Wednesday, May 10, 2017
The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 - 25th 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 Wisdom 4:16-5:8
The righteous who have died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous. For they will see the end of the wise, and will not understand what the Lord purposed for them, and for what he kept them safe. The unrighteous will see, and will have contempt for them, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. After this they will become dishonored corpses, and an outrage among the dead forever; because he will dash them speechless to the ground, and shake them from the foundations; they will be left utterly dry and barren, and they will suffer anguish, and the memory of them will perish. They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up, and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face. Then the righteous will stand with great confidence in the presence of those who have oppressed them and those who make light of their labors. When the unrighteous see them, they will be shaken with dreadful fear, and they will be amazed at the unexpected salvation of the righteous. They will speak to one another in repentance, and in anguish of spirit they will groan, and say, "These are persons whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach-- fools that we were! We thought that their lives were madness and that their end was without honor. Why have they been numbered among the children of God? And why is their lot among the saints? So it was we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us, and the sun did not rise upon us. We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through trackless deserts, but the way of the Lord we have not known. What has our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?
The Epistle Lesson
The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Colossians 1:24-2:7
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me. For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
The Holy Gospel Lesson
The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 6:27-38
"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Morning Psalms
Psalm 119:49-56 Zayin Memor esto verbi tui
49 Remember your word to your servant, because you have given me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my trouble, that your promise gives me life.
51 The proud have derided me cruelly, but I have not turned from your law.
52 When I remember your judgments of old, O LORD, I take great comfort.
53 I am filled with a burning rage, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been like songs to me wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55 I remember your Name in the night, O LORD, and dwell upon your law.
56 This is how it has been with me, because I have kept your commandments.
Psalm 119:57-64 Heth Portio mea, Domine
57 You only are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart, be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60 I hasten and do not tarry to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, because of your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your love; instruct me in your statutes.
Psalm 119:65-72 Teth Bonitatem fecisti
65 O LORD, you have dealt graciously with your servant, according to your word.
66 Teach me discernment and knowledge, for I have believed in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and you bring forth good; instruct me in your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared me with lies, but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is gross and fat, but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me than thousands in gold and silver.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 49 Audite haec, omnes
1 Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all you who dwell in the world, you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.
2 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.
3 I will incline my ear to a proverb and set forth my riddle upon the harp.
4 Why should I be afraid in evil days, when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,
5 The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods, and boast of their great riches?
6 We can never ransom ourselves, or deliver to God the price of our life;
7 For the ransom of our life is so great, that we should never have enough to pay it,
8 In order to live for ever and ever, and never see the grave.
9 For we see that the wise die also; like the dull and stupid they perish and leave their wealth to those who come after them.
10 Their graves shall be their homes for ever, their dwelling places from generation to generation, though they call the lands after their own names.
11 Even though honored, they cannot live for ever; they are like the beasts that perish.
12 Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, and the end of those who delight in their own words.
13 Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die; Death is their shepherd; they go down straightway to the grave.
14 Their form shall waste away, and the land of the dead shall be their home.
15 But God will ransom my life; he will snatch me from the grasp of death.
16 Do not be envious when some become rich, or when the grandeur of their house increases;
17 For they will carry nothing away at their death, nor will their grandeur follow them.
18 Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, and were praised for their success,
19 They shall join the company of their forebears, who will never see the light again.
20 Those who are honored, but have no understanding, are like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 53 Dixit insipiens
1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good.
2 God looks down from heaven upon us all, to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God.
3 Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; there is none who does good; no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, those evildoers who eat up my people like bread and do not call upon God?
5 See how greatly they tremble, such trembling as never was; for God has scattered the bones of the enemy; they are put to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! when God restores the fortunes of his people Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
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 Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and 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 10, 2017 - 25th Day of Easter
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 - 25th Day of Easter
Matthew 18:15 (NIV) [Dealing With Sin in the Church] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
Read all of Matthew 18
Listen to Matthew 18
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 - "Holy Boldness"
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
—Acts 4:31 (NKJV)
Sometimes I’ll hear people say, “We need another Pentecost.” No, the original Pentecost was more than sufficient. However, can what happened to them still happen to us today? The answer is yes and no. Nowhere else in the Bible do we read of a mighty rushing wind, and the Spirit coming upon people like flames. But in Acts we do frequently read of the Holy Spirit empowering, speaking to, and using the believers.
The power given by the Holy Spirit to the first-century church at Pentecost is available to the twenty-first century church today. The power that was given to them then is available to us now.
The Holy Spirit filled the first-century believers again and again and again. We read of Peter at the Beautiful Gate being led by the Spirit to pull a crippled man to his feet. Then we read of how the Lord filled him with the Spirit, and he stated that Jesus was the Messiah.
This same power came upon the apostle Paul when he was trying to preach the gospel to the governor, and a sorcerer was opposing him. And the Bible tells us in Acts 13 that Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, turned to this man and rebuked him. It took a boldness from God.
When the believers were preaching the gospel and were told to stop, they prayed for even more boldness to do so. And in Acts 4:31, after this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they all were filled with the Holy Spirit and preached God’s message with boldness.
If you have ever been afraid to speak up for your faith, if you have ever been opposed or mocked as a Christian, then you are a candidate for being filled with the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny
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 - La misericordia
Por la misericordia de Jehová no hemos sido consumidos, porque nunca decayeron sus misericordias. Nuevas son cada mañana; grande es tu fidelidad.
Lamentaciones 3:22-23 (RVR1960)
Todos somos pecadores y nacimos con esa ley del pecado. Sin embargo, el acto más hermoso de Dios para limpiar nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa, y sin merecérnosla, fue cuando nos dio a su único Hijo para que muriera por ti y por mí, y darnos de esa manera el perdón de los pecados y una vida nueva.
Dios perdona nuestros pecados y, como dice su Palabra, los echa al fondo del mar y nunca se vuelve acordar de ellos.
No obstante, como el pecado es algo que está en nuestro ser, muchas veces va a querer salir la vieja naturaleza y le vamos a fallar a nuestro Dios. Es decir, vamos a pecar. Aun así, esto no se debe convertir en un juego, como si dijéramos: «Ah, bueno, yo peco, pero le pido perdón a Dios y Él lo olvida».
Con todo, si el arrepentimiento es de corazón, y así le fallemos cada día, su misericordia es la que nos permite continuar a pesar de los errores cometidos.
Recuerda que las misericordias de Dios son nuevas cada mañana.
Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Standing Strong Through the Storm - TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE COST
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-60 (NIV)
One of the costs of following Jesus is the impact on our children. If we, as parents, try to shelter our children from the cross then we are guilty of the third temptation of Christ. Our children need to understand that there will not be a victorious life in Christ without following the footsteps to the cross. Not around the cross, as we often desire, but through the cross.
A co-worker once asked a Christian in Vietnam how he introduces the gospel in the villages where people have never heard about God. Without hesitating he answered “Oh very easily. I simply say, ‘I have good news for you but it might cost you your life, would you like me to continue?’ People want to hear good news and most of the time they eagerly ask me to tell them. But the introduction is always that there will be a cost involved because for us in Vietnam, being a Christian means a life of self-denial. When they are persecuted and imprisoned they are not surprised. They expect it.”
The co-worker went on to say, “It sometimes amazes me how we find it suitable to counsel our children regarding the costs involved in buying a new bicycle or starting a new hobby but we never sit down and discuss the cost of following Jesus. We need to train our children in no uncertain terms that being ridiculed at school, being rejected and facing mockery, is part and parcel of being a Christian. It comes in as a package and you cannot have the one without the other. We need to train our children to sacrifice; we need to train our children to count the cost; we need to train our children that they do not belong to themselves.
“Our lives are often based on our expectations. If we are confronted with the unexpected, we seldom know how to react. If we neglect to teach and expose our children to the reality of the cross, difficulties will come as a surprise.
“But, once again, if we as parents cannot testify through our lives by being examples of living sacrifices, our teachings will be futile. When was the last time you were ridiculed for the name of Jesus? When was the last time you sacrificed your time and money to work among the lost? When was the last time you sacrificed anything to visit the persecuted church?”
RESPONSE: Today I will be an example to my children and teach them the cost in following Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be willing to sacrifice everything to follow You and to be an example.
Girlfriends in God - Building a Successful Family
by Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does (Proverbs 14:1, NCV).
Friend to Friend
What a crazy day it had been! It was a day probably like many of yours. I was a young mom with two small children. My husband was the youth pastor at a large church in town. I taught a weekly Bible study for senior high girls and directed a youth choir that practiced one night a week and sang for the early worship service every Sunday. We hosted a youth Bible study in our home every Monday night … and, well, you get the idea. My schedule was almost to the point of ridiculous, and I was exhausted most of the time. But this particular day had been crazier than most.
Both kids had a cold and were grumpy. I was counting the minutes until my husband came walking through the front door. I needed rescuing. The phone rang. "Honey, I won't be able to make it home before church tonight," Dan said. He sounded so tired that I could not muster up one ounce of anger. Instead, I shifted into overdrive.
I snatched both kids off the backyard swing, plopped them in the bathtub for a quick rinse and impatiently shoved little arms and legs into clean clothes while spooning food into little mouths before firmly depositing both kids in their car seats. Off we went to church for the third night in a row.
At a stop sign, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two miserably silent children, tears streaming down their sad little faces. I heard His voice, "Mary, what are you doing and who are you doing it for?" My heart broke. I suddenly realized that I was running the race of life for the wrong audience. Turning the car around, I headed home.
"Hey guys! Would you like to go home, put on your pajamas, make some cookies and watch a movie with me?" Cheers and clapping erupted from the back seat as tears gave way to smiling faces, and laughter and giggles filled the car and my heart. It has been over twenty-five years and I still remember that precious night of ministry.
Women are so busy. We fill our lives with good things, but I wonder how many of us miss the hungry hearts that greet us each morning across the breakfast table or wait for us to come home each night. Do we overlook a child’s silent longing for the kind of love that is spelled “t-i-m-e?” Do we miss the opportunity to encourage a weary husband who has returned home without a job? When was the last time you gave your parents a hug and thanked them for everything they have done for you over the years? Do your grandparents know how valuable their legacy of love and wisdom is to you? We make the erroneous assumption that the people in our lives know how we feel about them. Do they? And even if they do know, wouldn’t it be great to tell them again?
It is so easy to lose focus and scramble priorities. Our public life is only as valid as our private life. Family is the perfect framing for God’s highest work, the litmus test for authentic service and our greatest opportunity to meet needs in His name.
When our daughter, Danna, was a little girl, one of her favorite activities was to color a page in what she called her "special" coloring book. The book had several “special” pages, one in particular being a dull, gray picture of a butterfly. Frankly, I couldn’t understand her excitement. When I asked why she liked that picture so much, Danna grinned and said, “Watch, Mommy!” She rubbed her little hands together to create warmth; then laid them on the butterfly drawing. The touch of her hand caused the special inks in the printing to react, and the dull gray was transformed into a vivid rainbow of color.
Everyone is hungry for the warm touch of someone who cares – a kind word, an act of compassion, a hug of encouragement. I believe God created the family to be the first place where that hunger is best satisfied. Yet, I am amazed that we can stand in silence, watching homes, marriages and families disintegrate before our very eyes. Silence is agreement. It is time for us, as women of God, to boldly stand against anyone and anything that undermines our marriage or threatens the solidarity of our family. It is time for us to trust God for and with our families.
Family is important to God. He created it before He created the church, and He made a plan for it to succeed. At the heart of that plan is love. To trust God with our family demands that we love and trust God, and then allow that love to spill over into our family.
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to please You by the way I love my family. Today, I choose to see each family member through your eyes of love and mercy. I want my home to be a safe place filled with kindness and compassion, a place that illustrates Your presence and power. Today, I choose to trust my family to God.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
Read the following verses of Scripture. Make a list of the action words in each verse. After completing the list, come up with steps you can take to illustrate the character of God in your family relationships.
For more information on learning how to trust God with your family, check out Mary’s video download, How to Love Your Family. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

Today’s Truth
A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does (Proverbs 14:1, NCV).
Friend to Friend
What a crazy day it had been! It was a day probably like many of yours. I was a young mom with two small children. My husband was the youth pastor at a large church in town. I taught a weekly Bible study for senior high girls and directed a youth choir that practiced one night a week and sang for the early worship service every Sunday. We hosted a youth Bible study in our home every Monday night … and, well, you get the idea. My schedule was almost to the point of ridiculous, and I was exhausted most of the time. But this particular day had been crazier than most.
Both kids had a cold and were grumpy. I was counting the minutes until my husband came walking through the front door. I needed rescuing. The phone rang. "Honey, I won't be able to make it home before church tonight," Dan said. He sounded so tired that I could not muster up one ounce of anger. Instead, I shifted into overdrive.
I snatched both kids off the backyard swing, plopped them in the bathtub for a quick rinse and impatiently shoved little arms and legs into clean clothes while spooning food into little mouths before firmly depositing both kids in their car seats. Off we went to church for the third night in a row.
At a stop sign, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two miserably silent children, tears streaming down their sad little faces. I heard His voice, "Mary, what are you doing and who are you doing it for?" My heart broke. I suddenly realized that I was running the race of life for the wrong audience. Turning the car around, I headed home.
"Hey guys! Would you like to go home, put on your pajamas, make some cookies and watch a movie with me?" Cheers and clapping erupted from the back seat as tears gave way to smiling faces, and laughter and giggles filled the car and my heart. It has been over twenty-five years and I still remember that precious night of ministry.
Women are so busy. We fill our lives with good things, but I wonder how many of us miss the hungry hearts that greet us each morning across the breakfast table or wait for us to come home each night. Do we overlook a child’s silent longing for the kind of love that is spelled “t-i-m-e?” Do we miss the opportunity to encourage a weary husband who has returned home without a job? When was the last time you gave your parents a hug and thanked them for everything they have done for you over the years? Do your grandparents know how valuable their legacy of love and wisdom is to you? We make the erroneous assumption that the people in our lives know how we feel about them. Do they? And even if they do know, wouldn’t it be great to tell them again?
It is so easy to lose focus and scramble priorities. Our public life is only as valid as our private life. Family is the perfect framing for God’s highest work, the litmus test for authentic service and our greatest opportunity to meet needs in His name.
When our daughter, Danna, was a little girl, one of her favorite activities was to color a page in what she called her "special" coloring book. The book had several “special” pages, one in particular being a dull, gray picture of a butterfly. Frankly, I couldn’t understand her excitement. When I asked why she liked that picture so much, Danna grinned and said, “Watch, Mommy!” She rubbed her little hands together to create warmth; then laid them on the butterfly drawing. The touch of her hand caused the special inks in the printing to react, and the dull gray was transformed into a vivid rainbow of color.
Everyone is hungry for the warm touch of someone who cares – a kind word, an act of compassion, a hug of encouragement. I believe God created the family to be the first place where that hunger is best satisfied. Yet, I am amazed that we can stand in silence, watching homes, marriages and families disintegrate before our very eyes. Silence is agreement. It is time for us, as women of God, to boldly stand against anyone and anything that undermines our marriage or threatens the solidarity of our family. It is time for us to trust God for and with our families.
Family is important to God. He created it before He created the church, and He made a plan for it to succeed. At the heart of that plan is love. To trust God with our family demands that we love and trust God, and then allow that love to spill over into our family.
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to please You by the way I love my family. Today, I choose to see each family member through your eyes of love and mercy. I want my home to be a safe place filled with kindness and compassion, a place that illustrates Your presence and power. Today, I choose to trust my family to God.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
Read the following verses of Scripture. Make a list of the action words in each verse. After completing the list, come up with steps you can take to illustrate the character of God in your family relationships.
- Proverbs 31:26-28 (NCV) “She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. She watches over her family and never wastes her time. Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her.”
- 1 Timothy 5:8 (NCV) “Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God.”
For more information on learning how to trust God with your family, check out Mary’s video download, How to Love Your Family. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.
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Girlfriends in God
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LHM Daily Devotion - May 10, 2017 "Going Home"
Raymond Haerry was 19 years old when the Japanese planes appeared...
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
"Going Home"
May 10, 2017
Philippians 3:20-21 - But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.
Raymond Haerry was 19 years old when the Japanese planes appeared over the skies of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. When the bombs started falling and the torpedoes were launched it didn't take too long for Haerry to run to an anti-aircraft gun. He was frustrated to find the weapon was not operational.
Before Haerry could come up with a plan B, the ship was split apart when a bomb hit one of the powder magazines. The USS Arizona quickly went down, taking with it 1,177 of his fellow shipmates. Haerry was thrown into the burning, oily water. He survived that day and spent the next days helping to recover the bodies.
Haerry survived the war and lived to the age of 94.
It was always his intention to return to Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Sadly, like many good intentions, it was never fulfilled -- at least while he was alive. In death, well, in death, that is another matter. You see, as a survivor of the Arizona, Haerry is accorded the opportunity -- and the honor -- of being buried with his comrades.
That is how, last month, 100 people gathered to pay their final respects to the sailor, and a team of divers delivered his cremains to the battleship's turret No. 3.
Daniel Martinez, the Chief Historian of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, said that Haerry has "returned to his ship and his shipmates." Martinez continued, "Even in the last days of his life, (Haerry) decided he was going home, going home to the USS Arizona.
I can understand why Haerry would feel the way he did. When you live with, suffer with, and almost die with longtime comrades, there is a very special relationship. It is the kind of relationship which is made more poignant and powerful with the passing of the years and the decades.
Yes, I can understand what Martinez was saying, but I also disagree with his final words.
While the earthly remains of the seaman may have been delivered to a place of honor and respect, he is not there. His eternal soul, the part of him for which Jesus suffered and died is not encased in the remains of a ship at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.
On the contrary, when the old mariner breathed his last in this world, if he had been a follower of the Christ, he would have truly gone home -- home to heaven. Indeed, all believers have their citizenship in heaven, and there we have a reunion not just with those who have sacrificed their lives for earthly freedom, we have a reunion with the Savior whose life was the price which was paid for our eternal salvation.
As the hymn writer said, "Heaven Is My Home."
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the time will come when I will be going home. Grant me a faith which is grateful to the Savior for offering His life so that heaven might be my home and all the fellow-redeemed my comrades. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
CPTLN Devocional de 10 de Mayo de 2017
Alimento Diario
Justificados
10 de Mayo 2017
¿Acaso no saben que los injustos no heredarán el reino de Dios? No se equivoquen: ni los fornicarios, ni los idólatras, ni los adúlteros, ni los afeminados, ni los que se acuestan con hombres. 1 Corintios 6:9a y 11
Riley Ann Sawyers, de dos años, le dijo a su mamá: "Te quiero, mami". Cualquier madre que escucha esas palabras se siente halagada y conmovida. Pero no fue así con la mamá de Riley.
Riley había sido brutalmente golpeada por la madre y su novio. Poco después de decir esas palabras, murió. Después de poner su cuerpo en una bolsa y en un contenedor de plástico, lo llevaron a la playa para que el mar se lo llevara. En vida la pequeña Riley no fue amada, y en la muerte no fue llorada.
La vida de esa pequeña niña es una tragedia terrible. Pero, para quienes hemos recibido gracia para comprender, la historia de Riley nos da una idea de lo que es la corrupción del pecado y nos ayuda a entender mejor la clase de personas que Satanás quisiera que fuéramos todos nosotros.
En el mundo del diablo, aun las cosas que deberían ser totalmente puras e inocentes, como el amor de una madre a su pequeña, están más corrompidas, retorcidas y degeneradas de lo que nos podemos imaginar.
Aun cuando ya no podemos hacer nada por Riley, y tampoco está en nuestras manos castigar a los causantes de ese acto tan atroz, es mi oración que, si alguno de ustedes en algún momento se encuentra ante una situación parecida, pueda hacer lo que es correcto. Por sobre todas las cosas, los aliento a recordar lo que escribió San Pablo: "... 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..."
Por el sacrificio del Salvador, hemos sido rescatados del mundo que Riley conoció demasiado bien. La salvación del Señor es motivo de agradecimiento infinito. Somos bendecidos porque, como dice Dios en el Apocalipsis: "Yo hago nuevas todas las cosas." (Apocalipsis 21:5b).
ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, te doy gracias por haberme rescatado. Dame fuerza y poder para vencer a Satanás y al pecado, y amor para consolar a quienes sufren. En tu nombre. Amén
© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.
Our Daily Bread - Unlighted Paths
Read: Joshua 1:1–9
Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 10–12; John 1:29–51
The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
As we ventured home from a family vacation, the road took us
through some desolate parts of central Oregon. For nearly two hours
after dusk we drove through deep canyons and across desert plateaus.
Fewer than twenty sets of headlights punctuated the darkness. Eventually
the moon rose on the horizon, visible to us when the road crested hills
but eclipsed when we traveled through the lowlands. My daughter
remarked on its light, calling it a reminder of God’s presence. I asked
whether she needed to see it to know He was there. She replied, “No, but
it sure helps.”
After Moses’s death, Joshua inherited leadership of the
Israelites and was charged to take God’s chosen people into the Promised
Land. Despite his divine commission, Joshua must have felt challenged
by the daunting nature of his task. God graciously offered Joshua
assurance to be with him on the journey ahead (Josh. 1:9).
The road of life often travels through
uncharted territory. We voyage through seasons when the path ahead isn’t
clearly visible. God’s plan may not always be apparent to us, but He
has promised to be with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matt.
28:20). What greater assurance could we hope for, no matter what
uncertainty or challenge we might face? Even when the path is unlit, the
Light is with us.
Lord, thank You for being near me even when I cannot see You. Please comfort me with Your presence.
God is with us even when we can’t see Him.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Những Nẻo Đường Tăm Tối
Đọc: Giô-suê 1:1–9
Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Các vua 10–12; Giăng 1:29–51
GIÊ-HÔ-VA Đức Chúa Trời của con vẫn ở cùng con trong mọi nơi con đi. Giô-suê 1:9
Trên đường về nhà sau kỳ nghỉ của gia đình, chúng tôi đi ngang qua
một vài nơi hoang vu ngay tại trung tâm của Oregon. Trong khoảng gần
hai giờ sau khi mặt trời lặn, chúng tôi phải lái xe qua những hẻm núi
sâu và băng qua những hoang mạc rộng lớn. Trên đường chỉ có khoảng gần
hai mươi ngọn đèn pha xe hơi rọi xuyên màn đêm. Cuối cùng thì mặt trăng
cũng mọc lên ở phía đường chân trời và chúng tôi chỉ thấy mặt trăng khi
chạy trên những ngọn đồi, còn khi chạy ở những nơi đất trũng thì mặt
trăng bị che khuất. Con gái tôi suy nghĩ về ánh trăng và gọi đó là lời
nhắc nhở về sự hiện diện của Đức Chúa Trời. Tôi hỏi lại rằng liệu cháu
có cần nhìn thấy ánh trăng để biết Chúa đang hiện diện không. Cháu đáp:
“Dạ không, nhưng thấy được thì rất tốt.”
Sau khi Môi-se qua đời, Giô-suê tiếp quản vai trò lãnh đạo dân
Y-sơ-ra-ên và được giao nhiệm vụ đưa tuyển dân của Chúa vào Đất Hứa. Dù
được Chúa ủy thác, nhưng chắc hẳn Giô-suê đã cảm thấy đó là một nhiệm vụ
đầy thách thức. Đức Chúa Trời đã hứa với Giô-suê rằng Ngài sẽ ở cùng
ông trong hành trình phía trước (Giôs. 1:9).
Trên bước đường đời, chúng ta vẫn thường đi qua những nơi lạ lẫm. Đôi
lúc chúng ta phải đối diện với những khoảnh khắc mà con đường phía
trước có vẻ mờ mịt. Không phải lúc nào chúng ta cũng biết rõ chương
trình của Chúa là như thế nào, nhưng Ngài đã hứa sẽ ở cùng chúng ta
“luôn cho đến tận thế” (Mat. 28:20). Dầu khi phải đối diện với những bấp
bênh và khó khăn, liệu chúng ta còn có trông mong nào lớn hơn sự đảm
bảo như vậy không? Thậm chí, dầu khi đường đời trở nên tăm tối thì ánh
sáng thiên thượng vẫn luôn ở với chúng ta.
Lạy Chúa, con cảm ơn Ngài đã luôn ở gần bên con ngay cả khi con không nhìn thấy Ngài. Xin nâng đỡ con bằng chính sự hiện diện của Ngài.
Chúa vẫn luôn ở với chúng ta ngay cả khi chúng ta không thấy Ngài.
bởi Kirsten Holmberg
© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Nuestro Pan Diario - Caminos oscuros
Leer: Josué 1:1-9
La Biblia en un año: 2 Reyes 10–12; Juan 1:29-51
… el Señor tu Dios estará contigo en dondequiera que vayas (v. 9).
Mientras regresábamos a casa de unas vacaciones, el camino nos
llevó por una parte desolada. Durante casi dos horas después del
atardecer, condujimos a través de profundos cañones y mesetas
desérticas. Apenas podían divisarse algunas luces de autos que
perforaban la oscuridad. Finalmente, la luna salió en el horizonte;
podíamos verla cuando el camino subía a las colinas, pero quedaba
eclipsada mientras viajábamos por las tierras bajas. Mi hija comentó que
le recordaba la presencia de Dios. Le pregunté si necesitaba verla para
saber que Él estaba allí. Contestó: «No, pero sí que ayuda».
Después de la muerte de Moisés, Josué heredó el liderazgo de los
israelitas y se le encomendó llevarlos a la tierra prometida. A pesar de
esta comisión divina, Josué seguramente se sintió desafiado por
semejante tarea, pero Dios le aseguró que estaría con él en esa odisea
(Josué 1:9).
El camino de la vida suele pasar por territorio desconocido. A veces,
no podemos ver claramente lo que tenemos por delante. El plan de Dios
no siempre nos resulta evidente, pero Él prometió estar con nosotros
«todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo» (Mateo 28:20). ¿Qué seguridad
mayor podríamos desear? Aun cuando el camino esté oscuro, la Luz está
con nosotros.
Señor, gracias por estar cerca de mí incluso cuando no puedo verte.
Dios está con nosotros aun cuando no podemos verlo.
Por kh
Unser Täglich Brot - Finstere Wege
Lesen: Josua 1,1-9
Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Könige 10–12; Johannes 1,29-51
Der Herr, dein Gott, ist mit dir in allem, was du tun wirst. Josua 1,9
Auf der Heimfahrt aus dem Familienurlaub kamen wir durch eine
verlassene Gegend im Nordwesten der Vereinigten Staaten. Nach Einbruch
der Dunkelheit fuhren wir fast zwei Stunden durch tiefe Canyons und über
weite Hochebenen. Nicht einmal zwanzig Scheinwerferpaare begegneten uns
auf dem Weg durch die Dunkelheit. Irgendwann erschien der Mond am
Horizont. Wenn die Straße gerade auf einem Bergkamm verlief, konnten wir
ihn sehen. Wenn wir in der Ebene waren, entschwand er unserem Blick.
Meine Tochter fühlte sich dadurch an die Gegenwart Gottes erinnert. Ich
fragte sie, ob sie Gott sehen müsse, um zu wissen, dass er da ist.
„Nein“, erwiderte sie, „aber es hilft.“
Nach dem Tod von Mose übernahm Josua die Leitung für das Volk Israel
mit dem Auftrag, Gottes auserwähltes Volk in das verheißene Land zu
bringen. Obwohl von Gott beauftragt, muss ihn die Größe der Aufgabe
überwältigt haben. Doch Gott versicherte ihm, dass er auf dem vor ihm
liegenden Weg bei ihm sein würde (Jos. 1,9).
Der Weg des Lebens führt oft durch unwegsames Gelände. Und es gibt
Zeiten, da ist er kaum erkennbar. Gottes Plan ist uns nicht immer
deutlich, aber er hat versprochen, dass er „alle Tage bis an der Welt
Ende“ bei uns ist (Matth. 28,20). Kann es eine größere Gewissheit geben,
egal in welcher Situation wir sind? Auch wenn der Weg finster ist, ist
das Licht bei uns.
Herr, hab Dank, dass du mir nahe bist, auch wenn ich dich nicht sehen kann. Tröste mich mit deiner Gegenwart.
Gott ist mit uns, auch wenn wir ihn nicht sehen.
Von Kirsten Holmberg
© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot
Notre Pain Quotidien - Des sentiers non éclairés
Lisez : Josué 1.1‑9
La Bible en un an : 2 ROIS 10 – 12 et JEAN 1.29‑51
[Car], l’Éternel, ton Dieu, est avec toi dans tout ce que tu entreprendras. V. 9
En rentrant de vacances, ma famille et
moi avons dû emprunter une route traversant des contrées isolées du
centre de l’Oregon. Après le crépuscule, nous avons parcouru de profonds
canyons et des plateaux désertiques pendant près de deux heures. Pas
même une vingtaine de paires de phares n’ont ponctué l’obscurité. Puis
la Lune s’est levée à l’horizon, devenant visible lorsque nous
atteignions les sommets des collines et disparaissant lorsque nous
redescendions dans les basses terres. Ma fille a alors dit de sa lumière
qu’il s’agissait d’un rappel de la présence de Dieu. Je lui ai demandé
si elle avait besoin de le voir pour savoir qu’il était là. Ce à quoi
elle m’a répondu : Non, mais ça aide, c’est sûr. »
Après la mort de Moïse, Josué a hérité du rôle de chef des Israélites et de la responsabilité de faire entrer le peuple élu de Dieu en Terre promise. Malgré son mandat divin, Josué a dû trembler devant l’étendue de sa tâche. Dans sa grâce, Dieu lui a assuré qu’il serait avec lui tout le long (JOS 1.9).
Le chemin de la vie nous fait souvent traverser des territoires inconnus, à savoir des périodes où la route devant nous se distingue mal. Les desseins de Dieu ne nous sont pas toujours évidents, mais il nous a promis d’être avec nous « tous les jours, jusqu’à la fin du monde » (MT 28.20). Quelle plus grande assurance pourrions‑nous espérer, peu importe l’incertitude ou le défi que nous affrontons ? Même sur un chemin non éclairé, la Lumière du monde est avec nous.
© 2017 Ministères NPQ
Après la mort de Moïse, Josué a hérité du rôle de chef des Israélites et de la responsabilité de faire entrer le peuple élu de Dieu en Terre promise. Malgré son mandat divin, Josué a dû trembler devant l’étendue de sa tâche. Dans sa grâce, Dieu lui a assuré qu’il serait avec lui tout le long (JOS 1.9).
Le chemin de la vie nous fait souvent traverser des territoires inconnus, à savoir des périodes où la route devant nous se distingue mal. Les desseins de Dieu ne nous sont pas toujours évidents, mais il nous a promis d’être avec nous « tous les jours, jusqu’à la fin du monde » (MT 28.20). Quelle plus grande assurance pourrions‑nous espérer, peu importe l’incertitude ou le défi que nous affrontons ? Même sur un chemin non éclairé, la Lumière du monde est avec nous.
Dieu est avec nous même lorsque nous ne le voyons pas.
par Kirsten Holmberg
© 2017 Ministères NPQ
Хліб Наш Насущній - Неосвітлені стежки
Читати: Ісуса Навина 1:1-9
Біблія за рік: 2 Царів 10–12 ; Івана 1:29-51
З тобою Господь, Бог твій, у всьому, де ти будеш ходити. — Ісуса Навина 1:9
Повертаючись додому після сімейного відпочинку, ми їхали через
відлюдні райони штату Орегон. Майже дві години ми їхали у вечірній
темряві крізь глибокі каньйони та пустельні плато. Лише світло фар
зустрічних машин інколи пронизувало цю темряву. Нарешті на горизонті
з’явився місяць. Але його було видно лише тоді, коли ми досягали вершин
пагорбів. В низинах він ховався від нас. Моя донька, помітивши місяць,
назвала його знаком Божої присутності. Коли я спитала в неї, чи їй
обов’язково бачити місяць, щоб знати про Божу присутність, вона
відповіла: “Ні. Але це суттєво допомагає”.
Після смерті Мойсея Ісус Навин перейняв естафету лідерства. Бог
доручив йому ввести вибраний народ до Обітованої Землі. Це було веління
Самого Бога, але Ісуса Навина, напевно, дуже лякало надзвичайно важке
завдання. Тому Господь явив милість, давши йому обіцянку не полишати
його на шляху виконання цієї місії (Єг. 1:9).
Життєва дорога часто веде нас крізь “не помічені на карті пустелі”.
Бувають періоди, коли дорогу попереду майже не видно. Але хоча Божі
плани й цілі не завжди нам зрозумілі, Господь пообіцяв бути з нами
“повсякденно аж до кінця віку!” (Мт. 28:20). Яких ще гарантій ми потребуємо? Навіть на неосвітлених стежинах з нами завжди Христос – Світло світу.
Господи, дякую Тобі за те, що Ти поруч навіть тоді, коли не бачу Тебе. Втішай мене, будь ласка, Своєю присутністю.
Бог з нами навіть тоді, коли не бачимо Його.
Автор Кірстен Холмберг
© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній
Хлеб наш насущный - Темные тропы
Читать сейчас: Иисуса Навина 1:1-9
Библия за год: 4 Царств 10-12; Иоанна 1:29-51
С тобой Господь, Бог твой, везде, куда ни пойдешь. — Иисуса Навина 1:9
Мы возвращались домой из семейного отпуска. Дорога пролегала через
незаселенные районы штата Орегон. Почти два часа после захода солнца мы
ехали по глубоким каньонам и пустынным плато. Лишь изредка фары
встречных машин указывали на наличие жизни. Наконец над горизонтом
взошла луна. Когда дорога поднималась на холмы, она была видна, но затем
следовал спуск в долину, и мы вновь погружались во тьму. Моя дочь
сказала, что свет луны напоминает ей о Божьем присутствии. Я спросила,
обязательно ли нужно видеть луну, чтобы знать, что Бог рядом. Она
ответила: «Нет, но с нею лучше».
После смерти Моисея Иисус Навин возглавил Израиль. Перед ним
стояла нелегкая задача ввести Божий народ в Обетованную землю. Несмотря
на поручение свыше, Иисус, должно быть, сознавал, насколько тяжела эта
задача. Бог видел это и послал начинающему вождю откровение, в котором
заверил, что не оставит и не покинет его (Нав. 1:5, 9).
Дорога жизни часто пролегает по
неизведанным местам. Порой мы едва видим ее среди окружающей тьмы. Божий
замысел не всегда ясен, но Он обещал быть с нами «во все дни до
скончания века» (Мф. 28:20).
Какое еще заверение нам нужно? Может ли существовать большее утешение
среди всех трудностей и неопределенностей жизни? Даже если путь темен, с
нами небесный Свет.
Господь, благодарю, что Ты всегда со мной. Пошли мне утешение от сознания Твоего присутствия.
Хотя мы не видим Бога, Он всегда рядом.
автор: Кирстен Холмберг
© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный
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