’s stupidity. They proposed deposing Vashti as queen and banishing her from the presence of the king. Then they planned the first Miss Universe pageant to replace Vashti with someone more beautiful and (hopefully) more compliant.

Enter Mordecai and Esther, two Jews who were still living in Persia. Although Mordecai may have also had a Hebrew name, his Babylonian name may betray the comfort his family had with Babylonian life; it is derived from Marduk, the god Nebuchadnezzar followed and to whom he dedicated Babylon, his capital.

Ultimately, Esther was chosen to be the new queen, placing her in a position to intervene at a time when her people were threatened. Esther and Mordecai were able to save the Jews, but the dire threat made to exterminate them as a people during that time made its mark. Perhaps it was an impetus for Ezra and Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to help the Jews there rebuild the city’s walls and reclaim their spiritual foundations.

Within this story, Vashti often goes unrecognized as a heroine. Yet perhaps that should be acknowledged, particularly within the context of marriage. For while Vashti had been obedient to her husband in all things, there came a point when her moral fiber pulled taut and would not allow her to cross a line that required her to do something she knew was wrong.

In our marriages we need mutual submission and respect, as the apostle Paul wrote (see Ephesians 5:21–33). But we also need personal courage to say no to one another when decency is twisted or when obedience to little things would deny obedience to God’s greater ways.

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk
  • What iffy spots of moral behavior have caused disagreement in our marriage?
  • Has one of us ever asked the other to do something morally questionable? How do we balance mutual submission to each other with saying no to behavior that compromises our integrity?
  • How can we keep our relationship unified so that we avoid situations that cause conflict when our morals differ?

LHM Advent Devotion - December 30, 2017 "GUIDANCE"


Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"GUIDANCE"

December 30, 2017

But when he (Joseph) heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.
~ Matthew 2:22 (ESV)

This is the time of year when we think about change-changes we want to make in our lives and changes that may come to our lives in the new year, whether we like it or not. And we may have decisions to make-choices about work or school, choices that affect our finances or our health. As we struggle to make plans, we often wonder: Is this what I'm supposed to be doing? What does God want for me and my family?

We can see Joseph dealing with these questions too. First, he had to decide what to do about a fiancée who was carrying a child not his own. God cleared that question up by sending him an angel in a dream.

Then census time came, and Joseph and Mary had to decide whether she should travel during her last month of pregnancy. That must have been a tough one! And yet God seems to have left them to decide based on nothing more than their own reasoning and the guidance of the Bible (that passage in Micah 5 about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem may have come to mind).

God sent an angel again to guide Joseph when Jesus' life was in danger from an evil king. But when it came time to return home from Egypt, Joseph had to figure out where to take his young family. Was it back to Bethlehem or somewhere else? Here again, Joseph relied on human wisdom which God later confirmed in a dream.

It would be nice if God sent us all an angel when we faced difficult decisions. However, most of the time He leaves us to make choices based on careful thought and prayer, under the guidance of the Bible. If you are facing a major decision right now, don't be afraid! Ask the Lord to guide you, and put your trust in Him. If God the Father was willing to guide His own Son's caregivers this way, He will also guide you when you ask.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, give me wisdom and guide me to the choices You want me to make. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
This is the time of year when we think about change...

Devociones de Adviento de 30 de Diciembre de 2017 "Guía"


ALIMENTO DIARIO

"Guía"

30 de Diciembre de 2017

Cuando [José] supo que Arquelao reinaba en Judea en lugar de su padre Herodes, tuvo temor de ir allá, pero en sueños fue advertido y se dirigió a la región de Galilea.
~ Mateo 2:22 (RVC)

En esta época del año solemos pensar en cambios, ya sea lo que queremos cambiar en nuestra vida, o los cambios que puedan sobrevenirnos en el nuevo año, queramos o no. También pensamos en las decisiones que tendremos que tomar, sean sobre trabajo, estudios, finanzas o salud. Y a menudo nos preguntamos: ¿es esto lo que debo hacer? ¿Qué quiere Dios para mí y mi familia?

José también se hizo esas preguntas. Primero tuvo que decidir qué hacer con su prometida, quien estaba embarazada pero no de él. Dios aclaró su pregunta enviándole un ángel en un sueño.

