Saturday, January 27, 2018

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, January 27, 2018read

Jesus Walks on the Water
John 6:16-21

Daily Readings

Genesis 18:1-16
The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on-- since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said." And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one said, "I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son." But Sarah denied, saying, "I did not laugh" for she was afraid. He said, "Oh yes, you did laugh." Then the men set out from there, and they looked toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to set them on their way.

Hebrews 10:26-39
For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy "on the testimony of two or three witnesses." How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by those who have spurned the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet "in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back." But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

John 6:16-27
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Prayer of the Day for SATURDAY, January 27, 2018


Lord, our help and guide, make your love the foundation of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, January 27, 2018


Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Read all of Ephesians 6

Listen to Ephesians 6

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - The Gentle Touch


The Gentle Touch

“God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
~ Romans 5:5b (NIV)

In the book titled “If,” Amy Carmichael stated: “There are times when something comes into our lives which is charged with love in such a way that it seems to open the Eternal to us for moment, or at least some of the Eternal Things, and the greatest of these is love.

It may be a small and intimate touch upon us or our affairs, light as the touch of the dawn wind on the leaves of the tree, something not to be captured and told to another in words. But we know that it is our Lord. And then perhaps the room where we are, with its furniture and books and flowers, seems less present than His Presence, and the heart is drawn into that sweetness of which the old hymn sings...The love of Jesus, what it is...None but His loved ones know.”

Have you ever had the same experience as Amy Carmichael? Such an experience that you know it is the love of the Lord that is embracing you? God's love is somewhat like the “dawn wind”. You can feel the gentle touch of the wind embracing you, but you are unable to lay a hand on it, or see it.

When I lived in northern California, I would often hike the trails in the Redwood National Park. The Redwood National Park has the tallest trees on Earth. Many people do not realize that within the park there are prairies. The prairies are grassland that provide habitat for elk, black-tailed deer, and many other inhabitants.

One day as I was hiking a trail that was winding through the tall redwood trees we happened upon one of those prairies. The famous California coastal fog was hovering over the prairie with the sun peeping through it producing colored rays. A large Roosevelt elk was feeding on the grassland on the far side of the prairie. There was a special quietness throughout the area.

For me, on that particular day in the prairie, there was a “small and intimate touch” within my heart that conveyed an awareness of the Lord's presence and love.

The gentle and intimate touch of the unconditional love of Jesus is generously given. Saint Augustine stated: “God loves each one of us as if there was only one of us to love”. No matter where you are, “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate (you) from the (embracing) love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39b)
Lord God, thank You for special experiences in our lives when we can feel Your gentle touch of Your love. Amen.
In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny


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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
When I lived in northern California, I would often hike the trails in the Redwood National Park.

Un dia a la Vez - Oración por perdón y firmeza


Oración por perdón y firmeza

Orará a ti todo santo en el tiempo en que puedas ser hallado [...] Tú eres mi refugio; me guardarás de la angustia; con cánticos de liberación me rodearás.
~ Salmo 32:6-7 (RV-60)

Señor Jesús, en esta hora busco tu presencia porque deseo limpiar mi corazón de toda maldad. Quiero que me des firmeza, Señor, en este día, a fin de seguir adelante y poder perdonar a quien me ha hecho daño.

También te pido, Dios mío, que me perdones por el daño que les he causado a los demás. Dame sabiduría para entender que cuando perdono, estoy siendo libre en ti.

Dios mío, quita de mí todo orgullo, todo pensamiento que no venga de ti y hazme humilde.

Señor, sé que la venganza es tuya y que tú eres mi Defensor. Así que estoy seguro en tus manos.

Quiero honrarte y adorarte. Por lo tanto, reafirma mi espíritu y no me dejes caer en tentación.

Te amo con todo mi corazón. Y sé que tienes grandes y maravillosas cosas para mí. Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THOSE WHO ARE MISTREATED


THOSE WHO ARE MISTREATED

Continue to remember those…who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
~ Hebrews 13:3b (NIV)

As we see in Hebrews chapter twelve, once we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,” we will be aware of how we should then live. The writer now turns to the issue of remembering those who are mistreated. And again he adds an empathy and personalized application. Remember them as if you yourself were the one suffering!

Dr. Jan Pit often shared the poignant story of a young Christian in Egypt he met named Timothy. Through the Christian radio broadcasts of Trans World Radio Timothy was introduced to Jesus whom he received into his heart and began to follow.

But when he shared his new faith with his Muslim family, they reacted so strongly that he was told to leave home and never come back. After several years of living with other Christians, he decided to try and make contact with his family again. On his mother’s birthday, he bought some flowers and walked to his family’s home. When he knocked on the door, his mother opened it.

“Happy birthday, Mother!” Timothy said. “I brought you these flowers because I love you!” Timothy’s mother turned to him with a stern look and said, “I don’t know who you are!” And she slammed the door.

Timothy said to Jan with tears streaming down his face, “I don’t have a family any more. Will you be my family?”

Today you can be a surrogate family for Christians treated this way. You can also remember to pray for Christians like fifteen-year-old Shirin who has gone through a difficult time of persecution.

When Shirin became a believer he also met with much opposition from his relatives. They shouted at him, threatened him and finally gave him a choice: Jesus or the family.

He chose Jesus and then left his home. He was living on the streets; alone, hungry and very poor. A local Christian saw him, had pity on him and took him into his house.

“Shirin loves God with all his heart! His mother and father are in prison now for being drug addicts, but he is witnessing to many about God’s great love which has been revealed to him.

RESPONSE: Today I will remember those believers who are mistreated and do everything possible to assist them in the way I would want assistance if I was in their shoes.

PRAYER: Lord grant me empathy and a giving heart for those being severely persecuted today.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

LHM Devotion - January 27, 2018 "Mementos"

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20180127

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Mementos"

Jan. 27, 2018

(Jesus said) "Do this in remembrance of Me."
~ Luke 22:19b (ESV)

On the 21st of October, in the year 1805 of our Lord, off the coast of Spain, the Battle of Trafalgar was fought.

In the last great naval action of that era, the fleet of England took on, and emerged victorious against, the combined ships of France and Spain. It was a battle with lasting consequences. You see, Trafalgar placed England in the position where she could control the seas for the next 100 years. By almost every standard, the English victory was a resounding success.

You may have noted, I used the words, "by almost every standard." You see, Admiral Lord Nelson, the Commander of the Fleet, and the architect of the battle plan, was killed, the victim of a French sniper. Dearly loved by those under his command, Nelson was deeply mourned and, even today, things connected to him -- and his life -- have become incredibly valuable.

This explains why the auction of a 34 x 36 inch piece of cloth has stirred up quite a commotion.

The cloth is part of the Union Jack, the flag flown from Nelson's own ship, Victory, during the battle. But there's more. The flag was also used at Nelson's funeral. At the ceremony, the sailors were supposed to drape the admiral's casket in the flag before it was lowered into the ground.

Nelson's men couldn't do it.

Wishing a memento of their beloved leader, they took the flag and tore it into pieces. Over the centuries most of those flag pieces have ended up in museums. All of which makes this flag segment a rare item which will command a high price. (Don't worry about bidding, though. By the time you read this the auction will be over.)

I imagine most of us can understand those sailors. After all, don't we have our own keepsakes from a favorite relative? It's natural to want and remember someone who is special to you.

The same principle holds true in the area of religion.

That is why, over the centuries, pieces of "the true cross of Jesus" have multiplied until now there are enough pieces to build a small house. It is also why relics like the Shroud of Turin are enthusiastically venerated by many and challenged by even more.

Of course, if a person really wished to remember the Savior whose life was spent winning forgiveness and salvation for sinful humankind, they could do no better than to receive His body and blood in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Not only does a communicant obey and remember the Savior in the way He asked of His followers, the believer also receives the forgiveness of sins, which is so very precious to anyone who loves the Lord Jesus.

Oh, one other thing: unlike Nelson's flag which has a limited number of pieces, the bread and wine, the body and blood of the Sacrament cannot run out.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord there are a few generals and admirals who have saved their nation for a century or two. May I always give thanks for the Savior who gave His life so that sins might be forgiven and believers in every place and time might be rescued forever from sin, the devil, and death. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
On the 21st of October, in the year 1805 of our Lord, off the coast of Spain...

Notre Pain Quotidien - Le dernier mot

https://www.ministeresnpq.org/2018/01/27/le-dernier-mot/

Le dernier mot

Lisez : Ecclésiaste 5.1-6
La Bible en un an : Exode 16 – 18 ; Matthieu 18.1-20

Ne te presse pas d’ouvrir la bouche, et que ton cœur ne se hâte pas. (V. 1)

Un jour, durant un cours de philosophie à l’université, un étudiant a émis des remarques incendiaires au sujet des opinions du professeur. À la grande surprise des autres étudiants, l’enseignant l’en a remercié et est passé à un autre commentaire. Quand on lui a demandé par la suite pourquoi il n’avait pas répondu à l’étudiant, il s’est expliqué ainsi : « Je mets en pratique la discipline consistant à refuser le besoin d’avoir le dernier mot. »

Ce professeur aimait et honorait Dieu, et il désirait être humble d’esprit pout refléter cet amour. Ses paroles me rappellent un autre Enseignant, étant d’une autre époque et ayant écrit le livre de l’Ecclésiaste. Même s’il n’a pas dit comment gérer une personne en colère, il a dit que, lorsque nous nous approchons du Seigneur, nous devrions prendre garde à notre pied et nous « [approcher] pour écouter » plutôt que de nous hâter de nous exprimer. Ce faisant, nous reconnaissons que Dieu est Seigneur et que nous sommes ses créatures (EC 4.17 ; 5.1).

Comment vous approchez‑vous de Dieu ? Si vous avez le sentiment que votre attitude aurait besoin d’être ajustée, pourquoi ne prendriez‑vous pas le temps de considérer la majesté et la grandeur du Seigneur ? Lorsque nous méditons sa sagesse, sa puissance et sa présence infinies, nous pouvons admirer l’amour débordant qu’il nous témoigne. Mus par cette même humilité, nous n’aurons pas besoin non plus d’avoir le dernier mot.

Les paroles choisies avec soin honorent Dieu. 

par Amy Boucher Pye

© 2018 Ministères NPQ
Un jour, durant un cours de philosophie à l’université, un étudiant a émis des remarques incendiaires au sujet des opinions du...

The NIV Couples Devotional - Help for a Shaky Marriage


Help for a Shaky Marriage

Psalm 46:1–11

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
~ Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

What could shake the very foundation of your marriage?

For Rick and Amanda, it started with Rick’s working too much. With each promotion, Rick spent more time on the road and less time with Amanda. But success at work left him empty. He bought things he couldn’t afford to reward himself for his long hours away. Soon he and Amanda were arguing over money.

To pay the mounting bills, Amanda found a job. She also found a sympathetic friend at work and tried to heal her hurts with an affair. When Rick found out about the affair, he quietly made plans to divorce Amanda. Before the papers could be filed, however, Amanda got sick with a minor illness. But complications set in, and she was put into the hospital. More than once, the doctors told Rick that she wouldn’t make it through the night.

That night Rick began to see things differently. He wanted to save the marriage, but he didn’t know how. As Amanda’s illness became progressively worse, she went into a coma. Rick feared for her life and spent every waking moment by her side.

In Psalm 46, we see the world being torn apart by cataclysmic disasters—mountains collapsing into the sea, earthquakes, floods and military conquests. But the author of this psalm tells us that we shouldn’t fear. How could we not be afraid when faced with such terrifying events?

The psalmist tells us that through all of the turbulence, God is with us. God is our refuge and strength when problems shake our world. He has such awesome power that the world actually melts at the sound of his voice. God is in control and will be exalted.

As Amanda lay in the hospital, fighting to live, Rick was fired from his job. He had to sell their house and their car. But when everything he thought was important was stripped away, Rick found God was there through it all. When he heard God’s voice, it was as if his earthly troubles melted away. Rick believed God was in control and that Amanda would live.

And she did.

Today Amanda is permanently disabled. She requires full-time care. Life will never be the same for this couple. But their marriage has withstood the worst threats possible. They now trust God daily for healing, forgiveness and the restoration of their marriage. They endured past trials and found that God was their refuge. They will face future trials knowing he is their strength. Their marriage has never been stronger.

Whatever long, dark nights you face as a couple, let this passage remind you that God is ever-present, the morning will come, and the battle has already been won.

Jennifer Schuchmann

Let’s Talk
  • This psalm inspired the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” What spiritual fortresses can we build to protect our marriage in times of trials?
  • Recognizing that God is our refuge and our strength during trials means understanding his character before trials occur. What is God really like? How does knowing who he is provide us with strength and refuge?
  • When our world is shaken, how hard is it for us to believe that God is really in control?