Saturday, April 22, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - April 23, 2017 "In the Best Refuge"

There are several occasions God has given me the opportunity ....

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



" In the Best Refuge "

April 23, 2017

Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

There are several occasions God has given me the opportunity to serve in places affected by earthquakes, fires, or floods. I have seen how years of effort, fatigue, exhaustion, and struggle were wiped out in only a couple of minutes. Feelings of anguish, despair, and frustration emerged in the hearts of those who lived these experiences.

It was here, in the midst of desolation, I was privileged to share the Gospel message.

But I wonder, is an earthquake, a flood, a fire, or a hurricane the only disasters we face? Is it only to these that the psalmist refers in our text above?

If you think about it, you will find this same reality at hospitals, schools, and homes. It is the reality we experience in our own lives. I am speaking of figurative earthquakes that come to us in illnesses, financial problems, crises in the family, and so many other ways. True, these problems may not destroy the walls of our home, but they can devastate the walls of our hearts.

Lack of hope, depression, and fear of an uncertain future can inundate our hearts.

It is especially at these times we need to remember how sin seeks to break down our faith, our hope, and our joy. Sin and Satan wish to destroy everything good the Lord wishes us to have. We are left wondering when will the earth cease to tremble? When will the flood abate?

The answer seems to be not very encouraging. As long as we are in this life, the earth will continue to shake, the waters overwhelm, and the mountains tremble. The only question unanswered is where shall we go for refuge?

If we seek refuge in our own strengths, we will find little or no relief. Self-help books tell us to find strength within ourselves, but experience will prove their advice is unreliable and untrustworthy.

Far better to trust the Lord who assures us that "God is our refuge and strength." The Triune God is the One who seeks to protect us and give us strength. He sent His only-begotten Son to overcome the sin which condemns us. Jesus' life was given so forgiveness might be given to all those who have been adopted into the family of faith.

It is this great God who has given everything we need. He is the sole Source of the protection, encouragement, and comfort that fills our lives with hope. He is the One whose Son died on the cross, overcame the tomb, and sustains us -- even when the world seems to be crumbling around us.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in each day help me see Your hand of love and protection. Especially in the midst of pain, may I look to the Savior in whose Name I pray. Amen

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by the Rev. Alejandro López. Until last year, Lopez was the pastor of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile and chaplain of a school. He has served with Lutheran Hour Ministries through various Chilean catastrophes. He is currently the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama, and is the pastor at the community of Sorá.

In this South American country of nearly 18 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Chile, known in-country as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones operates from its ministry center in Santiago. There it serves as the primary evangelism partner of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI). Conducting Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops and distributing outreach literature and topical booklets in places like public health clinics, this ministry center works in conjunction with affiliated IELCHI congregations and mission starts. Additional LHM-Chile activities include youth music programs, elder care programs, holistic women's workshops, and drug abuse prevention programs.

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

Our Daily Bread - The Shrinking Piano

https://odb.org/2017/04/23/the-shrinking-piano/


He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

For three consecutive years, my son participated in a piano recital. The last year he played, I watched him mount the steps and set up his music. He played two songs and then sat down next to me and whispered, “Mom, this year the piano was smaller.” I said, “No, it’s the same piano you played last year. You’re bigger! You’ve grown.”

Spiritual growth, like physical growth, often happens slowly over time. It is an ongoing process that involves becoming more like Jesus, and it happens as we are transformed through the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).

When the Holy Spirit is at work in us, we may become aware of sin in our lives. Wanting to honor God, we make an effort to change. Sometimes we experience success, but at other times, we try and fail. If it seems like nothing changes, we get discouraged. We may equate failure with a lack of progress, when it’s often proof that we are in the middle of the process.

Spiritual growth involves the Holy Spirit, our willingness to change, and time. At certain points in our lives, we may look back and see that we have grown spiritually. May God give us the faith to continue to believe that “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

Dear God, give me a desire to grow spiritually. I want to honor You with my life and experience the joy of the Spirit’s work inside of me.

Spiritual growth is a process.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Chiếc Piano Nhỏ Lại

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/04/23/chiec-piano-nho-lai/
Đọc: Phi-líp 1:1-11 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Sa-mu-ên 16-18; Lu-ca 17:20-37


Đấng đã bắt đầu làm việc lành trong anh em sẽ làm trọn việc ấy cho đến ngày của Đấng Christ Jêsus. Phi-líp 1:6

Trong suốt ba năm liên tục, con trai tôi tham gia vào một chương trình biểu diễn piano. Năm cuối cùng biểu diễn, tôi nhìn cháu bước lên để chuẩn bị bài nhạc. Cháu chơi hai bản nhạc và sau đó ngồi xuống bên tôi thì thầm: “Mẹ, năm nay chiếc đàn piano nhỏ hơn mẹ ạ.” Tôi nói: “Không, đó là cây đàn con chơi hồi năm ngoái mà! Con lớn hơn đấy chứ! Con đã lớn rồi!”

Sự trưởng thành tâm linh cũng giống như sự trưởng thành về thể chất, thường diễn ra một cách từ từ theo thời gian. Đó là một tiến trình tiếp diễn để trở nên giống Chúa Jêsus hơn, và nó xảy ra khi chúng ta được biến hóa bởi sự đổi mới của tâm trí mình (Rô-ma 12:2).

Khi Đức Thánh Linh hành động trong chúng ta, chúng ta sẽ nhận ra những tội lỗi trong đời sống mình. Vì muốn tôn kính Chúa, chúng ta nỗ lực để thay đổi. Nhiều lúc chúng ta thành công, nhưng đôi khi dù cố gắng nhưng vẫn thất bại. Khi mọi thứ dường như không hề thay đổi, chúng ta nản lòng. Chúng ta có thể cho rằng thất bại nghĩa là không tiến triển, mặc dù việc đó cho thấy chúng ta chỉ mới đi được nửa đường.

Để tăng trưởng tâm linh, chúng ta cần sự hành động của Đức Thánh Linh, bản thân sẵn lòng thay đổi và thời gian. Một lúc nào đó trong cuộc đời, khi nhìn lại, chúng ta sẽ thấy rằng đời sống thuộc linh của mình đã tăng trưởng. Nguyện Chúa cho chúng ta đức tin để tiếp tục tin rằng “Đấng đã bắt đầu làm việc lành trong [chúng ta] sẽ làm trọn việc ấy cho đến ngày của Đấng Christ Jêsus” (Phi-líp 1:6).

Lạy Chúa, xin cho con khao khát được tăng trưởng về phần tâm linh. Con muốn tôn kính Ngài bằng cả đời sống và kinh nghiệm niềm vui khi Thánh Linh Ngài hành động trong con.

Tăng trưởng tâm linh là một tiến trình.


Nuestro Pan Diario - El piano que encogía

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/04/el-piano-que-encog%c3%ada/

… el que comenzó en vosotros la buena obra, la perfeccionará hasta el día de Jesucristo (v. 6).

Durante tres años consecutivos, mi hijo participó de un recital de piano. El último año que tocó, lo observé subir los escalones y preparar su partitura. Después de tocar, se sentó junto a mí y susurró: «Mamá, este año, el piano es más pequeño». Le contesté: «No, es el mismo piano del año pasado. ¡Tú estás más grande!».

El crecimiento espiritual, al igual que el físico, suele darse lentamente. Es un proceso constante que implica parecerse más a Jesús, y sucede a medida que somos transformados mediante la renovación de nuestro entendimiento (Romanos 12:2).

Cuando el Espíritu Santo obra en nosotros, quizá tengamos convicción de pecado y nos esforcemos por cambiar. A veces, lo logramos, y otras, fracasamos. Si parece que nada cambia, nos desanimamos. Tal vez consideramos que el fracaso equivale a una falta de progreso cuando, en realidad, suele probar que estamos en medio del proceso.

Para el crecimiento espiritual, hace falta el Espíritu Santo, nuestra voluntad de cambiar y tiempo. En ciertos momentos de nuestras vidas, quizá miremos atrás y veamos que crecimos espiritualmente. Que Dios pueda darnos la fe de seguir adelante y creer que «el que comenzó en [nosotros] la buena obra, la perfeccionará hasta el día de Jesucristo» (Filipenses 1:6).

Señor, dame el deseo de crecer espiritualmente.

El crecimiento espiritual es un proceso.


Unser Täglich Brot - Das geschrumpfte Klavier

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/04/23/das-geschrumpfte-klavier/
Lesen: Philipper 1,1-11 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Samuel 16–18; Lukas 17,20-37


Der in euch angefangen hat das gute Werk, der wird’s auch vollenden bis an den Tag Christi Jesu. Philipper 1,6

Drei Jahre lang nahm mein Sohn an einer Klavieraufführung teil. Ich saß im Publikum und sah ihm zu, wie er auf die Bühne stieg und die Noten aufstellte. Als er letztes Jahr seine zwei Lieder gespielt und sich wieder zu mir gesetzt hatte, flüsterte er: „Dieses Jahr war das Klavier viel kleiner, Mama.“ „Nein“, erwiderte ich. „Es ist dasselbe Klavier wie letztes Jahr, aber du bist größer! Du bist gewachsen.“

Geistliches Wachstum geschieht, genau wie das körperliche, oft ganz langsam. Es ist ein Prozess, in dessen Verlauf wir Jesus ähnlicher werden, und er geschieht, wenn wir uns durch Erneuerung unseres Sinnes verändern (Röm. 12,2).

Wenn der Heilige Geist in uns wirkt, erkennen wir die Sünde in unserem Leben. Weil wir Gott Ehre machen wollen, versuchen wir uns zu ändern. Manchmal mit Erfolg. Manchmal nicht. Wenn wir das Gefühl haben, es würde sich gar nichts ändern, verlieren wir den Mut. Wir meinen, wir würden keinen Fortschritt machen, dabei stecken wir mitten drin.

Geistliches Wachstum braucht die Hilfe des Heiligen Geistes, unsere eigene Bereitschaft und Zeit. Oft erkennen wir erst im Rückblick, dass wir gewachsen sind. Möge Gott uns schenken, dass wir auch weiter glauben können, dass der, „der in euch angefangen hat das gute Werk, der wird’s auch vollenden bis an den Tag Christi Jesu“ (Phil. 1,6).

Lieber Gott, schenke mir den Wunsch, im Glauben zu wachsen. Ich möchte dich mit meinem Leben ehren und mich am Wirken des Geistes in mir freuen.

Geistliches Wachstum ist ein Prozess.


Notre Pain Quotidien - Le piano qui rapetissait

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/04/23/le-piano-qui-rapetissait/
Lisez : Philippiens 1.1‑11 | La Bible en un an : 2 SAMUEL 16 – 18 et LUC 17.20‑37

Celui qui a commencé en vous cette bonne oeuvre la rendra parfaite pour le jour de Jésus-Christ. V.6

Durant trois années consécutives, mon fils a participé à un récital de piano. L’année dernière, je l’ai regardé monter les marches et installer ses partitions. Il a joué deux morceaux, puis il est venu s’asseoir à côté de moi et m’a murmuré : « Maman, cette année, le piano était plus petit. » À cela, j’ai répondu : « Non, c’est le même piano sur lequel tu as joué l’année dernière. C’est que tu as grandi ! »

Comme la croissance physique, la croissance spirituelle se produit souvent petit à petit. Il s’agit d’un processus continu qui nous amène à ressembler davantage à Jésus à mesure qu’il nous transforme par le renouvellement de notre esprit (RO 12.2).

L’action du Saint‑Esprit en nous peut nous conscientiser à nos péchés. Désireux d’honorer Dieu, nous nous efforçons alors de changer, parfois en y parvenant, mais d’autres fois, en vain. Et si rien ne semble changer, nous nous décourageons. Il se peut que nous fassions une équation entre l’échec et le manque de progrès, alors que l’échec est souvent la preuve même du fait que nous sommes en pleine progression.

La croissance spirituelle exige l’action du Saint‑Esprit, le désir de changer et du temps. Il nous arrive de regarder en arrière et de voir que nous avons grandi spirituellement. Puisse Dieu nous donner de continuer à croire que « celui qui a commencé en [nous] cette bonne oeuvre la rendra parfaite pour le jour de Jésus‑Christ » (PH 1.6).

La croissance spirituelle constitue une progression.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Зменшене піаніно

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/04/23/%d0%b7%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%bd%d1%88%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d1%96%d0%b0%d0%bd%d1%96%d0%bd%d0%be/


Той, хто в вас розпочав добре діло, виконає його аж до дня Христа Ісуса. — Филип’ян 1:6

Три роки поспіль мій син приймав участь у сольних фортепіанних концертах. Минулого року під час одного такого концерту я споглядала, як він піднявся сходами на сцену, як розпочав грати… Зігравши дві пісні, він сів біля мене й сказав: “Мамо, цього року піаніно стало меншим”. Я сказала: “Ні. Піаніно таке ж саме, як і минулого року. Але ти став більший! Ти ростеш”.

Духовне зростання – як і фізичне – теж зазвичай відбувається повільно і потребує часу. Це постійний процес уподібнення Ісусу, що стосується глибокої трансформації нашого мислення (Рим. 12:2).

Коли Дух Святий працює в нас, ми гостріше відчуваємо гріх у своєму житті. Сповнені бажання прославляти Бога, ми докладаємо більше зусиль для позитивних змін. Інколи ми досягаємо в цьому успіху, але в інших випадках зазнаємо невдач, незважаючи на всі наші зусилля. Ми починаємо опускати руки, коли нам здається, що ми не досягаємо жодних змін. Ці невдачі ми схильні вважати за відсутність прогресу, але часто вони є ознакою того, що процес змін насправді триває.

Для духовного зростання потрібна дія Святого Духа, бажання змінитись і час. Нехай Бог дасть вам сили не зупинятись у духовному рості і вірити, що “Той, хто в вас розпочав добре діло, виконає його аж до дня Христа Ісуса” (Фил. 1:6).

Дорогий Боже, дай мені, будь ласка, бажання зростати духовно. Хочу славити Тебе своїм життям і пізнавати радість праці Святого Духа в мені.

Духовне зростання – це процес.


Хлеб наш насущный - Уменьшившееся пианино

https://russian-odb.org/2017/04/23/%d1%83%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%bd%d1%8c%d1%88%d0%b8%d0%b2%d1%88%d0%b5%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%8f-%d0%bf%d0%b8%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%be/
Читать сейчас: Филиппийцам 1:1-11 | Библия за год: 2 Царств 16-18; Луки 17:20-37


Начавший в вас доброе дело будет совершать его даже до дня Иисуса Христа. — Филиппийцам 1:6

В течение трех лет мой сын принимал участие в фортепианных концертах. В последний раз его музыкальный уровень был заметно выше. Сыграв две пьесы, он подсел ко мне и прошептал: «Мама, в этом году у них другое пианино, поменьше». «Нет, – ответила я, – это то же самое пианино. Просто ты подрос».

Духовный рост, как и физический, часто происходит медленно и незаметно. Это длительный процесс, в течение которого мы становимся похожими на Иисуса Христа, благодаря обновлению ума (Рим. 12:2).

Когда Святой Дух трудится над нами, мы начинаем сторониться греха. Желая прославить Бога, мы стараемся меняться. Иногда побеждаем, иногда, к сожалению, падаем. Порой нам кажется, что ничего не происходит, и мы унываем. Но дело в том, что неудача – это вовсе не отсутствие прогресса. Это доказательство того, что процесс идет.

Духовный рост включает в себя действие Святого Духа, нашу готовность меняться и время. Когда-нибудь мы оглянемся и увидим, как сильно выросли. Пусть Господь поможет нам доверять Тому, Кто, начав в нас «доброе дело, будет совершать его даже до дня Иисуса Христа» (Флп. 1:6).

Боже, пошли мне желание духовно расти. Я хочу прославить Тебя своей жизнью и испытать радость от действия Святого Духа во мне.

Духовный рост – это процесс.


The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, April 22, 2017 - Easter Saturday

Descent into Hell, icon from the Ferapontov Monastery

Morning Prayer

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



The Introit

Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!


The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Isaiah 25:1-9

O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalms

Psalm 118:14-18
14   The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
15   There is a sound of exultation and victory in the tents of the righteous:
16   The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! the right hand of the LORD is exalted! the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!
17   I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18   The LORD has punished me sorely, but he did not hand me over to death.


The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Acts 4:13-21

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, "What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard." After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 16:9-15, 20

Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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

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

Prayer of the Day

We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

A Prayer for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

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


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

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Prayer of the Day for SATURDAY, April 22, 2017 - Easter Saturday


We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, April 22, 2017 - Easter Saturday


Romans 1:20 (NIV) For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Read all of Romans 1

Listen to Romans 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 - "A Powerful Testimony to a Watching World"


But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:25 (NKJV)

I think the worst thing that ever happened in history, the greatest travesty, the greatest injustice, was when Jesus Christ Himself was crucified. What could have been worse than that? What could have been worse than for God the Father to look down from Heaven and see His Son who He loved with all His heart suffering and dying for the sins of the world? How could God allow that? It was so awful.

Yet the Bible says, "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isaiah 53:10). Does this mean God was pleased in watching His Son suffer? Absolutely not. But God the Father was pleased in knowing this suffering would produce something wonderful called salvation for you and for me. As awful as it was, it accomplished God's purpose. Out of the greatest bad came the greatest good. That is how God showed His love for us. As John tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

In the same way, when hardship comes and you are still praising the Lord, that blows the mind of the nonbeliever. Remember the story of Paul and Silas when they were thrown into prison for preaching the gospel? We read in Acts that "at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (16:25).

Maybe you are going through a hard time right now. Maybe you're asking, "Why, God?"

God has a purpose. He has allowed it. God has either done it or He has allowed it. Deal with it the best that you can and seek to bring Him glory. That is a powerful testimony to a world that doesn't know God.

 In Jesus, Cap'n Kenny

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

Un Dia a la Vez - Sin que descuides lo tuyo


El temor del Señor es el principio del conocimiento; los necios desprecian la sabiduría y la disciplina.
Proverbios 1:7, NVI

Este devocional forma parte del tema anterior: El servicio a Dios debe ser equilibrado por completo.

No debemos abandonar nuestra familia por servir en la obra de Dios. De ahí que el Señor sea el único capaz de ayudarnos a equilibrar nuestro trabajo.

He tenido la oportunidad de conocer algunos casos cercanos. Se trata de jóvenes procedentes de familias pastorales que están cansados de vivir solos en sus casas. No tienen una vida en familia como los demás, ni tienen derecho a la privacidad ni en su casa. El problema es que la casa pastoral vive repleta de gente cualquier día de la semana, ni hablar el día del servicio. Tampoco se puede pensar en salir de vacaciones, pues papá o mamá están con agendas repletas de compromisos de la iglesia.

Esta es una exhortación muy especial que tengo para ti pastor, pastora, líder, capellán o cualquiera que sea tu posición. El servicio a Dios es el mayor privilegio que tú y yo podemos experimentar. Es gratificante y muy bien remunerado por Dios.

Sin embargo, no olvides que antes de servir a Dios, tu primer ministerio, tu primera obra, es cuidar de tu familia. No la descuides, pues te necesita.

Pídele a Dios que te dé el tiempo perfecto y que logres ser el mejor de los padres.

Hay un orden ya establecido por nuestro Señor. Tú con Dios como cabeza, tu familia, primera obligación, el trabajo y la iglesia.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE SHIELD OF FAITH


In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The Roman shield was the defensive piece of armor that was almost always used together with the sword. It was used to ward off a blow from the opponent while making your own sword-thrust. Likened to a shield, our faith in God is that piece of spiritual armor that enables us to withstand attacks by the enemy that are too much for the mind and body. The shield of faith has a three-fold duty.

1. It is a saving faith that is the inward confidence in God.

2. It is a serving faith that inspires our servant hood.

3. It is a sanctifying faith that lays hold of the power of God for our daily lives.

When you come under enemy fire, take shelter behind your faith in God. Do not be deceived by circumstances and events. Walk by faith, not by sight. Be confident that God has secured victory. Stake your life on His faithfulness. Trust Him to deliver you as you wear the shield of faith.

A colleague tells the story of Gabriel in violence plagued Colombia. His calling is to share the gospel with guerrilla soldiers hiding in the mountains. As he approaches a camp site with his bag of Spanish Bibles, a perimeter guard often steps out and sticks his AK-47 in Gabriel’s stomach.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to tell you about the love of Jesus which you can read about in these books.”

“We don’t want your books. Get lost or I’ll kill you!”

It’s at this point that Gabriel’s faith rises. Pushing the barrel of the gun aside he casually answers, “No you won’t! You can’t kill me until God says you can kill me,” and he boldly walks ahead into the camp where he distributes Bibles and preaches the gospel to those who will listen. He is still on the trail and has not been killed yet. He is convinced the day will come when his life will be taken. But his faith is solidly grounded in the assurance that it will only happen in God’s will. Meanwhile he is a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel because of his faith.

RESPONSE: Today I take the shield of faith so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

PRAYER: Lord, help me be strong in faith, ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit. Give me bold faith like Gabriel’s.

NIV Devotions for Couples - Fidelity Check

Numbers 5:11–8

Then he is to take his wife to the priest. He must also take an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour on her behalf. He must not pour olive oil on it or put incense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder-offering to draw attention to wrongdoing.
Numbers 5:15

When Anya suspected her husband Ron was having an affair, her antennae went up. She began watching for evidence—receipts, long-distance phone calls, email—to confirm her suspicion. Over time, the evidence was clear: Ron was cheating on her.

When Anya confronted her husband, however, he told her she was crazy for thinking that way. Ron’s words cut her to the core. Not only did his vehement denial magnify his guilt, but his demeaning words reinforced what she was already feeling—that she was losing her mind. Jealousy and suspicion were taking over her life.

Anya decided to meet with her pastor. She shared her suspicion and the evidence that pointed to her husband’s guilt. Anya hoped this respected leader would come alongside her to intervene. She knew that her husband was lying about his affair. She also knew the public revelation of his affair would be devastating to his career and to the woman he was involved with. Unfortunately, Anya’s pastor didn’t believe her claims and dismissed her fears. Anya left the pastor’s office feeling utterly rejected. She had to deal with her overwhelming feelings of suspicion, jealousy, rejection and anger on her own.

At some point, every couple will experience feelings of jealousy and suspicion. While we might not have a modern-day equivalent to the bitter-water litmus test of Numbers 5:11–31, there are some practical steps we can take to deal with fears of infidelity and to restore trust once it has been broken by an affair.

For starters, we can pray daily for a hedge of protection around our marriage. Jerry Jenkins explains how this works in his book Hedges (Good News/Crossway, 2005). No one is immune from the possibility of committing adultery. At no point in our marriage are any of us safe from this sin. Recognizing this fact is our first defense.

Second, we can build a climate of trust with our partner through open communication and checkpoints that give our partner windows into our world. Without allowing it to become controlling, there’s nothing wrong with setting up checkpoints that verify our whereabouts, our communications with others (especially online), and what we do when we’re alone. For example, ever since Lyla developed a romantic relationship with a man she met on the Internet, her husband, Phil, has needed reassurance that she is being faithful to him now that the relationship has ended. Lyla and Phil now keep a shared email address. Occasionally Phil checks Lyla’s mail. Lyla doesn’t argue about those checkups, knowing that accountability to her husband is a good way to rebuild the trust she compromised.

For some time in our marriage, I saw this kind of accountability as invasive and demeaning. What difference did it make if I took a different route to work than Dan thought? Over time, though, I’ve come to see that by giving Dan my daily itinerary, I’m letting him peek into my world. It’s a safeguard for our marriage. Building hedges around each other goes a long way toward protecting us from infidelity, and it also alleviates the fear of infidelity once trust has been broken.

Marian V. Liautaud

Let’s Talk
  • What kinds of checkpoints do we have in our marriage? Are we open about our emails, lunch dates and daily schedules?
  • What are some ways we can deal with jealousy or suspicion should they occur in our marriage?
  • What kinds of accountability would be helpful in creating a climate of trust in our marriage?