The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 - 46th Day of Easter

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Opening Sentence

Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:3

Morning Prayer

Lord, in utter humility I thank you and glorify you, that you might hear the prayer of one so small as myself, amidst the billions of souls among billions of stars in one of billions of galaxies in your universe. Let me go forth in your peace, keeping your Spirit always in my mind; and bless me, I pray, that I might always follow your will and live in the radiance of your blessing. Amen

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. "There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world. "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 12:9-16

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 1:39-57

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.

Psalms

Psalm 113 Laudate, pueri
1   Hallelujah! Give praise, you servants of the LORD; praise the Name of the LORD.
2   Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, from this time forth for evermore.
3   From the rising of the sun to its going down let the Name of the LORD be praised.
4   The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
5   Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6   He takes up the weak out of the dust and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7   He sets them with the princes, with the princes of his people.
8   He makes the woman of a childless house to be a joyful mother of children.

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 
• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 
• We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

Prayer of the Day

Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

A Prayer For God’s Protection

O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, I beseech you to direct, sanctify, and govern both my heart and body, in the ways of your laws, and in the works of your commandments; that, through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, I may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

A Prayer to Thirst for God

Lord God, I have tasted your goodness and it has satisfied me, yet it has made me thirst for even more. I am so painfully aware of my need for even more grace than I now enjoy; and even when I do not want more, I am ashamed of my lack of desire. I want you completely, mighty God, and I want to want you even more than I do.

Fill me with longing for you; make me even thirstier. Show me your glory, I pray, so that I may know you always better and better, growing in my faith and love. From your infinite mercy, begin a new work of love within me this moment. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ And give me grace to rise up and follow you, from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. Amen

For the beauty of the Earth

Alleluia! Christ has risen.
Christ has risen indeed. 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.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, the Church rejoices in thanksgiving for Mary’s singular cooperation with the action of the Holy Spirit.

According to Luke's Gospel, Mary, immediately after being told of the forthcoming birth of Jesus, went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was also pregnant and her child was to be John the Baptist. This famous visit was important for several reasons. When Elizabeth saw Mary, the baby leaped in her womb, not an uncommon experience in pregnancy but in this case regarded as a supernatural occurrence, signifying little John's excitement at the presence of the Savior whom he was to proclaim. Elizabeth was the first to recognize Mary as the Mother of the Lord, exclaiming "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42).

The moving and eloquent canticle, Magnificat, is recorded by Luke at this point: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). It is called the "Song of Mary" and although it could hardly have been a stenographer's report of what the Blessed Mother said at the time, it most surely reflects her sentiments and the kind of response she must have expressed.

In the story of the Visitation, Mary teaches us not only how to give praise to God, but also how to respond to God’s love in action.

Mary’s cooperation first teaches us the way of obedience to God’s will. “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:37) is the prayer of every man and woman seeking to live the Christian way of life.  Then, her spoken commitment is confirmed in action as she moves – with haste – to visit her cousin, who herself has experienced the miracle of a pregnancy that is important to God’s plan for salvation.  In the joy of the cousins’ greeting we are given part of one of the most beloved prayers in the Catholic tradition – the Hail Mary, “blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42). In hearing Elizabeth’s response, we also become witnesses to the first time in Scripture that Mary’s faith is praised.

This two-fold response of faith and action is a lesson for us that faith is inseparable from charity.  Hearing God’s Word invites us to respond not just in praise but also in loving acts such as Mary’s assistance to her cousin as Elizabeth neared the end of her pregnancy.  Mary teaches us to go out of ourselves on a journey of sacrifice, love and service, so that as pilgrims on the road, we may sing the wonders that God has done in us as he promised.

In this, Mary becomes an example of Christian virtue.  As Saint Ambrose taught, the Mother of God is a model of the Church in the order of faith, charity and perfect union with Christ (Lumen Gentium 63, see also Deus Caritas Est, 41-42).  Among the members of the Church, she stands out as eminent in holiness.  Catholics of every rank and condition can find in Mary a model of faith, obedience, purity, poverty of spirit and generous love.

Father in heaven, who chose in wondrous grace the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that, as we honor the exaltation of her lowliness, so we may follow the example of her humble obedience to your will; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 - 46th Day of Easter

Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 - 46th Day of Easter

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 4

Listen to 1 Thessalonians 4

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 - The Ants Go Marching One By One

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

~ Proverbs 6:6 (NIV)

The ants had formed a long marching line that went from one side of our backyard, all the way across to the other side. It actually was quite impressive. I stopped to watch them scurry across the concrete patio. I leaned over to get a better view of their industrious work.

Some were carrying loads that were three times their size. Some were going back the other way, as if to be returning for more things. Some would stop for only a split second to greet the other. Maybe they were giving directions. They seemed to be on a mission; going somewhere specifically, I’m assuming, to setup a new location for housekeeping. They were tireless in their endeavors.

In the book of Proverbs, we are told to be wise like an ant, and work. When we become children of God we have a job to perform.

Many times Jesus referred to the field being ripe for harvest. Our job is to work diligently, like an ant, and gather the harvest into the barns. We know that a crop left in the field, will go to waste in the winter snows.

The harvest are people. Our mission is to gather these people’s hearts to know Jesus Christ. There is a story to tell that only we, who are in Christ, can tell.

Proverbs 30:25 says, “Ants are small and weak, but they save their food all summer.” (ERV) That means that it doesn’t matter their size or strength, they have a job, and together that do it. When they work together, they get the job done.

We may feel weak and insignificant, but when we accept God’s gift of salvation, we are not weak at all. We are strong, by His strength. He will help us to go, to speak, to listen, to show love, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to set an example, and to give all we have to others. We don’t have to be highly intelligent or schooled to tell others about what Jesus has done personally for us.

We have a job to do. When we go, in the name of Jesus, and labor in love, God will produce. When we march one by one, all together as a colony, we can accomplish much. We must work before the winter comes. Consider yourself an ant, and be wise…work!

Dear Lord, Help us to work like ants, to gather peoples hearts for you. In the name of Jesus, Amen

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International

Un Dia a la Vez - Semana de celebración: La oración

Ustedes me invocarán, y vendrán a suplicarme, y yo los escucharé. Me buscarán y me encontrarán, cuando me busquen de todo corazón.

~ Jeremías 29:12-13 (NVI)

La oración no debe ser la repetición como loritos de las palabras que nos han enseñado. La oración va más allá, pues es un principio de vida. Es un recurso que nos dejó Dios a fin de interceder por los demás. Es una comunicación directa con Él.

En el momento de la oración debemos abrir nuestro corazón al Padre que está ahí pendiente de lo que estamos orando. Por eso, la oración no es una técnica, aunque debemos aprender a orar y ser precisos en la manera de orar. Es decir, debemos ser específicos cuando le estemos pidiendo algo a Dios.

La oración por las necesidades de los demás trae también tremendos beneficios. En el Manual de Instrucciones, Dios dice que cuando nos preocupamos por los problemas de los demás, Él se preocupa por los nuestros.

La oración es milagrosa. Además, la oración debe servir de protección. Por eso es tan importante cubrir con oración a nuestros hijos, cónyuges y hasta el trabajo y los compañeros. La oración es tan poderosa que Dios nos manda a orar hasta por nuestros enemigos.

La Palabra también nos dice que debemos orar sin cesar. Si no estás acostumbrado a hacerlo, no te preocupes. Empieza poco a poco cuando estés a solas con Dios. Habla con Él y hazlo todos los días hasta que llegue el momento en que, aun cuando estés es la calle, te encuentres en comunicación permanente con tu Padre.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - WHICH ARE YOU?

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

~ Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

A young woman went to her mother and told her how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see?” “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked. “What does it mean, mother?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity—boiling water—but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. After being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength? Or are you an egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Do you have a fluid spirit, but after a loved-one’s death, a relationship breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have you become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside you are bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or are you like a coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If I am like the bean, when things are at their worst, I get better and change the situation around me through Christ-likeness.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? 

RESPONSE: Christians are like carrots, eggs or coffee beans. They don’t know how strong their response is until they get into hot water. Which are you?

PRAYER: Lord, help me realize that every experience You gives me, every person You put in my path, is the perfect preparation only You can see.

Girlfriends in God - What’s Love Got to do With It?

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (Psalm 63:2-3 NIV)

Friend to Friend

Years ago I experienced a memorable God-moment when my flight had been delayed. On that particular warm June morning, I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early and was eager to get home to my young family after a beautiful weekend of ministry.

No lie - when I saw that my flight was delayed, I was bummed. My initial disappointment, however, dissolved into gratefulness, as the extra airport time became an opportunity for me to have extended personal worship.

As I sat facing the flat runway, a fiery orange ball began to rise over the horizon that was simply breathtaking. I couldn’t help but to reflect on God’s goodness as He bragged on Himself with the glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved our amazing LORD. And in the chaos of the loud, bustling terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound.

Have you ever had one of those sweet, intensely personal moments with God that simply demanded a response?

Taking it all in, I sipped fresh-brewed coffee as my mind wandered to that classic poem “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways,” written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship, and that sweet moment of personal reflection birthed the lyric for a song titled Because that I recorded later that year:

Because
by Gwen Smith and Randy Rothwell

Another flight delayed, sitting here I think of You Sipping on a dark “Seattle’s Best” As the sun is rising, I pause to give You praise A solitary moment in a blur of busy days Where should I begin? There’s so much I could say Why do I love you? Let me count the ways…

Because You chased me And then You caught me Because You cherish me Because You bought me You change me deeply You set my heart free Because I’m never satisfied Without Your presence right here by my side

People all around rushing by, just passing through Carrying the baggage we all own Desperate for true love, richer life and perfect peace A chance for satisfaction with a prayer of belief In Your presence there is serenity Father of mercy, I love you endlessly…

Hear my heart in this noisy sanctuary as I sit here all alone You are worthy of a song that’s never ending I will sing until I’m safely home, safely home Lord I love You, Oh I love You

Have you really savored our Savior lately?

Have you paused to adore Him today?

What about yesterday? This week?

In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to ‘just sit’ with God and worship… to behold Him in His sanctuary… yet this is what God desires most! Our affection. Our adoration. Our love.

So today, I praise Him for missed flights that lead to worship. I praise Him for sunrises that demand a prayerful response. I praise Him for the peace He brings to my frazzled. For the calm His presence brings to my chaos.

Before we pray together and tell God some of the endless reasons we love Him, I’d love to lead you to His heart with music. Click below to hear the song “Because” that’s featured on my blog.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, There are so many reasons why I love you! You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, “I love You!”
I praise you and pray this in the powerful, saving Name of Jesus,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What do you praise Him for today? Think on that. Make a list. Give Him thanks. Worship! Then swing over to my blog and leave a comment telling me your top 3-5 things!

Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God’s presence, provision and protection in your life.
Write a “love note” to someone special in your life as a blessing. Ask God to lead you in this.

More from the Girlfriends

Ready for MORE love? To know God’s love deeper? If you’re like most women, you have things in your past that you’d like to forget or things in your present stressing you out. The result? Pain. Shame. Frustration. God is all about healing, restoration and peace. Gwen’s downloadable FREE 5 Day Broken Into Beautiful e-book will help to move your heart in this direction of hope. CLICK HERE to download yours now.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

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Girlfriends in God

P.O. Box 725, Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Daily Devotion - May 31, 2017 "Changed by the Christ"

I have more friends on Facebook than does my wife Pam.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Changed by the Christ"

May 31, 2017

Colossians 1:21-22 - And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him.

I have more friends on Facebook than does my wife Pam.

Now in some homes that might cause a problem. That trouble would begin if I went skipping around the house singing, "I've got more Facebook friends than you do."

My taunts would lose steam if Pam were to reply, "That's true, dear, and I can think of two reasons why that might be:

1. "First, I don't have a Facebook page." 
2. "Second, you wouldn't know half of your 'friends' if you met them on the street."

Although it's shocking to some, Pam gets along just fine without a Facebook page or presence.

She's a rarity. Far more common are the folks who judge the success of their lives on the number and quality of Facebook friends they have. You know how it works: while a big total number of friends is important, having your share of successful people, wealthy people, well-known people, A-list people, all give you extra status. And a lack of such noteworthy individuals takes points off your status.

So, what is a person to do if he doesn't know someone who is rich, famous, and good-looking?

Simple, you go to Japan and contact a company called Real Appeal. When you arrive the company will place a catalogue n front of you. In that catalogue are all kinds of people who are attractive or give the appearance of wealth. You pick a photo and make an appointment with that individual. At the agreed-on time, the both of you will show up at the Real Appeal studios, and a photographer will spend two hours taking pictures of the two of you -- photos suitable for Facebook, photos that will make you look good, photos that will soon have other folks admiring you and inviting you to spend time with them.

The $70 it costs to get these pictures is a small price to pay to make you look good to your family and neighbors.

Unfortunately, there is no cheap shortcut that will make you look good to the Lord. There are a number of reasons for that. Not the least of those reasons is that while other people in your life may overlook some of your flaws and shortcomings, the Lord does not. Oh, don't get me wrong. The Triune God doesn't care if you are a snappy dresser, and He doesn't give a hoot if you can hobnob equally well with the Obamas and the Trumps.

The only question the Lord asks is this: "Are you perfect?" If the answer is "No," then you can't make it onto the Lord's list of friends. And that, Daly Devotioner is bad news for us all. It's bad news because all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23).

So, are we destined to remain spiritual outcasts? -- sinful souls rejected for all eternity? Not at all. So your eternity might be changed, the Heavenly Father sent His Son into this world to be one of us. So we might be forgiven, saved, and made a member of God's family, Jesus came and did everything for us we couldn't do. And now, with Holy Spirit-given faith, we are forgiven and accepted by the Lord.

THE PRAYER: My dear Lord, I give thanks for Jesus who singlehandedly has changed me and my eternity. May I share this change with others. 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 31 de Mayo de 2017

Alimento Diario

Excusas

31 de Mayo 2017

A la hora del banquete envió a su siervo a decir a los invitados: "Vengan, que la mesa ya está servida." Pero todos ellos comenzaron a disculparse. Lucas 14:17-18a

• Aparentemente, además de ser personas divertidas los australianos también son bastante creativos. En un artículo publicado en un periódico de Australia, se mencionan algunas de las excusas usadas para tratar de no recibir una multa. Algunas de las más creativas son:Iba muy rápido porque tenía zapatos nuevos y eran más pesados que los viejos.
• No era yo quien manejaba el auto, sino que me lo habían robado.
• Mi suegra me estaba apurando porque íbamos a llegar tarde.
• Había entrado una abeja al auto y pisé el acelerador sin darme cuenta.
• Iba más rápido en el túnel porque el humo me estaba haciendo toser mucho.

Por mejores que suenen todas esas excusas, seguramente no serán nada comparadas con las que el Señor va a escuchar el Día del Juicio Final. Cuando Dios pregunte: '¿Por qué no creíste?', muchas de las respuestas lo van a dejar estupefacto.

Pero hay una excusa que espero que nuestro amoroso Dios no tenga que escuchar en ese día: "porque nadie me habló de Jesús".

A través del sacrificio y resurrección de Jesucristo, el Señor ha hecho posible que todo hombre, mujer y niño, pueda recibir la fe, ser perdonado y salvado. Y para ello, cuando ascendió a los cielos, Jesús nos encomendó que compartamos su historia de salvación.

Dije antes que había una excusa que esperaba que Dios no tuviera que escuchar en el Juicio Final, pero en realidad son dos. La segunda es que espero que Dios no tenga que escucharnos explicarle por qué no hicimos lo que nos pidió que hiciéramos.

Hoy es el día, y este es el momento, en que sin poner excusas podemos compartir la historia de la salvación donde sea, con quien sea y como sea.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, perdónanos por todas las excusas que hemos puesto hasta ahora, por las cosas que no hicimos y por las cosas que no deberíamos haber hecho. Danos poder para ser fieles testigos tuyos dondequiera que estemos y vayamos. 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 - The Beauty of Brokenness

Read: Psalm 51

Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 13–14; John 12:1–26

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My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit. Psalm 51:17

Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art of mending broken pottery. Gold dust mixed with resin is used to reattach broken pieces or fill in cracks, resulting in a striking bond. Instead of trying to hide the repair, the art makes something beautiful out of brokenness.

The Bible tells us that God also values our brokenness, when we are genuinely sorry for a sin we have committed. After David engaged in adultery with Bathsheba and plotted the death of her husband, the prophet Nathan confronted him, and he repented. David’s prayer afterwards gives us insight into what God desires when we have sinned: “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Ps. 51:16–17).

When our heart is broken over a sin, God mends it with the priceless forgiveness generously offered by our Savior at the cross. He receives us with love when we humble ourselves before Him, and closeness is restored.

How merciful is God! Given His desire for a humble heart and the breathtaking beauty of His kindness, may another scriptural prayer be ours today: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24).

Loving Father, I want to bring You joy by having a humble and repentant heart today.

Godly sorrow leads to joy.

By James Banks

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ministérios Pão Diário - O evangelho de Judas

Leia: 2 Timóteo 4:1-5

A Bíblia em um ano: 2 Crônicas 13–14, João 12:1-26

…e se recusarão a dar ouvidos à verdade… v.4

A recente descoberta do “O evangelho de Judas” alega que Jesus pediu que Judas o traísse. Supostamente, Jesus queria que a morte o libertasse deste mundo material, para que pudesse novamente tornar-se um espírito puro.

O problema nisso é que Judas não podia ter escrito esse manuscrito que traz o seu nome, já que ele foi escrito muito depois do tempo de Jesus. Mas como O evangelho de Judas foi descoberto, ele representa uma novidade para os que gostam de especulações.

Propor uma história falsa para substituir o registro do Novo Testamento não é fato novo. O apóstolo Paulo escreveu: “Pois haverá tempo em que não suportarão a sã doutrina; pelo contrário, cercar-se-ão de mestres segundo as suas próprias cobiças, como que sentindo coceira nos ouvidos; e se recusarão a dar ouvidos à verdade, entregando-se às fábulas” (2 Timóteo 4:3,4).

Há uma tendência, hoje, de olhar às novas teorias para minar a importância e veracidade da Bíblia. Mas Paulo nos diz: “…julgai todas as coisas, retende o que é bom” (1 Tessalonicenses 5:21). Baseados no conteúdo e na autoridade duvidosa de O evangelho de Judas, sabemos que se trata de uma fábula. O verdadeiro evangelho, as boas-novas, está com os apóstolos, que caminharam com Jesus e escreveram a mensagem transformadora de vidas, descrita no Novo Testamento.

Confiar em Deus significa confiar em Sua santa Palavra.

por Dennis Fisher

© 2017 Ministérios Pão Diário

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Vẻ Đẹp Của Tấm Lòng Tan Vỡ

Đọc: Thi thiên 51

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Sử ký 13–14; Giăng 12:1–26

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Sinh tế đẹp lòng Đức Chúa Trời, ấy là tâm linh đau thương. Thi thiên 51:17

Kintsugi là một bộ môn nghệ thuật lâu đời của người Nhật Bản nhằm sửa lại những món đồ gốm bị vỡ. Bụi vàng được hòa với nhựa thông rồi được dùng để dán lại những mảnh vỡ hoặc để lấp đầy những vết nứt và kết quả là chúng dính chặt với nhau. Thay vì cố gắng để che giấu chỗ được sửa lại, thì bộ môn nghệ thuật này cố gắng làm điều gì đó để món đồ bị vỡ đó trở nên đẹp hơn.

Kinh Thánh cho chúng ta biết rằng Đức Chúa Trời xem trọng giá trị của tấm lòng tan vỡ, khi chúng ta ăn năn thật sự về tội lỗi mà mình đã phạm. Sau khi Đa-vít phạm tội ngoại tình cùng Bát-sê-ba và tìm cách giết hại chồng của bà, tiên tri Na-than đã lên án ông và ông đã ăn năn. Lời cầu nguyện của Đa-vít sau sự việc này đã giúp chúng ta hiểu hơn điều Đức Chúa Trời mong đợi ở chúng ta khi phạm tội: “Vì Chúa không ưa thích sinh tế, dù con có hiến dâng. Tế lễ thiêu cũng không đẹp lòng. Sinh tế đẹp lòng Đức Chúa Trời, ấy là tâm linh đau thương; Đức Chúa Trời ôi! Lòng đau thương thống hối Chúa không khinh dể đâu” (Thi. 51:16–17).

Khi tấm lòng chúng ta tan vỡ vì cớ tội lỗi đã phạm, Đức Chúa Trời sẽ sửa lại điều đó bằng tấm lòng tha thứ rời rộng được ban cho bởi Chúa Cứu Thế trên cây thập tự. Ngài đón nhận chúng ta bằng tình yêu thương khi chúng ta hạ mình xuống trước Ngài và khi đó mối liên hệ sẽ được phục hồi.

Đức Chúa Trời thật là Đấng giàu lòng thương xót! Bởi sự ao ước nhìn thấy tấm lòng hạ mình và vẻ đẹp không gì sánh nổi của lòng nhân từ Ngài, mong ước rằng những lời cầu nguyện trong Kinh Thánh cũng là những lời cầu xin của chúng ta hôm nay: “Đức Chúa Trời ôi! Xin tra xét con và biết lòng con; xin thử nghiệm con và biết tư tưởng con; thử xem con có lối ác nào không, và dẫn con vào con đường đời đời” (Thi. 139:23–24).

Lạy Cha yêu thương, hôm nay con muốn dâng lên Ngài niềm vui đến từ tấm lòng hạ mình ăn năn của con.

Sự đau buồn theo ý Chúa sẽ dẫn đến sự vui mừng.

bởi James Banks

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - La hermosura del quebrantamiento

Leer: Salmo 51

La Biblia en un año: 2 Crónicas 13–14; Juan 12:1-26

Los sacrificios de Dios son el espíritu quebrantado… (v. 17).

El kintsugi es el antiguo arte japonés de reparar cerámica rota. Se utiliza polvo de oro mezclado con resina para reparar piezas fracturadas o rellenar las grietas. En lugar de esconder el arreglo, este arte saca belleza de algo roto.

La Biblia enseña que Dios también valora nuestro quebrantamiento, cuando estamos arrepentidos del pecado que cometimos. Después de que David adulteró con Betsabé y tramó la muerte de su esposo, el profeta Natán lo confrontó y el rey se arrepintió. Su oración posterior nos permite vislumbrar lo que Dios desea cuando hemos pecado: «Porque no quieres sacrificio, que yo lo daría; no quieres holocausto. Los sacrificios de Dios son el espíritu quebrantado; al corazón contrito y humillado no despreciarás tú» (Salmo 51:16-17).

Cuando nuestro corazón está quebrantado por un pecado, Dios lo repara con el perdón que nuestro Salvador nos ofreció en la cruz. Nos recibe con amor cuando nos humillamos y restaura nuestra relación con Él.

¡Cuán misericordioso es Dios! Que hoy podamos apropiarnos de otra oración de la Escritura: «Examíname, oh Dios, y conoce mi corazón; pruébame y conoce mis pensamientos; y ve si hay en mí camino de perversidad, y guíame en el camino eterno» (Salmo 139:23-24).

Padre, quiero alegrarte con mi corazón humilde y contrito.

La tristeza piadosa abre paso al gozo.

Por jb

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Schöne Scherben

Lesen: Psalm 51

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Chronik 13–14; Johannes 12,1-26

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Das Opfer, das dir gefällt, ist ein zerbrochener Geist. Psalm 51,19 (NLB)

Kintsugi heißt die alte japanische Methode, Keramik zu reparieren. Ein besonderes Harz wird mit Goldstaub vermischt und mit dieser Masse werden die zerbrochenen Teile zusammengesetzt oder Risse gefüllt. So entsteht—trotz sichtbarer Reparatur—wieder etwas Schönes.

Die Bibel sagt, dass Gott auch unsere Schäden reparieren will. Nachdem David mit Batseba Ehebruch begangen und den Tod ihres Mannes veranlasst hatte, konfrontierte der Prophet Nathan ihn mit seiner Sünde. David bereute. Sein anschließendes Gebet vermittelt uns eine Ahnung davon, was Gott sich wünscht, wenn wir gesündigt haben: „Mit Schlachtopfern bist du nicht zufrieden, sonst hätte ich sie dir gebracht und auch Brandopfer würdest du nicht annehmen. Das Opfer, das dir gefällt, ist ein zerbrochener Geist. Ein zerknirschtes, reumütiges Herz wirst du, Gott, nicht ablehnen.“ (Ps. 51,18-19) (NLB).

Wenn uns das Herz bricht, weil wir gesündigt haben, repariert Gott es mit der Vergebung, die Jesus uns durch seinen Tod am Kreuz erwirkt hat. Wenn wir unsere Schuld aufrichtig bereuen, nimmt er uns in seiner Liebe wieder an.

Wie gnädig ist Gott! Darum wollen wir heute noch ein anderes Gebet aus der Bibel mit in den Tag nehmen: „Erforsche mich, Gott, und erkenne mein Herz; prüfe mich und erkenne, wie ich’s meine. Und sieh, ob ich auf bösem Wege bin, und leite mich auf ewigem Wege“ (Ps. 139,23-24).

Lieber Vater, ich möchte dir Freude machen und heute mit einem demütigen Herzen zu dir kommen.

Wenn wir Gott betrübt haben, will er uns wieder froh machen.

Von James Banks

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - La beauté de l’esprit brisé

Lisez : Psaume 51

La Bible en un an : 2 CHRONIQUES 13 – 14 et JEAN 12.1‑26

Les sacrifices qui sont agréables à Dieu, c’est un esprit brisé. V. 19

Le kintsugi est un art que les Japonais pratiquent depuis des siècles et qui consiste à réparer des porcelaines ou des céramiques brisées. Au moyen d’un mélange de poudre d’or et de résine, on recolle les morceaux ou l’on remplit les fissures, créant ainsi un liant des plus résistants. Au lieu de chercher à dissimuler la réparation, cet art crée quelque chose de beau à partir de quelque chose de brisé.

Dieu accorde aussi du prix à notre brisement, si nous regrettons un péché avec sincérité. Après avoir commis l’adultère avec Bath‑Schéba et avoir fait tuer son mari, David s’en est repenti quand le prophète Nathan le lui a reproché. La prière que David a faite par la suite nous révèle ce que Dieu attend de nous quand nous péchons : « Si tu avais voulu des sacrifices, je t’en aurais offert ; mais tu ne prends point plaisir aux holocaustes. Les sacrifices qui sont agréables à Dieu, c’est un esprit brisé : Ô Dieu ! tu ne dédaignes pas un coeur brisé et contrit » (PS 51.16,17).

Dieu restaure notre coeur brisé par le péché au moyen de l’inestimable pardon qu’il nous a généreusement offert à la croix. Si nous nous humilions devant lui, il rétablit avec amour notre communion avec lui.

Quelle miséricorde divine ! Que son désir d’un coeur humble et son immense bonté nous poussent aujourd’hui à prier ainsi : « Sonde‑moi, ô Dieu […] Regarde si je suis sur une mauvaise voie, et conduis‑moi sur la voie de l’Éternité ! » (PS 139.23,24.)

La tristesse selon Dieu conduit à la joie.

par James Banks

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Краса зламаності

Читати: Псалом 50

Біблія за рік: 2 Хронік 13−14 ; Івана 12:1-26

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Жертва Богові − зламаний дух. — Псалом 50:19

Кінцугі – багатовікове японське мистецтво склеювання розбитих гончарних виробів. За допомогою золотого порошку й смолистої речовини склеюються черепки або замазуються тріщини. В результаті з’являється вражаючий шедевр! Це мистецтво робить дивну річ: замість приховування тріщин перетворює їх на справжню красу.

Біблія стверджує, що Бог також цінує зламаний дух, коли ми щиро шкодуємо, що зробили гріх. Після того, як Давид вчинив перелюб з Вірсавією і потім спланував смерть її чоловіка, прийшов пророк і вказав царю на його гріх. Давид покаявся і навіть склав Псалом, який відкриває нам, чого чекає від нас Бог, коли ми згрішили: “Ти жертви не прагнеш, а дам цілопалення, − то не любе воно Тобі буде. Жертва Богові − зламаний дух; серцем зламаним та упокореним Ти не погордуєш, Боже!” (Пс. 50:18-19).

Коли наше серце розбите через гріх, Бог відновлює його завдяки безцінному дару прощення, що пропонується Спасителем на хресті. Якщо смиряємося перед Ним, Він приймає нас з любов’ю, відновлює близькі з Ним стосунки. Який милостивий наш Бог! Зважаючи на вражаючу красу Божої ласки, давайте скажемо: “Випробуй, Боже, мене, і пізнай моє серце, досліди Ти мене, і пізнай мої задуми, і побач, чи не йду я дорогою злою, і на вічну дорогу мене попровадь!” (Пс. 138:23-24).

Люблячий Отче, бажаю сьогодні принести Тобі радість своїм смиренним серцем, сповненим щирого каяття.

Святий смуток дарує святу радість.

Автор Джеймс Бенкс

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Красота в сокрушенности

Читать сейчас: Псалом 50

Библия за год: 2 Паралипоменон 13-14; Иоанна 12:1-26

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Жертва Богу – дух сокрушенный. — Псалом 50:19

Кинцуги – это многовековое японское искусство склеивания разбитой керамики. Золотая пыль смешивается с лаком, и с помощью этого «клея» соединяются осколки и заполняются сколы. Получается очень красиво. Вместо того чтобы скрывать следы ремонта, это искусство стремится видеть прекрасное в сломанном.

В Библии говорится, что Бог также высоко ценит нашу сокрушенность, когда мы искренне раскаиваемся в сделанном грехе. После того как Давид согрешил с Вирсавией и подстроил смерть ее мужа, пророк Нафан обличил его, и царь покаялся. Молитва Давида показывает, чего ожидает Бог от грешника: «Жертвы Ты не желаешь – я дал бы ее; к всесожжению не благоволишь. Жертва Богу – дух сокрушенный; сердца сокрушенного и смиренного Ты не презришь, Боже» (Пс. 50:18-19).

Когда наше сердце поражено грехом, Бог исцеляет его бесценным прощением, заслуженным Иисусом Христом на кресте. Он принимает нас с любовью, если мы смиряемся перед ним.

Как милостив Бог! Помня о Его желании видеть в нас смиренное сердце и об удивительной красоте Его доброты, помолимся молитвой Давида: «Испытай меня, Боже, и узнай сердце мое; испытай меня и узнай помышления мои; и зри, не на опасном ли я пути, и направь меня на путь вечный» (Пс. 138:23-24).

Любящий Отец, я хочу всегда радовать Тебя смиренным и сокрушенным сердцем.

Богоугодная печаль ведет к настоящей радости.

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный