Wednesday, April 12, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - "Remember Me"

Now we turn to the two criminals crucified with Jesus. The first ask...

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries



"Remember Me"

April 13, 2017

And he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom". (Luke 23:42, ESV)

Read Luke 23:35-43

Now we turn to the two criminals crucified with Jesus. The first asks, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" He wants Jesus to be the Christ, but this is only for his own sinful purposes. He wants to cheat justice and escape his suffering and death, but not to amend his sinful life.

But the second criminal looks at Jesus and sees something no one else has been able to see. The Jewish leaders look at Jesus and see a man who can't possibly be a Savior-He can't even save Himself! The Roman soldiers see a powerless king. The other criminal sees a powerless Messiah, but this criminal looks through the crown of thorns, the blood, sweat and tears and sees God's Messiah, the promised King. He asks Jesus to remember him on Judgment Day and not to bar him out of His kingdom because of his life of sin.

As wonderful a confession as we see in the criminal's rebuke and prayer, we see something even more wonderful in Jesus' reply. Not only on the distant Day of Judgment will Jesus remember the dying thief, but this very day his sufferings will cease, and he will be with Christ in paradise forever.

The repentant criminal asked Jesus to remember him. This night in Holy Communion Jesus asks us to remember Him, to remember the sacrifice He made-so we may live. He gives us His body, which He gave unto death for our sins. He gives us His blood poured out, so we might be forgiven and inherit the paradise He has opened to all who will believe in Him.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You forgave a despised criminal and promised him eternal life. Forgive my sins and remember me when You come in glory. Amen

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

Devociones de Cuaresma - La Santa Cena


Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

La Santa Cena

13 de Abril de 2017

Jueves Santo

Esto es mi cuerpo, que por ustedes es entregado; hagan esto en memoria de mí. Lucas 22:19, RVC (7-22)

La Pascua era una fiesta que las familias israelitas celebraban cada año. El menor de todos en la familia debía preguntar: "¿Por qué hacemos esta comida?", y el padre en la familia relataba la historia del éxodo, enfatizando el poder liberador de Dios.

Cuando Jesús se reunió con sus discípulos para celebrar la Pascua por última vez, les dijo: "He tenido muchísimos deseos de comer esta Pascua con ustedes antes de padecer, pues les digo que no volveré a comerla hasta que tenga su pleno cumplimiento en el reino de Dios" (Lucas 22:15-16). Pienso que Jesús aprovechó la Pascua para escuchar nuevamente la historia del gran poder liberador de Dios. Él sabía que ahora el cordero que Dios usaría para liberar a sus hijos era él mismo. Jesús entregaría su vida para que su pueblo pudiera ser liberado para siempre. Con esto en mente, le dio un nuevo significado a la Pascua instituyendo la Santa Cena, donde él mismo se ofrece y por medio de la cual nos quiere recordar continuamente su poder liberador mediante el perdón de los pecados. Qué lindo que también nosotros podamos decir cada domingo: "Tengo muchos deseos de comer la Santa Cena con ustedes (nuestros hermanos)."

Cada vez que comemos el cordero pascual en la Santa Cena somos liberados de nuestros pecados, del temor a la muerte y al infierno, y animados a vivir en la esperanza de celebrar la Santa Comunión en su plenitud cuando arribemos a la tierra prometida celestial. ¡Qué gran fiesta nos está preparando Dios! ¡Qué gran fiesta nos dejó Dios ahora aquí, para que recibamos su gracia y su fortaleza!

Gracias, Padre, porque entregaste a Jesús para ser el cordero pascual que dio su vida por nosotros. Bendice nuestra participación en la Santa Cena. 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 - Forsaken for Our Sake

https://odb.org/2017/04/13/forsaken-for-our-sake/


God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Does having a friend nearby make pain more bearable? Researchers at the University of Virginia conducted a fascinating study to answer that question. They wanted to see how the brain reacted to the prospect of pain, and whether it behaved differently if a person faced the threat of pain alone, holding a stranger’s hand, or holding the hand of a close friend.