Luego vino el censo, y José y María tuvieron que decidir si debían viajar en el último mes del embarazo. ¡No debe haber sido nada fácil! Sin embargo, pareciera que Dios los dejó decidir guiados sólo por la razón y su Palabra (el pasaje de Miqueas 5, donde dice que el Mesías habría de nacer en Belén, pudo haber estado en sus mentes).

Otra vez Dios envió un ángel para que guiara a José, cuando la vida de Jesús estaba en peligro por causa de un rey malvado; pero cuando llegó el tiempo de regresar de Egipto, José tuvo que decidir a dónde volver. ¿A Belén, o a otro lugar? Una vez más, José confió en la sabiduría humana, que más tarde Dios confirmó en un sueño.

Sería lindo si Dios nos enviara un ángel cuando enfrentamos una decisión difícil. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las veces deja que elijamos luego de pensar bien, orar y seguir la guía de la Biblia. Si tienes que tomar una decisión importante, ¡no tengas miedo! Pídele al Señor que te guíe y confía en él. Si Dios el Padre estuvo dispuesto a guiar a quienes cuidaban a su propio Hijo, también te guiará a ti si se lo pides.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, dame sabiduría y guíame hacia las decisiones que tú quieres que tome. Amén.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
En esta época del año solemos pensar en cambios...

Notre Pain Quotidien - Des temps de contemplation

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/12/30/des-temps-de-contemplation/

Des temps de contemplation

Lisez : Actes 14.21-28
La Bible en un an : Zacharie 13 – 14 ; Apocalypse 21

De là ils s’embarquèrent pour Antioche, d’où ils avaient été recommandés à la grâce de Dieu pour l’œuvre qu’ils venaient d’accomplir. (V. 26)

En fin d’année, le fardeau des tâches non terminées peut nous peser. Les responsabilités familiales et professionnelles peuvent nous sembler sans fin, et certaines débordent sur le lendemain. Il y a néanmoins des périodes dans notre marche de foi où nous devrions nous arrêter pour célébrer la fidélité de Dieu et les tâches accomplies.

Après leur premier voyage missionnaire, Paul et Barnabas « s’embarquèrent pour Antioche, d’où ils avaient été recommandés à la grâce de Dieu pour l’œuvre qu’ils venaient d’accomplir » (AC 14.26). Alors qu’ils avaient encore beaucoup à faire pour répandre le message de Jésus, ils ont pris le temps de remercier Dieu de tout ce qui était déjà accompli : « Après leur arrivée, ils convoquèrent l’Église, et ils racontèrent tout ce que Dieu avait fait avec eux, et comment il avait ouvert aux nations la porte de la foi » (V. 27).

Qu’est‑ce que Dieu a accompli par votre intermédiaire au cours de la dernière année ? Comment a‑t‑il ouvert la porte de la foi à quelqu’un que vous connaissez ou aimez ? De façon inimaginable, il œuvre par nous à des tâches qui peuvent sembler sans importance ou incomplètes.

Si nous sommes péniblement conscients des tâches laissées en suspens dans notre service à Dieu, n’oublions pas de le remercier pour les œuvres qu’il a accomplies par nous. Nous réjouir ainsi de ce que Dieu a accompli selon sa grâce préparera la voie à ce qui reste à venir.

Dieu est toujours à l’œuvre en nous et par nous.

par David C. McCasland

© 2017 Ministères NPQ
En fin d’année, le fardeau des tâches non terminées peut nous peser.

Friday, December 29, 2017

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, December 29, 2017

The Wedding at Cana: Jesus turns Water to Wine
John 2:1-11
Daily Readings

2 Samuel 23:13-17
Towards the beginning of harvest three of the thirty chiefs went down to join David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. David said longingly, "O that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!" Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it; he poured it out to the LORD, for he said, "The LORD forbid that I should do this. Can I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?" Therefore he would not drink it. The three warriors did these things.

2 John 1:1-13
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love. I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning-- you must walk in it. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person. Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.

John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

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 FRIDAY, December 29, 2017


Lord, we thank you for the gift of faith, a gift meant to change our lives and lead us to heaven. As we open this Year of Faith, Lord, we ask you to open new doors of faith for us. Help us to know our faith more deeply, live our faith more fully, and share our faith more freely with others. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, December 29, 2017


Matthew 17:20 (NIV) He (Jesus) replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Read all of Matthew 17

Listen to Matthew 17

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