Wednesday, August 2, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - August 3, 2017 "A Beautiful Picture"

One of the most famous photographs coming out of World War II...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"A Beautiful Picture"

August 3, 2017

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
~ John 3:16 (ESV)

One of the most famous photographs coming out of World War II was taken by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945. The picture shows six U.S. Marines placing our flag on the top of Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi. The photograph won the Pulitzer Prize for photography, was used in the 7th War Loan Drive, graced the covers of countless newspapers and magazines, and served as inspiration in the creation of the Marine Corp Memorial at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.

That's a lot of mileage for a single photograph.

Recently, I saw another photograph. In many ways it differs from Rosenthal's picture. This photo was taken in a time of peace and not of war. The photo will not raise a ton of money, nor will it ever appear on any magazine covers. The greatest difference is this: while Rosenthal's photo shows men putting up the flag, this picture shows men taking it down.

Still, there is a moving similarity between the pictures. Let me describe the photo for you.

The picture, taken by Josh Edelson, shows some California firefighters who had been assigned the job of protecting 50 homes from a wildfire. In the background you can see the flames coming over the top of a hill. What you can't see are the propane tanks that were blowing up and the power lines which were falling. Amazingly, the firefighters are not looking at the fire; their eyes are fixed upon an American flag, which had been left flying from a home's second-floor balcony.

The photographer said the firefighters spotted "Old Glory," spoke together for a second, and then climbed up to remove the flag to a place of safety.

So there you have it: two immensely moving photos of men with flags. With many differences, these pictures move us because of something they have in common: they both recognize that some things are important; some things are worth our time, and some things are worth dying for.

Similarly, when the Lord looks at us, I think He feels the same way. Read through Scripture and you will see that He thinks we are important, worthy of His time and, yes, even worth dying for.

Now it's true there were no photographs taken at the Bethlehem stable or the site of Jesus' crucifixion at Jerusalem. Even so, the Gospel paints a beautiful picture showing God's commitment to rescuing His lost and condemned children.

And although no cameramen were posted outside the Savior's borrowed grave, the events of Resurrection Sunday have changed this sinful world. More importantly, the resurrection of the Redeemer says His work has been completed and for those who are brought to faith, there is forgiveness and life eternal.

All of which makes for a most beautiful picture, indeed.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, those who stood at the foot of Your cross were horrified by the injustice of the occasion. There is no doubt it was a terrible event. Still, we who have seen You in the word-pictures of the Gospels, rejoice in Your sacrifice which forgives and saves. May others join us in seeing Your love. In Your 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 03 de Agosto de 2017


Alimento Diario

Excepcional

03 de Agosto 2017

El ladrón no viene sino para hurtar, matar y destruir; yo he venido para que tengan vida, y para que la tengan en abundancia.
~ Juan 10:10 (RVC)

George Horn, de 48 años de edad, es un hombre excepcional, y esto no es un cumplido.

Un día, George entró en una Iglesia Católica en la Florida, fue hasta el altar, y tomó el crucifijo... pero no para adorarlo. No. George utilizó el crucifijo para forzar la caja de donaciones en la cual los feligreses depositan ofrendas por las velas que encienden.

No conforme con llevarse solamente el dinero de las ofrendas, George también saqueó la caja de donaciones para los pobres.

Para mí George es excepcional: no tiene problema alguno con robarle a los pobres, al Señor, o a cualquiera en general. George ha demostrado ser culpable de cometer un acto voluntario de profanación e impureza.

Por supuesto que George no está solo. Las personas le roban al Señor constantemente.
  • Si bien no son captados en video de una cámara de vigilancia, como fue el caso de George, ni tampoco dejan evidencia de huellas digitales o ADN, igual le roban al Señor. ¿Cómo?Al no darle la devoción que le corresponde al Creador.
  • Al no agradecerle al Salvador por su sacrificio, muerte y resurrección.
  • Al no vivir en agradecimiento por todo lo que el Señor nos da.

Efectivamente, mucha gente le roba al Señor. Y eso está mal. Nosotros, que hemos sido redimidos por el Cristo, necesitamos darle gracias y adorarle; necesitamos servir y obedecer a nuestro Señor.


Si hacemos estas cosas, también podemos ser excepcionales... pero en una forma buena y que Dios aprueba.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, te pido que mi vida sea excepcional. Que esté excepcionalmente agradecido por el amor excepcional que nos has demostrado en el sufrimiento y sacrificio de Jesús. Y que el perdón y la salvación que él ha ganado sean una fuente de júbilo excepcional. En su 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 - Peace and Trust

https://odb.org/2017/08/03/peace-and-trust/
Bible in a Year: Psalms 63–65; Romans 6


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

When I was six years old I rode a roller coaster for the first time with my older brothers. As soon as we hit a turn at a high speed I started to yell: “Stop this thing right now! I want to get off!” Of course the roller coaster didn’t stop, and I had to “white knuckle” it, hanging on tight for the rest of the ride.

Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with “downhill” drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God. It was in a tumultuous time when invasion threatened his country that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Spirit, discerned this powerful promise from the Lord: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isa. 26:3).

The peace our Savior gives us as we turn to Him “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). I will never forget the words of a woman who was struggling with breast cancer. After a group from our church prayed for her one evening, she said, “I don’t know what will happen, but I know that I’ll be okay, because the Lord was here with us tonight.”

Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.

Lord, help me to trust in You so that I may live in peace.

Jesus is our peace.


Ministérios Pão Diário - Alimentador de esquilos

https://paodiario.org/2017/08/03/alimentador-de-esquilos/
Leia: Salmo 65
A Bíblia em um ano: Salmos 63–65, Romanos 6

Coroas o ano da tua bondade; as tuas pegadas destilam fartura. v.11

Anos atrás, coloquei um alimentador de esquilos numa árvore, a alguns metros da nossa casa. É uma peça simples — duas tábuas e um prego no qual se prende uma espiga de milho. E desde então, todas as manhãs, um esquilo vem desfrutar da refeição do dia. É um animal bonito — preto com a barriga redonda acinzentada.

Sento-me na varanda dos fundos, pela manhã, e o observo enquanto come. O animalzinho arranca cada grão da espiga, segura-o com as mãos, vira-o e come o que está dentro do grão. No fim do dia, não sobram grãos, somente uma pequena e arrumada pilha de sobras de cascas debaixo da árvore.

Apesar dos meus cuidados por ele, o esquilo tem medo de mim. Quando me aproximo, ele foge, refugia-se numa árvore, grita quando chego muito perto. Ele não sabe que sou eu que providencio a comida para ele.

Algumas pessoas agem assim com Deus, e fogem dele, com medo. Não reconhecem que Ele as ama e provê ricamente para que desfrutem de tudo (Salmo 65:11).

Henry Scougal, um pastor escocês que viveu no século 17, escreveu: “Nada tem mais poder de atrair nossas afeições do que saber que somos amados por aquele que é inteiramente amoroso […]. Isso deve nos surpreender e alegrar; e deve afastar o nosso medo e amolecer os nossos corações.” O amor de Deus é o amor perfeito que “expulsa o medo” (1 João 4:18).

Seu amoroso Pai celestial nunca tira os olhos de você.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Bình An và Tin Cậy

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/08/02/loi-thu-nhan-cua-vi-giao-su/
Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Thi Thiên 63–65; Rô-ma 6


Ta để sự bình an lại cho các con. Ta ban sự bình an của Ta cho các con. Sự bình an Ta cho các con không giống như thế gian cho. Lòng các con chớ bối rối và đừng sợ hãi. Giăng 14:27

Lúc sáu tuổi, tôi được chơi tàu lượn trên không với các anh lần đầu tiên. Khi chiếc tàu lướt nhanh đến một khúc ngoặt, tôi bắt đầu hét lên: “Dừng lại ngay đi! Em muốn xuống!” Đương nhiên là chiếc tàu cứ lướt tới, và tôi đã phải “bám thật chặt,” dựa người sát vào ghế cho đến khi kết thúc.

Cuộc đời đôi lúc cũng giống như chuyến tàu lượn trên con đường gập ghềnh qua những “con dốc” đứng và những chỗ quanh quẹo gấp khúc mà chúng ta không bao giờ lường trước được. Khi khó khăn bất ngờ ập đến, Kinh Thánh nhắc chúng ta rằng cách tốt nhất là đặt lòng trông cậy nơi Chúa. Chính trong lúc hỗn loạn trước nạn ngoại xâm, tiên tri Ê-sai được Thánh Linh thần cảm đã nhận được lời hứa đầy quyền năng từ Chúa: “Người nào để tâm trí mình nương cậy nơi Chúa thì Ngài sẽ gìn giữ người trong sự bình an trọn vẹn, vì người tin cậy Ngài” (Ês. 26:3).

Khi chúng ta tìm đến Cứu Chúa, Ngài sẽ ban cho chúng ta sự bình an “vượt trên mọi sự hiểu biết” (Phil. 4:7). Tôi không quên được lời tâm sự của một phụ nữ đang tranh chiến với bệnh ung thư vú. Một buổi tối nọ, sau khi các tín hữu trong hội thánh cầu nguyện cho cô, cô chia sẻ: “Tôi không biết điều gì sẽ xảy ra, nhưng tôi biết rằng tôi sẽ ổn thôi, bởi vì Chúa đang hiện diện với chúng ta tối nay.”

Cuộc đời sẽ có những khó khăn, nhưng Cứu Chúa chúng ta, Đấng yêu thương chúng ta hơn mạng sống mình, là Đấng vĩ đại hơn tất cả.

Lạy Chúa, hôm nay xin giúp con tin cậy nơi Ngài, để sống và kết quả trong sự bình an Ngài ban.

Chúa Jêsus là sự bình an của chúng ta.


Nuestro Pan Diario - Paz y confianza

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/08/la-confesi%c3%b3n-del-profesor/
La Biblia en un año: Salmos 63–65; Romanos 6


La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy […]. No se turbe vuestro corazón, ni tenga miedo (Juan 14:27).

Cuando tenía seis años, subí por primera vez a una montaña rusa con mis hermanos mayores. En cuanto llegamos a un giro a gran velocidad, rompí a gritar: «¡Detengan esto ahora mismo! ¡Quiero bajarme!». Por supuesto, la montaña rusa no se detuvo, y tuve que aguantarme hasta que terminó el recorrido.

A veces, la vida puede parecer un recorrido no deseado en una montaña rusa, con caídas «en picado» y curvas cerradas que no anticipamos. En esos casos, la Biblia nos recuerda que nuestro mejor recurso es confiar en Dios. Cuando su país estaba bajo amenaza de invasión, el profeta Isaías, inspirado por el Espíritu, entendió esta poderosa promesa del Señor: «Tú guardarás en completa paz a aquel cuyo pensamiento en ti persevera; porque en ti ha confiado» (Isaías 26:3).

La paz que nuestro Salvador nos da «sobrepasa todo entendimiento» (Filipenses 4:7). Nunca olvidaré las palabras de una mujer que luchaba contra el cáncer de mama. Después de que un grupo de nuestra iglesia tocó música para ella una noche, la mujer dijo: «No sé qué sucederá, pero estaré bien, porque el Señor estuvo con nosotros esta noche».

La vida tendrá sus dificultades, pero nuestro Salvador, quien nos ama infinitamente, es más grande que todas ellas.

Señor, ayúdame a confiar en ti hoy, para poder vivir y fortalecerme con la paz que tú das.

Jesús es nuestra paz.

