Wednesday, July 26, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - July 27, 2017 "Not So Sour"

Years ago, or so I've been told, a farmer encouraged his neighbor...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"Not So Sour"

July 27, 2017

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried and came down and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
~ Luke 19:5-10 (ESV)

Years ago, or so I've been told, a farmer encouraged his neighbor to try his apples.

Without even giving the invitation a second thought, the friend, always quickly, and most definitely, declined. Eventually, the farmer, who by now had a bruised ego, asked, "Look, what's the problem? I keep inviting and you keep turning me down. Man, you could at least try a taste, couldn't you?

His friend countered with a small confession. He said, "I don't want to taste your apples, because the truth is I have already done so. On more than one occasion, I have picked one of your apples which looked especially tasty. Without exception, the tartness puckered my mouth."

"And just where in my orchard did you get those apples?" the farmer inquired.

"Always from the trees which grow along the road. Yes, sir, those apples are just about the most sour thing I have ever tried."

Now it was time for the farmer to make a confession of his own. "Well, that explains it," he said. "Those trees were planted to keep thieves away. But, I tell you this: if you come to the middle of my orchard, you will find things taste differently there."

And that story, my friends, is my gift to you.

Remember it, practice telling it, because the day is going to come when you will be given the opportunity to share it. That day will be when the Lord places into your charge the soul of a person who has had a brief taste of the church and found it wasn't to his taste.

The reality is this: if a person has only seen what Christianity offers from the other side of the fence, or from the road, its offerings may indeed seem bitter. To the sampler the music might seem ponderous, the great wooden doors foreboding, and the liturgy a thing of intense mystery. He may interpret people's shyness as being cold and judgmental and their failure to say hello as being downright, well, downright sour.

That is the way it can be when you stand on the outside and just do a bit of sampling.

But if an individual comes into the orchard and tries again he will find things to be quite different.

In short, the nearer a sinful soul is brought to the Savior, the sweeter will be the joy He is given. That's the truth Zacchaeus was given the day the Savior came for dinner. From a distance Jesus may have been an interesting curiosity, but up close the Christ became the one Person who could bring salvation to that publican's home.

And, my friends, it's no different today for the person who is brought close to his Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many people out there who have been put off by what they feel is the Christian church. Bring them close to Jesus so they may appreciate the salvation Jesus has won for them at the cost of His own life. In the Redeemer's 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 27 de Julio de 2017


Alimento Diario

Pescadores de...

27 de Julio 2017

Jesús les dijo: 'Síganme, y yo haré de ustedes pescadores de hombres.' Ellos entonces, dejando al instante las redes, lo siguieron.
~ Mateo 4:19-20 (RVC)

Lo bueno, lo malo y lo feo. Al igual que en las películas de Clint Eastwood, estas palabras también describen el arte de la pesca. Así lo comprobó el Capitán Solomon, quien tiene su negocio de pesca en las costas de Florida, en el Golfo de Méjico.

En su experiencia como pescador, el Capitán sabe que hay días que, en sólo cuestión de minutos, llena su bote de pesca. Eso es lo bueno.

También sabe que hay otros días en los que, como los discípulos, pasan horas sin lograr pescar nada. Eso es lo malo.

¿Y lo feo? El Capitán Solomon pescó un misil teledirigido de la Fuerza Aérea. Como vio un hueco en el misil, asumió que ya había explotado, por lo que decidió conservarlo en la cubierta del barco.

Pero su presunción estaba equivocada, casi mortalmente equivocada.

La Fuerza Aérea confirmó que se trataba de un misil en perfectas condiciones de funcionamiento. Antes de desactivarlo, la Fuerza Aérea le dijo al Capitán que ese misil podría haber explotado, desparramando sus restos y los de su barco por el Golfo de Méjico.

¡Uno nunca sabe lo que va a pescar!

Ese debe haber sido el sentimiento de los discípulos cuando salieron a la pesca de hombres. El Espíritu Santo les llevó pecadores de todo calibre: grandes, pequeños, experimentados y novatos. Hubo momentos en los que la pesca fue buena, otros en los que fue mala... y otros en los que fue fea.

Pero los discípulos tenían en claro dos cosas: primero, que el Salvador quería que pescaran; y segundo, que si no salían a pescar, no iban a pescar nada.

Por más obvio que parezca, esa es la verdad. La persona, la iglesia, o los discípulos de Cristo que quieren pescar, tienen que ir de pesca. Si se quedan en casa, las redes de Dios permanecerán vacías.

Por lo que hoy oramos para que el Señor nos envíe a pescar y haga que la pesca sea abundante.

ORACIÓN: Amado Señor, le has dicho a tus discípulos que sean pescadores de almas. Danos el deseo de seguir tus instrucciones y envíanos el Espíritu Santo para que nuestra pesca sea bendecida. En el nombre de Jesús. 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 - Sweet Company

https://odb.org/2017/07/27/sweet-company-2/


The Spirit of truth . . . lives with you and will be in you. John 14:17

The elderly woman in the nursing home didn’t speak to anyone or request anything. It seemed she merely existed, rocking in her creaky old chair. She didn’t have many visitors, so one young nurse would often go into her room on her breaks. Without asking the woman questions to try to get her to talk, she simply pulled up another chair and rocked with her. After several months, the elderly woman said to her, “Thank you for rocking with me.” She was grateful for the companionship.

Before He went back to heaven, Jesus promised to send a constant companion to His disciples. He told them He would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit to be in them (John 14:17). That promise is still true for believers in Jesus today. Jesus said that the triune God makes His “home” in us (v. 23).

The Lord is our close and faithful companion throughout our entire life. He will guide us in our deepest struggles, forgive our sin, hear each silent prayer, and shoulder the burdens we cannot bear. We can enjoy His sweet company today.


Dear Lord, thank You for giving us Your Spirit as our constant companion.

The Christian’s heart is the Holy Spirit’s home.


© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ministérios Pão Diário - Pedicuros

https://paodiario.org/2017/07/27/pedicuros/
A Bíblia em um ano: Salmos 43–45, Atos 27:27-44

Os pedicuros de paquidermes não são um luxo, são uma necessidade. Um artigo de jornal, mencionou que se os elefantes em cativeiro não receberem tratamento regular nas patas, eles contraem infecções que podem ser fatais. Mas cortar as unhas de um animal que pode pesar seis toneladas é algo arriscado. Porém alguém teve uma ideia. Desenvolveu um “virador de elefante” que permite prender e virá-los de lado. O aparelho tem quase quatro metros de altura, pesa umas 15 toneladas e custa aproximadamente trezentos mil reais. Diversos zoológicos já adquiriram esse aparelho útil.

Cuidar das pessoas também pode incluir riscos. Paulo descreveu o que é necessário para ajudar aqueles que, em tempos perigosos, se desviaram do caminho da verdade. Ele não oferece um aparelho engenhoso para ajudar aqueles que são um perigo tanto para si mesmos como para os outros (2 Timóteo 2:23,25). Mas nos relembra que, quando se trata de cuidar da mente e coração de outras pessoas, não podemos confiar na ingenuidade e nos músculos humanos. O que realmente precisamos é da sabedoria de Deus. Sem brigar ou ser arrogante, o servo do Senhor deve ser amável e ter paciência (v.24).

A verdade e a graça de Cristo são maiores do que a autoproteção, pois demonstram aos outros quem é a Pessoa que os estamos incentivando a aceitar.

Ao aconselhar alguém que se desviou, aja sempre com cautela e graça.


Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Tình Bạn Tuyệt Vời

https://vietnamese-odb.org/2017/07/27/tinh-ban-tuyet-voi/
Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Thi thiên 43-45; Công vụ 27:27-44


Thần Chân Lý... đang ở với các con, và sẽ ở trong các con. Giăng 14:17

Bà cụ trong viện dưỡng lão không nói chuyện với bất cứ ai, cũng không đòi hỏi bất cứ điều gì. Dường như bà chỉ tồn tại, lắc lư trong chiếc ghế cũ cọt kẹt của mình. Bà không có nhiều khách đến thăm nên một nữ điều dưỡng trẻ thường đến phòng của bà vào giờ nghỉ. Không đặt câu hỏi để cố khiến bà nói chuyện, cô chỉ đơn giản kéo thêm một chiếc ghế khác lại rồi lắc lư cùng với bà. Sau nhiều tháng, bà cụ nói với cô: “Cảm ơn cháu đã lắc lư cùng bà.” Bà rất biết ơn cháu đã làm bạn với bà.

Trước khi về trời, Chúa Jêsus đã hứa sẽ sai một Đấng đến ở với các môn đồ đời đời. Ngài nói rằng Ngài sẽ không bỏ họ một mình mà sẽ sai Đức Thánh Linh đến ở trong họ (Giăng 14:17). Lời hứa đó vẫn dành cho các tín hữu ngày nay. Chúa Jêsus nói rằng Đức Chúa Trời Ba Ngôi “ngự” trong chúng ta (c.23).

Chúa là người bạn thân thiết và trung thành của chúng ta suốt cuộc đời. Ngài sẽ hướng dẫn chúng ta trong những tranh chiến sâu thẳm nhất, tha thứ tội lỗi chúng ta, nghe từng lời cầu nguyện thầm lặng và mang lấy những gánh nặng mà chúng ta không thể gánh.

Hôm nay, chúng ta có thể vui mừng vì có Ngài là người bạn tuyệt vời.

Lạy Chúa, cảm ơn Ngài đã ban cho chúng con có Thánh Linh Ngài là người bạn luôn ở bên.

Tấm lòng của Cơ Đốc nhân là nơi ngự của Thánh Linh.

bởi Anne Cetas

Nuestro Pan Diario - Dulce compañía

https://nuestropandiario.org/2017/07/dulce-compa%c3%b1%c3%ada/
La Biblia en un año: Salmos 43–45; Hechos 27:27-44


… el Espíritu de verdad […] mora con vosotros, y estará en vosotros (v. 17).

La abuela no hablaba con nadie ni pedía nada en la residencia de ancianos. Parecía que apenas si existía, mientras se mecía en su vieja silla chirriante. Como no tenía muchos visitantes, una joven enfermera solía ir hasta su habitación cuando tenía un momento libre. No le hacía preguntas para intentar que hablara; simplemente, acercaba otra silla y se mecía con ella. Después de varios meses, la anciana le dijo: «Gracias por mecerte conmigo». Estaba agradecida por la compañía.

Antes de regresar al cielo, Jesús prometió enviarles un compañero constante a sus discípulos. Les dijo que no los dejaría solos, sino que les enviaría al Espíritu Santo para que estuviera en ellos (Juan 14:17). Esa promesa sigue teniendo vigencia para los que creen en Jesús hoy. Él dijo que el Dios trino hará su «morada» en nosotros (v. 23).

El Señor es nuestro compañero íntimo y fiel durante toda la vida. Nos guiará en nuestras peores luchas, perdonará nuestro pecado, escuchará cada oración silenciosa y cargará con lo que nosotros no podemos llevar.

Podemos disfrutar de su dulce compañía hoy.

Querido Señor, gracias por darnos tu Espíritu como nuestro compañero constante.

El corazón del creyente es el hogar del Espíritu Santo.


Unser Täglich Brot - Nette Gesellschaft

https://unsertaeglichbrot.org/2017/07/25/was-wir-zur%c3%bcckbringen/


[Der] Geist der Wahrheit . . . er bleibt bei euch und wird in euch sein. Johannes 14,17

Die ältere Frau im Pflegeheim sprach mit niemand und stellte auch keine Ansprüche. Zufrieden saß sie in ihrem Schaukelstuhl und es schien, als würde sie einfach vor sich hin existieren. Sie bekam auch nur selten Besuch. Deshalb ging eine der jüngeren Pflegenden in ihrer Pause oft zu ihr ins Zimmer. Sie fragte nichts und versuchte auch nicht, die Frau zum Reden zu bringen, sondern zog sich einfach einen Stuhl herbei und setze sich neben sie. Nach ein paar Monaten sagte die Ältere zu ihr: „Danke, dass Sie bei mir sitzen.“ Sie war dankbar für die Gesellschaft.

Bevor er in den Himmel zurückging, versprach Jesus, den Jüngern einen ständigen Begleiter zu schicken. Er würde sie nicht verlassen, sagte er, sondern ihnen den Heiligen Geist schicken. Der würde immer bei ihnen sein (Joh. 14,17). Das Versprechen gilt auch heute noch für jeden, der Jesus nachfolgt. Jesus hat gesagt, der dreieinige Gott würde „Wohnung“ bei uns nehmen (V.23).

Der Herr ist unser ganzes Leben hindurch unser enger und treuer Begleiter. Er wird uns selbst in den größten Nöten begleiten, uns unsere Schuld vergeben, jedes stille Gebet hören und die Lasten tragen, die uns zu schwer sind.

Wir dürfen uns heute an seiner Gesellschaft erfreuen.

Lieber Herr, hab Dank, dass du uns deinen Geist gibst als ständigen Begleiter.

Das Herz des Christen ist das Heim des Heiligen Geistes.


Notre Pain Quotidien - Une douce compagnie

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2017/07/27/une-douce-compagnie/
Lisez : Jean 14.15‑26
La Bible en un an : PSAUMES 43 – 45 et ACTES 27.27‑44

[L’Esprit] de vérité […] demeure avec vous, et il sera en vous. V. 17

La dame âgée de la maison de retraite ne parlait à personne et ne demandait rien. On aurait dit qu’elle ne faisait qu’exister, se berçant dans sa vieille chaise grinçante. Comme elle avait rarement des visiteurs, une jeune infirmière profitait souvent de ses pauses pour aller la voir dans sa chambre. Sans lui poser de questions pour l’amener à parler, l’infirmière se contentait de tirer une autre chaise à côté de la dame en question et de se bercer avec celle‑ci. Au bout de plusieurs mois, la dame âgée lui a dit : « Merci de vous bercer avec moi. » L’aînée lui était reconnaissante de sa compagnie.

Avant de retourner au ciel, Jésus a promis à ses disciples de leur envoyer un compagnon de tous les instants. Il leur a dit qu’il ne les abandonnerait pas à eux‑mêmes, mais qu’il enverrait plutôt le Saint‑Esprit habiter en eux (JN 14.17). Or, cette promesse tient toujours pour ceux qui croient en Jésus à notre époque. Jésus a dit que le Dieu trinitaire fait sa « demeure » en nous (V. 23).

Le Seigneur est notre compagnon intime et fidèle tout au long de notre vie. Il nous guidera durant nos pires épreuves, il nous pardonnera nos péchés, il écoutera chacune de nos prières silencieuses et prendra sur lui les fardeaux trop lourds pour que nous les portions.

Nous pouvons jouir dès aujourd’hui de sa douce compagnie.

Le coeur du chrétien est la demeure du Saint‑Esprit.


Хліб Наш Насущній - Приємна компанія

https://ukrainian-odb.org/2017/07/27/%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b8%d1%94%d0%bc%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%bc%d0%bf%d0%b0%d0%bd%d1%96%d1%8f/
Читати: Івана 14:15-26
Біблія за рік: Псалми 43−45 ; Дії 27:27-44


Духа правди, що… при вас перебуває, і в вас буде Він. — Івана 14:17

Одна старенька жінка, що мешкала в будинку для людей похилого віку, ні з ким не розмовляла й нічого ні у кого не просила. Здавалося, вона просто існує, сидячи і розгойдуючись у своєму кріслі. Її мало хто відвідував, тому одна молоденька нянечка частенько заходила до неї під час обідньої перерви. Замість того, щоб щось запитувати в неї, намагаючись залучити її до розмови, нянечка просто сідала на інше крісло-гойдалку і гойдалась разом із нею. А через декілька місяців ця старенька жінка сказала нянечці: “Дякую за те, що гойдаєтесь разом зі мною”. Вона була вдячна їй за компанію.

Перед тим, як повернутись на небо до Свого Отця, Ісус пообіцяв учням послати їм Утішителя. Він сказав, що не полишить їх самотніх, але пришле до них Святого Духа – щоб в них перебував (Ів. 14:17). Ця обітниця і сьогодні діє для віруючих в Ісуса. Христос обіцяв, що Сам Триєдиний Бог створить у наших серцях “оселю” для Себе (Ів. 14:23).

Господь – наш вірний і близький Супутник протягом усього життя. Він веде нас в часи найзапекліших борінь, прощає наші гріхи, чує кожну нашу молитву і підставляє Своє плече під кожний тягар, що ми неспроможні його нести.

Ми можемо радіти солодкій присутності Ісуса в любий час.

Дорогий Господи, дякуємо за Святого Духа, нашого вірного й постійного Супутника.

Серце християнина – то домівка Святого Духа.

Автор Енн Сітас

Хлеб наш насущный - Добрый спутник

https://russian-odb.org/2017/07/27/%d0%b4%d0%be%d0%b1%d1%80%d1%8b%d0%b9-%d1%81%d0%bf%d1%83%d1%82%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%ba/
Читать сейчас: Иоанна 14:15-26


[Дух истины] с вами пребывает и в вас будет. — Иоанна 14:17

Старушка в доме престарелых ни с кем не разговаривала и не отвечала на вопросы. Казалось, она даже не шевелилась в своем скрипучем старом кресле. К ней никто не приходил, поэтому одна молодая сиделка во время перерывов часто заходила в ее комнату. Не задавая вопросов и не пытаясь разговорить старушку, она просто придвигала другое кресло и садилась рядом. Однажды, после нескольких месяцев взаимного молчания, старушка произнесла: «Спасибо, что молчали со мной». Она была благодарна за общество.

Перед тем как вернуться на небо, Иисус обещал Своим ученикам прислать постоянного спутника. Он заверил, что не оставит их одних, но пошлет Святого Духа, который будет жить в них (Ин. 14:17). Это обетование остается в силе и для верующих наших дней. Иисус обещал, что триединый Бог создаст в нас Свою обитель (Ин. 14:23).

Господь – наш близкий и верный спутник в течение всей жизни. Певец Скотт Крипэйн выразил эту истину в своей песне:

В моей ночи глубочайшей Он сияет мне звездой;
В моей скорби величайшей Он – Утешитель благой. Он – внимательное ухо, чтоб молитве тихой внять; Он – плечо родного друга, чтоб опорой твердой стать.

Мы можем наслаждаться Его обществом в любое время.

Дорогой Господь, благодарим Тебя за Святого Духа, нашего верного спутника.

Сердце христианина – жилище Святого Духа.

автор: Анн Ситас

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 - Memorial of Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Opening Sentence

Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:4

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.

Confession and Forgiveness
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
~ Episcopal Book of Common Prayer

Today's Readings

The First Reading is taken from 1 Samuel 25:23-44
When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, and fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25 My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. “Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, since the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If anyone should rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God; but the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. When the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief, or pangs of conscience, for having shed blood without cause or for having saved himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.” David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from bloodguilt and from avenging myself by my own hand! For as surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal so much as one male.” Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; he said to her, “Go up to your house in peace; see, I have heeded your voice, and I have granted your petition.” Abigail came to Nabal; he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him; he became like a stone. About ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord who has judged the case of Nabal’s insult to me, and has kept back his servant from evil; the Lord has returned the evildoing of Nabal upon his own head.” Then David sent and wooed Abigail, to make her his wife. When David’s servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.” She rose and bowed down, with her face to the ground, and said, “Your servant is a slave to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” Abigail got up hurriedly and rode away on a donkey; her five maids attended her. She went after the messengers of David and became his wife. David also married Ahinoam of Jezreel; both of them became his wives. Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

Psalm 119:49-72
49  Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
50  This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life.
51  The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
52  When I think of your ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.
53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, those who forsake your law.
54  Your statutes have been my songs wherever I make my home.
55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.
56  This blessing has fallen to me, for I have kept your precepts.
57  The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
58  I implore your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59  When I think of your ways, I turn my feet to your decrees;
60  I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.
61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
62  At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
63  I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes.
65  You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67  Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68  You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
69  The arrogant smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
70  Their hearts are fat and gross, but I delight in your law.
71  It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes.
72  The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

The Second Reading is taken from Acts 14:19-28
But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the city. The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe. Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time.

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

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
Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer of Thanks for Patience in My Tasks
Lord, I thank you for teaching me how to live in the present moment. In this way I enjoy each simple task as I do it without thinking that I must hurry on to the next thing. I do what I am doing with all my ability and all my concentration. My mind is no longer divided, and life is more peaceful. Thank you for teaching me how to do this, and please help me how to show others the way to learn to trust you more completely and to do everything which has to be done at your time and your speed. 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.
Trust His Heart - Veronica Boyd-Gillis
Lyrics
All things work for the good,
Though sometimes we can't
See how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what's best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can't see him,
Remember you're never alone.

Refrain:
God is too wise to be mistaken;
God is too good to be unkind;
So when you don't understand,
When don't see his plan,
When you can't trace his hand:
Trust His Heart

He sees the master plan;
He holds the future in his hand;
Don't live as those who have no hope,
While our hope is found in him.
We see the present clearly
But he sees the first and last,
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me,
To someday be just like him.

He alone is faithful and true;
He alone knows what is best for you.
When you can't trace his hand,
When you don't see his plan,
When you don't understand:
Trust His Heart.

Music and Lyrics by Eddie Caswell and Babbie Mason

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

Closing Prayer
Holy God, I pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit for the rest of this day. Let me go forth, walking with your Spirit in my heart, that I may be filled with the joy and energy and praise for your entire creation, thankful in the many gifts you have given me, and showing forth your light in my every word and deed. This I pray in Christ's name, 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.

Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Today the church remembers Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We have little historical information concerning the parents of Mary, although we have a wealth of legend and tradition. Anne has long been honored in the naming of countless churches, hospitals, guilds, and various charitable institutions. Her feast is universally celebrated and she is the patroness of Brittany. Joachim, husband of Anne and father of Mary, has received less attention. We know nothing about him, save his name, and even that is controversial.

Perhaps this date is an appropriate time to reflect on the importance of parenthood. What kind of influence are we having on our children? Do our lives reflect the best in the care and training we received from our parents? All we really know about Anne and Joachim is an inference from the kind of daughter they reared.

O Almighty God, who has called us to faith in you, and has surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of your saints, and especially of your servants Anne and Joachim, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through your mercy, we with them attain to your eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 - Memorial of Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017


Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) [Faith in Action] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Read all of Hebrews 11

Listen to Hebrews 11

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 - Victory in New Life


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Nobody has outdone Alexander MacLaren’s take on this verse:

“The state of union with Christ gives a new aim and centre for our lives. Then we live not unto ourselves; then everything is different and looks so, for the centre is shifted. That union introduces a constant reference to Him and contemplation of His death for us, it leads to self-abnegation.

It puts all life under the influence of a new love. ‘The love of Christ constraineth.’ As is a man’s love, so is his life. The mightiest devolution is to excite a new love, by which old loves and tastes are expelled. ‘A new affection’ has ‘expulsive power,’ as the new sap rising in the springtime pushes off the lingering withered leaves. So union with Him meets the difficulty arising from inclination still hankering after evil. It lifts life into a higher level where the noxious creatures that were proper to the swamps cannot live. The new love gives a new and mighty motive for obedience.

That union breaks the terrible chain that binds us to the past. ‘All died.’ The past is broken as much as if we were dead. It is broken by the great act of forgiveness. Sin holds men by making them feel as if what has been must be-an awful entail of evil. In Christ we die to former self.

That union brings a new divine power to work in us. ‘I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’

It sets us in a new world which yet is the old. All things are changed if we are changed. They are the same old things, but seen in a new light, used for new purposes, disclosing new relations and powers. Earth becomes a school and discipline for heaven. The world is different to a blind man when cured, or to a deaf one,-there are new sights for the one, new sounds for the other.

All this is true in the measure in which we live in union with Christ.

So no man need despair, nor think, ‘I cannot mend now.’ You may have tried and been defeated a thousand times. But still victory is possible, not without effort and sore conflict, but still possible. There is hope for all, and hope for ME.”

~ Alexander MacLaren, Expositions Of Holy Scripture (1905)


Lord, let me always know and live in the victory you have promised to all believers. Amen.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Un Dia a la Vez - El odio


Si vosotros no perdonáis, tampoco vuestro Padre que está en los cielos os perdonará vuestras ofensas.
~ Marcos 11:26 (RV-60)

El odio es un sentimiento muy negativo. Se manifiesta en una profunda antipatía, disgusto, aversión, enemistad o repulsión hacia una persona, cosa, situación o fenómeno, por lo que se desea evitar, limitar o destruir lo que se odia.

El odio proviene exactamente de la misma fuente que el amor y forma parte de la humanidad. El odio es destructivo y autodestructivo. Es como un veneno que se riega y contamina y crea raíces de amargura. Además, te aleja por completo de Dios, ya que Él es amor.

No es bueno si tienes este tipo de sentimientos porque terminarás mal a la larga. Recuerda también que por odio muchas personas han cometido las peores locuras y han hecho terribles decisiones entre intentos de asesinatos y venganzas. Lo que es más triste, hay personas que su propio odio los alcanza y se eliminan a sí mismas.

Si hoy te has identificado con el odio, es tiempo de decirle a Dios lo siguiente: «No quiero odiar más y deseo sanar mi corazón. Así que te ruego que me limpies y me purifique. Permite que hoy mismo pueda liberarme, perdonar y sacar todo lo que me hace daño».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - EMPATHY WITH THOSE NEEDING COMFORT


Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
~ Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

In July, 2011 the world was stunned as peaceful Norway experienced a bombing in downtown Oslo and the shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the capital. When the dust settled, the shocking death toll stood at seventy-six. Letters and e-mails of comfort, support and prayers for the grieving families and nation poured into the Open Doors-Norway office. On July 25th our Norwegian Director sent out the following message:

On behalf of our people and nation, I want to thank all of you around the world who are praying for us and are sending words of comfort after the terrible acts that have shaken the nation.

A week ago my wife and I met the Ortiz family in Ariel, Israel. They experienced a bomb attack that almost killed their son Ami a few years ago. They gave us a cup with the Israeli and Norwegian flags on it, and an inscription from Isaiah 40:1, Comfort, yes comfort my people! The last days these words have become a message to our people, the Norwegian nation.

In Haifa we also met the parents of a Christian girl who was one of many victims after a suicide bomber killed dozens of Israeli school children on a bus some years ago. Every year they have a memorial day. They have buttons with the text: ‘Don’t forget – don´t forgive.’ But the Christian parents said, ‘We cannot wear that button. We do not want revenge or hatred to fill our hearts. We are called to forgive and love.’ But of course, they will always have the pain.

It is not possible to find words that express the pain and sadness we feel after such cruel deeds. But we can already see good and beautiful things coming up. People are focusing on how to comfort and help each other. People cry together, and king, queen and prime minister show their emotions before the whole nation. Politicians from different parties are talking to another in a different way, and people admire their good leadership in this difficult time. There are great discussions and wise speeches about the most important subjects. As a nation we have hard days, but also days of learning.

People come to church in a very humble way. It is a place for prayers, lamentations, hope, comfort and love in these days; a place to meet the Comforter and Saviour.

In Open Doors we frequently get information about terror against sisters and brothers from so many places in the world. Some times it feels ‘far away.’ But now we will hopefully understand more of the fear and threat every persecuted Christian faces in their lives.

Grace and peace! The staff of Open Doors-Norway

RESPONSE: Thank God that He comforts us so that we can use His comfort to comfort others.

PRAYER: Pray today for all brothers and sisters experiencing the fear and pain of terror and loss.

Girlfriends in God - July 26, 2017


A Challenge For The Changed

Today’s Truth

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.
~ Luke 10:1-2 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I had been reading through the book of Luke and freshly looking at how Jesus interacted with people. How he responded to their interruptions. How he reacted to their pain. How he met their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. Jesus was quite the man of action.

When people encountered Jesus they were changed and challenged, healed and helped. They longed for His presence in each town and looked for His purpose in each teaching.

Jesus fed the hungry, healed the diseased and paralyzed, ate with sinners, cared for the children, and just plain showed compassion in crazy-practical ways. What an amazing picture of love. A perfect picture of love. Perfect love: Jesus.

Perfect love cares.

Perfect love makes time for the interruptions of life.

Perfect love meets the physical needs of others.

Perfect love shows compassion to souls that are darkened by despair.

You and I are called to this mission as well, because we are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The translation of the word Christian is "Christ follower." I’m a Christian woman. I trust in Jesus and love Him with all my heart and soul. He has forgiven me of much. Even so, I have to reflect and wonder … how active is my faith? Are those around me surprised by the love I show? Am I a work-horse for Jesus? Am I ministering to my community through service? Am I sharing the hope of Christ with those who are lost or hurting, and am I looking for opportunities to bless others in practical ways?

Those are some seriously challenging questions - because this perfect love thing is totally hard!

The challenge flies in the face of my natural compulsion to be self-absorbed. It contradicts everything that Hollywood would try to sell us as "the IT life." It is political, yet non-partisan. It sears past policies to flesh and blood. It touches and feels. Perfect love is not based on socio-economics, race, religion or denomination.

I’m compelled by these demonstrated actions of Christ and am challenged to become more pro-active in social God-causes. I want to be more of a Christ-follower with my actions ... not just with my words … and not just within the body of Christ. You too?

Several years ago while my heart was swirling in the depth of this, our neighborhood was having one of those blow-out, everybody's-doing-it garage sales. With this new call to action burning in my belly, I rallied my gang (husband, kids and puppy) to set up a water/soda stand to raise some money for a local charity. While that may sound noble and exciting, I assure you, it was a total battle. My precious little suburban kids fought me the whole way to the curb and tested my love-o-meter to the max.

Quite frankly, I wanted to fold up my card table, put away the signs that I had painstakingly made of poster board and marker, write a personal check to the charity and call it a day. (They still would've gotten their money and I would've had less stress for a few hours.) But in my frustration, I felt God nudge my heart, reminding me that in order to reach people for Jesus I needed to serve others.

Now, I'm not sure that it would've been sinful-wrong not to proceed with our fund raiser when the grumbles came ... but I am absolutely sure that we would've missed out on some tremendous lessons and blessings that God allowed as a result of our actions.

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE LESSONS:

#1. Our time is a treasure and we are responsible to spend it wisely. (We don't need to be money-rich to give to others or to the LORD.)

#2. When we invest our time in blessing and helping others, God is glorified and the dividends boomerang back to bless us.

#3. Our children learn giving and serving when we lead and model it.

#4. $172 can be raised in a few short hours to help local homeless children by selling water and soda!! {Yeah!}

 #5. Comfortable Christian children need to experience life beyond themselves more often!

#6. Comfortable Christian adults need to experience life beyond themselves more often ... so that the world around us can SEE the love of Christ through our ACTIONS.

Let’s ask the Lord of the harvest to open our eyes to daily opportunities that will bring Him glory and bless others.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank you for demonstrating that perfect love serves. Thank you for reminding me that I am called to be an active harvester for you. Please equip me for the task. Help me to reflect Your perfect love. Help me to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment by meeting both the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of hurting people in my community and around the world.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Consider what you are currently doing to serve God. Does your service extend beyond the body of Christ to the un-churched, unhealthy and underprivileged in your community?

Take a moment to pray and seek God’s leading as you consider new ways to show His love. Plan something! Here are a few suggestions…

CALL the local retirement community to seek how you can help out.

CHECK with a homeless shelter and inquire about their needs.

VOLUNTEER for your local Food Pantry.

BABYSIT for a single mom at your church.

CARE FOR a widow… adopt an orphan - or even a college student!

SPONSOR a child through Compassion International to connect a child living in poverty with medical check-ups, nutritious food, health and hygiene training, educational assistance, mentoring, and an opportunity for your sponsored child to hear about Jesus Christ an be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.

Got a great idea? I’d love to hear about it. Click here to share your thoughts on the wall of my blog.

More from the Girlfriends

FREE EBOOK: Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the book, I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required. I WANT IT ALL is easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS.

(CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional Ebook.)


Seeking God? 
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Girlfriends in God
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