The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

Opening Sentence

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Morning Prayer

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

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Daniel 5:1-12

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom." Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed. The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 1 John 5:1-12

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 4:38-44

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 38 Domine, ne in furore
1   O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath.
2   For your arrows have already pierced me, and your hand presses hard upon me.
3   There is no health in my flesh, because of your indignation; there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin.
4   For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear.
5   My wounds stink and fester by reason of my foolishness.
6   I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; I go about in mourning all the day long.
7   My loins are filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
8   I am utterly numb and crushed; I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.
9   O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you.
10   My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me.
11   My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; my neighbors stand afar off.
12   Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin and plot treachery all the day long.
13   But I am like the deaf who do not hear, like those who are mute and who do not open their mouth.
14   I have become like one who does not hear and from whose mouth comes no defense.
15   For in you, O LORD, have I fixed my hope; you will answer me, O Lord my God.
16   For I said, "Do not let them rejoice at my expense, those who gloat over me when my foot slips."
17   Truly, I am on the verge of falling, and my pain is always with me.
18   I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin.
19   Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me.
20   Those who repay evil for good slander me, because I follow the course that is right.
21   O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God.
22   Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 119:25-32 Daleth Adhæsit pavimento
25    My soul cleaves to the dust; give me life according to your word.
26   I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; instruct me in your statutes.
27   Make me understand the way of your commandments, that I may meditate on your marvelous works.
28   My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29   Take from me the way of lying; let me find grace through your law.
30   I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set your judgments before me.
31   I hold fast to your decrees; O LORD, let me not be put to shame.
32   I will run the way of your commandments, for you have set my heart at liberty.

Psalm 119:33-40 He Legem pone
33   Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
34   Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; I shall keep it with all my heart.
35   Make me go in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.
36   Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain.
37   Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; give me life in your ways.
38   Fulfill your promise to your servant, which you make to those who fear you.
39   Turn away the reproach which I dread, because your judgments are good.
40   Behold, I long for your commandments; in your righteousness preserve my life.

Psalm 119:41-48 Waw Et veniat super me
41   Let your loving-kindness come to me, O LORD, and your salvation, according to your promise.
42   Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, because I trust in your words.
43   Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, for my hope is in your judgments.
44   I shall continue to keep your law; I shall keep it for ever and ever.
45   I will walk at liberty, because I study your commandments.
46   I will tell of your decrees before kings and will not be ashamed.
47   I delight in your commandments, which I have always loved.
48   I will lift up my hands to your commandments, and I will meditate on your statutes.

The Apostles' Creed

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

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

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

Prayer of the Day

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

A Prayer for Grace

O Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; 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!
Thanks be to God! 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 WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Read all of Romans 12

Listen to Romans 12

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 - "Upside Down Living"

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."

—Acts 17:6 (NKJV)

It was said of the early church that they turned the world upside down. And that, by the way, was offered as a criticism, not a compliment. When Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica preaching the gospel, it was said of them critically, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).

This is the church that changed the world through prayer and through preaching. But it seems today the opposite is happening. We have double standards, moral compromise, and little to no power. We need to get back to what the early church experienced as given on the day of Pentecost.

Some would say we need another Pentecost. However, we don’t need another Pentecost any more than we need another Calvary. Let’s just appropriate what was made available at the first Pentecost. The power that was given to the first century believers is also available to twenty-first century believers as we bring the gospel to our generation.

What concerns me is that we are so worried about fitting in, so worried about relating, and so worried about being cool that we have forgotten what it is to make a stand for what is true. And instead of the church turning the world upside down, my fear is that the world is turning the church upside down.

Vance Havner said, “We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.”

Believers today need to be involved in upside down living. The early church turned their world upside down (or should I say right side up?). And in this crazy, topsy-turvy world where wrong is right and right is wrong, we need to do the same.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. 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 - Aprendamos de nuestros hijos

Los hijos son una herencia del Señor, los frutos del vientre son una recompensa.
Salmo 127:3 (NVI)

Es un honor poder decir que tengo tres princesas que son mi orgullo y mi felicidad. Quizá te llame la atención que siempre que me refiera a alguna de mis hijas la señale como mi princesa. Y es que lo son para mí. No solo por la belleza física que les ha dado Dios, sino por una belleza interna que se destaca en cada una de acuerdo a sus edades. He admirado mucho de ellas que, a pesar de los errores de mami, se han mantenido bien paradas y firmes en los caminos del Señor, pues las pruebas vividas nos unieron y he podido recibir su consejo y su apoyo.

En medio de mi enfermedad, mis divorcios y mis quebrantos, siempre recibí el consejo sabio de mi Nathy, quien con carácter y autoridad me decía lo que necesitaba escuchar. Sin faltarme al respeto, las veces que necesita decirme las cosas, lo hace.

La admiro por su madurez espiritual y la manera tan equilibrada de afrontar cada situación. También aprendo mucho de ella por su comunión con Dios, su constancia en servirle en la iglesia y su vida de oración. ¡Qué linda!

Naty, mi princesa mayor, te amo y agradezco tu apoyo y tu rectitud. Te felicito por el ejemplo de orden, de valentía y entrega a tu estudio y trabajo.

En la actualidad, estudia Administración de Empresas y danza profesional, trabaja en un consultorio médico, danza en la iglesia y hace parte de un programa para jóvenes en Vida Network.

Entrega todo tu amor y dedicación a tus hijos, y recogerás sus triunfos.

No los ofendas ni lastimes. Valóralos y ámalos porque son tus hijos.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

Helen Berhane was imprisoned for almost three years in the shipping container prisons in Eritrea. She shares how a Muslim man with epilepsy was also imprisoned. She says in her testimonial book titled Song of the Nightingale:

I noticed that he wore two charms on his belt. I pointed at them, “Where did you get those charms from?” “I saw a witch doctor, before I was arrested, about my fits. He said that they would make me better, but I should never take them off.” “Jemal,” I said, ‘those charms cannot heal you. Only prayer to God can do that.”

As I spoke he began to have a fit, and so I prayed for him. I did this often until, miraculously, he agreed to take the charms off. I took them away and burnt them, but whatever was in them smelled awful, and the guards demanded to know what I had been doing, which gave me the opportunity to explain to them that only prayer can heal a person, not charms from a witch doctor.

Jemal’s health improved and his fits became less frequent. I was delighted but he was worried.

“Helen, if they know that I am feeling better they will keep me here, and I want to be released.”

“If you continue to trust in God, no one can keep you from going home, not if God wills that you should be released.” I was very pleased when he was released shortly afterwards.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I will live in the awareness that the spiritual battle rages all around me and I can be used to counter Satan’s bondage over people.

PRAYER: Lord, you have given me the spiritual weapons with which to demolish the strongholds of the spiritual battle that I find myself against today. Help me not to depend on the weapons of the world.

1. Berhane, p. 31.

Girlfriends in God - God Has Given You Precious Promises

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness,” (2 Pet. 1:3 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Aren’t you excited to know that God has deposited rich blessings and a lavish inheritance into your account? Tell me, what reason do we have to feel inadequate? In light of what we have in Christ, I can’t think of a thing. But how do we access these magnificent promises? Peter says: “Through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

The Greeks had several words for the word knowledge. The one used here is epignosis. This is a strengthened form of the word and implies a larger, more thorough, and intimate knowledge. It is not simply knowing something intellectually, but understanding and believing what you know in a personal way.

When Steve and I traveled to Ephesus, a local tour guide took us through the landmarks, ruins, and history of the early church. She knew the facts about Christianity and more about the dates, locations, and nuances of Paul’s visits than we did. When we stopped for lunch, I asked her if it would be okay with her if we asked God to bless our food. She bowed her head with us as we prayed. When she opened her eyes, she said, “Thank you. I’ve never experienced that before.”

This Turkish woman knew about Christianity, but she had no epignosis of Jesus. She knew all about the historical aspects of the religion, but she did not know the One who came to set her free.

Even demons know who Jesus is—and they shudder (James 2:19). The devil knows exactly who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will do in the final days. But the devil does not know Him experientially as Savior and Lord. Paul says that through knowing Jesus intimately, personally, and experientially, we have everything we need—precious and magnificent promises.

Like a tiny baby born to be King, most of us have no idea what those great and mighty promises entail, what our rich inheritance contains, or what our spiritual birthright bestows. As we open the pages of God’s Word, He begins to reveal the truth of who you are and what you have as a child of God. And remember, this is not a promise of what you will have one day, but what you have the moment you believe.

These promises are called precious and valuable. I love how the NASB translation refers to them as “magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). The word magnificent means “splendid, lavish, beautiful; as to arouse admiration and wonder.” And, oh, how God’s magnificent, splendid, lavish, and beautiful promises arouse admiration and wonder of who He is and what He does. Oh my goodness, why in the world would I feel inadequate! Thick-headedness and unbelief are my only excuses.

And how does He give us everything we need for life and godliness, how does He dole out the precious promises? He gives freely. Pours out lavishly. It costs you nothing. It cost Jesus everything.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for your lavish blessings and Your magnificent promises. No matter what comes my way today, help me to remember that You have given me everything I need for a life of godliness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Look up the following verses and note what you learn about God’s promises: Genesis 28:15; Numbers 23:19; Joshua 21:45; Psalm 145:13

What do you need to do to move that knowledge from your head, to your heart, to your feet or actions?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let go, Move forward, Live bold. A mediocre, mundane faith is not what you were made for! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, I reveal the most common reasons we get stuck in our Christian faith, living less than what we had hoped. I show you how to break free of all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing. It’s time to leave behind feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that hold you hostage and take hold of the mountain-moving faith God intends. Click on the book cover to download a sample chapter and view a quick video. And if you’re looking for a new study for your women’s group or individual study, Take Hold includes a Bible Study guide in the back.

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God P.O. Box 725 Matthews, NC 28106 info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Daily Devotion - May 3, 2017 "At the Crossroads "

Mr. Julannan lives in the Middle East.   Mr. Julannan is a family man...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"At the Crossroads"

May 3, 2017

Matthew 11:4-6 - And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me."

Mr. Julannan lives in the Middle East.

Mr. Julannan is a family man with a wife and children. He works in construction and makes a reasonable salary. This is all you probably need to know about Mr. Julannan except for the fact that he liked to drink and he didn't like Jesus.

How much did Mr. Julannan dislike Jesus?

• When people gave him Christian pamphlets, Mr. Julannan took them and set the pamphlets on fire.
• When he saw Christians gathered together in outside worship, he would often spit at them.

Things didn't get better when Mr. Julannan had a few beers. Alcohol made him abusive and not just to the Savior, but to his family and neighbors as well. Of course, that only lasted until he passed out.

That is the way things were and that is the way things would have stayed -- except for God's intervention. You see, the Lord took Mr. Julannan to a crossroads moment: to a place in time when he had to face facts. Some people would call it a "come to Jesus" moment.

That moment began when Mr. Julannan was traveling home from work and went by an open-air Christian rally. He heard the preacher's amplified voice call out: Jesus is help for your sins; Jesus is always before you, but you are causing Him pain with your sins. It is time to confess those sins to your Savior; it is time to be brought to faith; it is time to be forgiven and saved."

This time those words didn't infuriate Mr. Julannan. No, this time they just got him to thinking.

The next day, as he traveled to work, Mr. Julannan was still thinking. That's probably why he didn't notice the train barreling down on him until it was too late. People screamed as they saw the train hit him, knock him down, and go over the top of him.

When the train was gone, the people at the crossing went to look for a corpse. Rather than a corpse, they found a living Mr. Julannan. Excitedly he told how the train knocked him down between the tracks, where he called on Jesus for help. Mr. Julannan told everybody, "I know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saved me from what should have been a horrible tragedy!"

It was a crossroad moment that changed Mr. Julannan who now, with his wife, hands out Bibles.

I like that story and share it with you for a reason.

Many of you are worried about someone who is near and dear to you. This is someone who has little use for the Savior or anyone who talks about Him. If that is the case, I encourage you to remember, the Lord often sends crossroad moments to both believers and unbelievers.

It is when people are helpless that God's loving power becomes most obvious and most effective. It is then your words, your concerns, your prayers will become amplified and by God's grace a lost soul may be saved.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I don't know what it will take for this special person in my life to be brought to faith in Jesus. I pray that You will reach out to them and set their eyes on the Savior. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 03 de Mayo de 2017

Alimento Diario

El nombre

03 de Mayo 2017

Y eso eran algunos de ustedes, pero ya han sido lavados, ya han sido santificados, ya han sido justificados en el nombre del Señor Jesús, y por el Espíritu de nuestro Dios. 1 Corintios 6:11

Cuando Alejandro el Grande murió, su imperio fue dividido. Egipto fue dado a Ptolomeo, un general, gobernante, astrónomo, matemático y, como si todo eso fuera poco, constructor de faros. Sóstrato, el arquitecto de Ptolomeo, hizo un trabajo tan bueno al diseñar el faro de Alejandría, que con el tiempo se convirtió en una de las siete maravillas del mundo antiguo.

La madre de Sóstrato supo educarlo bien. Él sabía que el faro que había diseñado era algo sumamente importante por lo que, con la esperanza de pasar a la historia, quiso que su nombre fuera escrito en la base del mismo. Pero su jefe, Ptolomeo, no pensaba igual. Él quería que fuera su nombre el que estuviera escrito para así recibir él toda la gloria.

Finalmente, Sóstrato encontró una solución. En letras hermosas que saltaban a la vista, Sóstrato ordenó escribir el nombre de Ptolomeo en yeso. Pero no le dijo a Ptolomeo que, en el granito que estaba debajo del yeso, había hecho tallar su nombre.

Sóstrato sabía que con el tiempo, el golpe continuo del mar iría erosionando el yeso en que estaba tallado el nombre "Ptolomeo" y dejaría al descubierto el granito en el que estaba tallado su propio nombre.

Me pregunto: "¿Qué nombre está tallado en su corazón y en su alma?" Hay dos individuos que le reclaman: el Salvador Jesús y el charlatán Satanás.

Jesús demostró que nos ama cuando se dio a sí mismo como el sustituto, el sacrificio que habría de lograr nuestro perdón. Gracias a la obra de Cristo, los creyentes somos justificados y hechos justos con el Padre. Pero, a pesar de lo que Jesús ha hecho, Satanás sigue queriendo apoderarse de nosotros.

A través del lavamiento del bautismo y de la fe que nos da y mantiene el Espíritu, el nombre que con orgullo debemos llevar tallado en nuestro corazón es el de Jesús.

Como San Pablo les escribió a los creyentes en Corinto: "Ustedes ya han sido lavados, ya han sido santificados, ya han sido justificados en el nombre del Señor Jesucristo y por el Espíritu de nuestro Dios."

En resumen, cuando alguien nos mira o nos escucha hablar, debería decir: "se nota que esa persona pertenece a Jesús".

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, haz que mi testimonio del sacrificio del Salvador sea claro, para que nadie se confunda. Soy salvo por Jesús y estoy orgulloso de llevar su nombre. Te lo pido en el nombre del Salvador crucificado y resucitado. 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 - Alone in Space

Read: Genesis 28:10–17

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 14–15; Luke 22:21–46

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Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Genesis 28:16

Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden knew what it felt like to be on the far side of the moon. For three days back in 1971, he flew alone in his command module, Endeavor, while two crewmates worked thousands of miles below on the surface of the moon. His only companions were the stars overhead that he remembers as being so thick they seemed to wrap him in a sheet of light.

As the sun went down on the Old Testament character Jacob’s first night away from home, he too was profoundly alone, but for a different reason. He was on the run from his older brother—who wanted to kill him for stealing the family blessing normally given to the firstborn son. Yet on falling asleep, Jacob had a dream of a staircase joining heaven and earth. As he watched angels ascending and descending, he heard the voice of God promising to be with him and to bless the whole earth through his children. When Jacob woke he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Gen. 28:16).

Jacob had isolated himself because of his deceit. Yet as real as his failures, and as dark as the night, he was in the presence of the One whose plans are always better and more far-reaching than our own. Heaven is closer than we think, and the “God of Jacob” is with us.

Father, thank You for using the story of Jacob to show us that the glory of Your unseen presence and goodness is far greater than we could imagine.

God is nearer than we think.

By Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Cô Đơn Giữa Vũ Trụ

Đọc: Sáng thế ký 28:10–17

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các vua 14–15; Lu-ca 22:21–46

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Thật Đức Giê-hô-va đang ngự tại nơi nầy mà tôi không biết! Sáng thế ký 28:16

Phi hành gia Al Worden của tàu Apollo 15 hiểu rất rõ cảm giác cô đơn khi ông ở phía bên kia của mặt trăng. Vào năm 1971, trong suốt ba ngày liền ông bay một mình trong khoang chỉ huy tàu Endeavor trong lúc hai đồng nghiệp làm việc trên bề mặt của mặt trăng cách xa ông hàng nghìn dặm. Bạn đồng hành của ông là những chòm sao lấp lánh trong vũ trụ. Ông nhớ rằng những chòm sao này dày đặc đến nỗi chúng giống như một tấm chăn ánh sáng phủ khắp người ông.

Khi mặt trời dần lặn xuống, một nhân vật Cựu Ước là Gia-cốp cảm thấy rất đơn độc. Đây là đêm đầu tiên ông xa gia đình. Khác với phi hành gia Al Worden, Gia-cốp đang trên đường chạy trốn sự truy sát của anh mình vì đã cướp lời chúc phước của cha vốn dành cho con trưởng nam. Tuy nhiên, khi đang ngủ, Gia-cốp mơ thấy một chiếc thang nối liền trời và đất. Trong lúc nhìn những thiên sứ lên xuống trên thang, ông nghe tiếng Chúa phán hứa rằng Ngài sẽ ở cùng ông và ban phước cho cả thế giới này qua dòng dõi ông. Khi thức dậy, Gia-cốp thốt lên: “Thật Đức Giê-hô-va đang ngự tại nơi nầy mà tôi không biết!” (Sáng. 28:16).

Gia-cốp đã tự cô lập mình vì hành vi lừa dối của ông. Thế nhưng dầu ông thất bại, dầu màn đêm có tăm tối thì ông vẫn luôn ở trong sự hiện diện của Đấng luôn có những chương trình tốt hơn và toàn vẹn hơn kế hoạch của chúng ta. Thiên đàng gần hơn chúng ta tưởng và “Đức Chúa Trời của Gia-cốp” luôn ở cùng chúng ta.

Lạy Cha, con cảm ơn Ngài vì đã dùng câu chuyện của Gia-cốp để cho chúng con biết rằng sự hiện diện vinh hiển của Ngài và lòng nhân từ của Ngài vượt xa hơn những gì con có thể mường tượng được.

Đức Chúa Trời ở gần hơn chúng ta tưởng.

bởi Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Solo en el espacio

Leer: Génesis 28:10-17

La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 14–15; Lucas 22:21-46

… Ciertamente el Señor está en este lugar, y yo no lo sabía (v. 16).

Al Worden, astronauta del Apolo 15, sabía lo que era estar en la luna. Durante tres días, en 1971, voló solo en su módulo de comando, el Endeavor, mientras dos compañeros trabajaban a miles de kilómetros, en la superficie de la luna. Su única compañía eran las estrellas, que lo envolvían con su luz.

Cuando el sol se puso sobre Jacob, el personaje del Antiguo Testamento, la primera noche lejos de su casa, él también estaba profundamente solo, pero por otra razón. Estaba huyendo de su hermano mayor, que quería matarlo por haberle robado la bendición familiar del primogénito. Sin embargo, al dormirse, Jacob soñó con una escalera que unía el cielo y la Tierra. Mientras observaba a los ángeles que subían y bajaban, escuchó la voz de Dios que le prometía estar con él y bendecir a toda la Tierra a través de sus hijos. Cuando Jacob despertó, exclamó: «Ciertamente el Señor está en este lugar, y yo no lo sabía» (Génesis 28:16).

Jacob se había aislado debido a su engaño. Sin embargo, por más reales que fueran sus fracasos y la oscuridad de la noche, estaba en la presencia de Aquel cuyos planes siempre son mejores que los nuestros. El cielo está más cerca de lo que pensamos, y el «Dios de Jacob» está con nosotros.

Padre, la gloria de tu presencia y tu bondad supera ampliamente nuestra imaginación.

Dios está más cerca de lo que pensamos.

Por Mart De Haan

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Hinter dem Mond

Lesen: 1.Mose 28,10-17

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 14–15; Lukas 22,21-46

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Fürwahr, der Herr ist an dieser Stätte, und ich wusste es nicht! 1.Mose 28,16

Apollo 15-Astronaut Al Worden weiß, wie es ist, „hinter dem Mond“ zu sein. Drei Tage lang flog er 1971 allein in seiner Raumkapsel Endeavor durchs All, während seine beiden Kollegen mehrere tausend Kilometer unter ihm auf dem Mond unterwegs waren. Die Sterne waren seine einzigen Begleiter, und er erinnert sich, dass ihr Licht so intensiv war, dass es ihn förmlich umhüllte.

Als Jakob aus dem Alten Testament die erste Nacht fern von zu Hause verbrachte und die Sonne unterging, fühlte auch er sich allein, aber aus anderen Gründen. Er war auf der Flucht vor seinem älteren Bruder, der ihn töten wollte, weil Jakob ihm den Familiensegen gestohlen hatte, der normalerweise dem Erstgeborenen zukam. Doch im Schlaf hatte Jakob einen Traum von einer Leiter, die Himmel und Erde verband. Er sah Engel hinauf—und hinuntersteigen und hörte Gottes Stimme, die ihm versprach, mit ihm zu sein und durch seine Nachkommen die ganze Erde zu segnen. Als Jakob aufwachte, sagte er: „Fürwahr, der Herr ist an dieser Stätte, und ich wusste es nicht!“ (1.Mose 28,16).

Jakob hatte sich wegen seinem Betrug selbst isoliert. Doch trotz seines Versagens und trotz der Dunkelheit der Nacht war er in der Gegenwart des Einen, dessen Pläne immer besser und viel größer sind als unsere eigenen. Der Himmel ist näher als wir denken und der „Gott Jakobs“ ist mit uns.

Vater, hab Dank, dass du uns an der Geschichte von Jakob zeigst, dass deine unsichtbare Gegenwart und Güte viel größer und herrlicher sind, als wir uns vorstellen können.

Gott ist näher als wir denken.

Von Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Seul dans l’espace

Lisez : Genèse 28.10‑17

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 14 – 15 et LUC 22.21‑46

Certainement, l'Éternel est en ce lieu, et moi, je ne le savais pas ! V.16

L’astronaute d’Apollo 15 Al Worden savait ce que c’était que de se trouver du côté opposé de la Lune. Pendant trois jours, en 1971, il a navigué seul à bord de son module de commande, Endeavor, tandis que deux membres de l’équipage spatial travaillaient à des milliers de kilomètres plus bas, sur la Lune. Il avait alors pour tous compagnons les astres au‑dessus de lui qu’il se rappelle avoir été d’un tel éclat qu’ils semblaient l’envelopper de lumière.

Tandis que le Soleil se couchait sur sa première journée loin de chez lui, Jacob se sentait lui aussi très seul, mais pour une raison différente. Il fuyait son frère aîné, qui voulait le tuer pour lui avoir volé la bénédiction familiale, qui revenait de droit au premier‑né. Pourtant, dès qu’il s’est endormi, Jacob a rêvé qu’une échelle reliait la terre au ciel. En regardant des anges y monter et en descendre, il a entendu Dieu lui promettre d’être avec lui et de bénir toute la terre par sa descendance. À son réveil, Jacob a déclaré : « Certainement, l’Éternel est en ce lieu, et moi, je ne le savais pas ! » (GE 28.16.)

Sa tromperie avait poussé Jacob à s’isoler. Reste qu’aussi réels étaient ses échecs et aussi sombre était la nuit, il se trouvait en présence de celui dont les projets sont toujours meilleurs et d’une plus grande portée que les nôtres. Le ciel est plus près que nous le croyons, et le « Dieu de Jacob » est avec nous.

Dieu est plus près qu’on le croit.

par Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Один у космосі

Читати: Буття 28:10-17 

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 14–15 ; Луки 22:21-46

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Дійсно, Господь пробуває на цьому місці, а того я й не знав! — Буття 28:16

Альфред Уорден – астронавт космічного корабля “Аполлон-15” – мав досвід перебування на зворотному боці Місяця. У 1971 році він протягом трьох днів самотньо керував командним модулем “Індевар”, в той час як два інших члени команди працювали в тисячах кілометрів від нього на поверхні Місяця. Єдиними його компаньйонами були зірки над головою – такі великі, що небо наче огортало його зоряною ковдрою.

Коли Яків вперше ночував далеко від дому, і сонце вже сідало за обрій, він теж почувався дуже самотнім – але за інших причин, ніж Альфред Уорден. Він тікав від свого брата, який мав намір вбити його за викрадене батьківське благословення. Коли ж Яків заснув, то бачив чудовий сон: сходи, що простягнулись від землі до неба. І бачив він уві сні ангелів, що сходили й виходили цими сходами, та чув голос Бога, Хто обіцяв бути з ним і через його потомство благословити всю землю. Пробудившись, Яків сказав: “Дійсно, Господь пробуває на цьому місці, а того я й не знав!” (Бут. 28:16).

Яків опинився в ізоляції через свій обман. Проте він був у присутності Бога (що було такою ж реальністю, як і його проблеми та нічна темрява), Чиї плани набагато кращі й масштабніші за наші. Небеса насправді ближче до нас, ніж ми думаємо. І “Бог Якова” завжди з нами.

Отче, дякуємо Тобі, що через історію про Якова Ти нагадуєш нам про Свою незриму славу й ласку, що переважає нашу уяву.

Бог завжди набагато ближче, ніж ми думаємо.

Автор Мартін де Гаан

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Космическое одиночество

Читать сейчас: Бытие 28:10-17

Библия за год: 3 Царств 14-15; Луки 22:21-46

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«Истинно Господь присутствует на месте этом, а я не знал!» — Бытие 28:16

Астронавт экипажа «Аполлон-15» Эл Уорден узнал, что такое космическое одиночество. В 1971 г. он три дня находился в командном модуле на лунной орбите, в то время как его два спутника работали на поверхности Луны в тысячах километров от него. Компанией астронавта были лишь звезды, такие густые, что он чувствовал себя завернутым в покрывало из света.

Когда зашло солнце, молодой беглец Иаков, должно быть, тоже почувствовал себя бесконечно одиноким. Он спасался бегством от старшего брата, который хотел убить его за кражу семейного благословения, обычно получаемого первенцем. Однако, уснув, Иаков увидел лестницу, соединяющую небо и землю. По ней восходили и спускались ангелы, а Сам Бог пообещал, что будет с ним и благословит всю землю через его потомков. Проснувшись, Иаков сказал: «Истинно Господь присутствует на месте этом, а я не знал!» (Быт. 28:16).

Иаков был сам виноват в своих бедах. Но, как бы очевидны ни были его грехи и как бы темна ни была окружающая ночь, он находился в присутствии Того, Чьи замыслы всегда лучше наших собственных. Небеса ближе, чем мы думаем, и «Бог Иакова» с нами.

Отче, благодарим Тебя за повествование об Иакове, в котором Ты показываешь, что слава Твоего незримого присутствия и благости неизмеримо больше, чем мы можем представить.

Бог ближе, чем мы думаем.

автор: Мартин де Гаан

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный