Saturday, May 13, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - May 14, 2017 "The God Whom We Serve"

I know a young girl who worked for a publishing company.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"The God Whom We Serve"

May 14, 2017

1 Peter 4:10-11 - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

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


I know a young girl who worked for a publishing company.

That doesn't make her special. What makes her unique and fascinates her colleagues is that she always seems willing to help others. Indeed, one day one of her coworkers actually managed to corner her and ask why she was so willing to lend a hand to others.

Her reply was both unusual and beautiful. She said, "God has given gifts to everyone and He commands us to serve others." Then she added it was important for her to share her gifts with others so she could please and glorify the Triune God.

This young lady was a practicing Christian who knew the Lord is pleased when believers share what they have and serve others.

Now the person who had asked the question was the first to hear the young girl's answer.

That answer had a profound effect upon that listener. She began to do some soul searching. What she found didn't please her. A bit of self-examination revealed she was not the kind of person she wanted to be. In contrast to our young lady, this individual refused to share her skills and glorified herself by demanding she be praised for everything she did.

Only after she had looked closely at herself did the Holy Spirit bring her to repentance.

Today both young ladies understand that the Lord who has given the gifts can be glorified when we use those gifts to be of assistance to others. In thanks to the Christ who offered Himself for their forgiveness and salvation, these two unique souls have come together to serve Him and others.

If they had a motto, it would be found in the book of Romans, where God's people are reminded to offer themselves as a pleasing offering to Him and help each other because as the body has many members, and not all serve the same purpose, so we have to be united as one in Christ's body and support each other (see Romans 12:3-5).

THE PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have given me in this life. Please let my life and attitude share the Savior with the other people around me. May they all see that, in so doing, I am trying to thank, please, and serve You. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Ismara Vallejos. She is a volunteer at our Nicaragua office. In that capacity she teaches Bible study courses and presents an orientation with Project JOEL at our public schools. Vallejos has also begun to work as part of our radio team.

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

Our Daily Bread - Scattering Seeds

https://odb.org/2017/05/14/scattering-seeds/


The seed falling on good soil . . . produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23

I received a wonderful email from a woman who wrote, “Your mom was my first-grade teacher at Putnam City in 1958. She was a great teacher and very kind, but strict! She made us learn the 23rd Psalm and say it in front of the class, and I was horrified. But it was the only contact I had with the Bible until 1997 when I became a Christian. And the memories of Mrs. McCasland came flooding back as I re-read it.”

Jesus told a large crowd a parable about the farmer who sowed his seed that fell on different types of ground—a hard path, rocky ground, clumps of thorns, and good soil (Matt. 13:1–9). While some seeds never grew, “the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it” and “produces a crop yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (v. 23).

During the twenty years my mother taught first grade in public schools, along with reading, writing, and arithmetic she scattered seeds of kindness and the message of God’s love.

Her former student’s email concluded, “I have had other influences in my Christian walk later in life, of course. But my heart always returns to [Psalm 23] and [your mom's] gentle nature.”

A seed of God’s love sown today may produce a remarkable harvest.

Lord, today I want my life to sow good seeds in those around me. Help me to give out what You have put into me.

We sow the seed—God produces the harvest.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Gieo Giống

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/05/14/gieo-giong/
Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Các vua 19–21; Giăng 4:1–30


Còn hạt giống gieo trên đất tốt... có kết quả: một thành một trăm, một thành sáu chục, một thành ba chục. Ma-thi-ơ 13:23

Có lần tôi nhận được một bức thư điện tử tuyệt vời từ một phụ nữ. Cô viết như sau: “Mẹ của anh trước đây là giáo viên lớp Một của tôi tại thành phố Putnam vào năm 1958. Bà là một giáo viên rất tuyệt và tử tế, nhưng nghiêm khắc! Bà bắt chúng tôi học thuộc Thi Thiên 23 và đọc trước lớp, lúc đó tôi rất sợ. Nhưng đó là lần duy nhất tôi tiếp xúc với Kinh Thánh cho đến khi tôi tin Chúa vào năm 1997. Tất cả những ký ức về bà McCasland đã ùa về khi tôi đọc lại bài Thi Thiên đó.”

Chúa Jêsus kể cho đoàn dân đông nghe ẩn dụ về một nông dân đi gieo giống và hạt giống rơi trên những phần đất khác nhau — trên đường đi, trên đất đá, giữa bụi gai và trên đất tốt (Mat. 13:1–9). Trong khi một số hạt giống không thể lớn lên được, thì “hạt giống gieo trên đất tốt là người nghe, hiểu đạo” lại “có kết quả: một thành một trăm, một thành sáu chục, một thành ba chục” (c. 23).

Trong suốt hai mươi năm mẹ tôi dạy lớp Một tại các trường công lập, song song với việc dạy đọc, viết và làm toán thì bà còn gieo những hạt giống nhân ái và sứ điệp về tình yêu thương của Đức Chúa Trời.

Bức thư từ học trò cũ của bà đã khép lại như sau: “Tất nhiên, sau này còn có những người khác cũng đã góp phần nâng đỡ đời sống đức tin của tôi. Nhưng tấm lòng của tôi luôn nhớ về Thi Thiên 23 và tấm lòng dịu dàng của mẹ anh.”

Những hạt giống tình yêu của Chúa được gieo ra hôm nay sẽ đem lại một mùa gặt lớn.

Lạy Chúa, con ao ước đời sống con sẽ gieo ra những hạt giống tốt cho người xung quanh. Xin giúp con gieo ra những gì Ngài đã gieo trồng trong con.

Chúng ta gieo giống — còn Chúa làm nên mùa gặt.


Nuestro Pan Diario - Esparcir semillas

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/05/esparcir-semillas/
La Biblia en un año: 2 Reyes 19–21; Juan 4:1-30

Mas el que fue sembrado en buena tierra […] da fruto; y produce a ciento, a sesenta, y a treinta por uno (v. 23).

Recibí un maravilloso email de una mujer que escribió: «Tu mamá fue mi maestra de primer grado en 1958. Nos hizo aprender el Salmo 23 y recitarlo frente a la clase, y a mí me aterraba hacerlo. Sin embargo, fue el único contacto que tuve con la Biblia hasta 1997, cuando me entregué a Cristo. Entonces, los recuerdos de la Sra. McCasland volvieron como un torrente al releer el Salmo».

Jesús le contó a una gran multitud una parábola sobre un agricultor que sembró semillas que cayeron en distintos tipos de suelos: un suelo duro, uno rocoso, uno espinoso y uno fértil (Mateo 13:1-9). Aunque algunas semillas nunca crecieron, «el que fue sembrado en buena tierra, éste es el que oye y entiende la palabra, […] y produce a ciento, a sesenta, y a treinta por uno» (v. 23).

En los 20 años que mi madre enseñó en escuelas públicas, junto con la lectura, la escritura y la aritmética, desparramó semillas de bondad y el mensaje del amor de Dios.

El email de su antigua alumna terminaba así: «Por supuesto, he tenido otras influencias posteriores en mi andar cristiano, pero mi corazón siempre vuelve al [Salmo 23] y a la dulzura de [tu mamá]».

Una semilla del amor de Dios que se planta hoy puede producir una impresionante cosecha.

Señor, hoy quiero que mi vida siembre buenas semillas en los que me rodean.

Nosotros sembramos; Dios produce la cosecha.


Unser Täglich Brot - Samen ausstreuen

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/05/14/samen-ausstreuen/
Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Könige 19–21; Johannes 4,1-30


Bei dem aber auf gutes Land gesät ist, das ist, der . . . Frucht bringt. Matthäus 13,23

Vor kurzem habe ich eine wunderbare E-Mail bekommen. Eine Frau schrieb: „Ihre Mutter war 1958 in der Grundschule meine Lehrerin. Sie war eine gute Lehrerin und sehr nett, aber streng! Sie ließ uns Psalm 23 lernen und vor der Klasse aufsagen. Ich fand das schrecklich. Aber es war mein einziger Kontakt mit der Bibel bis 1997, als ich Christ wurde. Als ich den Psalm wieder las, kamen die Erinnerungen an Frau McCasland sofort zurück.“

Jesus erzählte einer großen Menge ein Gleichnis von einem Bauern, der seinen Samen ausstreute. Er fiel auf den unterschiedlichsten Boden—auf harte Wege, felsigen Boden, unter Dornen und auf gutes Land (Matth. 13,1-9). Während manche Samen gar nicht aufgingen, sagt Jesus: „Bei dem aber auf gutes Land gesät ist, das ist, der das Wort hört und versteht und dann auch Frucht bringt; und der eine trägt hundertfach, der andere sechzigfach, der dritte dreißigfach“ (V.23).

In den zwanzig Jahren, in denen meine Mutter unterrichtet hat, hat sie den Samen von Gottes Liebe ausgestreut.

Ihre ehemalige Schülerin schloss: „Natürlich habe ich später noch andere Christen kennengelernt. Aber ich denke immer noch gern an Psalm 23 und die nette Art Ihrer Mutter zurück.“

Der Same, den wir heute ausstreuen, kann reiche Frucht bringen.

Herr, lass mein Leben heute in den Menschen, denen ich begegne, guten Samen legen. Hilf mir, das weiterzugeben, was du in mich hineingelegt hast.

Wir säen den Samen—Gott lässt ihn wachsen.


Notre Pain Quotidien - Semer des graines

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/05/14/semer-des-graines/
Lisez : Matthieu 13.1‑9
La Bible en un an : 2 ROIS 19 – 21 et JEAN 4.1‑30

Celui qui a reçu la semence dans la bonne terre […] porte du fruit, et un grain en donne cent, un autre soixante, et un autre trente. V. 23

J’ai reçu un merveilleux courriel d’une femme qui m’écrivait : « Votre mère était ma maîtresse de première année à Putnam City, en 1958. Elle était excellente et très gentille, mais stricte ! Elle nous a fait apprendre le Psaume 23 et le réciter devant la classe, ce qui m’a terrifiée. Reste que c’est le seul contact que j’ai eu avec la Bible jusqu’en 1997, lorsque je suis devenue chrétienne. Or, le souvenir de Mme. McCasland m’est alors revenu en force au cours de la lecture de ce psaume. »

Jésus a raconté devant une grande foule la parabole d’un semeur dont les semences étaient tombées dans différents types de sols : le long du chemin, un endroit pierreux, parmi les épines et dans la bonne terre (MT 13.1‑9). Bien que certaines semences n’aient jamais germé, « [celui] qui a reçu la semence dans la bonne terre, c’est celui qui entend la parole et la comprend ; il porte du fruit, et un grain en donne cent, un autre soixante, un autre trente » (V. 23).

Au cours des vingt années où ma mère a enseigné à des enfants de première année du primaire, elle a semé en eux la bonté et le message d’amour de Dieu en même temps qu’elle leur enseignait à lire, à écrire et à compter.

Ce courriel se terminait ainsi : « J’ai bénéficié d’autres influences plus tard dans ma marche chrétienne, bien entendu, mais mon coeur est toujours retourné au [Psaume 23] et à la douce nature de [votre mère]. »

L’amour de Dieu semé aujourd’hui peut produire une récolte remarquable.

Nous semons, et Dieu produit la récolte.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Посіяні зернятка

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/05/14/%d0%bf%d0%be%d1%81%d1%96%d1%8f%d0%bd%d1%96-%d0%b7%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%bd%d1%8f%d1%82%d0%ba%d0%b0/
Читати: Матвія 13:1-9
Біблія за рік: 2 Царів 19−21 ; Івана 4:1-30


А посіяне в добрій землі… плід він приносить, і дає один у сто раз, другий у шістдесят, а той утридцятеро. — Матвія 13:23

Якось я отримав електронною поштою приємного листа від однієї жінки. “Ваша мама у 1958 році була вчителькою першого класу в одній із шкіл міста Оклахома. Вона була чудовим викладачем – дуже добрим і водночас вимогливим! Вона давала нам завдання вчити напам’ять Псалом 22 і потім декламувати його перед усім класом. Я дуже боялась це робити. Але це було єдине моє знайомство з Біблією аж до 1997 року, коли я стала християнкою. І кожен раз, коли я читаю цей Псалом, згадую місіс Маккасланд”.

Ісус розповів притчу про сіяча, що сіяв зерна. Вони потрапляли у різні місця – при дорозі, на каміння, в зарості тернів і на родючий ґрунт (Мт. 13:1-9). Хоча деякі зернятка й не дали плоду, але були ті зерна, що вродили “у сто раз, другий у шістдесят, а той утридцятеро”. Вони символізують тих, хто “слухають слово і розуміють” (Мт. 13:23).

Протягом 20 років моя мати навчала першокласників у державних школах. Крім викладання читання, письма та математики, вона сіяла також зернятка доброти й послання Божої любові.

В кінці листа колишня учениця написала: “Звісно, багато інших людей мали вплив на моє християнське життя, але моє серце завжди звертається до Псалма 22 і згадує вашу ласкаву матір”.

Зерно Божої любові може й сьогодні принести чудовий плід.


Господи, бажаю сьогодні сіяти добре зерно в житті людей, що навколо мене. Допоможи віддавати іншим те, що Ти вклав у мене.

Ми сіємо, а Бог зрощує.


© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Семена

https://russian-odb.org/2017/05/14/%d1%81%d0%b5%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b0/
Читать сейчас: Матфея 13:1-9
Библия за год: 4 Царств 19-21; Иоанна 4:1-30


Посеянное же на доброй земле... приносит плод во сто крат, иной в шестьдесят, а иной в тридцать. — Матфея 13:23

Я получил удивительное электронное письмо от женщины, которая писала: «Ваша мама была моей первой учительницей в 1958 г. Очень добрая, прекрасная женщина. Но однажды она задала нам трудное задание: выучить Псалом 22 и рассказать его перед классом. Я была в ужасе! Однако это был мой единственный контакт с Библией до 1997 г., когда я стала христианкой. И каждый раз, перечитывая этот Псалом, я вспоминаю миссис Маккасланд».

Иисус рассказал собравшемуся народу притчу о сеятеле, который посеял семена в разных местах: при дороге, на камне, среди терний и на доброй земле (Мф. 13:1-9). Хотя некоторые семена так и не взошли, сеяние не было напрасным. Божья истина достигла «слышащего слово и разумеющего», и такие люди принесли добрый плод покаяния, веры и праведной жизни.

В течение двадцати лет моя мать учила первоклашек. Вместе с умением читать, писать и считать она передала им семена доброты и, самое главное, истины о Божьей любви.

Письмо ее бывшей ученицы завершалось словами: «Впоследствии в моей жизни было много важных и полезных встреч. Но мое сердце всегда возвращается к Псалму 22 и доброму сердцу вашей мамы».

Семя Божьей любви, посеянное сегодня, может произвести благословенную жатву.

Господи, я хочу сеять добрые семена в окружающих людях. Помоги мне отдавать им то, что Ты посеял во мне.

Мы сеем семена, Бог производит урожай.


© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, May 13, 2017 - 28th 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 7:1-14

I also am mortal, like everyone else, a descendant of the first-formed child of earth; and in the womb of a mother I was molded into flesh, within the period of ten months, compacted with blood, from the seed of a man and the pleasure of marriage. And when I was born, I began to breathe the common air, and fell upon the kindred earth; my first sound was a cry, as is true of all. I was nursed with care in swaddling cloths. For no king has had a different beginning of existence; there is for all one entrance into life, and one way out. Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases. All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth. I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them; but I did not know that she was their mother. I learned without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth, for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals; those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Colossians 3:12-17

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 7:18-35

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" When the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?'" Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John's baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves.) "To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.' For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon' the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 55 Exaudi, Deus
1   Hear my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my petition.
2   Listen to me and answer me; I have no peace, because of my cares.
3   I am shaken by the noise of the enemy and by the pressure of the wicked;
4   For they have cast an evil spell upon me and are set against me in fury.
5   My heart quakes within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
6   Fear and trembling have come over me, and horror overwhelms me.
7   And I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
8   I would flee to a far-off place and make my lodging in the wilderness.
9   I would hasten to escape from the stormy wind and tempest."
10   Swallow them up, O Lord; confound their speech; for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
11   Day and night the watchmen make their rounds upon her walls, but trouble and misery are in the midst of her.
12   There is corruption at her heart; her streets are never free of oppression and deceit.
13   For had it been an adversary who taunted me, then I could have borne it; or had it been an enemy who vaunted himself against me, then I could have hidden from him.
14   But it was you, a man after my own heart, my companion, my own familiar friend.
15   We took sweet counsel together, and walked with the throng in the house of God.
16   Let death come upon them suddenly; let them go down alive to the grave; for wickedness is in their dwellings, in their very midst.
17   But I will call upon God, and the LORD will deliver me.
18   In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament, and he will hear my voice.
19   He will bring me safely back from the battle waged against me; for there are many who fight me.
20   God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me and bring them down; they never change; they do not fear God.
21   My companion stretched forth his hand against his comrade; he has broken his covenant.
22   His speech is softer than butter, but war is in his heart.
23   His words are smoother than oil, but they are drawn swords.
24   Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous stumble.
25   For you will bring the bloodthirsty and deceitful down to the pit of destruction, O God.
26   They shall not live out half their days, but I will put my trust in you.


Evening Psalms

Psalm 138 Confitebor tibi
1   I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.
2   I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, because of your love and faithfulness;
3   For you have glorified your Name and your word above all things.
4   When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.
5   All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6   They will sing of the ways of the LORD, that great is the glory of the LORD.
7   Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; he perceives the haughty from afar.
8   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.
9   The LORD will make good his purpose for me; O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands.


Psalm 139 Domine, probasti
1   LORD, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
2   You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways.
3   Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O LORD, know it altogether.
4   You press upon me behind and before and lay your hand upon me.
5   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
6   Where can I go then from your Spirit? where can I flee from your presence?
7   If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
8   If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
9   Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast.
10   If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night, "
11   Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.
12   For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
13   I will thank you because I am marvelously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
14   My body was not hidden from you, while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth.
15   Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them.
16   How deep I find your thoughts, O God! how great is the sum of them!
17   If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.
18   Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! You that thirst for blood, depart from me.
19   They speak despitefully against you; your enemies take your Name in vain.
20   Do I not hate those, O LORD, who hate you? and do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
21   I hate them with a perfect hatred; they have become my own enemies.
22   Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts.
23   Look well whether there be any wickedness in me and lead me in the way that is everlasting.


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 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!
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 SATURDAY, May 13, 2017 - 28th 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 SATURDAY, May 13, 2017 - 28th Day of Easter


Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Read all of Proverbs 31

Listen to Proverbs 31

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 - Tell His Story


For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

Have you ever thought, “If I could do a miracle, I know my friends would believe”? Maybe you imagine having them over for a barbecue. As you throw the meat on the grill, you say, “Check this out. . . . Lord, let fire come down from Heaven and consume these patties!” Whoosh! Fire comes down, and everyone believes.

Do you think that would really happen? Come on. Miracles won’t bring people to faith. Jesus said this: “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 16:4).

This statement was made in response to a challenge by the Pharisees who wanted Jesus to show them a miracle. But Jesus said, in effect, “I’m not going to give you a sign. You’ve seen plenty of signs.” Loose paraphrase: “Here’s the sign that I’m giving you. You know that guy Jonah who was in the fish’s belly? I’m going to die. I’m going to rise again from the dead. That is My sign to you.”

We won’t reach a lost world by miracles. The way we primarily will reach a lost world is through the message of the gospel, that Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, and will come into their lives if they will put their faith in Him.

So when you are sharing the gospel, tell the story of Jesus. That is the bottom line. There’s power in that story and in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is why Paul said, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

When you tell your story, it is always a bridge to His story—the greatest story that has ever been told.

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 - El Rey de nuestra vida


¿Qué Dios hay como tú, que perdone la maldad y pase por alto el delito del remanente de su pueblo? No siempre estarás airado, porque tu mayor placer es amar.
Miqueas 7:18 (NVI)

Muchos de los asuntos que nos alejan de nuestra relación linda con Dios es el amor a otras cosas. Quizá preguntes: «¿Por qué? ¿Qué hay de malo en amar otras cosas que no sean Dios? ¿O es que acaso no puedo amar a mi cónyuge?».

Todas esas preguntas tienen una misma respuesta y es aplicable para otras no mencionadas. Tú y yo podemos decir: «Bueno, mi amor está puesto en…».

Lo preocupante de llevar a extremos esos amores está en cuando le damos un trono y se convierten en el rey de nuestra vida: El dios dinero, el dios de tu esposo, el dios de tus hijos, del trabajo. Estos dioses nos roban el primer y único lugar en el que debe estar Dios.

Atiende esto, nada debe ser más importante en tu vida que Dios. Ni siquiera el amor a la obra, a la iglesia, ni a tu llamado. Nada debe ser más importante que Dios en tu vida.

He aprendido que, en ese sentido, Dios es un Dios celoso y no va permitir que tú y yo hagamos reyes a nada ni a nadie. Además, Él sí que es especialista en derrumbar esos reyes, esos altares y esos dioses.

Rinde en este día ese rey que has levantado, dile a Dios que te perdone y comienza por darle a Él su lugar.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - BLESSINGS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN


He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents…

ManFu’s parents are key leaders in a house church network—his father serves as a regional pastor in one of the largest cities in China, and his mother is a Bible teacher. They travel constantly, preaching and teaching at a different congregation almost every weekend. Their little pre-school daughter goes along, but it’s not a stable environment for ManFu, their teenage son, to keep up with his studies. So they enrolled him in a boarding school in his father’s home village, so he could spend weekends with his grandfather.

They pledged to telephone him every Saturday night, but for itinerant pastors in China, Saturday nights are busy, demanding times. ManFu’s parents would sometimes get so caught up with ministry that they missed their weekly call to their son—sometimes three in a row. And even then, they often cut off what he was telling them with a hurried barrage of questions which felt critical and unloving to their son. Although their questions were rooted in concern for his welfare, to ManFu each conversation felt like an interrogation, and he began to wish they would stop calling. His parents became frantic as to how they could effectively reach out to him.

Brother Samuel, an Open Doors trainer, suggested they begin by writing a letter to their son, pouring out their hopes and love and prayers for him. “Share about the struggles you have and how much you long for him to be by your side. Help him to see all that is in your heart. Kneel before the Lord and pray before you begin this letter. Don’t mention the past. Whenever your son thinks of you, he will take the letter out and read it and know his parents are praying for him.”

Accepting their mentor’s assignment, they went home to write to their first-born, hundreds of miles away. Unknown to the parents, their letter never arrived. But by the time they found out, they told Samuel, it didn’t matter anymore. Their phone conversations had been transformed week after week, as the parents focused on sharing their love and prayers for ManFu. Although the letter itself was lost, its contents had been written in their hearts—and ManFu felt their love.

When ManFu’s summer school vacation approached, Samuel advised the anxious parents to set aside special family times to do things together. “It doesn’t matter where you go – to the park or for walks – but you must take a family photograph,” he advised. “Then take one photograph and write on the back of it for your son to take back to school with him. Whenever he looks at it, he will be reminded of his parents and that you love him.”

When Samuel shared this testimony with pastors in other regions, many admitted that they also had strained relationships with their children. Confused how to resolve the guilt they were experiencing, they had simply given up—until they heard how God worked in ManFu’s family.

“It’s amazing to see parents being set free and healed from their feelings of guilt, to see them turn to God and experience His love,” Samuel said. “And this in turn blessed their children.”

RESPONSE: Today I will work on communications with family members to assure them of my love.

PRAYER: Pray for mentors like Samuel who strengthen pastors and their families in China’s unregistered church through balanced, holistic ministry.

NIV Devotions for Couples - Giving Up Our Secrets

Mark 4:21–25

“Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.”
Mark 4:22 (NIV)

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “The cruelest lies are often told in silence.” Much in our world is deceptive and dishonest: the rhetoric of political campaigns, for example, or the propaganda of advertising, with its slanted facts and testimonials. In a time that makes us wary, we long for honesty that breeds trust and nurtures hope.

A woman once came to me for counseling. For the next two years, we wrestled through the difficulties in her life. She was living a lie, and she didn’t even know it. Secrets had twisted her in so many ways that she couldn’t even say what her problem was. But finally God got through to her, wrapped his healing around her hurting heart, and took the kinks out of her troubled dreams.

When we first started counseling, the woman hid her pain behind clever tales and false fronts. She talks differently today. Her yes means yes, and she knows why. She doesn’t have to lie to God anymore, and she doesn’t have to invent stories for others. The doors of her prison have swung open. She has found God. She has found herself. She is free of secrets, and the way she talks shows it.

Straight talk is important in marriage. It is easy to distort the truth when we are doing the “dating dance” and wooing one another. We parade partial truths in hopes that some of our deeper secrets will stay hidden. The tipping point comes when we enter into the deeper relational stage we call “engagement.” An older term for that was betrothal, which literally means giving our troth, an earlier variation on the word truth. In other words, dating is playing games, but engagement, or betrothal, means we are now committing to truth. We are choosing to reveal more of ourselves so we can see each other wholly and love each other in wholesome ways.

The outcome of a good engagement is marriage, when, as Adam and Eve discovered, we find ways to be “naked and not ashamed” before each other. This is more than just undressing; it is the psychological honesty that allows us to meet one another in truth, peering into each other’s souls without embarrassment or threat of one of us walking away.

There may be times when too much honesty harms a good relationship, but it is hard to know how secrets can be part of a healthy relationship. God does not turn away from us when the secrets of our hearts are brought into the healing light of divine grace. Nor should we turn from those who trust us with the intimacy of private faults, disappointments, needs and dreams. As Jesus reminds us in this brief parable about a lamp, “Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” Especially in marriage.

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk
  • How well do we know each other? How much can we entrust to one another? How are knowing and trusting related?
  • What do we know about each other that no one else knows? How have we used that secret information in healthy and nurturing ways? How have we abused it?
  • Are there secrets we keep from one another? Do we need to become more open with one another? How might we do that?