The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 - Summer Ember Friday

Opening Sentence

The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. John 4:23

Morning Prayer

Oh Lord, most heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give you thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by your will, may be righteous in your sight. Through Christ our Lord, I pray. Amen

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Deuteronomy 26:1-11

When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us." When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the LORD your God, you shall make this response before the LORD your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our ancestors; the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O LORD, have given me." You shall set it down before the LORD your God and bow down before the LORD your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I myself have. For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his proclaiming the good news; and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill. We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of others. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found eager in many matters, but who is now more eager than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 40 Expectans, expectavi
1   I waited patiently upon the LORD; he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2   He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3   He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD.
4   Happy are they who trust in the LORD! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5   Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! there is none who can be compared with you.
6   Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! but they are more than I can count.
7   In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure (you have given me ears to hear you);
8   Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, and so I said, "Behold, I come.
9   In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: 'I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.'"
10   I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O LORD, you know.
11   Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
12   You are the LORD; do not withhold your compassion from me; let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
13   For innumerable troubles have crowded upon me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.
14   Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
15   Let them be ashamed and altogether dismayed who seek after my life to destroy it; let them draw back and be disgraced who take pleasure in my misfortune.
16   Let those who say "Aha!" and gloat over me be confounded, because they are ashamed.
17   Let all who seek you rejoice in you and be glad; let those who love your salvation continually say, "Great is the LORD!"
18   Though I am poor and afflicted, the Lord will have regard for me.
19   You are my helper and my deliverer; do not tarry, O my God.

Psalm 54 Deus, in nomine
1   Save me, O God, by your Name; in your might, defend my cause.
2   Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3   For the arrogant have risen up against me, and the ruthless have sought my life, those who have no regard for God.
4   Behold, God is my helper; it is the Lord who sustains my life.
5   Render evil to those who spy on me; in your faithfulness, destroy them.
6   I will offer you a freewill sacrifice and praise your Name, O LORD, for it is good.
7   For you have rescued me from every trouble, and my eye has seen the ruin of my foes.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 51 Miserere mei, Deus
1   Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2   Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
3   For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4   Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.
5   And so you are justified when you speak and upright in your judgment.
6   Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother's womb.
7   For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
8   Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9   Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10   Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.
11   Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
12   Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13   Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
14   I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you.
15   Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.
16   Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
17   Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18   The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
19   Be favorable and gracious to Zion, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
20   Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices, with burnt-offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.

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

O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer for Forgiveness

Lord, I have betrayed you by following my own way; I have denied you by fearing to follow yours; and I have mocked you by not taking your death seriously. I sometimes feel like I am lost. Let your forgiveness find me. Hold me in your strong arms and give me your new life. Live in me and with me this day, that I may by your power find forgiveness and be made ever anew, reborn from above, living fully in your Spirit every minute. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen

A Prayer for Mission

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen

"I Believe"
by Mark A. Miller
Sung By Harmonium Choral Society

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

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. 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 FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 - Summer Ember Friday

O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, 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 FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 - Summer Ember Friday

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) [The Narrow and Wide Gates] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Read all of Matthew 7

Listen to Matthew 7

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 - We’ll Take a Cup of Kindness Yet

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

~ Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

The importance of kindness and compassion in Christian life is enormous. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NIV) The message is repeated again and again, by every person in the New Testament, including Christ: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34, NIV)

What makes us unkind? One cause is lack of faith; another might be, insufficient education in the Gospel. But a specific cause of many unkindnesses is our own pain. It could be the pain of poor self-image, or a feeling of entitlement — a lack of gratitude. Or it could be physical pain — enough pain makes anyone crabby.

Most people who have been Christians for any length of time understand kindness. Just in secular life, anyone without a mental problem learns to treat some people - often people who can do them some good - with a degree of decency and respect. But of course, as Christians, we are expected to show kindness universally, to everyone.

We cannot fight the fight alone, for Satan is stronger than us. We will not resist crabbiness and pain without lashing out at others, unless and until we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. It is one of the important goals of our growth in faith.

Father, let me remember and put into effect your commandment that we be kind to one another, whether I feel like it or not. Amen

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from the King James Version (KJV) Public Domain  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.

Un Dia a la Vez - Semana de meditación: ¿Tu casa es un cuadrilátero?

Así dice el Señor [...] «Búsquenme y vivirán».

~ Amós 5:4 (NVI)

Es triste, pero a muchos nos ha tocado en alguna época de nuestra vida ver algún lugar de la casa convertido en un ring de pelea. Quiero que sepan que lo viví en algunas oportunidades. Durante mi primer matrimonio, tuve algunos problemas por violencia doméstica. Así que mi cuarto, baño y cocina fueron un cuadrilátero donde el público eran dos criaturas que temblaban de miedo.

¡Cuántas mujeres maltratadas saben de lo que estoy hablando! Sin embargo, no solo se trata de peleas entre parejas, también existen entre padres e hijos que se faltan al respeto. Incluso, puede haber algunos golpes en esas discusiones.

El problema no termina aquí, ¿qué me dicen de los hermanos en los que menos los une es el amor? Se odian y se desafían dentro de la casa a puño limpio, sin importar que el público presente sea sus padres y a veces abuelos.

Dios no formó la familia para que tú y yo la despedacemos de esa manera. A veces pienso en qué sentirá Dios cuando ve desde el cielo tanta agresividad.

Padres, hijos, no podemos permitir que esto siga pasando. Queremos hogares felices e hijos estables. Debemos cortar de raíz la violencia dentro de la familia. Si tu hogar está expuesto a este tipo de situación, debes buscar ayuda de inmediato.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - INTERNALIZE GOD’S WORD

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

~ Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

A co-worker who was teaching Christian leaders in Vietnam shares this experience:

I immediately realized that not one of these pastors owned a Bible and that they were waiting to hear from scripture. As I started sharing, one pastor raised his hand. “Excuse me brother, is that the Bible or is that you?”

“This is scripture,” I answered and immediately the leaders took out a notebook and eagerly started writing every word down. I then understood that this was the only way that they could collect scripture verses. I wanted to cry.

As I continued the teaching, the same question came once again. “Excuse me brother, is that the Bible or is that you?”

“This time it’s me,” I answered and suddenly everybody put their “Bibles” down and took out a different notebook and once again wrote down every word I said. Then came lunch break and the leading pastor stood up. “We will now have a time to test our Bible knowledge,” he announced.

I wondered how my Bible knowledge, with more than ten Bibles at my disposal, would measure up with these leaders who do not have their own copies. The leader asked the first question. “What does it say in Obadiah 2:4?”

I shrank in my chair. Please don’t look at me, I thought. I know there is a book of Obadiah but I must confess it has been some time since I read it. The pastors started laughing and then one raised his hand.

“Obadiah only has one chapter, brother!” I felt so ashamed. How is it possible I did not know this and these believers without their own Bibles knew.

Then came the second question. “What does the Bible teach in Nahum 1:7?

An elderly pastor in the front row raised his hand like an eager school child. He then started quoting the scripture: “The Lord is good, a strength in the day of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

“Well done brother,” said the leader. “You may sit down now.” But the elderly pastor was not finished yet. “Please,” he asked, “may I continue?” After a nod, he quoted the whole book of Nahum faultlessly.

I was also later introduced to another believer who came to know the Lord only during recent years. His passion for the Word of God is displayed in the fact that he has already memorized seventy-eight chapters of the Bible.

RESPONSE: Today, I will begin a program to internalize God’s Word and hide it in my heart.

PRAYER: Lord, give me a passion for Your Word like believers in Vietnam.

Men of the Bible - Solomon

His name means: "Peaceable"

His work: The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel.
His character: Known until this day as the wisest man who ever lived.
His sorrow: Although he was an extremely intelligent man, later in his life he became disobedient to God and sacrificed everything on the altar of sexual excess. His inability to lead his own children led to the kingdom's division and ultimate fall.
His triumph: Solomon built the kingdom of Israel to its greatest level in material wealth and land.
Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 2-5

A Look at the Man

It's one of the most incredible moments in all of Scripture. The Lord of Israel, the Creator of the universe, makes an offer to a mortal man—Solomon, the son of David and the newly anointed king of Israel. Like the archetypal genie in the bottle, God asks Solomon to make a wish. But Solomon's historic opportunity becomes his greatest tragedy.

This may be the saddest story in the Bible.

It's the account of a man who literally had everything. The only thing more difficult to comprehend than his great mind, his enormous wealth, and his enormous power were the prospects of what he could have done with these things. Solomon had the incredible capability to change his world.

But in spite of doing many good things during his lifetime, he actually squandered this potential. Of course he built a name for himself. Go ahead and ask anyone to finish this sentence: "That guy over there has the wisdom of _________."

What happened to Solomon? The reason for his pathetic failure is actually quite clear. He broke this commandment: "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:4-5).

Solomon should have known better. In fact, he did know better. As his father, David, was dying, Solomon heard these words. "Observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go."

But somehow Solomon believed he could be the exception to the rule, the one man who could break God's law without suffering the consequences. But God was not going to ignore all the idols and altars he had set up to please his foreign wives, accustomed as they were to worshiping various idols. Because of his infidelity, the kingdom of Israel split apart after his death, with Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, in the south and Israel and its capital, Samaria, in the north.

It was too late for Solomon to discover that a man before God's throne is judged by what is in his heart. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2 KJV).

Instead of leaving a world-changing legacy, Solomon left us with a graphic lesson in eternal fruitlessness—with no excuses.

Reflect On: 1 Kings 8:56–61; 11:9–13
Praise God: For his constancy. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Offer Thanks: That God’s words are consistent with his character.
Confess: Any wavering in your devotion to God.
Ask God: To help you maintain a course that will daily bring you closer to him.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media. Coming this fall: watch for Wicked Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler.

Girlfriends in God - June 09, 2017

Hiding Place

Melissa Spoelstra

Today’s Truth

For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’ (Psalm 32:7-8).

Friend to Friend

I played hide and seek often with my three siblings as well as the various friends and cousins that migrated in and out of the house when I was a child. I can remember hiding under beds, the back of closets, and even squeezing into cupboards or toy boxes in an effort to be the last one found.

Some days between managing my home and running the race of church, kids' activities, and work deadlines, I want to find a place to run and hide. A place where there are no notifications and reminders sounding an alert on my phone. A place where no one is calling, "Mom, I need you." A place where the mental hamster wheel inside my head isn’t spinning with information. I don't think I'll fit into cupboards and toy bins anymore though.

Yet there is a hiding place for me. I can get away from it all and just be still. Be real. Be just me - a child of God. In Today’s Truth we read the words of David in Psalms 32. He likely wrote these verses during the time he was on the run from Saul who was hunting him in order to kill him. He was hiding in caves, but he knew the true source of his safety was His God. David referred to the Lord as his hiding place. Earlier in the Psalm he talked about the joy of those whose sins are forgiven. David said he was weak and miserable when he tried to hide his sins, but when he confessed to God, he felt free.

Just like God helped David when he was forced to run and hide, He longs to help us when we feel like we want to bury our heads in the sand. The Lord is our hiding place. He knows our sin, frustration, and fatigue from racing through life at a fast pace. He calls us to come to Him.

• Slow down.
• Sit in His presence.
• Confess our downfalls.

When we hide away with Him, He reminds us that He does these kinds of things in the lives of His followers:

• Protects us from trouble.
• Surrounds us with songs of victory.
• Guides us along the best pathway for our lives.
• Advises and watches over us.

Do you feel like running and hiding today? Do you need any guidance on the best pathway for your life? Today, take a few moments to run and hide. Get in God’s presence. Confess your sin and find freedom in forgiveness. Then hear God's voice from Psalm 32 singing songs of victory over your life.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, You are my hiding place. It amazes me that you are surrounding me with songs of victory. Lord, help me to run into your arms instead of other distractions to try to numb the difficulties of life that make me want to hide. Remind me that you will guide me on the best pathway for my life. I can’t figure it out without your help and guidance. Today I am hiding in you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

Today, what trials are causing you to want to run and hide? How does it encourage you to know that God will guide you along the best pathway for your life and surround you with songs of victory when you make Him your hiding place?

More from the Girlfriends

Melissa Spoelstra is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages know Christ more intimately through serious Bible study. She is the author of Mom's Choice Award-winning Total Family Makeover as well as three women’s Bible studies including First Corinthians, Joseph, and Jeremiah. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids. Find her online at www.melissaspoelstra.com.

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LHM Daily Devotion - June 9, 2017 "Darkness Against the Light"

As of the writing, 22 are dead from the explosion at the Ariana Grande...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Darkness Against the Light"

June 9, 2017

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

~ John 1:1-5 (ESV)

As of the writing, 22 are dead from the explosion at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

Once again the world was shocked by the level of hatred that can come out of the human heart and the destruction a mind can direct against strangers.

Now the rest of this devotion could speak to the terrible and total corruption of sin, or it could center on the differences between Christianity and some of the other mainstream religions of this dark world.

It could, but it won't.

Instead, I would like to note that there is another side to the balance scale. Immediately after that bomb went off in Manchester and as soon as the level of destruction was known, some people -- many people -- responded in love. For example,

• many homeowners threw open their doors for those youngsters who had come to the concert alone; one woman, Paula Robinson, took stranded children to a nearby Holiday Inn until they could contact family; 
• Dominos Pizza sent trucks with food to the arena; nearby companies served coffee and tea to any and all; 
• the Supreme Sandwich Company offered free food to first responders who kept going without a break; 
• taxi drivers took concert attenders home for free; 
• Manchester citizens flocked to blood donation centers to help the attack victims.

Writing these Daily Devotions, I look at hundreds of potential stories each week. Most are filled with the results of sin's corruption in the world. Seeing and hearing those stories it is easy for me to become discouraged, depressed, despondent, and pessimistic. Many of you have said you feel the same way.

To us the Lord says this world is an incredibly dark place. But I have sent My Son into the darkness. He does not bring light to you; He is Light. He is the Light who dispels darkness, who forgives sins, who saves souls. It is His light that believers reflect into that darkness as they live their lives.

He is the Light who guarantees the haters and bombers will not have the final word.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, those of us who are saved give thanks for the light of Jesus. Without Him it would be impossible for us to find our way through the darkness of sin and Satan. Send Your Holy Spirit to keep us in that faith and, whenever possible, touch the dark hearts of the haters with Your great Gospel of love. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 09 de Junio de 2017

Alimento Diario

Contando secretos

09 de Junio 2017

Por el don de la gracia de Dios... de hacer entender a todos cuál es el plan del misterio que Dios, el creador de todas las cosas, mantuvo en secreto desde tiempos remotos para dar a conocer ahora, por medio de la iglesia, su multiforme sabiduría a los principados y poderes en los lugares celestiales, conforme al propósito eterno que llevó a cabo por medio de Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor.

~ Efesios 3:7a, 9-11 (RVC)

Dios tenía un plan secreto y lo dio a conocer: había planeado que nos salvaría a través de Jesús. Él apóstol Pablo fue comisionado para que lo anunciara y lo revelara a todas las personas. Pablo tenía que contarle a todo el mundo acerca del plan de salvación de Dios.

Dios revela su sabiduría y su plan perfecto para la humanidad. Dios nos conoce, y conoce nuestra situación, nuestra miseria espiritual y nuestra naturaleza pecadora. Él conoce nuestros corazones, nuestros secretos y nuestras debilidades. Es por ello que su plan es perfecto: porque no depende de nosotros. Jesús es quien cumple con todo. A través de su obra de redención en la cruz, Jesús nos reconcilia con Dios. Es por eso que el apóstol Pablo, en el versículo 12 de este mismo capítulo de Efesios, dice: "En él, mediante la fe, disfrutamos de libertad y confianza para acercarnos a Dios." Gracias al perdón de los pecados que hemos recibido de Cristo, no debemos temer a Dios.

Dios nos reveló su plan secreto para que podamos ser salvos por fe en Cristo. En Jesús tenemos una nueva vida y una nueva relación con Dios. Ya no hay más temores ni secretos.

ORACIÓN: Amado Dios, sé que conoces todo lo que hay en mi corazón y me amas tal como soy. Gracias por perdonarme y por salvarme. Ayúdame, para que mi vida dependa siempre de ti. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén

Biografía del autor: Esta devoción fue escrita por el pastor Fernando Enrique Huf voluntario de LHM en Brazil con sus oficinas en Sao Paulo desde 1947.

© 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 - A Reason to Sing

Read: 2 Chronicles 20:14–22

Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 32–33; John 18:19–40

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Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6

Singing changes the brain! Some studies show that when we sing, our bodies release hormones that relieve anxiety and stress. Other research indicates that when a group of people sings together, their heartbeats actually synchronize with each other.

The apostle Paul’s writing encourages the church to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). And the Bible repeats, “Sing praise” more than fifty times.

In 2 Chronicles 20, we read a story of God’s people demonstrating their trust in God by singing as they marched into battle. Enemies were heading toward the people of Judah. Alarmed, King Jehoshaphat called everyone together. He led the community in intense prayer. They didn’t eat or drink, but only prayed, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). The next day, they set out. They weren’t led by their fiercest warriors, but by their choir. They believed God’s promise that they would be delivered without having to fight at all (v. 17).

While they sang and walked toward the conflict, their enemies fought each other! By the time God’s people reached the battlefield, the fighting had ended. God saved His people as they marched by faith toward the unknown, singing His praises.

God encourages us to praise Him for good reasons. Whether or not we are marching into battle, praising God has power to change our thoughts, our hearts, and our lives.

God, we praise Your everlasting love and faithfulness! You protect and guide us, and we trust You with our lives.

Hearts in tune with God sing His praises.

By Amy Peterson

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ministérios Pão Diário - Entre no jogo

Leia: Colossenses 1:24-29

A Bíblia em um ano: 2 Crônicas 32–33, João 18:19-40

…esforçando-me o mais possível, segundo a sua eficácia que opera eficientemente em mim. v.29

Gosto de assistir a um jogo de futebol sentado nas arquibancadas, comendo um cachorro-quente e torcendo pelo meu time!

Infelizmente, a prática do cristianismo se tornou muito parecida com a dos esportes profissionais. Como o meu amigo observou: há onze camaradas no campo de futebol fazendo todo o trabalho, e milhares nas arquibancadas, simplesmente assistindo. E como você provavelmente sabe, este não é o plano de jogo de Deus para o Seu povo. Ele quer que saiamos das arquibancadas, entremos em campo e nos unamos ao time.

Se você está se perguntando o que pode fazer de bom no campo, não se questione mais. E o que dizer dos seus recursos financeiros? Jesus pode aproveitar sua “prata e ouro” e usá-los para realizar grandes coisas para a Sua glória.

Mas mais do que preencher um talão de cheques, você tem talentos com os quais pode contribuir. Deus deu para cada um de nós dons espirituais que podem contribuir para que o Seu Reino cresça. Seja no ensino, no encorajamento, no serviço em Seu nome, demonstrando hospitalidade ou misericórdia. Cada habilidade pode produzir grandes dividendos. Sigamos o exemplo de Paulo, que serviu incansavelmente na seara de Deus, por causa da alegria de ser usado por Ele (Colossenses 1:28,29). Acredite: é muito mais gratificante estar no campo do que assistir sentado na arquibancada.

Não faça da sua vida um cemitério, enterrando os seus talentos.

por Joe Stowell

© 2017 Ministérios Pão Diário

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Lý Do Để Ca Ngợi Chúa

Đọc: II Sử ký 20:14-22

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: II Sử ký 32-33; Giăng 18:19-40

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Hãy hát lên ca ngợi Đức Chúa Trời, nào hát lên đi! Hãy hát lên ngợi ca Vua chúng tôi, nào ca lên đi! Thi thiên 47:6

Việc ca hát làm thay đổi não bộ! Một số nghiên cứu cho thấy khi hát, cơ thể chúng ta tiết ra các hoóc môn làm giảm lo lắng và căng thẳng. Một nghiên cứu khác cho thấy rằng khi một nhóm người hát với nhau thì nhịp tim họ thật sự đồng bộ với nhau.

Bức thư của sứ đồ Phao-lô khích lệ hội thánh đối đáp với nhau bằng các thi thiên, thánh ca và linh khúc (Êph. 5:19). Và Kinh Thánh lặp lại cụm từ “Hãy hát” hơn 50 lần.

Trong II Sử ký 20, chúng ta thấy dân của Chúa bày tỏ niềm tin nơi Ngài bằng cách hát khi tiến vào trận chiến. Kẻ thù đang tiến về phía dân Giu-đa. Sợ hãi, vua Giô-sa-phát tập hợp mọi người lại. Ông đã lãnh đạo dân chúng cầu nguyện khẩn thiết. Họ không ăn uống mà chỉ cầu nguyện: “Chúng con không biết phải làm sao, nhưng mắt chúng con ngưỡng trông Chúa” (c. 12). Hôm sau, họ bắt đầu cuộc chiến. Dẫn đầu không phải là các chiến binh thiện chiến nhất, mà là một ban hát. Họ tin vào lời hứa của Chúa là họ sẽ được giải cứu mà không cần chiến đấu (c. 17).

Khi họ hát và tiến vào trận chiến thì các kẻ thù của họ đã đánh lẫn nhau! Lúc dân Chúa đến chiến trường thì trận chiến đã kết thúc. Chúa đã cứu dân Ngài khi họ bước vào chỗ không biết bằng đức tin và hát ca ngợi Ngài.

Chúa khích lệ chúng ta ca ngợi Ngài là có lý do. Dù chúng ta có đang tiến vào trận chiến hay không thì việc ca ngợi Chúa có quyền năng để thay đổi suy nghĩ, tấm lòng và đời sống chúng ta.

Lạy Chúa, chúng con ca ngợi tình yêu đời đời và sự thành tín của Ngài! Ngài là Đấng bảo vệ và hướng dẫn chúng con, chúng con phó thác cuộc đời mình cho Ngài.

Những tấm lòng được hòa thuận với Chúa sẽ hát ca ngợi Ngài.

bởi Amy Peterson

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Una razón para cantar

Leer: 2 Crónicas 20:14-22

La Biblia en un año: 2 Crónicas 32–33; Juan 18:19-40

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Cantad a Dios, cantad; cantad a nuestro Rey, cantad (Salmo 47:6).

¡Cantar transforma el cerebro! Algunos estudios muestran que, cuando cantamos, nuestro cuerpo libera hormonas que alivian la ansiedad y el estrés. Otro indica que, cuando varias personas cantan juntas, sus latidos cardíacos se sincronizan.

El apóstol Pablo alentó a los creyentes a hablarse unos a otros con salmos, himnos y cánticos espirituales (Efesios 5:19). Y, más de 50 veces, la Biblia nos anima a cantar salmos y alabanzas.

En 2 Crónicas 20, leemos cómo el pueblo de Dios confió en el Señor. Frente a un inminente ataque, el rey Josafat convocó a la comunidad y la guió en oración intensa. Ayunaron y clamaron: «no sabemos qué hacer, y a ti volvemos nuestros ojos» (v. 12). Al día siguiente, salieron. No los dirigían guerreros feroces, sino un coro. Creyeron la promesa de Dios de que Él los libraría sin tener que pelear (v. 17).

Mientras cantaban y se dirigían al conflicto, ¡sus enemigos se atacaron entre ellos! Cuando el pueblo de Dios llegó al campo de batalla, la pelea había terminado. Dios salvó a su pueblo mientras este marchaba por fe hacia lo desconocido, cantando alabanzas.

Ya sea que estemos marchando hacia una batalla o no, alabar a Dios tiene el poder de cambiar nuestros pensamientos, nuestro corazón y nuestra vida.

¡Dios, te alabamos por tu amor y tu fidelidad eternos!

El corazón en sintonía con Dios canta sus alabanzas.

Por ap

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Grund zum Jubeln

Lesen: 2.Chronik 20, 14-22

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Chronik 32–33; Johannes 18,19-40

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Lobsinget, lobsinget Gott, lobsinget, lobsinget unserm Könige! Psalm 47,7

Singen verändert das Gehirn! Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass beim Singen Hormone freigesetzt werden, die Angst und Stress lindern. Andere Studien belegen, dass sich der Herzschlag anpasst, wenn Menschen gemeinsam singen.

Der Apostel Paulus ermuntert die Gemeinde, mit Psalmen, Lobgesängen und geistlichen Liedern miteinander zu reden (Eph. 5,19). Und über fünfzig Mal fordert die Bibel uns auf: „Lobsinget!“

In 2.Chronik 20 lesen wir, wie Gottes Volk sogar beim Einzug in die Schlacht sang. Feinde wollten Juda angreifen. König Joschafat war alarmiert. Er rief das Volk zusammen und betete. Man aß und trank nicht, sondern flehte zu Gott: „Wir wissen nicht, was wir tun sollen, sondern unsere Augen sehen nach dir“ (V.12). Am nächsten Tag zogen sie aus. Doch nicht die tapfersten Krieger zogen vorweg, sondern der Chor. Das Volk glaubte Gottes Verheißung, dass sie ohne Kampf davonkommen würden (V.17).

Während sie sangen und auf den Konfliktherd losmarschierten, fingen die Feinde an, sich untereinander zu bekämpfen! Und als sie auf dem Schlachtfeld ankamen, war der Kampf bereits vorüber. Gott rettete sein Volk, als es im Glauben ins Ungewisse zog und dabei sein Lob sang.

Gott macht uns aus gutem Grund Mut, ihn zu loben. Auch wenn wir nicht gerade in einen Kampf marschieren, Gott loben kann unser Denken, unser Herz und unser Leben verändern.

Herr, wir preisen dich für deine ewige Liebe und Treue! Du führst und bewahrst uns. Dir wollen wir uns mit unserem ganzen Leben anvertrauen.

Ein Herz in Harmonie mit Gott singt ihm Lob.

Von Amy

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Une raison de chanter

Lisez : 2 Chroniques 20.14‑22

La Bible en un an : 2 CHRONIQUES 32 – 33 et JEAN 18.19‑40

Chantez à Dieu, chantez ! Chantez à notre roi, chantez ! Psaume 47.7

Le chant modifie le cerveau ! Des études ont démontré que, lorsque nous chantons, notre corps libère des hormones qui nous soulagent de l’anxiété et du stress. D’autres recherches indiquent que, lorsque des personnes chantent ensemble, leur coeur se met à battre à l’unisson.

L’apôtre Paul encourage les croyants à s’entretenir par des psaumes, des hymnes et des cantiques spirituels (ÉP 5.19). Par ailleurs, la Bible revient plus de cinquante fois sur la nécessité de louer le Seigneur.

Dans 2 Chroniques 20, nous lisons que le peuple de Dieu a témoigné de sa foi en lui en montant au front en chantant. Ses ennemis avançaient vers le peuple de Juda. Alarmé, le roi Josaphat a réuni tout son monde, qu’il a amené à prier avec intensité. Sans boire ni manger, tous ont prié ainsi : « [Nous] ne savons que faire, mais nos yeux sont sur toi » (V. 12). Le lendemain, ils sont partis à la suite de leur chorale, et non de leurs plus grands guerriers, certains que Dieu les délivrerait, comme promis, sans qu’ils aient à se battre (V. 17).

Tandis qu’eux montaient au front en chantant, leurs ennemis se sont battus entre eux ! À l’arrivée du peuple de Dieu sur le champ de bataille, le combat était terminé. Dieu a donc sauvé son peuple alors même que celui‑ci marchait par la foi vers l’inconnu en chantant ses louanges.

Dieu nous encourage à le louer pour les bonnes raisons. Que nous allions ou non au combat, le fait de louer Dieu a le pouvoir de changer nos pensées, notre coeur et notre vie.

Le coeur en harmonie avec Dieu chante ses louanges.

par Amy Peterson

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Привід для співу

Читати: 2 Хронік 20:14-22

Біблія за рік: 2 Хронік 32–33 ; Івана 18:19-40

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Співайте Богові нашому, співайте, співайте Цареві нашому, співайте. — Псалом 46:7

Спів впливає на роботу мозку! Дослідження доводять, що коли ми співаємо, наше тіло виділяє гормони, що знижують занепокоєння й стрес. Інше дослідження вказує, що коли співає група людей, їхні серця починають битися в унісон.

У своєму листі апостол Павло спонукає церкву розмовляти один з одним псалмами, гімнами та духовними піснями (Еф. 5:19). А взагалі фраза “співайте Богу” зустрічається в Біблії понад 50 разів.

У Другій Книзі Хронік розповідається про те, як Божий народ ішов на ворога зі співом, демонструючи цим свою довіру Богу… Ворог прийшов на землю юдейську. Стривожений цар Йосафат зібрав увесь народ, щоб помолитись разом палкою молитвою. Вони не їли, не пили, а тільки молились: “Ми не знаємо, що зробимо, бо наші очі на Тебе!” (2 Хр. 20:12). Наступного дня народ вирушив назустріч ворогу. Їх вели у бій не відчайдушні воїни, а звичайний хор. Вони вірили Божій обітниці, що переможуть ворога навіть без бою (2 Хр. 20:17).

Коли ж народ продовжував іти на своїх ворогів, ті почали битися між собою! На той момент, як юдеї дістались місця битви, битва вже скінчилась. Бог врятував Свій народ.

Господь спонукає нас хватили Його співом, тому що на це є багато причин. Йдемо ми у бій чи залишаємося у спокої, хваління Бога співом дає силу змінити наші думки, серця й життя.

Боже, славимо Тебе за Твою вічну любов і вірність! Ти захищаєш нас і скеровуєш наш шлях, тому ввіряємо Тобі своє життя.

Гармонічні стосунки з Богом народжують пісню хвали.

Автор Емі Петерсон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Повод для песен

Читать сейчас: 2 Паралипоменон 20:14-22

Библия за год: 2 Паралипоменон 32-33; Иоанна 18:19-40

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Пойте Богу нашему, пойте; пойте Царю нашему, пойте. — Псалом 46:7

Пение влияет на работу головного мозга! Исследования показывают, что во время пения в организме вырабатываются гормоны, снижающие уровень стресса и успокаивающие тревогу. Другие ученые отмечают, что когда группа людей поет вместе, их сердца начинают биться в такт.

Апостол Павел побуждал верующих в церкви назидать друг друга псалмами, гимнами и духовными песнопениями (Еф. 5:19). Слова «пойте хвалу» повторяются в Библии более пятидесяти раз. Во Второй книге Паралипоменон содержится повествование о том, как Божий народ проявил свою веру, воспевая Богу хвалу во время подготовки к сражению. Враги, собравшись вместе, устремились на Иудею. Встревоженный царь Иосафат собрал народ и обратился к Богу в горячей молитве. Они не ели и не пили, а только молились: «Мы не знаем, что делать, но к Тебе очи наши!» (2 Пар. 20:12). На следующий день они вышли в поход. Но впереди шли не могучие воины, а левитский хор. Иудеи верили Божьему обещанию, что спасение придет к ним безо всякой битвы (2 Пар. 20:17).

И пока они с песнями шли к месту сражения, враги, разругавшись, принялись истреблять друг друга. К тому времени как войско достигло поля боя, все уже закончилось. Бог спас Свой народ, шедший навстречу неизвестному с верой и песнью хвалы на устах.

Бог и нас побуждает славить Его. Идем ли мы на бой или остаемся в покое, прославление Бога может изменить наши мысли, сердца и жизни.

Боже, мы славим Твою вечную любовь и верность! Ты хранишь и направляешь нас, мы доверяем Тебе свою жизнь.

Сердца, настроенные на Бога, поют Ему хвалу.

автор: Эми Петерсон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный