Friday, August 31, 2018

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, September 1, 2018

Jesus the Light of the World
John 8:12-20

The Daily Readings
SATURDAY, September 1, 2018

Old Testament
Job 9:1, 10:1-9, 10:16-22
Job Replies: There Is No Mediator
9:1 Then Job answered:

Job: I Loathe My Life
10:1 “I loathe my life;
    I will give free utterance to my complaint;
    I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say to God, Do not condemn me;
    let me know why you contend against me.
3 Does it seem good to you to oppress,
    to despise the work of your hands
    and favor the schemes of the wicked?
4 Do you have eyes of flesh?
    Do you see as humans see?
5 Are your days like the days of mortals,
    or your years like human years,
6 that you seek out my iniquity
    and search for my sin,
7 although you know that I am not guilty,
    and there is no one to deliver out of your hand?
8 Your hands fashioned and made me;
    and now you turn and destroy me.
9 Remember that you fashioned me like clay;
    and will you turn me to dust again?

16 Bold as a lion you hunt me;
    you repeat your exploits against me.
17 You renew your witnesses against me,
    and increase your vexation toward me;
    you bring fresh troops against me.

18 “Why did you bring me forth from the womb?
    Would that I had died before any eye had seen me,
19 and were as though I had not been,
    carried from the womb to the grave.
20 Are not the days of my life few?
    Let me alone, that I may find a little comfort
21 before I go, never to return,
    to the land of gloom and deep darkness,
22 the land of gloom and chaos,
    where light is like darkness.”

The Epistle
Acts 11:1-18
Peter’s Report to the Church at Jerusalem
11:1 Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

The Gospel
John 8:12-20
Jesus the Light of the World
8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. 18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” 19 Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

The Morning Prayer for SATURDAY, September 1, 2018


Saturday morning prayer

Lord on this preparation day, I jump into all that You have given me. Might I embrace each part of this glorious time, enjoying the service, relishing in the challenges, engaging with the fun and celebrating with laughter.

Lord on this day, may I enjoy the beauty of the created world all around me. Might I run, drive, walk and sing in the freedom of this day! Thank you that right now I can feel Your love flowing through each vein of my being, causing me to pulsate with vision and life. Lord, on this day I jump into all that You have given me.

Lord, on this preparation day, I wake to live and give. May it be a worthwhile day, fill up to the brim. A day with service, laughter, work and play, a time to run and sing. May Saturday be a day I walk and breathe your goodness in, enjoy the beauty all around and freedoms joy within.
Amen

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, September 1, 2018


Psalm 95:6-7 (NIV) Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice,

Read all of Psalm 95

Listen to Psalm 95

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 - Un nuevo día


Un nuevo día

¡Despierten, arpa y lira! ¡Haré despertar al nuevo día! [...] Te alabaré, Señor [...] Pues tu amor es tan grande que rebasa los cielos.
~ Salmo 108:2-4 (NVI)

Cada día trae su propio afán. Entonces, ¿por qué nos vamos a afanar por el día de mañana? Hasta la Biblia nos recomienda que dejemos el estrés y vivamos cada día como si fuera el último.

Eso no significa que no te proyectes al futuro y que no planifiques. Estas cosas son buenas. Lo que no es bueno es que te dejes robar la bendición al preocuparte antes de tiempo.

Aprender a descansar en el Señor nos trae muchas ventajas, pues vives en paz y afrontas tus problemas confiando en que tendrán solución. Aun estando en aprietos financieros, conoces quién es Dios que no te desampara ni de día ni de noche. Cuando descansas en Dios, es porque has entendido en realidad que tu Padre que está en los cielos cuidará de tus hijos aun cuando partas de este mundo.

Comencemos entonces a darle gracias a Dios por el día de hoy. Además, vivamos a plenitud y saquemos el mejor provecho del mismo aunque venga con cosas que no esperábamos.

Ora cada mañana y encomiéndale tu camino al Señor. Preocúpate por los negocios de Dios y Él se preocupará por los tuyos.

Gracias, Señor, por este nuevo amanecer. Lo entrego en tus manos. En el nombre de Jesús, amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Cada día trae su propio afán. Entonces, ¿por qué nos vamos a afanar por el día de mañana?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - MARTYRDOM


MARTYRDOM

Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

In Ambon, Indonesia, a Christian youth camp was held in early 1999 with the theme “Soldiers of the Cross!” The camp was attacked by an angry group of Muslim extremists and a 15-year-old boy named Roy Pontoh was singled out for carrying his Bible and interrogated.

When asked, “Who are you?” he replied, “I am a soldier of Jesus Christ.” The angry mob chopped at his left arm with a machete. The questioning continued, “Who are you?” And again Roy answered, “I am a soldier of Jesus Christ.” Then they chopped at his right arm.

When they tried to force him to say, “Allahu Akbar,” he replied, “As far as I know, Jesus Christ is the only Lord.” Now the seething angry crowd cut open his stomach and demanded again, “Who are you?” With his last breath, Roy gasped, “I am a soldier of Jesus Christ.” The mob cut off his head and threw his body in a ditch.

Martyrdom may be the end result of those who endure. In addition to Jesus, three martyrs are named in the New Testament—John the Baptist, Stephen and James. Some of the unnamed heroes of the faith mentioned in Hebrews 11:37 were also martyred.

Martyrdom is described as a legitimate response to persecution. This is not easily understood in our day and in our culture that specializes in personal “rights” and the avoidance of suffering. But a special crown is awaiting those who lay down their lives for their faith.

The appropriate response to persecution that one chooses depends on that person’s intimate relationship with God the Holy Spirit and openness to His direction.

No doubt if you and I had talked to Roy Pontoh before his death, we may not have detected such bravery and loyalty to Jesus. Roy passed the hot water test with flying colors. He graduated to a special place with his Lord as a victorious overcomer.

Overcomers are like tea bags. You have to put them in hot water to know how strong they are!

RESPONSE: Today I will live in faith and assurance that even in the test and threat of death I can be a victorious overcomer.

PRAYER: Pray that all those who may face physical death today for the cause of Christ will walk in faith and realize they will never die.

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

The NIV Couples Devotional - Finding Strength in Submission


Finding Strength in Submission

Philemon 1–25

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.

During the Reformation, when Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli were exchanging strong words about Biblical interpretations and ecclesiastical practices, Zwingli spent a troubled morning walking the mountain trails of his beloved Switzerland. From a distance he observed two goats making their way toward each other on a path barely stitched to the side of a cliff. It was obvious that these nimble creatures could not pass one another.

As the goats approached each other, each feinted a power move at the other in what looked like the beginning of a battle. In a surprise twist, however, one goat suddenly collapsed onto the narrow ledge so the other goat could walk over its back. Then each moved on.

Zwingli was impressed. Here was strength defined by submission. It allowed two opponents to survive a crisis so both could get on with more important things. Zwingli applied the lesson to his next encounter with Luther.

The same principle is evident in Paul’s words to Philemon. Philemon’s slave Onesimus had run away, met Paul in Rome and become a Christian. Now Paul was sending the slave back to his master, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as mere property, but as a brother. Instead of butting heads with Philemon, Paul extended a hand of love. Was this a sign of weakness? Psychological manipulation?

Both possibilities and a variety of others enter a marital relationship. Sometimes we badger one another. Sometimes, like goats poised for battle on a mountain trail, we come close to butting heads. Sometimes we spit and snarl and lash out. Sometimes we sit together and lovingly hash things out.

What is helpful and healthy in good relationships is honesty. Not just truthfulness that blurts out every last thought, but self-awareness that is not deceptive. It is as important that I learn to be honest with myself as it is to be truthful with my partner. If Paul was in touch with his own thoughts and feelings when he wrote to Philemon, he could state his case without deploying manipulative or subversive tactics. He could focus on Philemon’s well-being and circumstances while maintaining his own perspective.

Too often we allow our emotions to derail relationships because we are blinded by excessive self-importance. The strength of our emotions, especially when we are at odds with each other, inflates our tendency for self-preservation and diminishes our sense of the other’s importance in our lives. We need to keep relationships personal and issues impersonal as we build faithfulness with one another.

Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. But the ways in which we work through them can bind us more tightly together in love. Paul’s kindness to Philemon offers a very good example to follow.

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk
  • What do we tend to disagree about? What happens in our relationship whenever that topic comes up? How do our feelings get involved?
  • When we disagree, does one of us generally dominate the other? What is dangerous about that? How could we change that pattern?
  • How do we show our respect for one another when we disagree about something? If we videotaped one of our arguments and showed it to a friend or a marriage counselor, what would they say?
During the Reformation, when Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli were exchanging strong words about Biblical interpretations and ecclesiastical practices, Zwingli spent a troubled morning walking the mountain trails of his beloved Switzerland.

LHM Daily Devotions - The Heart of the Christian Faith

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20180901

"The Heart of the Christian Faith"

Sep. 1, 2018

For "everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved."
~ Romans 10:13 (ESV)

How many glorious blessings attach to this promise of pure grace! As the diamond sparkles whenever a shaft of light strikes its polished facets, so, view the Gospel of Jesus Christ from whatever angle you will, you behold unparalleled blessings. The very first word of our text reminds us of the universal sweep, the all-enfolding grasp, of the Savior's mercy. This "whosever shall call upon the Name of the Lord" knows no social distinctions, no racial barriers, no overprivileged or underprivileged. "There is no difference," the apostle exults, and beneath the cross we can find no different between the Gold Coast and the ghetto, sky terraces and janitors' basements. If you exclude one single, despised, depraved soul of humanity's two billions from the Savior's grace, you are too narrow for Christ's Gospel; for this "whosoever," repeated as it is throughout the New Testament, is the seal and assurance of God's universal love.

Listen to Jesus as He promises: "Whosoever, therefore, shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven." Listen to His Word as it embraces the ends of the earth and pledges: "Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Turn to the last page of your Bible, and as the setting sun of Revelation tinges these words with roseate hope, read this promise to thirsty souls: "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." You may be a great sinner, but the pardoning love of Christ is greater. You may be alarmed by the frequency with which evil triumphs in your life; but it cannot happen too frequently for the eternal mercies, renewed to us every morning. You may be imprisoned behind penitentiary walls; but you cannot sink too low for Him who on the cross dropped into the depths of abysmal God-forsakenness and who, as He paid the price of your pardon, "was despised and rejected of men."

Heavenly strength rests in the knowledge that our Savior sees all men with their heartaches and burdens in sympathetic survey. He who once lived among men knows the problems of the laboring man; He met them in Joseph's carpenter shop. He understands the perplexities of the mother, busy in the crowded workaday duties of washing and cooking and mending and cleaning; for that humble dwelling in Galilee anticipated the various needs of our households. He knows how it feels to be poor; for He had "not where to lay His head." He can take the viewpoint of the persecuted and oppressed; for did not blasphemous hands try to hurl jagged rocks at His defenseless body? He can sympathize with those who are lost in their loneliness; for in the hour of His greatest need His disciples deserted Him and fled. He can plumb the depths of your deepest sorrow; for, nailed to the cross, He suffered as no one else has ever suffered and died a death of agonies that no other can ever die.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we are not beyond the reach of Your love. No matter our blame, You are greater and have offered us grace unlimited in victory of Your Son. For this we praise You. Amen.

From "The Heart of the Christian Faith," a sermon excerpt from Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
How many glorious blessings attach to this promise of pure grace!

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Tấm Lòng Của Sĩ Quan Miglio

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2018/09/01/tam-long-cua-si-quan-miglio/

Tấm Lòng Của Sĩ Quan Miglio

Đọc: Ma-thi-ơ 18:1-10 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Thi Thiên 135–136; I Cô-rinh-tô 12

Hãy thận trọng, đừng xem thường một đứa nào trong những đứa trẻ nầy! Vì Ta bảo các con, các thiên sứ của chúng ở trên trời luôn thấy mặt Cha Ta là Đấng ở trên trời. Ma-thi-ơ 18:10

Trở về đồn cảnh sát, sĩ quan Miglio mệt mỏi ngả vào tường. Cuộc gọi cầu cứu vì bạo lực gia đình vừa rồi đã lấy đi một nửa thời gian ca trực của anh. Hậu quả của vụ việc đó là người bạn trai bị giam giữ, cô con gái trẻ nằm ở phòng cấp cứu và người mẹ run rẩy tự hỏi sao mọi chuyện lại tồi tệ đến mức này. Cuộc gọi ấy sẽ còn in đậm trong tâm trí người sĩ quan trẻ tuổi một thời gian dài.

Vị trung sĩ của anh nói với giọng đầy cảm thông: “Anh cũng không thể làm gì khác, anh Vic”. Nhưng đó chỉ là những lời an ủi suông. Nhiều sĩ quan có thể để công việc lại sau giờ làm. Nhưng anh Vic Miglio thì khác. Đặc biệt là những trường hợp nghiêm trọng như thế này.

Tấm lòng của sĩ quan Miglio phản chiếu lòng thương xót của Chúa Jêsus. Các môn đồ đến hỏi Chúa Jêsus: “Ai là người cao trọng hơn hết trong vương quốc thiên đàng?” (Mat. 18:1). Ngài gọi một đứa trẻ đến, rồi phán: “Nếu các con không biến đổi và trở nên như con trẻ, các con sẽ không bao giờ được vào vương quốc thiên đàng đâu” (c.3). Rồi Ngài cảnh báo nghiêm khắc những ai làm hại con trẻ (c.6). Thật vậy, trẻ em rất đặc biệt với Chúa Jêsus đến nỗi Ngài nói rằng: “Các thiên sứ của chúng ở trên trời luôn thấy mặt Cha Ta là Đấng ở trên trời” (c.10).

Thật được an ủi làm sao khi tình yêu thương của Chúa Jêsus dành cho con trẻ nói lên tình yêu của Ngài dành cho tất cả chúng ta. Đó là lý do Ngài mời gọi chúng ta trở nên con trai và con gái Ngài, thông qua đức tin giống như con trẻ.

Lạy Chúa, xin luôn nhắc nhở chúng con biết yêu thương trẻ em giống như Ngài, và đến với Ngài với đức tin phó thác như con trẻ.

Gia đình trên đất có thể từ bỏ chúng ta, nhưng Cha Thiên Thượng chẳng hề từ bỏ.


© 2018 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Trở về đồn cảnh sát, sĩ quan Miglio mệt mỏi ngả vào tường...

Thursday, August 30, 2018

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, August 31, 2018

Gentiles Hear the Good News
Acts 10:34-48

The Daily Readings
FRIDAY, August 31, 2018

Old Testament
Job 9:1-15, 32-35
Job Replies: There Is No Mediator
9:1 Then Job answered:

2 “Indeed I know that this is so;
    but how can a mortal be just before God?
3 If one wished to contend with him,
    one could not answer him once in a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength
—who has resisted him, and succeeded?—
5 he who removes mountains, and they do not know it,
    when he overturns them in his anger;
6 who shakes the earth out of its place,
    and its pillars tremble;
7 who commands the sun, and it does not rise;
    who seals up the stars;
8 who alone stretched out the heavens
    and trampled the waves of the Sea;
9 who made the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
10 who does great things beyond understanding,
    and marvelous things without number.
11 Look, he passes by me, and I do not see him;
    he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
12 He snatches away; who can stop him?
    Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

13 “God will not turn back his anger;
    the helpers of Rahab bowed beneath him.
14 How then can I answer him,
    choosing my words with him?
15 Though I am innocent, I cannot answer him;
    I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.

32 For he is not a mortal, as I am, that I might answer him,
    that we should come to trial together.
33 There is no umpire between us,
    who might lay his hand on us both.
34 If he would take his rod away from me,
    and not let dread of him terrify me,
35 then I would speak without fear of him,
    for I know I am not what I am thought to be.

The Epistle
Acts 10:34-48
Gentiles Hear the Good News
10:34 Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

The Gospel
John 7:37-52
Rivers of Living Water
7:37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Division among the People
40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

The Unbelief of Those in Authority
45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” 46 The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” 47 Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” 52 They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
“I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

The Morning Prayer for FRIDAY, August 31, 2018


Friday morning prayer

Lord on this day I am aware of the troubles and darkness in our world. Please come and lead me in prayers for my community, my nation and the world. You are the light that shines in the bleakest times, let your Kingdom be built on earth. May those who suffer be comforted, may those who are at war search for peace, and may those who are in pain find healing.

May Friday be a thoughtful day when Your Spirit leads my prayer. I trust each trouble small and wide, with faith into Your care. Let Friday always prompt my heart to stand upon the truth. Darkness has been overcome the Earth belongs to You.
Amen

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, August 31, 2018


Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,

Read all of Ephesians 2

Listen to Ephesians 2

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

Un dia a la Vez - Oración por liberación


Oración por liberación

Si el Hijo los libera, serán ustedes verdaderamente libres.
~ Juan 8:36 (NVI)

Dios mío, sé que tú quieres liberarme de la pobreza y el desorden. Por eso, hoy me presento delante de ti entendiendo y reconociendo que soy tu hijo. También comprendo que, como hijo, tengo los derechos y los privilegios de ti, que eres mi Padre.

En este día cancelo con autoridad todas las enseñanzas negativas que me han hecho creer que, por ser cristiano, debo ser pobre.

Así que hoy entiendo que tú tienes bendiciones en abundancia para mi familia y para mí.

Gracias, Señor, porque he aprendido que tú eres un Dios de orden.

Mi Jesús, hoy te pido, por favor, que me libres de toda atadura y pongas en mi corazón el deseo de salir adelante y de luchar por alcanzar mis sueños.

Renuncio este día a la pobreza, al desorden, al abandono, a la suciedad, a la depresión y me declaro libre. Recibo tu bendición ahora.

En el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
En este día cancelo con autoridad todas las enseñanzas negativas que me han hecho creer que, por ser cristiano, debo ser pobre.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE WITNESSING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


THE WITNESSING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”
~ Acts 1:8a (NIV)

Prior to her Christian husband being released from prison in Iran, Maheen, feared that she might be arrested too. So she seriously prayed, “Dear Lord, I am not ready to go to a solitary confinement because of my Christian faith. It is such a closed and dirty environment. As you know I was born and brought up in a wealthy family and had a comfortable life. Please don’t test me beyond my ability.” She told God she would not be able to handle being arrested and mentioned her fear that she might give the names of all believers in the house churches to the police or even deny Jesus.

Three days later, the secret police knocked at her door. She said to God, “I have already asked you not to put me in this temptation. So whatever happens, it is not my fault. Because I had already told you that I am not a strong person and can’t stand against these security people and can’t tolerate persecution.”

She said, “The police blindfolded me and took me to the solitary confinement. I was scared to death and felt sick as the place was very smelly.” They put her in a cell and a few hours later brought her in for interrogation. She added, “I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit very strongly. And I felt that God’s peace came down on me and my fear went away.”

When Maheen stood before the high official, she courageously testified of her Christian faith. “It is an honor for me to talk to people about Jesus. I will be very happy to talk to you about Jesus and salvation too. Like all other people and Muslims, you also need Jesus in your life. Without Jesus a person does not have any peace and life is hopeless and without any purpose. Jesus laid his life down for you too so that you can have salvation and will not perish.”

The official responded in anger, “Do you know what the consequence of all this will be for you? You can’t evangelize me. It will cost you a heavy price.”

On the third night the official came to her cell. Maheen was frightened fearing that he came to abuse her sexually or to beat her up. But the official told her, “Don’t be afraid of me. I need your prayers. When you shared about Jesus with me, it had such a powerful impact on my life. I need to be saved. I need Jesus in my life. I believe God has sent you to come to this prison so that you can share about salvation with me. I am now completely aware of the fact that without Jesus I will be a miserable and hopeless person and I will perish. Please pray for me that I can be set free from this hell I live in.”

Maheen had the chance to share about Jesus for three hours with him and at the end he repented of his sins and committed his life to Jesus. The official testified that for the first time he experienced the real peace and love of God in his life.

Maheen and her husband were both released from prison and are in touch with this official and his wife secretly. The wife of the official has committed her life to the Lord too.

RESPONSE: Today I will walk and talk in the power of the Holy Spirit and trust God to use me as a witness wherever He places me.

PRAYER: Thank God for the power of His Holy Spirit among committed brothers and sisters in Iran.

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

Men of the Bible - Hosea


Hosea

His name means: "Yahweh Has Delivered"

His work: Hosea was a prophet in Israel. Like other prophets, his charge was to call the people to repentance. However, he was also called to show them by his own life what it felt like to be a forgotten and yet merciful God.
His character: In obedience Hosea was willing to abandon his own dreams and marry a harlot. His love foreshadowed Christ's love for the church.
His sorrow: His unrepentant and unfaithful wife left him with their three children and a deep, aching hurt.
His triumph: Because of his selflessness and his willingness to forgive, his wife Gomer was restored.
Key Scriptures: Hosea 1-3

A Look at the Man

Telling stories is often the most powerful way to communicate truth, and speaking in parables was Jesus' method of choice. But sometimes in the Bible, God asked people not only to tell stories but to live them, to be the parable. This was the lot of Hosea.

The thought of falling in love with a prostitute is repugnant to any man. The thought of marrying her is even more revolting. But this is precisely what God ordered Hosea to do.

How can I love a woman who has "loved" so many? he must have wondered. How can I make a covenant with someone whose conduct deserves condemnation, not forgiveness?

But regardless of his questions, Hosea did exactly as the Lord told him. Hosea married a common harlot, a woman who knew nothing of virtue or faithfulness. As a learned man, Hosea knew that he could not reply to the Almighty's directive, "You don't know what you're asking me to do." He knew full well that God knew exactly what he was doing. As a prophet, Hosea had been called to preach repentance to God's people. He had tried to fill his message with the passion of the sovereign God, whose provision, love, and mercy had been scoffed at or ignored. These Jews were even worshiping other gods. The chosen people were playing the harlot.

Now, with this assignment, Hosea would come to understand what this felt like. His love would be poured out to a woman who by the laws of the time deserved nothing less than a public execution for her blatant transgressions. But God took Hosea and made him the fool—the lover of the undeserving, the keeper of the vows, and the redeemer of the repeat offender. And though the people could not see God, they saw in the life of this man a compelling example of divine love—bold and just, yet relentlessly merciful.

Reflect On: Hosea 3:1–3
Praise God: For his love for you.
Offer Thanks: For God’s relentless pursuit of his unfaithful and wayward children.
Confess: Your own sinfulness and your spirit of judgment rather than compassion for others.
Ask God: To fill you with Hosea’s kind of willingness to serve and his mercy and love.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
The thought of falling in love with a prostitute is repugnant to any man. The thought of marrying her is even more revolting.

Girlfriends in God - When You Feel You’re Not Enough


When You Feel You’re Not Enough

Today’s Truth

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”.

Friend to Friend

When I was six years old, I skipped off to school with a new box of crayons, a Swiss-polka-dotted dress, and fresh hope that I would be smart. But first grade only confirmed my greatest fear. I was “not enough.”

As soon as my first-grade teacher held up that initial spelling flashcard, I knew I was in trouble. We lined up our miniature wooden chairs in a row like a choo-choo train. The teacher held up a spelling flashcard for us to identify the word. If we missed the word, we had to go to the caboose. I spent most of the first grade in the caboose. I just couldn’t spell to save my life. For some reason, I especially had trouble with the word the.

I’ll help her, my teacher must have thought. She made me a nametag that read t-h-e, and I had to wear it for two weeks. Students came up to me and asked, “Why are you wearing that tag?” “Is your name ‘The’?” “You must be stupid.” “What’s wrong with you?”

Well, I learned how to spell the word the, but that’s not all I learned. I learned I wasn’t as smart as everybody else, and once again, not enough. And even though I ended up doing well in school, many times I’ve still felt like that little girl in the caboose of the spelling train.

Moses was a man who felt he wasn’t good enough. When God spoke to him through a burning bush and called him to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, he had a big case of the “not good enoughs.”

That’s when he had a one-sided argument with God. Moses told God he was the wrong man for the job. He wasn’t brave enough, strong enough, smart enough, eloquent enough, charismatic enough, or confident enough.

At one point, Moses said, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:13-15).

Moses was 80 years old when he had his argument with God at the burning bush. But even the weakest knees in the hands of I AM can become a mighty force to be reckoned with.

I’ll go out on a limb and say that you too, at one time or another, will struggle with feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy just like Moses did. And the underlying statement feeding the sense of worthlessness is “I’m not __________ enough.” You can fill that blank in with any number of qualities.

But here’s what we need to remember: Whatever we feel we are not, God is. He is the God who fills in our gaps; He is I AM who fills in our blanks.

When we say, “I’m not strong enough,” God says, “I AM.”
When we say, “I’m not wise enough,” God says, “I AM.”
When we say, “I’m not bold enough,” God says, “I AM.”
When we say, “I’m not smart enough,” God says, “I AM.”
When we say, “I’m not good enough,” God says, “I AM.”

Once we let go of the lies that we are not enough and take hold of the truth that we are more than enough because of Jesus’s presence and power in us, then we will be set free from paralyzing insecurity and be on our way to experiencing courageous confidence to do everything He calls us to do. It’s time get out of the caboose and sit up front with the Chief Engineer.

You want to know something amazing? One of my greatest weakness as a child was spelling words. And now that is what God has called me to do today…write with words. I stand with Paul who lamented about his weakness: “But he [God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

That’s what happens when we allow God to fill in our blanks. He turns what we perceive as our greatest weakness into our greatest strengths.

What is God calling you to do today? In what areas do you feel that you’re not enough? Oh friend, because of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross, and His power in you, you are more than enough! Don’t forget it.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, so many times I feel like I’m just not good enough, smart enough, wise enough… just not enough, period. Help me to stop focusing on my self-perceived inadequacies and start focusing on Your all-sufficient supply.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Is there any area in your life where you tell yourself that you’re not enough? If so, what is it?

What is God telling you about your true abilities through today’s devotion?

More from the Girlfriends

Do the voices in your head say you’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough…or just not enough, period? In Sharon’s new book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence you’ll learn how to preload your heart with the truth to fight your deepest insecurities. Visit her webpage and sign up for the FREE Mindset-Reset challenge.

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God


http://girlfriendsingod.com/events/
When I was six years old, I skipped off to school with a new box of crayons, a Swiss-polka-dotted dress, and fresh hope that I would be smart. But first grade only confirmed my greatest fear. I was “not enough.”

