In the late 1800s, when atheist Robert Ingersoll was delivering his...
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
"God's Preference"
July 20, 2017 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.
In the late 1800s, when atheist Robert Ingersoll was delivering his lectures against Christ and the Bible, he usually spoke to large crowds. At one meeting, he dramatically took out his watch and said, "I'll give God a chance to prove He exists and that He is almighty. I challenge Him to strike me dead within five minutes!" There was silence, people became uneasy. Some left the hall, one woman fainted. At the end of the allocated time, Ingersoll proudly proclaimed, "See! There is no God. I am still very much alive!" In a discussion after the lecture, a young man concluded, "Well, Ingersoll certainly proved something tonight!" A young lady, replying to the remark, said, "He certainly did. He showed that even the most defiant sinner cannot exhaust the patience of the Lord in just five minutes!" And so it is. The Lord does not want anyone to perish, but (desires) everyone to come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3). Did you hear that? God wants everyone. You see, not even the best of people are good enough to save themselves. If you doubt me, go to the library and find a biography about a famous person. If that book is honest, you will see, along with having done great things, your famous individual has also done nasty stuff. The best humanity can produce falls far short of God's perfection (see Romans 3:23). The best life any human can live is marked and marred by sin (see Ecclesiastes 7:20). No matter how many wise men are brought in, they cannot change it. Rather than have us locked in a never-ending and futile search for salvation, God decided to save us.
For that purpose, He sent His Son into this world. Jesus, God's Son, our Savior, came and became one of us, in every way, but without sin. Jesus, God's Son, came, fulfilling all the prophetic words that had described Him and His mission. In the most amazing act of love this universe has ever seen, and contrary to human wisdom, an innocent Man was arrested in the place of those who were guilty; a gentle Man was convicted for those who hated Him; a forgiving Man was nailed to a cross, and He endured the death that belonged to those who put Him there. But then, three days after He had stopped breathing, His heart stopped pumping, His eyes stopped seeing, His ears stopped hearing, Jesus rose from the dead. Twenty centuries later, modern science, with all its technology, cannot match such a feat. Since Jesus has risen we can believe Him when He says hell awaits those who do not acknowledge Him as Savior. But we can also believe the Triune God would prefer all humanity come to the knowledge of His truth and be saved (see 1 Timothy 2:4). His is truth you can believe in. THE PRAYER:Dear Lord, grant that Your people may share the story of salvation with those who are still lost. Send Your Holy Spirit upon those lost so their hearts may be receptive to the salvation won by the Savior, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
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Una vez, cuando estaba en una heladería que normalmente ofrece una gran variedad de sabores, sucedió que debido a un retraso del camión repartidor, el hombre que atendía no tenía mucho que ofrecer. Atendiendo a la mujer que estaba frente a mí, simplificó la selección diciendo: "¿Qué puedo servirle: chocolate o vainilla?" La señora, quien no había leído las explicaciones en la puerta, preguntó: "¿Por qué no tiene más sabores?" La respuesta del dependiente fue de lo más colosal: "Señora, si supiera el tiempo que le lleva a la gente decidirse entre chocolate y vainilla, JAMÁS querría tener más sabores para escoger." Las opciones están a la orden del día. Si va al centro comercial se verá forzado a elegir entre una docena de películas que dicen: "¡No deje de verla!" Si va a comprar dentífrico deberá decidir con fluor o normal, con sabor a menta o a goma de mascar, con blanqueador o sin él. El escoger es una de las alegrías y de las cargas de la vida. Excepto cuando se trata de un salvador. Cuando miramos a la lista de salvadores que ha habido en este mundo, encontramos... a Jesús. Jesús es el único Salvador que este mundo ha visto y que jamás verá. Sé que hay muchos que quieren hacernos creer que pueden salvarnos diciendo una y otra vez: "confía en mí", "deposita tu confianza, tu voto, tu esperanza en mí". Pero en realidad, lo más que pueden ofrecer es un alivio temporal para problemas pasajeros. Tan solo Jesús, a través de su vida, muerte y resurrección, puede cambiar la eternidad de todos los que creen en Él. Tener que escoger puede parecer agobiante. Por ello reconforta el saber que, en lo que a Dios respecta, no hay demasiadas elecciones disponibles. De hecho, no hay elección. Es Jesús o nadie. Así que la próxima vez que le den a elegir entre "chocolate o vainilla", dé gracias por Jesús, el único Redentor que puede salvar. ORACIÓN:Querido Señor, te doy gracias por haberme elegido. Ayúdame a hablar a mis amigos y familia acerca de Jesús, el único Salvador que necesitan conocer. En su nombre. Amén.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
While flying recently, I watched a mother and her children a few
rows ahead of me. While the toddler played contentedly, the mother gazed
into the eyes of her newborn, smiling at him and stroking his cheek. He
stared back with a wide-eyed wonderment. I enjoyed the moment with a
touch of wistfulness, thinking of my own children at that age and the
season that has passed me by.
I reflected, however, about King Solomon’s words in the book of
Ecclesiastes about “every activity under the heavens” (v. 1). He
addresses through a series of opposites how there is a “time for
everything” (v. 1): “a time to be born and a time to die, a time to
plant and a time to uproot” (v. 2). Perhaps King Solomon in these verses
despairs at what he sees as a meaningless cycle of life. But he also
acknowledges the role of God in each season, that our work is a “gift of
God” (v. 13) and that “everything God does will endure forever” (v.
14).
We may remember times in our lives with longing, like me thinking of
my children as babies. We know, however, that the Lord promises to be
with us in every season of our life (Isa. 41:10). We can count on His
presence and find that our purpose is in walking with Him.
Lord God, You lead me through the seasons, and whether I’m laughing or crying I know You are with me. May I reach out to someone with Your love today.
A nave espacial Apollo 11
aterrissou na Lua em 20 de julho de 1969. A maioria de nós está
familiarizada com a afirmação histórica de Armstrong, quando ele pisou
na superfície da Lua: “Um pequeno passo para o homem; mas um salto
gigante para a humanidade.” Poucos sabem a respeito da primeira refeição
que lá fizeram.
Buzz Aldrin havia levado à nave um pequeno estojo de Santa
Ceia. Ele fez uma transmissão via rádio à Terra, pedindo aos ouvintes
para contemplar os acontecimentos daquele dia e dar graças.
Depois, com o rádio desligado, para maior privacidade,
Aldrin pôs vinho num cálice de prata, e leu: “Eu sou a videira, vós, os
ramos. Quem permanece em mim, e eu, nele, esse dá muito fruto…” (João 15:5). Em silêncio, deu graças e serviu-se do pão e vinho.
Deus está em todo lugar e nossa adoração deveria refletir
esta realidade. Aprendemos no Salmo 139 que por onde formos, Deus está
intimamente presente conosco. Buzz Aldrin celebrou essa experiência na
superfície da Lua. Milhares de quilômetros distantes da Terra, ele
reservou um tempo para ter comunhão com aquele que o criou, o redimiu e
relacionava-se com ele.
Você está longe de casa? Você se sente como se estivesse
no topo de uma montanha ou num vale escuro? Qualquer que seja a sua
situação, a comunhão com Deus está apenas a uma oração de distância.
A presença de Deus entre nós é um dos maiores presentes que Ele nos concede.
Mọi việc đều có thời điểm, mọi sự dưới bầu trời đều có định kỳ của nó. Truyền đạo 3:1
Trong chuyến bay gần đây, tôi có dịp quan sát một người mẹ và các
con của cô ở vài hàng ghế trước tôi. Trong lúc một đứa bé tuổi tập đi
đang chơi đùa cách khoái chí thì người mẹ nhìn vào mắt đứa con sơ sinh
của mình, mỉm cười với con và âu yếm vuốt má con. Đứa bé nhìn lại với
đôi mắt mở to đầy ngạc nhiên. Tôi thích thú khoảnh khắc đó và có chút
cảm xúc bồi hồi, nghĩ về các con của mình khi ở tuổi đó và thời gian đã
trôi nhanh.
Tuy nhiên, tôi lại nghĩ đến lời của vua Sa-lô-môn trong sách Truyền
Đạo nói về “mọi sự dưới bầu trời” (c.1). Ông đề cập đến một loạt những
cặp sự việc đối lập nhau, “mọi việc đều có thời điểm” (c.1): “Có kỳ sinh
ra, có kỳ chết đi; có kỳ gieo trồng, có kỳ nhổ vật đã trồng” (c.2). Có
lẽ trong những câu này, vua Sa-lô-môn đang tuyệt vọng với điều mà ông
thấy như một chu kỳ vô nghĩa của cuộc đời. Nhưng ông cũng nhận biết vai
trò của Đức Chúa Trời trong mỗi giai đoạn, rằng công việc của chúng ta
là “sự ban cho của Đức Chúa Trời” (c.13) và “mọi việc Đức Chúa Trời đã
làm thì còn đến đời đời” (c.14).
Chúng ta có thể nhớ lại những khoảnh khắc trong đời mình với những
ước ao, giống như tôi nghĩ về các con lúc nhỏ. Dầu vậy, chúng ta biết
rằng Chúa hứa ở cùng chúng ta trong mỗi giai đoạn của cuộc đời (Ês.
41:10). Chúng ta có thể nương cậy vào sự hiện diện của Chúa và bước đi
trong ý muốn Ngài.
Lạy Chúa, Ngài là Đấng dẫn dắt con qua từng giai đoạn của cuộc đời, và dù con đang cười hay đang khóc, con biết Ngài ở cùng con. Xin giúp con bày tỏ tình yêu của Ngài với ai đó trong ngày hôm nay.
Chúa ban cho chúng ta những giai đoạn khác nhau của cuộc đời.
Todo tiene su tiempo, y todo lo que se quiere debajo del cielo tiene su hora (v. 1).
Hace poco, mientras viajaba en avión, observé a una madre y sus
hijos. Uno de los pequeños jugaba tranquilo, y ella miraba a los ojos a
su recién nacido, le sonreía y le acariciaba la mejilla. Él la
contemplaba extasiado. Disfruté del momento con cierta melancolía, al
pensar en mis propios hijos a esa edad y en la etapa que ya había
pasado.
Sin embargo, reflexioné sobre las palabras del rey Salomón en el
libro de Eclesiastés sobre «cada actividad bajo el cielo» (3:1 NTV).
Mediante una serie de opuestos, él expresa que «todo tiene su tiempo»
(v. 1): «tiempo de nacer, y tiempo de morir; tiempo de plantar, y tiempo
de arrancar lo plantado» (v. 2). Quizá el rey Salomón se desesperaba en
esos versículos al ver lo que percibía como el ciclo insignificante de
la vida. Pero también reconoció el rol de Dios en cada etapa: que
nuestro trabajo es un «don de Dios» (v. 13) y que «todo lo que Dios hace
será perpetuo» (v. 14).
Podemos recordar épocas de nuestra vida con nostalgia, como cuando
recordaba a mis hijos cuando eran bebés. Sin embargo, sabemos que el
Señor promete estar con nosotros en cada etapa de nuestra vida (Isaías
41:10). Podemos contar con su presencia y descubrir que nuestro
propósito está en caminar con Él.
Señor, gracias porque me guías a través de cada etapa y siempre estás conmigo.
Ein jegliches hat seine Zeit, und alles Vorhaben unter dem Himmel hat seine Stunde. Prediger 3,1
Kürzlich auf einem Flug beobachtete ich ein paar Reihen vor mir
eine Mutter mit zwei Kindern. Das ältere spielte ganz zufrieden, während
sie das Baby auf dem Arm hielt, mit ihm schäkerte und ihm zärtlich die
Wange streichelte. Mit großen Augen schaute der Kleine zurück. Ich
freute mich an ihrem Anblick, beim Gedanken an früher und meine eigenen
Kinder wurde ich aber auch etwas wehmütig.
Dabei fielen mir die Worte von König Salomo aus dem Buch Prediger
ein, wo er von allem „Vorhaben unter dem Himmel“ (V.1) schreibt. In
einer Liste von Gegenüberstellungen schildert er, wie alles „seine Zeit“
(V.1) hat: „geboren werden hat seine Zeit, sterben hat seine Zeit;
pflanzen hat seine Zeit, ausreißen, was gepflanzt ist, hat seine Zeit“
(V.2). Womöglich spricht daraus ein Stück Verzweiflung über die
Sinnlosigkeit des Lebens. Salomo erkennt aber auch Gottes Wirken in
jeder Phase und dass unser Mühen „eine Gabe Gottes“ (V.13) ist und
„alles, was Gott tut, das besteht für ewig“ (V.14).
Vielleicht denken wir mit Wehmut an gewisse Zeiten in unserem Leben
zurück wie ich an meine Kinder als Babys. Wir wissen aber, dass Gott
versprochen hat, auf jeder Wegstrecke dabei zu sein (Jes. 41,10). Auf
seine Gegenwart dürfen wir zählen und erkennen, dass der Sinn unseres
Lebens darin besteht, bei ihm zu sein.
Herr, mein Gott, du führst mich durch die Phasen meines Lebens und ob ich lache oder weine, du bist da. Lass mich heute einem anderen Menschen in deiner Liebe begegnen.
Gott führt uns auf jeder Wegstrecke unseres Lebens.
Il y a un temps pour tout, un temps pour toute chose sous les cieux. V. 1
Durant un vol, récemment, j’ai
observé une mère assise avec ses enfants quelques rangées devant moi.
Tandis que son bambin s’amusait d’un air heureux, la mère regardait dans
les yeux de son nouveau-né en lui souriant et en lui caressant la joue.
Son bébé lui rendait son regard avec de grands yeux émerveillés. J’ai
savouré ce moment avec un soupçon de mélancolie, en repensant à mes
propres enfants lorsqu’ils avaient le même âge et au temps qui s’était
écoulé depuis.
J’ai cependant réfléchi à ce qu’a écrit
le roi Salomon dans le livre de l’Ecclésiaste au sujet de « toute chose
sous les cieux » (V. 1). Par une série de contraires, il a indiqué qu’« [il]
y a un temps pour tout » (V. 1) : « un temps pour naître, et un temps
pour mourir ; un temps pour planter, et un temps pour arracher ce qui a
été planté » (V. 2). Il se peut que, dans ces versets, le roi Salomon
désespère devant ce qu’il perçoit comme un cycle de vie dépourvu de
sens. Il reconnaît cependant du même coup le rôle que Dieu joue dans
chaque saison, que notre travail est « un don de Dieu » (V. 13) et que «
tout ce que Dieu fait durera toujours » (V. 14).
Il se peut que nous nous remémorions des
périodes de notre vie avec nostalgie, comme je l’ai fait de l’époque où
mes enfants étaient bébés. Nous savons néanmoins que le Seigneur promet
de rester avec nous durant toute notre vie (ÉS 41.10). Nous pouvons
compter sur sa présence et découvrir que notre raison de vivre réside
dans notre marche avec lui.
Les diverses périodes de notre vie sont un don de Dieu.
Для всього свій час, і година своя кожній справі під небом. — Еклезіястова 3:1
Під час нещодавнього польоту я спостерігала за однією матір’ю та
її двома дітьми, що сиділи за кілька рядів попереду мене. Коли старший,
дошкільник, задоволено грався сам по собі, мати уважно дивилась у вічі
свого немовляти, посміхалась і ніжно цілувала його в щічку. Малюк
дивився у відповідь великими здивованими очима. Я споглядала це з
насолодою і деяким смутком, бо згадувала про своїх дітей у такому віці.
Однак потім мені на пам’ять прийшли слова царя Соломона про те, що “година своя кожній справі під небом” (Екл. 3:1).
Ілюструючи принцип “для всього свій час”, Соломон пропонує цілий ряд
протиставлень: “Час родитись і час помирати, час садити і час виривати
посаджене” (Екл. 3:2).
Можливо, в ці слова Еклезіяст вклав глибокий сум через те, що він
вважав марнотою дані цикли життя. Але він також визнавав роль Бога в
кожному періоді нашого життя, в кожній його сфері. Наприклад, праця є
“даром Божим”, і “все, що Бог робить, воно зостається навіки” (Екл. 3:13-14).
Можливо, ми деякі часи нашого життя згадуємо з ностальгією – як я,
коли думала в літаку про своїх дітей, коли вони були ще маленькими.
Проте ми знаємо, що Господь пообіцяв бути з нами в кожному періоді
нашого життя (Іс. 41:10). Можемо зажди розраховувати на Його присутність і, крокуючи за Ним, знаходити сенс життя.
Боже, Ти ведеш мене через усі життєві періоди. Сміюсь чи плачу – Ти завжди зі мною. Дай сьогодні торкнутись кого-небудь Твоєю любов’ю.
Всему свое время, и время всякой вещи под небом. — Екклесиаст 3:1
Во время недавнего полета мое внимание привлекли мама с детьми,
которые сидели передо мной. Малыш постарше был занят игрушкой, а мама
общалась с другим, еще грудничком, выразительно с ним разговаривая,
улыбаясь и тиская щечки. Малыш в ответ таращил глазенки и гукал. Я с
удовольствием и легкой грустью наблюдала за этой сценой, вспоминая
собственных детей в этом возрасте и безвозвратно улетевшее время
молодости.
На память пришли слова царя Соломона в Книге Екклесиаста о том, что «всему свое время» (Еккл. 3:1).
Он приводит ряд противопоставлений, показывая «время всякой вещи под
небом»: «Время рождаться и время умирать; время насаждать и время
вырывать посаженное» (Еккл. 3:2).
Наверное, Соломон в этих стихах выражает свое сожаление о
бессмысленности круговорота жизни. Но он также признает роль Бога в
жизни человека и то, что радость от своих трудов – «дар Божий» (Еккл. 3:13), а также «что всё, что делает Бог, пребывает вовек» (Еккл. 3:14).
Мы все испытываем ностальгию по прежним временам. Однако мы знаем, что Господь обещал быть с нами во всякое время (Ис. 41:10). Мы можем рассчитывать на Его присутствие, если цель нашей жизни – служение Ему.
Дорогой Господь, Ты проводишь меня через разные времена. Смеюсь я или плачу, я знаю, что Ты со мной. Помоги мне открыть Твою любовь и другим людям.
Opening Sentence Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3 Morning Prayer
Holy God, I am weak, and sometimes the way grows fearsome; for this world is filled with evil, hiding at every corner, ready to steal my precious joy in You, craving to destroy my soul. Help me to keep my faith today, through every trial and doubt I face. Stay close to me; Holy Spirit, abide in me and make your presence known in everything I see and do. Give me strength the whole day through, mighty God, in the name of Christ I pray, Amen.
Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Almighty Father; we enter your presence confessing the things we try to conceal from you and the things we try to conceal from others. We confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow we have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive us, the times we have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm we have done that makes it hard for us to forgive ourselves. Lord have mercy and forgive us through Christ. Amen.
Today's Readings The First Reading is taken from 1 Samuel 20:1-23
David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came before Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin against your father that he is trying to take my life?" He said to him, "Far from it! You shall not die. My father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me; and why should my father hide this from me? Never!" But David also swore, "Your father knows well that you like me; and he thinks, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.' But truly, as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death." Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you." David said to Jonathan, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at the meal; but let me go, so that I may hide in the field until the third evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.' If he says, 'Good!' it will be well with your servant; but if he is angry, then know that evil has been determined by him. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a sacred covenant with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?" Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was decided by my father that evil should come upon you, would I not tell you?" Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?" Jonathan replied to David, "Come, let us go out into the field." So they both went out into the field. Jonathan said to David, "By the LORD, the God of Israel! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or on the third day, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? But if my father intends to do you harm, the LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, if I do not disclose it to you, and send you away, so that you may go in safety. May the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father. If I am still alive, show me the faithful love of the LORD; but if I die, never cut off your faithful love from my house, even if the LORD were to cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." Thus Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD seek out the enemies of David." Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own life. Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your place will be empty. On the day after tomorrow, you shall go a long way down; go to the place where you hid yourself earlier, and remain beside the stone there. I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark. Then I will send the boy, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you, collect them,' then you are to come, for, as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger. But if I say to the young man, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you,' then go; for the LORD has sent you away. As for the matter about which you and I have spoken, the LORD is witness between you and me forever."
The Second Reading is taken from Acts 12:18-25
When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.
The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 2:13-22
Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples-- for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus said to them, "The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. "No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins."
Morning Psalms
Psalm 38Domine, ne in furore 1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath. 2 For your arrows have already pierced me, and your hand presses hard upon me. 3 There is no health in my flesh, because of your indignation; there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear. 5 My wounds stink and fester by reason of my foolishness. 6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; I go about in mourning all the day long. 7 My loins are filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. 8 I am utterly numb and crushed; I wail, because of the groaning of my heart. 9 O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me. 11 My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; my neighbors stand afar off. 12 Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin and plot treachery all the day long. 13 But I am like the deaf who do not hear, like those who are mute and who do not open their mouth. 14 I have become like one who does not hear and from whose mouth comes no defense. 15 For in you, O LORD, have I fixed my hope; you will answer me, O Lord my God. 16 For I said, "Do not let them rejoice at my expense, those who gloat over me when my foot slips." 17 Truly, I am on the verge of falling, and my pain is always with me. 18 I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin. 19 Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me. 20 Those who repay evil for good slander me, because I follow the course that is right. 21 O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 119:Daleth Adhæsit pavimento 25 My soul cleaves to the dust; give me life according to your word. 26 I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; instruct me in your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of your commandments, that I may meditate on your marvelous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Take from me the way of lying; let me find grace through your law. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set your judgments before me. 31 I hold fast to your decrees; O LORD, let me not be put to shame. 32 I will run the way of your commandments, for you have set my heart at liberty. Psalm 119:He Legem pone 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; I shall keep it with all my heart. 35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire. 36 Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain. 37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; give me life in your ways. 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, which you make to those who fear you. 39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, because your judgments are good. 40 Behold, I long for your commandments; in your righteousness preserve my life. Psalm 119:Waw Et veniat super me 41 Let your loving-kindness come to me, O LORD, and your salvation, according to your promise. 42 Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, because I trust in your words. 43 Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, for my hope is in your judgments. 44 I shall continue to keep your law; I shall keep it for ever and ever. 45 I will walk at liberty, because I study your commandments. 46 I will tell of your decrees before kings and will not be ashamed. 47 I delight in your commandments, which I have always loved. 48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, and I will meditate on your statutes.
The 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
Oh Lord Christ, by your death and resurrection you have made forgiveness for my sin possible; and having confessed and repented of my sin, let me have confidence in your forgiveness. Let me not be ashamed; for to feel shame at my sin is to doubt your power. Rather fill me with faith in my salvation, that I may boldly praise your name before all the world, and live in love and constant growth in your Spirit and holiness. Amen.
A Prayer for Grace
O Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Mission
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Lyrics
It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me; But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours, I’ll go where You want me to go.
Chorus: I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak; There may be now, in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek. O Savior, if You will be my Guide, though dark and rugged the way, My voice shall echo the message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place in earth’s harvest fields so wide, Where I may labor through life’s short day for Jesus, the Crucified. So, trusting my all unto Your care, I know You always love me! I’ll do Your will with a heart sincere, I’ll be what You want me to be.
Music by Carrie E. Rounsefell (1894) Lyrics by Mary Brown and Charles E. Prior (1898)
Alleluia! Christ has risen. Christ has risen indeed. Alleluia!
Closing Prayer
May the word I have read, Lord, be planted deeply in my mind and heart. Help me not to walk away and forget it, but to meditate on it and obey it and so built my life on the rock of your truth. 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.
Today the church remembers Macrina, Monastic and Teacher, 379. The figure of this devout woman towers over the fourth-century Christian church in Asia Minor. She was a powerful influence over her brothers, Gregory of Nyssa and Basil the Great. The former wrote an inspired and inspiring biography of her, The Life of Saint Macrina. When Macrina was still young she and her mother founded a religious community on their family estate at Annesi in Pontus. The community became famous not only as a place of prayer and study but also as one vigorously engaged in corporal acts of mercy. Macrina was passionately concerned about the poor, the sick, and the disabled; her convent was a place of refuge for desperate women and abused prostitutes. Her ideas about a Christian religious community were incorporated by her famous brothers into their rules, which remain standards in the Eastern Church to this day. Macrina's commitment to the Nicene faith had a significant influence on her brothers. She and Basil both died just before the Council of Constantinople (381) which confirmed the Nicene Creed. Her brother Gregory was the most prominent leader of that Council and was honored by the title "Pillar of the Church" for his work there. May we, like Macrina, fill our days with both prayer and acts of mercy. Amen. Read the Wikipedia article here. Merciful God, you called your servant Macrina to reveal in her life and her teaching the riches of your grace and truth: May we, following her example, seek after your wisdom and live according to her way; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Oh Lord Christ, by your death and resurrection you have made forgiveness for my sin possible; and having confessed and repented of my sin, let me have confidence in your forgiveness. Let me not be ashamed; for to feel shame at my sin is to doubt your power. Rather fill me with faith in my salvation, that I may boldly praise your name before all the world, and live in love and constant growth in your Spirit and holiness. Amen.
Isaiah 41:10(NIV)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Read all of Isaiah 41 Listen to Isaiah 41
Robert Morrison was a remarkable man. At a time when China was utterly hostile to foreign influence, and the only missionaries were Jesuits in Macau who were antagonistic to Protestants, he studied Cantonese in England, became a doctor, translated the New Testament into Cantonese, and set off for China to start a mission! The East India Co. refused to transport him, so he went to China via New York.
When he disembarked in Macau after a seven month journey, the captain commented sarcastically, “So you think you are going to make an impression upon China.” Morrison replied, without rancor: “No, sir, but I believe God will.”
Psalm 33 tells us that the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, and the eye of the Lord was certainly on Robert Morrison. We know how powerful God is: He created the universe, and yet, He will have His eye upon us, mere tiny specks in the vastness of His creation, if we hope in Him with reverence and love.
God will do great things through us if we let Him. He sent Christ to give us an instruction manual and his apostles to fill in the details. We are not responsible for the outcome; we are responsible to prepare ourselves for holiness and then let God do His work for us.
It always seems that the world is headed for hell (and much of it is). Today as much as ever, with atheists and secular humanists filling the airwaves with pornography, celebrity-worship, and self-actualization, we might be tempted to despair at our powerlessness to affect it.
We may actually be powerless, but God is not! Let us make ourselves his vessels and claim our reward of heaven; then trusting in God, we can simply do His will and let Him be responsible for the end result.
By the end of his life, Morrison had translated the entire Bible into Cantonese, as well as writing dozens of books, including dictionaries and grammars of Eastern languages; started schools and a university; and planted seedling Christian missions all over east Asia, especially in China, Malaya and Indonesia. His was the first Protestant mission to China to survive.
Lord God, make me your holy instrument, and grant me the peace to leave the outcome of the battle in Your mighty hands. Amen.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny
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Es
importante entender el valor que Dios le da a la familia. ¿Has pensado
en cuántos sábados o fines de semana no has estado en casa? ¿Desde
cuándo no complaces a tu familia con ir a algún parque o un restaurante?
Debes saber que tu primera obligación es, y será siempre, tu familia.
Dios instituyó la familia para que estuviéramos acompañados y para que
pasáramos tiempo juntos. Quizá sea la mañana de este sábado y te
das cuenta que te identificas con mis palabras. A lo mejor ya tienes
planeado el día con tus amigos y no has tenido en cuenta a tus hijos ni a
tu pareja. Estás en tiempo de cambiar los planes y aprovechar la
familia que te entregó Dios. En caso de que al mirar a tu
alrededor estés solo porque no tengas familia, tal vez digas: «Pero
bueno, ¿y yo qué hago?». Quiero que sepas que Dios está contigo. Él es
tu Padre, tu Amigo, tu Consejero. Aprovecha esta oportunidad de
tener un momento a solas con Dios. Reflexiona en las bendiciones que te
ha dado Él y entonces dedica este día para ti. ¿Qué tal si vas a la
playa, visitas un amigo, sales a caminar o haces lo que más te gusta? Dale gracias a Dios por tu familia dondequiera que esté.
With the possession of a meek spirit, we are equipped to step into the midst of conflict and be ambassadors “waging peace”
that passes all understanding. The richness of the New Testament word
“peace” describes a condition of perfect and complete positive
well-being. It also describes right relationships—intimate fellowship
and goodwill between human beings. Peace comes not from avoiding issues
but from facing them, making peace even when the way is through trouble.
Blessed are those peacemakers who produce right relationships in every sphere of life, for they are doing a God-like work.
Such
actions may involve laying down one’s life, like Jesus did, in order to
reconcile men with God and break down barriers among men (Galatians 3:26-29).
Are we willing to pay the price so that others might find peace with
God? Are we willing to insist that all should hear the Gospel and
believe? In some conflict areas of the world, Christians call this “waging peace.” Our
brothers and sisters in Israel and the West Bank—where “peace” is
sought but very evasive—remind us that Jesus’ high moral teaching is
that we should not resist evil with evil (Matthew 5:39).
Jesus is calling His followers not to respond in kind to the acts of
injustice and dehumanization directed against them, but rather to
respond with transforming initiatives. This unique perspective that He
teaches contrasts with the “fight or flight” responses so deeply
conditioned in human beings. Dr. Salim Munayer is a wonderful
example of such a peacemaker. The organization he founded takes groups
of Christian Palestinians and Israelis on trips to the desert where they
must work together in a situation that breaks down barriers and
promotes trust relationships. Brother Andrew comments that this ministry
doesn’t “just talk about the problem between Palestinians and Jews. It
brings the two sides together and provides the means for them to
reconcile.” “Waging peace” involves: promoting love not
hate; fostering unity among brethren; being a witness of a higher
kingdom; and following the non-violence example of Jesus. RESPONSE: Today I will be proactive and “wage peace” in my sphere of influence. PRAYER: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. May I counter hatred with love and injury with forgiveness today.
Friend to Friend I heard the doorbell ring, but I had absolutely no desire to answer
it. I was desperately trying to withdraw from my world. It was too dark
and too painful. I just wanted to be left alone. Clinical depression was sucking the life out of me. I was seeing a
counselor. I was also under the care of a psychiatrist who discovered I
had a chemical imbalance that required medication. But it would be a
long, hard road. The doorbell rang again. I pulled the covers over my head,
determined to outlast whoever was trying to work their way into my
pain. It was easier to just surrender to the darkness than it was to
struggle my way to the light. The doorbell stopped ringing. Whew! I was so glad I had dodged that bullet. Nope. A loud knocking ensued … followed by the voice of Michelle, my best
friend declaring, “Mary, I know you are in there. I am coming in to
clean your house, and I have groceries for you in my car. I don’t care
what you or your house look like, but I am coming in one way or
another.” If it had been anyone else, I might have had a chance. But
Michelle Johnson would bulldoze her way through the front door if
necessary to get to me. Love shows up. Over the years Michelle has been “God with skin on” in my life so
many times and in so many ways. She never has waited until I asked for
help … she has just showed up to meet whatever need I have had in my
life. During the two worst years of my battle with clinical depression,
Michelle did the things I could not do. She bought groceries, picked up
cleaning, lined up meals, took our kids to buy soccer cleats, and just
listened as I poured out my pain. Sometimes she called and invited me
to walk the half-block down the street to her house. But some days that
half-block might as well have been a thousand miles, so she came to
me. Her friendship is a priceless gift. Now that I think about it, some of my best friends are people who
saw a need in my life and met it. In fact, the most precious friend I
have saw my greatest need and met it. Jesus looked through my sin and shame and saw my need. And oh how He showed up! God’s love compelled Jesus Christ to willingly exchange a throne for a manger, divinity for humanity and Heaven for Earth. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, NIV). God’s love changes everything and everyone who receives it. God’s
love protects and breathes life and purpose into every minute of every
day. God’s love is a gift beyond measure that surrounds us and covers
us when life falls apart. Do not believe the lies of the enemy when he tells you that your God
has forsaken you. God is with you – Emmanuel. He endured the cross,
completely and absolutely alone, because He loves you. No one can take your place in the Father’s heart. God knows your
pain and He understands. God created you and paid for your sin for one
reason alone – He loves you. And true love always shows up. Let’s Pray Thank You for loving me, God. Honestly, I don’t understand that kind
of love; a love that sent Jesus Christ to the cross so that I can live.
But today, I celebrate Your love! Father. Please help me learn how to
freely share that love with the people in my world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Now It’s Your Turn Look around. Someone in your world needs to know Jesus. What can you
do to help them experience the love of God? Make a plan … and then do
it! More from the Girlfriends True love doesn't collapse under pressure or fall apart in the hard times. In her MP3 download, Love That Never Fails, Mary shares her story and explains how to define, discover, and experience unconditional love. Check it out! Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.
Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to havea personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Girlfriends in God