Tuesday, May 16, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - May 17, 2017 "A Little Good, a Little Bad "

If you list the things in the universe that are completely good all...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"A Little Good, a Little Bad"

May 17, 2017

Isaiah 1:18 - Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

If you list the things in the universe that are completely good all of the time, the list is going to be a short one: God.

Because of sin everything else around us has a fair number of bad qualities. Would you like an example? I hope so, because if you don't, this devotion is going to be a short one. The example I place before you is a simple one: the larvae of wax moths. Yes, it's true: the larvae of wax moths.

The bad quality about wax moths has been known for a long time: wax moth larvae like to eat beeswax.

That may not seem to be a bad thing to you, but to a beekeeper and to honeybees it can be incredibly frustrating. I think there can be nothing so disheartening for the busy, little bee than to return to a ruined hive, which has been used as a lunch smorgasbord for a crew of ravenous wax moth larvae.

That's the bad thing about wax moth larvae. Here's the good: apparently, they like to eat plastic.

Yes, plastic, you know, the non-biodegradable stuff that fills up the bellies of whales and starves them to death; the environmentally unfriendly stuff that gets wrapped around, and eats into, the flippers of turtles; the stuff which has transformed giant areas of the earth's oceans into garbage dumps.

Right now studies are being done to find out if the wax moth larvae get any real nourishment out of consuming plastic. Tests are being run to see if it would be possible to place hoards of the voracious, little beasties onto heavily contaminated sites, so they might help purify the planet.

If that happens, the lowly wax moth larvae may find his status -- and star -- have risen considerably.

Yes, everything in life has some bad in it, and that's totally bad news for us. You see, a partially good person doesn't get into the kingdom of heaven. One sin, even the smallest of sins, is enough to besmirch our souls and make us unfit to be in the presence of the Holy Lord. And you should know our transgressions are far more numerous than one, single, itty-bitty indiscretion.

All of this explains why we need the transforming power of the Savior. Washed in His blood, our scarlet sins are made as white as snow; our dark transgressions are completely and totally removed from our souls.

In the eyes of God -- and those are really the only eyes that count -- we have been made clean enough to stand before the just Judge and have Him -- because of His Son's work -- declare us righteous and ready to enter His eternal presence.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, truly sin had corrupted me absolutely and thoroughly. There was nothing good inside me. Accept my thanks for transforming me, for cleansing and saving me. May I sing Your praises always. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 17 de Mayo de 2017


Alimento Diario

Todos son uno

17 de Mayo 2017

Ya no hay judío ni griego; no hay esclavo ni libre; no hay varón ni mujer, sino que todos ustedes son uno en Cristo Jesús. Gálatas 3:28

La primera vez que escuché hablar del valle de Swat en Pakistán, fue cuando vi una noticia que decía que unos militantes del Talibán habían prohibido que las niñas fueran a la escuela. Debido a esa orden, que fue transmitida en una radio FM ilegal, las escuelas públicas han estado cerradas y 300 escuelas privadas que habían estado cerradas por las vacaciones de invierno, probablemente no volverán a resumir las clases.

Otra cosa más: en Mingora, la ciudad principal de Swat, a las mujeres no se les permite ir al mercado. A toda mujer que se le ocurra ir al mercado de compras le espera la muerte. Debido a esto, la mayoría de los negocios están cerrados porque ya casi no hay ventas.

Esto no pasa en todos los países islámicos. En Arabia Saudita, por ejemplo, más de la mitad de los estudiantes universitarios son mujeres. Aun cuando las mujeres son estrictamente segregadas, igual pueden recibir una educación.

Pero de cualquier forma, sea como sea que se lo mire, el cristianismo es diferente. Y es diferente porque Jesús es diferente. El Salvador entró a este mundo para buscar y salvar al perdido, tanto hombre como mujer. Vino a sanar al enfermo, tanto hombre como mujer. Y cuando cargó sobre sí mismo los pecados de la humanidad, lo hizo tanto por los hombres como por las mujeres.

Como dijo San Pablo, 'somos uno en Cristo Jesús, y herederos según la promesa de Dios'.

Es reconfortante saber que tenemos un Salvador que el único criterio que usa para la redención es el reconocimiento de nuestra culpa y dependencia en su sacrificio, sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, soy pecador, pero aun así tú me amas. Gracias por darme lo que no merezco. Ayúdame a recordarlo cada día de mi vida para así servirte con alegría. En tu nombre. 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 - Living With Lions

https://odb.org/2017/05/17/living-with-lions/


He is the living God and He endures forever. Daniel 6:26

When I visited a museum in Chicago, I saw one of the original Striding Lions of Babylon. It was a large mural-type image of a winged lion with a ferocious expression. Symbolizing Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and war, the lion was an example of 120 similar lions that would have lined a Babylonian pathway during the years of 604–562 bc.

Historians say that after the Babylonians defeated Jerusalem, the Hebrew captives would have seen these lions during their time in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Historians also say it’s likely that some of the Israelites would have believed Ishtar had defeated the God of Israel.

Daniel, one of the Hebrew captives, did not share the doubts that might have troubled some of his fellow Israelites. His view of God and his commitment to God stayed steady. He prayed three times a day—with his windows open—even when he knew it would mean entering a den of lions. After God rescued Daniel from the hungry animals, King Darius said, “[Daniel’s God] is the living God and he endures forever . . . . He rescues and he saves” (Dan. 6:26–27). Daniel’s faithfulness allowed him to influence Babylonian leaders.

Staying faithful to God despite pressure and discouragement can inspire other people to give Him glory.

Dear God, give me the strength to continue to trust in You when I am discouraged. Help me to experience Your never-ending love and stay close to Your side.

Faithfulness to God inspires others.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Sống Với Sư Tử

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/05/17/song-voi-su-tu/
Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Sử ký 1–3; Giăng 5:25–47


Ngài là Đức Chúa Trời hằng sống và tồn tại đời đời. Đa-ni-ên 6:26

Khi tôi đi thăm viện bảo tàng tại Chicago, tôi có dịp nhìn thấy những con sư tử dũng mãnh của Ba-by-lôn. Có một bức bích họa lớn vẽ một con sư tử có cánh với dáng vẻ rất dữ tợn. Nó đại diện cho thần Ishtar, nữ thần tình yêu và chiến tranh của người Ba-by-lôn, con sư tử đó là hình mẫu của 120 con sư tử tương tự khác được đặt trên một con đường ở Ba-by-lôn trong những năm 604–562 TC.

Các sử gia cho rằng sau khi người Ba-by-lôn chiếm được thành Giê-ru-sa-lem, những người Hê-bơ-rơ bị bắt làm phu tù đã nhìn thấy những con sư tử này trong thời gian họ ở tại vương quốc của vua Nê-bu-cát-nết-sa. Các sử gia còn cho rằng có thể một số người Y-sơ-ra-ên tin rằng thần Ishtar đã đánh bại Đức Chúa Trời của họ.

Đa-ni-ên là một trong những người Hê-bơ-rơ bị bắt làm phu tù, ông không nghi ngờ Đức Chúa Trời như một số người Y-sơ-ra-ên khác. Suy nghĩ của ông về Chúa không đổi và ông vẫn vững vàng tin cậy Chúa. Ông cầu nguyện một ngày ba lần cách công khai, ngay cả khi biết rằng điều đó đồng nghĩa với việc bị ném vào hang sư tử. Sau khi Chúa giải cứu Đa-ni-ên khỏi sư tử đói, vua Đa-ri-út đã nói rằng: “[Đức Chúa Trời của Đa-ni-ên] là Đức Chúa Trời hằng sống và tồn tại đời đời… Ngài cứu rỗi và giải thoát” (Đa. 6:26–27). Lòng trung tín của Đa-ni-ên đã khiến ông ảnh hưởng trên cả những người lãnh đạo Ba-by-lôn.

Trung tín với Chúa ngay trong những áp lực và ngã lòng có thể khiến người khác ca ngợi danh vinh hiển của Ngài.

Lạy Chúa, xin thêm sức cho con để tiếp tục tin cậy Ngài trong những lúc ngã lòng. Xin giúp con kinh nghiệm tình yêu thương đời đời của Ngài và luôn gần bên Ngài.

Cuộc đời trung tín với Chúa sẽ truyền cảm hứng cho người khác.


Nuestro Pan Diario - En medio de leones

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/05/en-medio-de-leones/
La Biblia en un año: 1 Crónicas 1–3; Juan 5:25-47

… él es el Dios viviente y permanece por todos los siglos… (v. 26).

Cuando visité un museo en Chicago, vi uno de los Leones Andantes originales de Babilonia. Era un relieve mural inmenso de un león alado con una expresión feroz. Como símbolo de Istar, la diosa babilonia del amor y la guerra, este era uno de 120 leones similares que enmarcaban una vía procesional durante 604-562 a.C.

Los historiadores afirman que, después de que los babilonios conquistaron Jerusalén, los cautivos hebreos habrían visto estos leones durante el reinado de Nabucodonosor. Además, es probable que algunos hayan creído que Istar había vencido al Dios de Israel.

Daniel, uno de los esclavos hebreos, no compartía estos interrogantes que tal vez hayan afligido a algunos israelitas. Su visión y su compromiso con Dios permanecieron firmes. Oraba tres veces al día, con la ventana abierta, incluso cuando sabía que esto lo llevaría al foso de los leones. Después de que Dios rescató a Daniel de los hambrientos animales, el rey Darío exclamó: «[El Dios de Daniel] es el Dios viviente y permanece por todos los siglos […]. Él salva y libra» (Daniel 6:26-27). La fidelidad de Daniel le permitió influenciar a los líderes babilonios.

Permanecer fiel a Dios a pesar de la presión y el desánimo puede inspirar a otros a glorificarlo.

Señor, dame fuerzas para seguir confiando en ti cuando me sienta desanimado.

La fidelidad a Dios inspira a otros.


Unser Täglich Brot - Mit den Löwen leben

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/05/17/mit-den-l%c3%b6wen-leben/
Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Chronik 1–3; Johannes 5,25-47


Er ist der lebendige Gott, der ewig bleibt. Daniel 6,27

Beim Besuch eines Museums in Chicago konnte ich ein Original der „Löwen von Babylon“ sehen. Es handelt sich um ein großes Wandbild eines geflügelten Löwen mit grimmigem Gesichtsausdruck. Der Löwe symbolisiert Ischtar, die babylonische Göttin der Liebe und des Kriegs, und ist eine von 120 ähnlichen Darstellungen, die in den Jahren 604-562 v. Chr. eine Prozessionsstraße in Babylon schmückten.

Historiker sagen, nach der Eroberung Jerusalems durch die Babylonier und während der Regierungszeit Nebukadnezars hätten die Gefangenen aus Israel diese Löwen sicher gesehen. Sie sagen auch, manche von ihnen hätten vermutlich geglaubt, Ischtar habe den Gott Israels besiegt.

Daniel, einer dieser hebräischen Gefangenen, teilte die Zweifel seiner Landsleute nicht. Seine Hingabe an Gott blieb fest. Er betete drei Mal am Tag—bei offenem Fenster—obwohl er wusste, dass ihn das in die Löwengrube bringen konnte. Nachdem Gott ihn von den hungrigen Tieren gerettet hatte, sagte König Darius, der Gott Daniels „ist der lebendige Gott, der ewig bleibt . . . Er ist ein Retter und Nothelfer“ (Dan. 6,27-28). Daniels Treue zu Gott schenkte ihm Einfluss auf Babylons Herrscher.

Wenn wir Gott auch unter Druck und bei Enttäuschungen treu bleiben, kann das andere Menschen dazu bringen, ihm die Ehre zu geben.

Lieber Gott, gib mir die Kraft, dir auch dann noch zu vertrauen, wenn ich mutlos bin. Lass mich deine nie endende Liebe erfahren und in deiner Nähe bleiben.

Treue zu Gott kann andere ermutigen.


© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Vivre parmi les lions

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/05/17/vivre-parmi-les-lions/
Lisez : Daniel 6.19‑28
La Bible en un an : 1 CHRONIQUES 1 – 3 et JEAN 5.25‑47

Car il est le Dieu vivant, et il subsiste éternellement. V. 26

Durant la visite d’un musée de Chicago, j’ai vu l’original de l’un des « lions de la porte d’Ishtar », provenant de la Babylone de l’Antiquité. Il s’agissait d’une grande murale illustrant un lion ailé à l’expression féroce. Symbolisant Ishtar, la déesse babylonienne de l’amour et de la guerre, ce lion faisait partie d’une série de 120 lions décorant les murs de la Voie processionnelle à Babylone entre 604 et 562 av. J.‑C.

Selon les historiens, les Hébreux que les Babyloniens ont capturés après avoir détruit Jérusalem auraient vu ces lions durant leur séjour dans le royaume de Nébucadnetsar. Les historiens sont également d’avis que certains des Israélites ont probablement cru qu’Ishtar avait vaincu le Dieu d’Israël.

Daniel, l’un de ces captifs hébreux, ne partageait toutefois pas les doutes susceptibles d’avoir troublé certains de ses contemporains israélites. Sa perception de Dieu et son engagement envers lui sont restés fermes. Il priait trois fois par jour – avec sa fenêtre ouverte – même en sachant que cela lui coûterait d’être jeté dans la fosse aux lions. Après que Dieu l’a arraché aux animaux affamés, le roi Darius a déclaré : « [Le Dieu de Daniel] est le Dieu vivant, et il subsiste éternellement » (DA 6.26,27). La fidélité de Daniel lui a permis d’influencer les autorités babyloniennes.

Rester fidèle à Dieu en dépit des pressions et du découragement peut en amener d’autres à lui rendre gloire.

La fidélité envers Dieu inspire autrui.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Серед левів

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/05/17/%d1%81%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b4-%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%b2%d1%96%d0%b2/
Читати: Даниїла 6:19-29


Він Бог Живий і існує повіки. — Даниїла 6:26

Коли я відвідала один музей у Чикаго, то побачила оригінальну фреску “крокуючого вавилонського лева”. Лев на цьому настінному малюнку мав крила і надзвичайно лютий вираз обличчя. Символізуючи Іштар – вавилонську богиню любові та війни, – цей лев був одним із 120 схожих левів, що були розташовані уздовж вавилонської дороги у 604–562 роках до Р.Х.
Історики кажуть, що після захоплення вавилонянами Єрусалиму єврейські бранці бачили цих левів (в період царювання Навуходоносора). Вони припускають, що, можливо, деякі зневірені ізраїльтяни вірили, що Іштар таки перемогла Бога Ізраїлева.

Серед єврейських полонених був і Даниїл, хто не розділяв цих поглядів (що з’явились у деяких його співвітчизників). Він залишався твердим у своїх поглядах на Бога, у своїй відданості Йому. Тому він тричі на день молився – навіть при відкритих вікнах, хоча знав, що за це може потрапити до лев’ячої ями. Коли ж Бог врятував Даниїла від цих голодних хижаків, цар Дарій сказав: “Він Бог Живий і існує повіки… Він рятує та визволяє” (Дан. 6:26-27). Завдяки своїй вірності Богу, Даниїл зміг впливати на вавилонських самодержців.

Якщо ми залишатимемося вірними Богу, незважаючи на будь-який тиск або розчарування, то зможемо надихати інших віддавати Йому славу.

Дорогий Боже, дай мені сили не втрачати довіри до Тебе в часи смутку й розчарувань. Допоможи відчувати Твою нескінченну любов і триматись Тебе.

Наша вірність Богу надихає інших.


© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Среди львов

https://russian-odb.org/2017/05/17/%d1%81%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%b8-%d0%bb%d1%8c%d0%b2%d0%be%d0%b2/
Читать сейчас: Даниил 6:19-28


Он есть Бог живой и сущий вовеки. — Даниил 6:26

Посетив археологический музей в Чикаго, я увидела шагающего вавилонского льва, большую резную статую крылатого зверя со свирепым выражением на морде. Символ Иштар, вавилонской богини любви и войны, лев был одним из ста двадцати таких же чудовищ, стоявших в ряд вдоль дороги, ведущей в Вавилон в 604–562 гг. до Р.Х.

Историки утверждают, что после разрушения Иерусалима вавилонянами еврейские пленники видели этих львов, живя в царстве Навуходоносора. По мнению тех же историков, некоторые иудеи могли верить, что Иштар победила Бога Израилева. Таковы были распространенные в те времена убеждения.

Даниил, один из еврейских пленников, не разделял этого мнения. Его взгляд на Бога и посвященность Всевышнему оставались неизменно твердыми. Он молился три раза в день с открытыми окнами, хотя и знал, что за это может быть брошен в львиный ров. Когда Бог спас Даниила от голодных зверей, царь Дарий сказал: «[Бог Даниила] есть Бог живой и сущий вовеки... Он избавляет и спасает» (Дан. 6:26-27). Верность Даниила позволила ему оказывать значительное влияние на правителей Вавилона.

Наша верность Богу вопреки противостоянию и давлению может побудить других людей воздать Ему славу.

Боже, даруй мне силу уповать на Тебя во время разочарования. Помоги помнить о Твоей неизменной любви и быть ближе к Тебе.

Наша верность Богу вдохновляет других.


The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 - 31st Day of Easter


Opening Sentence

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

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 Wisdom 10:1-21

Wisdom protected the first-formed father of the world, when he alone had been created; she delivered him from his transgression, and gave him strength to rule all things. But when an unrighteous man departed from her in his anger, he perished because in rage he killed his brother. When the earth was flooded because of him, wisdom again saved it, steering the righteous man by a paltry piece of wood. Wisdom also, when the nations in wicked agreement had been put to confusion, recognized the righteous man and preserved him blameless before God, and kept him strong in the face of his compassion for his child. Wisdom rescued a righteous man when the ungodly were perishing; he escaped the fire that descended on the Five Cities. Evidence of their wickedness still remains: a continually smoking wasteland, plants bearing fruit that does not ripen, and a pillar of salt standing as a monument to an unbelieving soul. For because they passed wisdom by, they not only were hindered from recognizing the good, but also left for humankind a reminder of their folly, so that their failures could never go unnoticed. Wisdom rescued from troubles those who served her. When a righteous man fled from his brother's wrath, she guided him on straight paths; she showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things; she prospered him in his labors, and increased the fruit of his toil. When his oppressors were covetous, she stood by him and made him rich. She protected him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those who lay in wait for him; in his arduous contest she gave him the victory, so that he might learn that godliness is more powerful than anything else. When a righteous man was sold, wisdom did not desert him, but delivered him from sin. She descended with him into the dungeon, and when he was in prison she did not leave him, until she brought him the scepter of a kingdom and authority over his masters. Those who accused him she showed to be false, and she gave him everlasting honor. A holy people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors. She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood dread kings with wonders and signs. She gave to holy people the reward of their labors; she guided them along a marvelous way, and became a shelter to them by day, and a starry flame through the night. She brought them over the Red Sea, and led them through deep waters; but she drowned their enemies, and cast them up from the depth of the sea. Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly; they sang hymns, O Lord, to your holy name, and praised with one accord your defending hand; for wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute, and made the tongues of infants speak clearly.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 12:1-21

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 8:1-15

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold." As he said this, he called out, "Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that 'looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.' "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 61 Exaudi, Deus
1   Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer.
2   I call upon you from the ends of the earth with heaviness in my heart; set me upon the rock that is higher than I.
3   For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4   I will dwell in your house for ever; I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.
5   For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have granted me the heritage of those who fear your Name.
6   Add length of days to the king's life; let his years extend over many generations.
7   Let him sit enthroned before God for ever; bid love and faithfulness watch over him.
8   So will I always sing the praise of your Name, and day by day I will fulfill my vows.


Psalm 62 Nonne Deo?
1   For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.
2   He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3   How long will you assail me to crush me, all of you together, as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4   They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; lies are their chief delight.
5   They bless with their lips, but in their hearts they curse.
6   For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him.
7   He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8   In God is my safety and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9   Put your trust in him always, O people, pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10   Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11   On the scales they are lighter than a breath, all of them together.
12   Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13   God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God.
14   Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, for you repay everyone according to his deeds.


Evening Psalms

Psalm 68 Exsurgat Deus
1   Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
2   Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3   But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.
4   Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5   Father of orphans, defender of widows, God in his holy habitation!
6   God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7   O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8   The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9   You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10   Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
11   The Lord gave the word; great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12   Kings with their armies are fleeing away; the women at home are dividing the spoils.
13   Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver, whose feathers are like green gold.
14   When the Almighty scattered kings, it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15   O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16   Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain, at the hill which God chose for his resting place? truly, the LORD will dwell there for ever.
17   The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18   You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19   Blessed be the Lord day by day, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20   He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the LORD, by whom we escape death.
21   God shall crush the heads of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of those who go on still in their wickedness.
22   The Lord has said, "I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea;
23   That your foot may be dipped in blood, the tongues of your dogs in the blood of your enemies."
24   They see your procession, O God, your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25   The singers go before, musicians follow after, in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26   Bless God in the congregation; bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27   There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head; the princes of Judah in a company; and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28   Send forth your strength, O God; establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29   Kings shall bring gifts to you, for your temple's sake at Jerusalem.
30   Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31   Trample down those who lust after silver; scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32   Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33   Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
34   He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35   Ascribe power to God; his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36   How wonderful is God in his holy places! the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!


The Nicene Creed


  • We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 
  • We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 
  • We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of 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

Alleluia! Christ has risen
Christ has risen indeed. Alleluia!


Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. 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.

Prayer of the Day for TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 - 31st Day of Easter


Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 - 31st Day of Easter


Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Read all of Zephaniah 3

Listen to Zephaniah 3

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

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - What It Means to Walk with God


He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:6 (NKJV)

I have heard that if you walk three times a day at a brisk pace, it can help keep you in good shape physically. You won’t move as quickly as you move when you are running. Walking is a regulated motion, but as you do it, you make progress. You move forward gradually.

If we want to abide in Jesus, we must walk as He walked. The Bible says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Walking with God is a picture the Bible often uses to describe the Christian life. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Colossians 2:6 tells us, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” And in Micah 6:8 we read, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Again and again the Bible tells us that we need to walk with God. It’s something we need to commit ourselves to. An interesting verse in Amos 3 gives us an important aspect of walking with God: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (verse 3).

In the original language, the term together carries the concept of two people moving as a single unit. To walk with God means moving together as a single unit. We are united toward the same goal. We are putting our strength toward the same end. We are moving together at the same pace.

To walk with God means that we are moving in harmony with Him. We are staying close to Him. It is the same concept as abiding.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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

Un Dia a la Vez - La honra


Ámense los unos a los otros con amor fraternal, respetándose y honrándose mutuamente.
Romanos 12:10 (NVI)

Según nuestras propias palabras, la honra es reconocimiento, respeto y una bendición cuando honramos a quien merece la honra. Debemos honrar, como ya dijimos, a nuestros padres, a nuestros líderes, a nuestros jefes y a nuestros hijos, cuando hacen algo que amerita el reconocimiento.

Honrar a Dios con nuestros diezmos y ofrendas es una manera de regresarle lo que Él nos ha dado. Es devolverle lo que es suyo.

También se honra a Dios con nuestro comportamiento y cuidando nuestro testimonio. De manera que, como existe la honra, también existe la deshonra, que es todo lo contrario. Con la deshonra nos desacreditamos, lastimamos nuestro testimonio, perdemos el propósito y avergonzamos a nuestro Dios.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SINGING PRAISES


After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

The overflow of singing praises amid great difficulties has tremendous spiritual power for helping to win the spiritual battle. Paul and Silas set the biblical pattern in the prison in Philippi. Pastor Jack Hayford enjoys sharing the story as told by his favourite black preacher. Paul and Silas' prison cell singing was heard all the way to the throne room of God. He began to tap his toe to the music. Since heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool; that created an earthquake!!!

Ivan Antonov spent twenty-four years in Russian prison camps for preaching the gospel. He later shared how he survived:

I would sing hymns. I was really glad that I knew so many. I had memorized about one hundred seventy hymns, and in order not to forget them, I reviewed several every day. So over a time, I sang through all of them. I want to emphasize to my young friends that you should worship God with songs and poems and memorize them. They will come in handy...I sang hymns every morning and at night before going to bed...In those quiet [morning] hours, I would go outside in the fresh air and sing hymns of praise to God and pray. Then I went in for breakfast with everyone else.[1]

China’s notable pastor Wang Ming-dao shared upon his release from prison that he frequently sang praises to God to buoy his spirits. The songs that meant the most to him were “All The Way My Saviour Leads Me” and “Safe In The Arms Of Jesus.”

His contemporary, Allen Yuan shared with me two songs which he repeatedly sang aloud throughout his nearly twenty-two years in prison. One was “The Old Rugged Cross” and the other “Psalm Twenty-Seven” from the Chinese Psalter. It was always an emotional highlight to hear him sing these songs.

RESPONSE: Today I will sing praises to the Lord my God.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to rejoice and sing praises to You, especially when I feel the challenges of spiritual warfare.

1. Ivan Antonov, “Survival 101: How to prepare for imprisonment,” Prisoner Bulletin (1989), p.13.

Girlfriends in God - The Solution to Restlessness, Part Two

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

Friend to Friend

The gap between knowing I need God’s rest and responsively living it out can be huge.

You too?

Yesterday we began to talk about the spiritual discipline of rest. {If you missed part one, CLICK HERE to read it from my blog.} We began to break down R.E.S.T. as an acronym and started a walk through Scripture to see just how God’s best for you is fueled by this discipline.

R.E.S.T. {Reflect. Engage. Surrender. Trust.}

Our takeaway from the first of word of the acronym, reflect, was this: when you reflect on God, you better reflect God.

In addition to prioritizing times of reflection, we must also personally engage with the Lord. To go to Him in prayer and interlock our hearts, motivations, ambitions, and wills to His revealed will and Word. This is where our faith fits together with our actions – where our lives go from being our own to being His.

ENGAGE:
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV)

The apostle Paul instructed us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Most importantly, we must engage with the grace of God through Jesus Christ, which comes from the confession of our sin.

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2, NLT)

SURRENDER:
When I think of surrender, I think of war and of waving white flags. And frankly, faith is a battle – so that mental picture works nicely. In every battle there is an enemy and there are weapons of warfare. And you DO know that you have an enemy, right? Satan wants to keep you from God’s rest because he knows that the spiritual discipline of rest can be one of our most powerful weapons in the battles that we face.

The best example of surrendering to God’s will is in Jesus. The night he was betrayed Jesus surrendered himself to God's plan. He prayed, "Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." (Mark 14:36, NLT)

Here’s the beauty of surrender: when you lay down your mess, your hands are then free to pick up God’s rest. Because the One who captures us in surrender is the One who sets us free. And in the surrender, you are empowered to trust Him more.

TRUST:
I know what it’s like to have circumstances collide with my plans and knock me off balance. This is a constant struggle for each of us. It can be a battle to believe that God can work things out for good. Especially if we fail to rest and live in the “what if’s” and the “why’s.”

Let’s look at what Jesus had to say about this.

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? … So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

Friend, your heavenly Father knows that your job is stressing you out, that your marriage is hanging by thread, that you are bogged down with health challenges, that you are grieving that loss, that your finances are upside down… He knows the longings of your heart.

He. Knows. What. You. Need.

What would happen if every morning you woke up and decided to R.E.S.T.? What if you determined each day to choose to trust God for what you need because you know that He knows what you need?

Can you imagine living with that kind of faith?

That is exactly what the Lord is inviting you into.

His rest.

When you reflect, engage, trust, and surrender – when you prioritize R.E.S.T. – your life will still not be perfect, but you will be equipped for every trial, stress, and strain in the all-sufficient grace that the Lord provides.

And in everything, remember what Jesus said. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Let’s Pray

Lord, I really want to get this one! Please help me to turn to You in all circumstances – in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Give me the strength to surrender my will to Yours, and guard my heart and mind with the peace as I choose to trust You with my struggles today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Psalm 46:1-3 and Psalm 16:8, then wrap up your reflection time with prayer. Move from confession, to adoration, to thanksgiving, and end by praying about your personal needs/burdens.

What is one thing you can do this week to position yourself more deeply in God’s rest? CLICK HERE to post your answer in the comments section of my blog! {I love, love, love hearing from you!}

More from the Girlfriends

A portion of today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith’s latest book, I Want It ALL.

Are you struggling with Restlessness? Gwen’s book, I Want It All, can help lead you to the rest God has for you. It will also help you to 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