LHM Daily Devotions - Big Sins ~ Forgiven

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20180831

"Big Sins ~ Forgiven"

Aug. 31, 2018

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
~ Romans 1:16 (ESV)

This devotion ends my writing for Lutheran Hour Ministries. I thank you for your support which has kept these devos flowing over 11 years. I encourage you to support those who will keep them coming in the future. With appreciation, Pastor Ken Klaus.

Some people say they aren't sinners. I'm not one of them. I'll tell you how I know.

When my son, Kurt, was about three years old, I told him to stay away from my stereo, a very expensive piece of equipment. Well, he was three and he forgot. I was listening to one of my favorite records, and he got too close. He bumped the machine and his bump sent the needle skidding, scratching across the vinyl.

The record was ruined.

Now, here's the sad part. I flew out of my chair and started to shout at my son. Then I took one of his coloring books and tore out a page. I shouted, "Maybe that will teach you to respect other people's property!" Yes, I know that was terrible, and I'm not proud of what I did that day. He had made a small mistake while I did what I did on purpose. Was it a big thing? Probably not when it's compared to some of the terrible things you read about in the news. But it was a big thing to me. That moment in time showed me that as hard as I might try, there is something inside of me, something that I am ashamed of, something that I never want to see again.

Now I tell you that sad little story not to point out how bad a person I am. I already know that. I shared that story, so you will know my words are not just words. I'm not just a preacher placing some platitudes in front of you. I'm an ashamed sinner. And, if you look at yourself, honestly, you will find an event, or a series of events, inside you that make you feel the same way. We are all sinners who need to be ashamed. We are all sinners who need a Savior.

You see, by God's grace -- and not by anything within me -- I have been given a Savior.

The day I tore that page out of my son's book I needed that Savior more than I ever had before.

I needed a Savior to forgive me. I needed a Savior to help me get down on my knees in front of a crying three-year-old boy -- and ask for forgiveness. I needed a Savior to help me keep the promise which said I would never do anything like that again. All these things the Savior has done. Yes, I still have a temper, and yes, I am far, far from perfect. But, because of the Savior, I am not who or what I was.

There are a lot of things in my life about which I am ashamed, but I will not ever be ashamed of my Savior. He has done so much for me. Although I have shared a dark day from my past today, I want you to know that I am forgiven. God has wiped that sin away, and no longer does it condemn me. He wants to do the same for your sins, your dark heart, those things that make you hang your head in shame.

The Holy Spirit wants you to join me and another sinner, St. Paul. Join us and say, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

How could I be ashamed of Someone who picked up the sin I have just described, and so many more, and carried them to the cross? How could I be ashamed of the One who voluntarily died, so I might live. Be ashamed? Impossible! And now today, that crucified and risen Redeemer has assured me that all my sins are forgiven and I am saved. And so are all repentant sinners who are called to faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is by Your grace my worst sins, every sin, has been forgiven. Grant that all the world may know the joy of salvation they can have through the Savior's sacrifice. In His Name I pray. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Some people say they aren't sinners. I'm not one of them. I'll tell you how I know.

Devocional del CPTLN del 31 de Agosto de 2018 - Cristo, mi guardián


ALIMENTO DIARIO

Cristo, mi guardián

31 de Agosto de 2018

Así que, no se preocupen por el día de mañana...
~ Mateo 6:34 (RVC)

Todos queremos sentirnos protegidos y seguros y todos tenemos la capacidad de amar y de cuidar a los demás, pero no siempre lo hacemos.

Vivimos angustiados por el peso de las preocupaciones y tensiones diarias. Nuestras ansiedades nos consumen y ninguna pastilla, tableta o inyección, logra remediar nuestras penas.

Dado que nuestras preocupaciones y ansiedades están conectadas a nuestra mente y corazón, sólo una persona que conoce nuestra mente y corazón puede curar nuestras penas.

En nuestra vida espiritual, los sufrimientos pueden hacernos dudar del amor de Dios y la protección que él promete darnos. Nuestras ansiedades pueden incluso debilitar nuestra fe y nuestro deseo de confiar en Dios.

¿Qué hacer? Jesucristo nos dice: "no se angustien por el mañana." Estas palabras nos urgen a tener confianza en su amor. No sabemos lo que el futuro traerá. Sólo Dios lo sabe. Es por ello que él nos invita a ocuparnos sólo del hoy.

No nos preocupemos por comida, vestimenta o casa, porque Dios conoce nuestras necesidades y él las saciará. El apóstol Pablo lo explica muy bien: "No se inquieten por nada; más bien, en toda ocasión, con oración y ruego, presenten sus peticiones a Dios y denle gracias." (Filipenses 4:6)

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, líbranos de nuestras preocupaciones y temores, y concédenos el consuelo de tu Espíritu Santo. Amén.

Biografía del autor: Esta devoción fue escrita por el Rev. E. Eben Titus, pastor luterano que ha servido en la India por más de 25 años.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Todos queremos sentirnos protegidos y seguros y todos tenemos la capacidad de amar y de cuidar a los demás, pero no siempre lo hacemos.

Хліб Наш Насущній - Кликати на допомогу

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2018/08/31/%d0%ba%d0%bb%d0%b8%d0%ba%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%b8-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%b4%d0%be%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bc%d0%be%d0%b3%d1%83/

Кликати на допомогу

Читати: Дії 2:14-21 | Біблія за рік: Псалми 132−134 ; 1 Коринтян 11:17-34

І станеться, що кожен, хто покличе Господнє Ім’я, той спасеться.Дії 2:21

Після того, як у 2016 році в Нью-йоркському метро загинуло п’ятеро і травмувався 51 чоловік, місцева влада розпочала компанію з навчання людей, як зберігати спокій і своє життя у подібних ситуаціях. Найгірше трапляється саме тоді, коли люди намагаються врятуватися самостійно. Але найкращий план дій – кажуть спеціалісти – просто зателефонувати, заспокоїтись і чекати. Керівники міста пообіцяли завжди реагувати швидко, щоб захищати людей від травм і визволяти їх із важких становищ.

В Книзі Дії Апостолів ми читаємо, як апостол Петро у своїй проповіді торкнувся проблеми “врятування самого себе”. Євангеліст Лука розповідає про деякі надзвичайні події, коли віруючі розмовляли іншими мовами (Дії 2:1-12). Тоді Петро пояснив своїм єврейським братам та сестрам: вони є очевидцями здійснення давнього пророцтва, що Бог “виллє Святого Духа” і настане день спасіння (Йоіла 2:28-32). Благословення Святого Духа тепер можна побачити в житті тих, хто покликав Ісуса для спасіння від гріха та його наслідків. Петро пояснив, що спасіння доступне для кожного (Дії 2:21). Ми маємо доступ до Бога не через дотримання Закону, але через віру в Ісуса як Господа й Месію.

Якщо ми у пастці гріха, врятуватись самотужки неможливо. Єдина надія спасіння – визнати Ісуса своїм Господом та Месією і вірувати в Нього.
Чи ви вже покликали Ісуса Христа, щоб Він спас вас від ваших гріхів?
Спасіння отримують ті, хто кличуть Ісуса на допомогу.


© 2018 Хліб Наш Насущній
Керівники міста пообіцяли завжди реагувати швидко, щоб захищати людей від травм і визволяти їх із важких становищ.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, August 30, 2018

Cornelius greets Peter
Acts 10:17-33

The Daily Readings
THURSDAY, August 30, 2018

Old Testament
Job 8:1-10, 20-22
Bildad Speaks: Job Should Repent
8:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:

2 “How long will you say these things,
    and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
3 Does God pervert justice?
    Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
4 If your children sinned against him,
    he delivered them into the power of their transgression.
5 If you will seek God
    and make supplication to the Almighty,
6 if you are pure and upright,
    surely then he will rouse himself for you
    and restore to you your rightful place.
7 Though your beginning was small,
    your latter days will be very great.

8 “For inquire now of bygone generations,
    and consider what their ancestors have found;
9 for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing,
    for our days on earth are but a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you and tell you
    and utter words out of their understanding?

20 “See, God will not reject a blameless person,
    nor take the hand of evildoers.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,
    and your lips with shouts of joy.
22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
    and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”

The Epistle
Acts 10:17-33
10:17 Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate. 18 They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look, three men are searching for you. 20 Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them.” 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?” 22 They answered, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging.

The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26 But Peter made him get up, saying, “Stand up; I am only a mortal.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28 and he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. 31 He said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.”

The Gospel
John 7:14-36
7:14 About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 The Jews were astonished at it, saying, “How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?” 16 Then Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. 17 Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. 18 Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him.

19 “Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the sabbath? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Is This the Christ?
25 Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? 27 Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” 30 Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, “When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?”

Officers Are Sent to Arrest Jesus
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will search for me and you will not find me’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him.