Researchers ran the test on dozens of pairs, and found consistent results. When a person was alone or holding a stranger's hand while anticipating a shock, the regions of the brain that process danger lit up. But when holding the hand of a trusted person, the brain relaxed. The comfort of a friend’s presence made the pain seem more bearable.

Jesus needed comfort as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what He was about to face: betrayal, arrest, and death. He asked His closest friends to stay and pray with Him, telling them that His soul was “overwhelmed with sorrow” (Matt. 26:38). But Peter, James, and John kept falling asleep.

Jesus faced the agony of the garden without the comfort of a hand to hold. But because He bore that pain, we can be confident that God will never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Jesus suffered so that we will never have to experience separation from the love of God (Rom. 8:39). His companionship makes anything we endure more bearable.

Jesus, thank You for bearing the pain and isolation of the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross for us. Thank You for giving us a way to live in communion with the Father.

Because of God’s love, we are never truly alone.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Bị Chối Bỏ Vì Chúng Ta

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/04/13/bi-choi-bo-vi-chung-ta/
Đọc: Ma-thi-ơ 26:36-46 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Sa-mu-ên 22-24; Lu-ca 12:1-31


Chính Đức Chúa Trời có phán: “Ta sẽ chẳng lìa con, chẳng bỏ con đâu.” Hê-bơ-rơ 13:5

Bạn có cảm thấy nỗi đau trở nên dễ chịu hơn khi có một người bạn bên cạnh? Các nhà nghiên cứu tại Đại học Virginia đã thực hiện một nghiên cứu thú vị để trả lời cho câu hỏi đó. Họ muốn xem thử não bộ phản ứng ra sao với viễn cảnh đau thương, và liệu nó có gì khác khi một người đối diện với nỗi đau một mình, khi nắm tay một người lạ hoặc nắm tay một người bạn thân.

Họ đã nghiên cứu trên hàng chục cặp, và nhận được kết quả đồng nhất. Khi một người chịu đựng một mình hoặc nắm tay người lạ khi trải qua một cú sốc, thì các vùng xử lý nguy hiểm của não bộ sáng lên. Nhưng khi nắm tay một người tin cậy, thì não bộ lại không căng thẳng. Sự hiện diện của người bạn là sự an ủi khiến cho nỗi đau trở nên dễ chịu hơn.

Chúa Jêsus cần sự yên ủi khi Ngài cầu nguyện trong vườn Ghết-sê-ma-nê. Ngài biết điều Ngài sắp phải đối diện: bị phản bội, bị bắt và giết. Ngài bảo những người bạn thân thiết nhất hãy ở lại và cầu nguyện với Ngài, Ngài chia sẻ với họ rằng linh hồn Ngài “đau buồn cho đến chết” (Ma-thi-ơ 26:38). Nhưng Phi-e-rơ, Gia-cơ và Giăng cứ ngủ thiếp đi.

Chúa Jêsus đối diện với nỗi thống khổ của Ghết-sê-ma-nê mà không có một bàn tay an ủi nào. Nhưng nhờ Ngài chịu nỗi đau đó, chúng ta có thể tin chắc rằng Đức Chúa Trời sẽ không bao giờ lìa bỏ chúng ta (Hê-bơ-rơ 13:5). Chúa Jêsus đã chịu khổ để chúng ta không bao giờ bị phân rẽ khỏi tình yêu của Đức Chúa Trời (Rô-ma 8:39). Khi có Ngài đồng hành bên cạnh, chúng ta có thể chịu đựng mọi đau khổ dễ dàng.

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, con cảm ơn Ngài đã chịu đau đớn và cô độc trong vườn Ghết-sê-ma-nê và trên thập tự giá vì chúng con. Cảm ơn Ngài đã ban cho chúng con một phương cách để sống trong mối tương giao với Cha.

Bởi tình yêu của Đức Chúa Trời, chúng ta không bao giờ đơn độc.


Nuestro Pan Diario - Desamparado por nosotros

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/04/desamparado-por-nosotros/
Leer: Mateo 26:36-46 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Samuel 22–24; Lucas 12:1-31

… porque [Dios] dijo: No te desampararé, ni te dejaré (Hebreos 13:5).

¿Te resulta más fácil tolerar el dolor teniendo un amigo cerca? Se hizo un estudio fascinante para responder esta pregunta, y ver cómo reaccionaba el cerebro frente a la posibilidad del dolor.

Los resultados fueron consistentes. Cuando una persona estaba sola o tomada de la mano de un extraño frente a una posible turbación, las regiones del cerebro que procesan el peligro se encendían. Pero, si estaba tomada de la mano de alguien de confianza, el cerebro se relajaba. La presencia de un amigo era tan reconfortante que el dolor parecía más tolerable.

Jesús necesitó el apoyo de sus amigos en Getsemaní. Sabía lo que estaba a punto de enfrentar: la traición, el arresto y la muerte. Les pidió a sus mejores amigos que se quedaran con Él, porque su alma estaba «muy triste, hasta la muerte» (Mateo 26:38). Pero Pedro, Jacobo y Juan se quedaron dormidos.

Jesús enfrentó la agonía del huerto sin el consuelo de una mano de donde tomarse. Pero, gracias a que soportó ese dolor, sabemos que Dios nunca nos desamparará ni nos dejará (Hebreos 13:5). Jesús sufrió para que nosotros nunca tuviéramos que estar separados del amor de Dios (Romanos 8:39). Su compañía hace que cualquier cosa que tengamos que sufrir sea más tolerable.

Jesús, gracias por soportar la cruz por nosotros y permitirnos vivir en comunión con el Padre.

Gracias al amor de Dios, nunca estamos solos.

Por alp

Unser Täglich Brot - Verlassen für uns

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/04/13/verlassen-f%c3%bcr-uns/
Lesen: Matthäus 26,36-46 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Samuel 22–24; Lukas 12,1-31


Der Herr hat gesagt: Ich will dich nicht verlassen und nicht von dir weichen. Hebräer 13,5

Ist Schmerz erträglicher, wenn man weiß, dass ein Freund in der Nähe ist? Forscher der Universität von Virginia haben eine interessante Studie zu dieser Frage durchgeführt. Sie wollten herausfinden, wie das Gehirn reagiert, wenn ein Mensch weiß, dass er Schmerzen erleiden muss, und ob es einen Unterschied gibt, wenn er dabei allein ist, die Hand eines Fremden hält oder die Hand eines Freundes.

Die Ergebnisse aller Untersuchungen stimmten weitgehend überein. Erwartete jemand einen Elektroschock allein oder hielt die Hand eines Fremden, wurden jene Hirnregionen aktiviert, die auf Gefahr reagieren. Hielt er dagegen die Hand eines vertrauten Menschen, entspannte sich das Gehirn. Die Gegenwart eines Freundes machte den Schmerz offensichtlich erträglicher.

Jesus brauchte Trost, als er im Garten Gethsemane betete. Er wusste, was ihm bevorstand: Verrat, Gefangennahme und Tod. Er bat seine engsten Freunde, bei ihm zu bleiben und mit ihm zu beten, weil seine Seele „betrübt [war] bis an den Tod“ (Matth. 26,38). Aber Petrus, Jakobus und Johannes schliefen.

Jesus musste den Schmerz allein durchleiden. Aber weil er den Schmerz auf sich nahm, können wir sicher sein, dass Gott uns nie verlassen wird (Hebr. 13,5). Jesus litt, damit wir nie erleben müssen, wie es ist, von Gottes Liebe getrennt zu sein (Röm. 8,39). Seine Gegenwart macht alles erträglicher.

Herr, hab Dank, dass du den Schmerz und das Alleinsein von Gethsemane und Kreuz für uns ertragen hast. Danke, dass du es uns damit möglich gemacht hast, in Gemeinschaft mit dem Vater zu leben.

Weil Gott uns liebt, sind wir nie allein.


Notre Pain Quotidien - Abandonné pour notre bien

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/04/13/abandonne-pour-notre-bien/
Lisez : Matthieu 26.36‑46 | La Bible en un an : 1 SAMUEL 22 – 24 et LUC 12.1‑31

Dieu lui-même a dit : Je ne te délaisserai point, et je ne t'abandonnerai point. Hébreux 13.5

Avoir un ami à proximité rend‑il la souffrance plus supportable ? Des chercheurs de la University of Virginia ont mené une étude fascinante pour le découvrir. Ils voulaient voir comment le cerveau réagit à la perspective de souffrir, et s’il réagit différemment selon que l’on fait face à cette menace seul, en tenant la main d’un inconnu ou en tenant celle d’un intime.

Après avoir testé leur théorie auprès de dizaines de leurs pairs, ils ont obtenu des résultats convaincants. Selon que la personne était seule ou qu’elle tenait la main d’un inconnu durant un choc nerveux, les régions de son cerveau qui réagissent aux dangers s’illuminaient. Par contre, le cerveau de celle qui tenait la main de quelqu’un de confiance indiquait qu’elle était détendue. Le réconfort que procure la présence d’un ami fait donc sembler la souffrance plus supportable.

Contemplant sa trahison, son arrestation et sa mort, Jésus a eu besoin d’être réconforté. Il a demandé à ses intimes de rester avec lui pour prier, en leur disant que son âme était « triste jusqu’à la mort » (MT 26.38). Pourtant, Pierre, Jacques et Jean n’ont cessé de se rendormir.

Jésus a affronté l’agonie dans le jardin sans le réconfort d’une main à tenir, mais parce qu’il a supporté cette souffrance, nous pouvons avoir l’assurance que Dieu ne nous abandonnera jamais (HÉ 13.5). Jésus a souffert afin que nous n’ayons jamais à subir d’être séparés de Dieu (RO 8.39). Sa compagnie rend tout plus supportable.

Grâce à l’amour de Dieu, nous ne sommes jamais vraiment seuls.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Полишений ради нас

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/04/13/%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bb%d0%b8%d1%88%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b9-%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b4%d0%b8-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%81/


Будьте життям не грошолюбні, задовольняйтеся тим, що маєте. Сам бо сказав: Я тебе не покину, ані не відступлюся від тебе! — Євреїв 13:5

Чи правда, що присутність друга робить біль більш стерпною? Вчені університету у Вірджинії провели дуже цікаве дослідження, щоб дати відповідь на це питання. Їхньою метою було побачити, як мозок реагує на біль в трьох різних ситуаціях: коли людина страждає самотньо, коли тримає руку незнайомця і коли тримає руку близького друга.

Дослідники отримали доволі стабільні результати. Коли людина самотня або тримає руку незнайомця, ділянки мозку, що надсилають сигнал небезпеки, залишаються активними. Але коли людина тримає руку близької людини, мозок заспокоєний, біль стає більш стерпною.

Ісус потребував підбадьорення, коли молився в Гетсиманському саду. Він знав, що на Нього чекає зрада, арешт і смерть. Тому й просив Своїх найближчих друзів, щоб побули з Ним і підтримали в молитві. Він зізнався, що душа Його “огорнена смертельним сумом” (Мт. 26:38). Але Петро, Яків та Іван ніяк не могли перебороти сон.

Отже, Ісус страждав у Гетсиманському саду без підтримки дружньої руки. Але завдяки тому, що Він зазнав страждань і смерті, ми тепер можемо бути впевнені, що Бог ніколи не полишить нас і не відступиться від нас (Євр. 13:5). Ісус постраждав, щоб ми ніколи не пізнали відчуження від Бога (Рим. 8:39). В Його присутності легше зносити будь-який біль.

Ісусе, дякуємо Тобі, що заради нас Ти зазнав страждань самотньо в Гетсиманському саду і вмер на хресті. Дякуємо за відкритий шлях до близьких відносин з нашим Отцем.

Завдяки Божій любові, ми насправді ніколи не буваємо самотні.


Хлеб наш насущный - Покинутый ради нас

https://russian-odb.org/2017/04/13/%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%ba%d0%b8%d0%bd%d1%83%d1%82%d1%8b%d0%b9-%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b4%d0%b8-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%81/
Читать сейчас: Матфея 26:36-46 | Библия за год: 1 Царств 22-24; Луки 12:1-31


[Бог] сказал: «Не оставлю тебя и не покину тебя». — Евреям 13:5

Если рядом друг, то боль переносится легче. Ученые Университета Вирджинии провели увлекательное исследование на эту тему. Они хотели узнать, как реагирует мозг на причинение боли, и есть ли отличия между тем, когда человек терпит боль в одиночестве и когда он при этом держится за руку близкого друга.

Испытания проводились на десятках пар и показали стабильные результаты. Когда человек был один или держался за руку незнакомца, активировались участки мозга, отвечающие за чувство опасности. Но когда рядом был близкий человек, мозг расслаблялся. Утешение от присутствия друга явно помогало испытуемым спокойнее переносить боль.

Молясь в Гефсиманском саду, Иисус нуждался в поддержке. Он знал, что Ему предстояло перенести: предательство, арест, избиение и смерть. Он просил самых близких учеников побыть рядом и помолиться с Ним, потому что Его душа скорбела смертельно (Мф. 26:38). Но Петр, Иаков и Иоанн уснули.

Спаситель пережил агонию в саду без поддержки дорогих сердцу людей. Но, поскольку Он все перенес, мы можем быть уверены, что Бог никогда не оставит и не покинет нас (Евр. 13:5). Христос пострадал, чтобы мы никогда не были отлучены от Божьей любви (Рим. 8:39). Его присутствие поможет нам перенести все, что бы ни произошло.

Спаситель, благодарим Тебя за то, что перенес боль и одиночество в Гефсиманском саду, а затем на кресте за нас. Благодарим Тебя за путь жизни в общении с Отцом.

В дополнение к рассуждению, смотрите видеоролик «Не одиноки».

Благодаря Божьей любви мы никогда не одиноки.


The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, April 12, 2017 - Wednesday in Holy Week

Addolorata procession, Polistena, Italy
Morning Prayer

O God:
Give me strength to live another day;
Let me not turn coward before its difficulties or prove recreant to its duties;
Let me not lose faith in other people;
Keep me sweet and sound of heart, in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness;
Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them;
Help me to keep my heart clean, and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity;
Open wide the eyes of my soul that I may see good in all things;
Grant me this day some new vision of thy truth;
Inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness;
and make me the cup of strength to suffering souls;
in the name of the strong Deliverer, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen


The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Isaiah 50:4-9

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens-- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Psalms

Psalm 70 Deus, in adjutorium
1   Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
2   Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether dismayed; let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and be disgraced.
3   Let those who say to me "Aha!" and gloat over me turn back, because they are ashamed.
4   Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say for ever, "Great is the LORD!"
5   But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me speedily, O God.
6   You are my helper and my deliverer; O LORD, do not tarry.


The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 13:21-32

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples-- the one whom Jesus loved-- was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival" or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

The Apostles' 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

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

A Prayer for Peace

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

A Prayer for Mission

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God!


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

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 12, 2017


Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Read all of Luke 9

Listen to Luke 9

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 - Surrender at Gethsemane

Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch."
Mark 14:34 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever felt as though your friends and family had abandoned you? Have you ever felt like you were misunderstood? Have you ever had a hard time understanding or submitting to the will of God for your life?

If so, then you have an idea of what the Lord Jesus went through as He agonized at Gethsemane.

Hebrews tells us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (4:15–16 NLT).

The Bible tells us that Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). But the sorrow He experienced in Gethsemane on the night before His Crucifixion seemed to be the culmination of all the sorrow He had ever known and would accelerate to a climax the following day. The ultimate triumph that was to take place at Calvary was first accomplished beneath the gnarled old olive trees of Gethsemane.

It is interesting that the very word Gethsemane means “olive press.” Olives were pressed there to make oil, and truly, Jesus was being pressed from all sides that He might bring life to us. I don’t think we can even begin to fathom what He was going through.

But look at what it accomplished. It brought about your salvation and mine. Because of what Jesus went through at Gethsemane and ultimately at the cross, we can call upon His name. Though it was an unfathomably painful, horrific transition, it was necessary for the ultimate goal of what was accomplished.

Maybe you are at a crisis point in your life right now—a personal Gethsemane, if you will. You have your will; you know what you want. Yet you can sense that God’s will is different.

Would you let the Lord choose for you? Would you be willing to say, “Lord, I am submitting my will to Yours. Not my will, but Yours be done”? You will not regret making that decision.

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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation®, NLT® copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Dios te regala un nuevo día hoy


Bendito sea el Señor, nuestro Dios y Salvador, que día tras día sobrelleva nuestras cargas.
Salmo 68:19, NVI

¿Por qué será que no todos los días nos levantamos igual con Dios?

Si en la gran mayoría de los casos conocemos su Palabra, sabemos que nos ama y que hoy ha preparado un día lleno de oportunidades para nosotros.

Sé que las circunstancias que estás viviendo te roban la paz y el gozo. No obstante, cuando estamos en contacto diario con nuestro Dios, ya sea orando aunque sea un rato cada día, y leyendo su Palabra, encontramos sus promesas.

Estas promesas te dan la certeza de caminar por fe. Te permiten dar por sentado que aunque amanezcas sin un quinto en el bolsillo, andes cansado porque el dinero no te alcanza y otras muchas cosas que llegan a la vida, Dios es un Padre que, ante todo, nunca miente. De modo que si te regaló un nuevo amanecer, es porque te ama y ya tiene predestinado que estuvieras en pie.

¡Ánimo! Recuerda que aunque la tormenta es fuerte, Dios es mayor que tu problema.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - HARDSHIP CANNOT SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall…hardship…?

The question asked is a personal one. Not “what” can separate us but “who”? The inference is our enemy, Satan, who tries every tactic he can garner to make us think we can be separated from Christ’s love. Today we look at his tactic of “hardship.”

Sixteen-year-old Lakech had always known a stable home in her small Ethiopian village of Moche. Her childhood as one of eight children was not carefree. But it was uncomplicated. Her father, a godly man, worked hard to provide the needs of his large family. They did not have an abundance; but they survived. While Lakech was growing up, her father and mother came to Christ. They laboured hard and devoted themselves to bringing up their eight children in a God-fearing way. But two years ago, her father was framed by some enemies and charged with stealing trees.

The legal battle started with a hearing a few days later, dragging on for a year when the court found Lakech’s father guilty and sentenced him to a year’s imprisonment. He found himself sharing a cell with about fifty criminals, and his family was left in turmoil.

At home, mother was not coping well. Neighbors were mocking the children, claiming their father would be jailed for seven more years. “I started noticing that it was hard for my mother to put food on the table,” explained Lakech. “I could not watch my mother battle on her own. I wanted to finish school, but it was impossible for me to just carry on,” admitted the timid young teenager. “My mother needed help.”

Despite her age and innate shyness, Lakech left school and found a full-time job as a house servant some distance from her home town. For long periods of time, Lakech stayed away from home working, sending all her earnings home to her mother. Following her example, Lakech’s second oldest brother, also in his teens, quit school and took over the farming on their small land.

Then the local church began to help support the family, and Open Doors was alerted to the difficult struggle to just feed the family. The ministry was able to come alongside the entire family, helping supply their food, and then paying school fees so Lakech could return home and resume her studies with her brother.

Soon afterwards, to the family’s great joy, father was pardoned because of good behavior and released after serving nearly half of his sentence. He was overjoyed and declared, “I was saying to myself, by the time I finish serving the sentence, I will find my family scattered and needy. But it was different. They lacked nothing and everything was covered.

“I was also thinking no one will be with us,” Lakech’s mother shared. “But we now are in joy. I am happy to be relieved from my worries and above all to have my husband beside me. The Lord has blessed me with these two successes; both my daughter and husband have come home.”

RESPONSE: I will live this day aware that hardships can never separate me from Christ’s love.

PRAYER: Lord we rejoice in Your goodness and in Your provision for every real need.

Girlfriends in God - What Kind of Impact Are You Making?

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border…” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)

Friend to Friend

Years ago I worked with a woman in Nashville named Cindy. She was a no-nonsense publisher for a major music company. Each month she listened to the songs I wrote and gave honest, constructive feedback that required this songwriter-chick to have thick skin and wear big-girl-panties. She was salt and light to me in the work place, but not in ways that I expected or necessarily appreciated at the time.

I didn’t always love what she had to say.

Total honesty? She. Scared. Me. Silly.

I wrestled with her strong, bristly opinions while at the same time grew from the pruning of her wise, professional words. She challenged me toward greater excellence and she wasn’t afraid to speak difficult words of truth.

One thing I will never forget: as she listened to the new songs I wrote, she regularly insisted that I was a “worship leader/worship writer” instead of a Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) writer/artist. Drove me bananas because I was SURE I was a CCM writer/artist.

Over the years, Cindy and I became friends and eventually, I came to realize that she was right. I am a worship leader and worship writer. And it’s not only who I am, it’s who I always was. Even when I didn’t know it and insisted otherwise.

Cindy died in her early fifties.

Cancer stole her from us.

A few nights before she went on to be with the Lord, a large group of Nashville’s finest songwriters gathered at her bedside to celebrate her life that was salty and bright for Jesus. To thank her for her impact, share stories, and sacredly sing her to the other side of glory. A knot held my throat captive as I watched the gathering online via video. What a legacy. Cindy poured wisdom into so many people, she said and did things that caused others to think big thoughts about God, and spurred them on toward excellence.

She lived a life of influence because she was intentional about being salt and light in my life and in the lives of many others.

I want to die like that.

I want to live like that.

Don’t you?

In the Bible, a man named Jabez asked God for all the influence God would give him. Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

Jabez wanted to live with impact to the max.

He pleaded to be a difference maker. I’m right there with him.

We all have influence. The question is will we use our influence to sway our friends toward an awesome movie or will we influence them toward our awesome God? Will we choose to live in a way that causes our unbelieving neighbor or co-worker to want to hear more about Jesus? Will we teach a young wife to understand how to respect her husband, or help a young mom realize that God is honored when she nurtures her demanding, thankless children? Will we help the weary parent of a prodigal see that her child’s rebellion is not her failure and not her child’s final faith chapter?

It all begins with a choice.

If we want to be women of impact, we need to live with our eyes wide open to God-opportunities. We need to get beyond our own agendas and move in the direction of HIS agenda. It is not about doing more of what you are already doing – it is about listening to the whispers of Jesus in the middle of the grocery store, or at the nail salon, or in your cubicle, in the next pew, in your living room, or classroom.

Being a woman of impact is not about doing more each day, it’s about living to be led by Jesus with the days you are given.

It all begins with a choice. If we want to be women of impact, we need to live with our eyes wide open to God-opportunities. We need to get beyond our own agendas and ask God what HIS agenda is. Let’s ask God to bless us and enlarge the borders of our influence for Him today!

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Thank You for impacting my life with your grace and truth. Please open my eyes to see the opportunities all around me to point others to You. Stir my heart to make today and every day count for you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen


Now It’s Your Turn

Consider the people in your life that you influence. Pray for fresh vision, courage, and opportunities to make an impact in their lives for Christ.

GIVEAWAY: I want to impact YOU today, so I’m giving away 3 digital copies of the music soundtrack to my latest book, I WANT IT ALL. For a chance to win, CLICK HERE to visit my blog and leave a comment. Who do you want to impact?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s post is an excerpt from Gwen Smith’s book, 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?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God P.O. Box 725 Matthews, NC 28106