Por jb

Unser Täglich Brot - Friede und Vertrauen

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/08/03/friede-und-vertrauen/
Bible in a Year: Psalm 63–65; Römer 6


Den Frieden lasse ich euch, meinen Frieden gebe ich euch. Nicht gebe ich, wie die Welt gibt. Euer Herz erschrecke nicht und fürchte sich nicht. Johannes 14,27

Mit sechs Jahren nahmen mich meine älteren Brüder zum ersten Mal mit auf eine Achterbahn. Schon als wir mit hohem Tempo in die erste Kurve gingen, schrie ich: „Halt! Haltet sofort an! Ich will aussteigen!“ Natürlich hielt die Bahn nicht an und ich klammerte mich für den Rest der Fahrt an den Haltegriffen fest, bis mir die Hände weiß wurden.

Manchmal kann das Leben uns vorkommen wie eine unerwünschte Fahrt auf der Achterbahn. Völlig unvorhersehbar geht es plötzlich bergab oder um eine scharfe Kurve. Die Bibel sagt uns, dass es bei unerwarteten Problemen unsere beste Hilfe ist, wenn wir unser Vertrauen auf Gott setzen. In einer bewegten Zeit, als sein Land von Feinden bedroht war, erhielt der Prophet Jesaja durch Gottes Geist die gewaltige Zusage: „Wer festen Herzens ist, dem bewahrst du Frieden; denn er verlässt sich auf dich“ (Jes. 26,3).

Der Friede, den der Herr uns gibt, wenn wir uns ihm zuwenden, ist „höher als alle Vernunft“ (Phil. 4,7). Nie werde ich die Worte einer Frau vergessen, die an Brustkrebs erkrankt war. Nachdem eine Gruppe unserer Gemeinde eines Abends für sie gebetet hatte, sagte sie: „Ich weiß nicht, was kommt. Aber ich weiß, dass es gut wird, weil der Herr heute hier bei uns war.“

Im Leben gibt es Probleme, aber unser Erlöser, der uns mehr liebt als das Leben, ist größer als sie alle.

Lieber Herr, hilf mir, dir heute zu vertrauen, damit ich leben und den Frieden erfahren kann, den du schenkst.

Jesus ist unser Friede.


Notre Pain Quotidien - Paix et confiance

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/08/02/la-confession-du-professeur/
Lisez : Ésaïe 26.1-9
La Bible en un an : Psaumes 63 – 65 et Romains 6


Je vous laisse la paix, je vous donne ma paix. Je ne vous donne pas comme le monde donne. Que votre cœur ne se trouble point, et ne s’alarme point. Jean 14.27

À l’âge de six ans, j’ai fait pour la première fois une balade en montagnes russes avec mes frères aînés. Dès que nous avons pris un virage à vive allure, je me suis mis à crier : « Arrêtez ça tout de suite ! Je veux débarquer ! » Bien entendu, cela ne s’est pas produit, et j’ai dû subir cette expérience affolante jusqu’à la fin, cramponné de toutes mes forces à la voiturette.

Il arrive parfois que la vie nous semble être une virée en montagnes russes, avec des descentes abruptes et des virages en épingle auxquels nous ne nous attendions pas. Lorsque des difficultés surgissent soudain devant nous, la Bible nous rappelle que le mieux consiste à mettre notre foi en Dieu. À une époque tumultueuse où l’on menaçait d’envahir son pays, le prophète Ésaïe, inspiré par l’Esprit, a discerné cette puissante promesse émanant du Seigneur : « À celui qui est ferme dans ses sentiments tu assures la paix, la paix, parce qu’il se confie en toi » (ÉS 26.3).

La paix que notre Sauveur nous procure lorsque nous nous tournons vers lui « surpasse toute intelligence » (PH 4.7). Je n’oublierai jamais ce que m’a dit un soir une femme atteinte du cancer après qu’un groupe de gens de mon Église a prié pour elle : « J’ignore ce qui se produira, mais je sais que tout ira bien pour moi, parce que le Seigneur était là parmi nous ce soir. »

La vie comporte son lot de difficultés, mais notre Sauveur, qui nous aime plus que la vie, les transcende toutes.

Jésus est notre paix.


© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Мир та довіра

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/08/03/%d0%bc%d0%b8%d1%80-%d1%82%d0%b0-%d0%b4%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%96%d1%80%d0%b0/
Читати: Ісаї 26:1-9
Біблія за рік: Псалми 63−65 ; Римлян 6


Зоставляю вам мир, мир Свій вам даю! Я даю вам не так, як дає світ. Серце ваше нехай не тривожиться, ані не лякається! — Івана 14:27

У шість років я вперше зі своїми братами покатався на американських гірках. Але як тільки ми рвонули вперед на великій швидкості, я почав волати: “Зупиніть це! Я хочу вийти!” Звісно, ніхто американську гірку не зупиняв, і я змушений був терпіти цей жах до кінця, вчепившись побілілими пальцями за поручні.

Інколи життя нагадує таке небажане катання на американських гірках зі стрімкими падіннями вниз і крутими віражами. Коли нас раптово спіткають різні проблеми, Біблія нагадує, що найкращий спосіб впоратись із ними – довіритись Богу. То були буремні, тривожні часи – загроза вторгнення лютого ворога, – коли пророк Ісая, натхнений Божим Духом, приніс народу від Господа цю велику обітницю: “Думку, оперту на Тебе, збережеш Ти у повнім спокої, бо на Тебе надію вона покладає” (Іс. 26:3).

Той мир, що нам його дає Спаситель, є “вищий від усякого розуму” (Фил. 4:7). Ніколи не забуду слова однієї жінки, що хворіла на рак грудей. Після того, як одного вечора група віруючих з нашої церкви помолилась за неї, вона сказала: “Я не знаю, що на мене чекає, але знаю, що зі мною все буде гаразд. Господь був цього вечора тут, із нами”. В житті бувають різні труднощі, але наш Спаситель – Хто полюбив нас більше за Своє життя – могутніший за всіх їх.

Дорогий Господи, допоможи мені, будь ласка, довіряти сьогодні Тобі, щоб я міг жити й духовно процвітати в тому мирі, що Ти даєш.

Ісус – наш мир


Хлеб наш насущный - Мир и упование

https://russian-odb.org/2017/08/03/%d0%bc%d0%b8%d1%80-%d0%b8-%d1%83%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5/
Читать сейчас: Исаия 26:1-9
Библия за год: Псалтирь 62–64; 1 Петра 1


Мир оставляю вам, мир Мой даю вам; не так, как мир дает, Я даю вам. Да не смущается сердце ваше и да не устрашается. — Иоанна 14:27

В шесть лет я впервые проехался на американских горках со своими братьями. Когда мы на высокой скорости приблизились к первому крутому повороту, я начал вопить: «Не хочу! Выпустите меня!» Конечно, остановить аттракцион было невозможно, и мне пришлось, вцепившись в поручни, дотерпеть до конца.

Иногда жизнь бывает похожа на такие горки со взлетами, падениями и неожиданными поворотами. Когда мы встречаем на пути подобные «сюрпризы», Библия напоминает, что в таких случаях нужно положиться на Бога. Было бурное время, жестокие враги угрожали стране, когда пророк Исаия, вдохновленный Святым Духом, произнес великое Божье обетование: «Твердого духом Ты хранишь в совершенном мире, ибо на Тебя уповает он» (Ис. 26:3).

Мир, который Спаситель дает обратившимся к Нему, «превыше всякого ума» (Флп. 4:7). Я никогда не забуду слов женщины, которая боролась с раком груди. Когда мы однажды вечером ее посетили и помолились, она сказала: «Я не знаю, что со мной будет, но верю, что все будет хорошо. Сегодня вечером Господь был с нами».

Не бывает жизни без трудностей, но любящий нас Спаситель больше чем жизнь. И конечно, Он больше всех трудностей.

Дорогой Господь, помоги мне сегодня довериться Тебе, чтобы жить и возрастать в мире, который Ты даешь.

Иисус – наш мир


The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, August 2, 2017

Christ Walking on Water
Opening Sentence
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3

Morning Prayer
I  call upon you, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting.

I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day. Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways.

I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine. So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall.

I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son. He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.

Amen.

Confession and Forgiveness
I  confess with faith and adore You, O Light indivisible, Holy Trinity and single Godhead, creator of light and dispeller of darkness. Dispel from my soul the darkness of sin and ignorance, and at this hour enlighten my mind, that I may pray to You according to Your will, and receive from You the fulfillment of my supplications. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Today's Readings

The First Reading is taken from 2 Samuel 3:22-39
Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for David had dismissed him, and he had gone away in peace. When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, "Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he has dismissed him, and he has gone away in peace." Then Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Abner came to you; why did you dismiss him, so that he got away? You know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you, and to learn your comings and goings and to learn all that you are doing." When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know about it. When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So he died for shedding the blood of Asahel, Joab's brother. Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner son of Ner. May the guilt fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge, or who is leprous, or who holds a spindle, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks food!" So Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon. Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner." And King David followed the bier. They buried Abner at Hebron. The king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. The king lamented for Abner, saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen." And all the people wept over him again. Then all the people came to persuade David to eat something while it was still day; but David swore, saying, "So may God do to me, and more, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down!" All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; just as everything the king did pleased all the people. So all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner. And the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? Today I am powerless, even though anointed king; these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too violent for me. The LORD pay back the one who does wickedly in accordance with his wickedness!"

The Second Reading is taken from Acts 16:16-24
One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation." She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, "These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe." The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 6:47-56
When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Morning Psalms
Psalm 72 Deus, judicium
1   Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King's son;
2   That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.
3   That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness.
4   He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5   He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
6   He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
7   In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
8   He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9   His foes shall bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
10   The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11   All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service.
12   For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper.
13   He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14   He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15   Long may he live! and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; may prayer be made for him always, and may they bless him all the day long.
16   May there be abundance of grain on the earth, growing thick even on the hilltops; may its fruit flourish like Lebanon, and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17   May his Name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures; may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
18   Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds!
19   And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

Evening Psalms
Psalm 119: Yodh Manus tuæ fecerunt me
73   Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74   Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your word.
75   I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76   Let your loving-kindness be my comfort, as you have promised to your servant.
77   Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, for your law is my delight.
78   Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; but I will meditate on your commandments.
79   Let those who fear you turn to me, and also those who know your decrees.
80   Let my heart be sound in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.


Psalm 119: Kaph Defecit in salutare
81   My soul has longed for your salvation; I have put my hope in your word.
82   My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, and I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83   I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84   How much longer must I wait? when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?
85   The proud have dug pits for me; they do not keep your law.
86   All your commandments are true; help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87   They had almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88   In your loving-kindness, revive me, that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.


Psalm 119: Lamedh In æternum, Domine
89   O LORD, your word is everlasting; it stands firm in the heavens.
90   Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; you established the earth, and it abides.
91   By your decree these continue to this day, for all things are your servants.
92   If my delight had not been in your law, I should have perished in my affliction.
93   I will never forget your commandments, because by them you give me life.
94   I am yours; oh, that you would save me! for I study your commandments.
95   Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96   I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment has no bounds.

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
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for those who Suffer from Prejudice
Holy God, teach me to treat every person with the pure love of Christ. Do not let me hate any person, but to forgive them when they sin, and to disregard every external attribute that prejudices one person against another. For we are all your children, equally loved, although we be sinners all.

And bless those who hate and those who are hated, especially from prejudices against attributes of birth, or appearance, or ability, or any other worldly feature that divides us from one another. Comfort and bless those who suffer such discrimination and do not let them fall into Satan's trap, but give them always a spirit of sincere and pure forgiveness, as Christ forgave those who tortured and murdered Him.

And reform those who say words or commit acts that hurt others; if it be your will, let them see their sin and grow to hate it. Call them to your Spirit and let them be reborn in love and humility through the power of Christ, in whose name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer for Mission
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.


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

Closing Prayer
Into your hands, O Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me and all those who pray in faith of You this day; save us and grant unto us everlasting life. 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 WEDNESDAY, August 2, 2017


O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; 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 WEDNESDAY, August 2, 2017


James 1:22 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Read all of James 1

Listen to James 1

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

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - Be still and know I am God


When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
~ Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

We cannot doubt the importance of worshipping God with others. Whether we stand and shout in a megachurch with a widescreen video, or kneel and hear a liturgy in a traditional setting, or simply get together with a few fellow Christians in a home for prayer and praise, having a fellowship worship experience is an important part of our life in Christ.

But there is a completely different kind of prayer, and it is quiet and private. The instruction to pray in this way comes from the mouth of Jesus himself, in Matthew 6. This is how we communicate with God. “God has appointed prayer as his way of dispensing, and our way of obtaining all promised good.” (J.B. Johnston)

If someone does not know how or what to pray, Christ gave us the Lord’s Prayer to help us along. But there is an important aspect that many people ignore, or perhaps do not even know about: listening. The Holy Spirit will speak to us. If nothing else, He will let us know He is there; He will give us knowledge of God and His love for us that we really cannot get any other way.

And if we have questions, if we are confused or angry or depressed, we will understand (sooner or later) a direct answer from God, if we create the time and place to hear it. God's voice must be invited. We must pray our love for Him; for as Christ taught the apostles, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

Do not expect to hear an actual voice saying words, for the communication of the Spirit is quieter and stiller than sound; we receive a sense of His presence that is neither words nor emotions, but a unique spiritual experience. How much better off the world would be, if everyone took some time every day to pray in private and listen for God's guidance.
Lord God, I love you above all else, and pray for you to be with me and guide me in all things. 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.

Un Dia a la Vez - Con sentimentalismos no hay milagros


Hijo mío, si haces tuyas mis palabras [...] entonces comprenderás el temor del Señor y hallarás el conocimiento de Dios.

¿Cómo movemos el corazón de Dios? Es posible que te estés preguntando: «¿De qué manera logro que Dios me dé lo que le pido? ¿Qué sacrificio debo hacer para que Él se conmueva? ¿Debo ayunar por conveniencia?».

Estas son algunas de las maneras más comunes con las que tratamos de mover el corazón de Dios a nuestro favor. Quiero aclarar que no todo el mundo es igual. Hay personas que lo del ayuno lo hacen como Dios manda y es muy poderoso. Sin embargo, es lamentable que se nos olvide que Dios es Dios. Él conoce nuestros intereses e intensiones y no nos va a dar nada por interés. Entonces, ¿por qué tratamos de manipularlo?

Nosotras las mujeres somos muy sensibles y sentimentales, pero les tengo una noticia que quizá ya hayas escuchado: Nuestras lágrimas no mueven el corazón de Dios y tu llanto no va a hacer que las cosas cambien a tu favor.

Dios quiere personas de fe. Quiere personas comprometidas con Él que le busquen en espíritu y en verdad. Lo que en realidad mueve a Dios es nuestra obediencia.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - BOLD IN THE SPIRIT


My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
~ Psalm 84:2 (NIV)

A few months ago a North Korean man successfully waded across the Tumen River into China looking for food, money and work in order to return later to his home country with help for his family. He was befriended by Korean-Chinese Christians (not an uncommon scenario among refugees there). As he sat in Christian meetings, an older woman said to him, “Receive the Holy Spirit or you can’t go back into North Korea; it’s too dangerous!”

After many discussions with believers, he confessed Jesus as Lord of his life and received the Holy Spirit. He packed Bibles along with his food cargo and crossed the river back to North Korea. Though it was a full moon night, there were no guards since everyone was watching North Korea play football (soccer) against Brazil in the World Cup games in South Africa.

As soon as he arrived home, he began talking about his new relationship with God. His family became irate. The young man’s uncle tried to beat this “new idea” of God and Jesus out of him shouting, “How can you believe these things?”

The young man replied, “How can you not? Without God how do the sun and moon rotate?” The Holy Spirit gave words to the surprised young man. Soon the beating was forgotten and the uncle was listening intently. The whole family of this young man ultimately received Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

On returning to China for further training, he commented that unless people are filled with the Holy Spirit they should not go back to North Korea because the spiritual warfare is worse than ever.

He concluded, “Only with the Holy Spirit’s help can we be bold. Pray for me that when I am caught I may be bold in my faith.”

RESPONSE: Today I will rely on the Holy Spirit to make me bold in my witness.

PRAYER: Lord, my soul, my heart, my flesh, cry out to You for the filling and power of Your Holy Spirit.

Girlfriends in God - August 02, 2017


Do These Pants Make My Hips Looks Big?

Today’s Truth

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Friend to Friend

I went hunting in a clothing consignment store — people watching more than actually clothes shopping. I gathered a few possibilities and then stood in line to try them on.

A group of friends occupied the three dressing rooms with piles and piles of clothes. It was quite a parade as the girls popped in and out of the cubbies to model their finds. All I needed was a bag of popcorn as I settled in for the show.

At one point, a gal came out in skintight, black shiny pants that were at least two sizes too small, a couple inches too short, and about to burst at the seams.

“Do these pants make my hips look big?” she asked her friend.

“What hips?” her friend exclaimed. “Girl, you’re lookin’ good.”

She lied.

Oh my.

My mind raced back to a time when I was with a different sort of friend. On this particular day, I met her for lunch wearing a pink sweater with fuzzy pink flamingos and randomly placed sequins. My friend took one look at me and said, “Girl, you need to take that sweater off and never wear it again. That does not look good on you!”

We had a good laugh…but I didn’t wear the flamingos again.

So which sort of friend do I really want? Honestly? One that always tells me what I want to hear, or one that loves me enough to tell me what I need to hear.

We all need friends, just a few, who will tell us the truth. Friends who will say, “That does not look good on you.” And I’m not just talking about pink sweaters with fuzzy pink flamingos or too tight, shiny black pants that make our hips look big.

I’m talking about what we wear on our hearts and in our souls. We all need friends, just a few, who will have the guts to say:
  • That anger does not look good on you.
  • That bitterness does not look good on you.
  • That resentment does not look good on you.
  • That jealousy does not look good on you.
  • That self-pity does not look good on you.
  • That self-condemnation does not look good on you.
  • That grumbling and complaining does not look good on you.
We all need friends, just a few, who will tell us the truth because they love us too much not to.

But just a few.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (Proverbs 27:17 NLT). Do you have a friend who you trust enough to tell you when something doesn’t look good on you…or in you? One that you won’t get mad at if she does? If so, you’re truly blessed.

Let’s Pray

Lord, sometimes I don’t like it when a friend tells me the truth. Most of the time I want my friends to tell me I’m cuddly and wonderful. But I do thank You for a few friends, my deepest and dearest, who love me enough to tell me the truth even when it hurts. Help me to have the right attitude to receive the hard truth when I need it.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Ouch! This was a tough one. I stepped on my own toes and they’re throbbing.

I’m not going to have you look up any extra Scripture today. I want you to simply pray and reflect on who your iron-sharpening-iron friend might be. Then consider sending her this devotion with a big THANK YOU!

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my blog over at SharonJaynes.com. My blogs are written more in real time...what happened today. I’d love for you to click on over and sign up for my blog. When you do, you’ll receive an email with 10 of my most popular posts. An added bonus is that at least once a month I give away free goodies from the comments. So click over to www.sharonjaynes.com. I’ll see you there! We can also stay connected through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


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Girlfriends in God
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