Daily Devotion May 1, 2017 "What Fires You Up?"

This event in the Bible still amazes me. How about you?

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

"What Fires You Up?"

May 1, 2017

Luke 24:30-35 - When He (Jesus) was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They got up and they returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and He has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.

This event in the Bible still amazes me. How about you? It's right after the resurrection of Jesus and He starts making appearances to various disciples around Jerusalem. In this case, He comes along two people walking on the road. They're downcast; they're disappointed; they're heartbroken concerning what happened to their Savior and Friend on Good Friday, as He was crucified on the cross. Their sorrow was so all-encompassing that they couldn't -- or maybe wouldn't -- recognize Jesus, even as He came alongside of them.

Listen to what they said about His word: "Didn't our hearts burned within us as He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" That's a fire. That's a burning that you and I need in the midst of our struggles and griefs, too. When I thought about what fires us up, what burns us up, most of the things that do that for us, they eventually fade away. People are fired up at sporting events, cheering for their team, but that fades quickly, even if they win. People are fired up for their hobbies and leisure. But even burning in your heart for those things fades if there's not something more substantial in your life, above and beyond that. And of course there's all kind of fires burning in our hearts that are up to no good for us either.

So here's a thought for today: there are fires that burn things up, destroy; there are fires that motivate and give joy. Think of the fire that devours a forest or one that levels a house; it leaves nothing behind, or think of the fire at a campfire that draws you into its heat and glow and transforms the night from darkness to light, joy, and camaraderie. Pray today that you know the difference in your life between the fires that destroy (and I'm not talking about literal flames here; I'm talking about what burns in our hearts) -- pray that you know the difference such fires. But even more importantly, immerse yourself in the Words of Jesus, the Words of God, in the Scripture. It's a fire, it's a glow that will draw you close to His love and grace, and empower your life right through death itself.

Just listen to the ones who walked with the risen Savior on the road that day. God bless.

THE PRAYER: Please pray with me. Dear Lord Jesus, there are a lot of things in this world that fire us up for the moment. Give me and all listening in hearts that are fire up by You, Your Word, because that fire doesn't devour; it empowers, and it never, ever goes out. Bless us today with such a fired-up faith. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 01 de Mayo de 2017

Alimento Diario

Al final de la pila

01 de Mayo 2017

Bendeciré al Señor en todo tiempo; su alabanza estará siempre en mi boca. Salmo 34:1

Todos tenemos cuentas que pagar. Y creo no equivocarme al decir que la mayoría de nosotros sabemos lo que es tener más deudas para pagar que dinero para hacerlo.

Eso le sucedió a un hombre que recibió una carta de uno de sus acreedores demandándole que le pagara lo que le debía. Como respuesta, este hombre escribió a su vez una carta a la compañía diciendo: "Estimados señores, cada vez que cobro tomo todas las cuentas que tengo para pagar, las pongo sobre la mesa, las mezclo, y pago las seis que quedan que quedan más arriba en la pila. Si recibo otra carta en el mismo tono que la que me acaban de enviar, el mes que viene quedarán oficialmente fuera de la pila."

Si bien la idea es muy creativa, dudo que le haya dado resultado.

Aunque parezca mentira, muchas personas hacen lo mismo con respecto a sus almas. Se fijan en todas las cosas que quieren hacer y tener, y las ponen por encima de todo lo demás en su vida. Y si Dios les hace saber que quisiera ser parte de sus vidas, lo quitan del medio y hasta amenazan con olvidarlo para siempre.

Esa sí que es una mala idea que no va a dar resultado.

Nuestro Señor dio a su Hijo para salvarnos. Más aún, cada día nuestro Dios nos cuida y protege de peligros y problemas ocultos.

Es justo que el darle gracias siempre sea lo primero en la pila. El salmista dijo: "Bendeciré al Señor en todo tiempo; mis labios siempre lo alabarán."

Él sabía que Dios debía estar primero que nada.

ORACIÓN: Querido Dios, perdóname por las veces que te he fallado y te he puesto al final de la pila a ti, que has hecho tanto por mí. Haz que mi corazón pecador esté siempre dispuesto a agradecerte y alabarte. En el nombre de tu Hijo. Amén

De una devoción escrita originalmente para "By the Way"

© 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 - Questions for God

Read: Judges 6:11–16, 24

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 10–11; Luke 21:20–38

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Go with the strength you have . . . . I will be with you. nlt Judges 6:14, 16

What would you do if the Lord showed up in the middle of your workday with a message? This happened to Gideon, one of the ancient Israelites. “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!’ ” Gideon could have responded with a wordless nod and gulp, but instead he said, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judg. 6:12–13 nlt). Gideon wanted to know why it seemed as if God had abandoned His people.

God didn’t answer that question. After Gideon had endured seven years of enemy attacks, starvation, and hiding in caves, God didn’t explain why He never intervened. God could have revealed Israel’s past sin as the reason, but instead He gave Gideon hope for the future. God said, “Go with the strength you have . . . . I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites” (vv.14, 16 nlt).

Do you ever wonder why God has allowed suffering in your life? Instead of answering that specific question, God may satisfy you with His nearness today and remind you that you can rely on His strength when you feel weak. When Gideon finally believed that God was with him and would help him, he built an altar and called it “The Lord Is Peace” (v. 24).

There is peace in knowing that whatever we do and wherever we go, we go with God who promised never to leave or forsake His followers.

For help, read Why? Seeing God in Our Pain at discoveryseries.org/cb151.

What could be better than getting answers to our why questions? Trusting a good and powerful God.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Thắc Mắc Gửi Chúa

Đọc: Các quan xét 6:11–16, 24

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: I Các vua 10–11; Lu-ca 21:20–38

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Hãy dùng năng lực con có... Ta sẽ ở cùng con. Các quan xét 6:14, 16

Bạn sẽ làm gì nếu Chúa hiện ra và truyền cho bạn một thông điệp trong lúc bạn đang làm việc? Chuyện này đã xảy đến với Ghi-đê-ôn, một người Y-sơ-ra-ên thời xưa. “Thiên sứ của ĐỨC GIÊ-HÔ-VA hiện đến với Ghi-đê-ôn và nói: ‘Hỡi người chiến sĩ dũng cảm! ĐỨC GIÊ-HÔ-VA ở với anh.’” Ghi-đê-ôn có thể đáp lại thiên sứ bằng cách cúi đầu im lặng, nhưng ông lại thắc mắc: “Nếu ĐỨC GIÊ-HÔ-VA ở cùng chúng tôi, tại sao tất cả các việc nầy xảy đến cho chúng tôi?” (Quan 6:12–13). Ghi-đê-ôn muốn biết rằng vì sao có vẻ như Đức Chúa Trời đã bỏ rơi dân Ngài.

Đức Chúa Trời không trả lời thắc mắc đó. Suốt bảy năm qua, Ghi-đê-ôn phải chịu cảnh bị kẻ thù quấy rối, bị đói khát và sống chui nhủi trong hang động, Đức Chúa Trời không giải thích vì sao Ngài không hành động. Đức Chúa Trời có thể chỉ ra tội lỗi quá khứ của dân Y-sơ-ra-ên như một lý do để Ngài im lặng, nhưng Ngài lại mang đến cho Ghi-đê-ôn niềm hy vọng về tương lai. Đức Giê-hô-va phán: “Hãy dùng năng lực con có… Ta sẽ ở cùng con, và con sẽ đánh bại dân Ma-đi-an” (c.14, 16).

Có bao giờ bạn thắc mắc vì sao Chúa lại để bạn đối diện với những nghịch cảnh trong cuộc sống không? Thay vì trả lời câu hỏi đó, Chúa sẽ khiến bạn vững tâm bởi sự hiện diện của Ngài bên cạnh bạn và nhắc bạn nhớ rằng bạn cần nương cậy nơi sức của Ngài khi cảm thấy yếu đuối. Cuối cùng, khi Ghi-đê-ôn tin chắc rằng Chúa ở cùng và giúp đỡ ông, ông đã dựng một bàn thờ và đặt tên là “GIÊ-HÔ-VA Sa-lôm” (c.24), nghĩa là “Chúa của sự bình an.”

Chúng ta sẽ cảm thấy bình an khi biết rằng trong bất cứ việc gì mình làm và bất cứ nơi đâu mình đi đến, Chúa luôn đồng hành với chúng ta, Ngài là Đấng đã hứa sẽ không bao giờ lìa bỏ những ai theo Ngài.

Lạy Chúa, xin giúp con tin cậy Ngài ngay cả khi con không hiểu được lý do của những sự việc xảy ra trong đời con. Con mong được gần Ngài và kinh nghiệm sự bình an từ nơi Ngài.

Thật tốt khi có thể tìm được lời giải đáp cho những thắc mắc “tại sao”. Nhưng điều tốt hơn là đặt lòng tin cậy nơi Đức Chúa Trời tốt lành và quyền năng.

bởi Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Preguntas para Dios

Leer: Jueces 6:11-16, 24

La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 10–11; Lucas 21:20-38

… Ve con esta tu fuerza […] yo estaré contigo… (v. 14, 16).

¿Qué harías si el Señor apareciera en medio de tu jornada laboral con un mensaje? Esto le sucedió al israelita Gedeón. «Y el ángel del Señor se le apareció, y le dijo: el Señor está contigo, varón esforzado y valiente. Y Gedeón le respondió: Ah, señor mío, si el Señor está con nosotros, ¿por qué nos ha sobrevenido todo esto?» (Jueces 6:12-13). Gedeón quería saber por qué parecía que Dios había abandonado a su pueblo.

Sin embargo, después de que Gedeón soportó siete años de ataques enemigos, hambruna y esconderse en cuevas, Dios no le explicó por qué no había intervenido. El Señor podría haber citado el pecado de Israel como una razón, pero, en cambio, le dio esperanza para el futuro, diciendo: «Ve con esta tu fuerza […]. Ciertamente yo estaré contigo, y derrotarás a los madianitas» (vv. 14, 16).

¿Alguna vez te preguntaste por qué Dios permitió que sufrieras? En vez de contestar esa pregunta, quizá el Señor te satisfaga con su cercanía hoy, y te recuerde que puedes descansar en su fortaleza. Cuando Gedeón creyó que Dios estaba con él, edificó un altar y lo llamó «El Señor es Paz» (v. 24 LBLA).

Tenemos paz al saber que, dondequiera que vayamos, vamos con Dios, quien prometió no abandonar jamás a sus seguidores.

Señor, ayúdame a confiar en ti, incluso cuando no entiendo el porqué de ciertas cosas.

¿Qué es mejor que recibir respuesta? Confiar en un Dios bueno y poderoso.

Por Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Fragen an Gott

Lesen: Richter 6,11-16.24

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 10–11; Lukas 21,20-38

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Geh hin in dieser deiner Kraft . . . Ich will mit dir sein. Richter 6,14.16

Was würdest du tun, wenn du mitten am Tag eine Nachricht von Gott bekommen würdest. Genau das passierte Gideon, einem Mann aus dem Volk Israel. „Da erschien ihm der Engel des Herrn und sprach zu ihm: Der Herr mit dir, du streitbarer Held! Gideon aber sprach zu ihm: Ach, mein Herr! Ist der Herr mit uns, warum ist uns dann das alles widerfahren?“ (Rich. 6,12-13).

Gott beantwortete seine Frage nicht. Nachdem Gideon sieben Jahre lang unter den Angriffen der Feinde und unter Hunger gelitten und sich in Höhlen hatte verstecken müssen, gab Gott keine Erklärung, warum er nicht eingegriffen hatte. Er hätte Israels Sünde als Grund nennen können. Doch stattdessen schenkte er Gideon Hoffnung. „Geh hin in dieser deiner Kraft“, sagte er. „Ich will mit dir sein, dass du die Midianiter schlagen sollst“ (V.14.16).

Fragst du dich manchmal, warum Gott das Leid in deinem Leben zulässt? Anstatt dir darauf eine Antwort zu geben, mag Gott dich heute mit seiner Nähe beschenken und dich daran erinnern, dass er dir in deiner Schwäche Kraft geben kann. Als Gideon schließlich glaubte, dass Gott bei ihm war und ihm helfen wollte, baute er einen Altar und nannte ihn „Der Herr ist Friede“ (V.24).

Ja, das Wissen, dass der Gott, der versprochen hat, uns nie zu verlassen, mit uns geht, egal was wir tun oder wohin wir gehen, schenkt tiefen Frieden.

Herr, hilf mir, dir zu vertrauen, auch wenn ich nicht verstehe, warum manche Dinge passieren. Schenke mir deinen Frieden.

Was ist noch besser als eine Antwort auf unsere Warum-Fragen? Das Vertrauen auf einen guten und mächtigen Gott.

Von Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Des questions pour Dieu

Lisez : Juges 6.11‑16,24 

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 10 – 11 et LUC 21.20‑38

Va avec cette force que tu as [...] je serai avec toi. V.14,16

Comment réagiriez-vous si le Seigneur interrompait votre journée de travail en vous communiquant un message ? Or, cela est arrivé à Gédéon, un Israélite de l’Antiquité. « L’ange de l’Éternel lui apparut, et lui dit : L’Éternel est avec toi, vaillant héros ! Gédéon lui dit : Ah ! mon seigneur, si l’Éternel est avec nous, pourquoi toutes ces choses nous sont‑elles arrivées ? » (JG 6.12,13.) Gédéon voulait savoir pourquoi Dieu semblait avoir abandonné son peuple.

Dieu a laissé cette question sans réponse. Même si Gédéon avait subi les attaques de ses ennemis, avait souffert de la faim et avait dû vivre caché dans des grottes pendant sept ans, Dieu ne lui a jamais expliqué pourquoi il n’était pas intervenu. Dieu aurait pu évoquer les péchés passés d’Israël à cet effet, mais il a préféré donner à Gédéon un avenir à espérer : « Va avec cette force que tu as […] je serai avec toi, et tu battras Madian » (V. 14,16).

Vous êtes‑vous déjà demandé pourquoi Dieu permet que vous souffriez ? Au lieu de répondre à cette question précise, il se peut que Dieu vous donne satisfaction en vous faisant ressentir sa proximité aujourd’hui et en vous rappelant que vous pouvez compter sur sa force quand vous vous sentez faible. Lorsque Gédéon a fini par croire que Dieu était à ses côtés et allait lui venir en aide, il a érigé un autel qu’il a nommé « l’Éternel paix » (V. 24).

Le fait de savoir que, quoi que nous fassions et où que nous allions, le Dieu qui a promis de ne jamais nous délaisser ni nous abandonner sera toujours avec nous a de quoi nous apaiser.

Se fier à un Dieu bon et puissant, voilà la réponse à tout.

par Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Питання до Бога

Читати: Суддів 6:11-16, 24

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 10–11 ; Луки 21:20-38

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Іди з цією своєю силою… Я буду з тобою. — Суддів 6:14, 16

Що б ви робили, якби Господь в робочий день з’явився вам з якоюсь звісткою? Саме це сталося з Гедеоном. “І явився до нього Ангол Господній, і промовив йому: Господь з тобою, хоробрий мужу!” Здавалося, Гедеон мав від переляку втратити дар мови, але натомість він відказав: “Якщо Господь з нами, то нащо прийшло на нас усе це?” (Суд. 6:12-13).

Але Бог не відповів на це питання. Гедеон сім років страждав від нападів ворогів. Весь цей час він переховувався в печерах. Однак Бог не пояснив йому, чому не втручався в ці події. Господь також не вказав на колишні гріхи як на причину страждань. Натомість Він дав Гедеону надію на майбутнє, кажучи: “Іди з цією своєю силою… Я буду з тобою, і ти поб’єш мідіянітян, як одного чоловіка” (Суд. 6:14, 16).

Чи ви коли-небудь задавались питанням, чому Бог попускає страждання у вашому житті? Господь навряд чи відповість вам на це питання. Натомість Він задовольнить вашу душу Своєю присутністю і нагадає вам, що можете цілком покладатися на Його силу в часи слабкості. Коли Гедеон зрештою повірив, що Бог з ним і допоможе йому, він побудував олтар і назвав його Єгова-Шалом, тобто “Господь є мир” (Суд. 6:24).

Усвідомлення тієї істини, що куди б ми не пішли, і що б ми не робили, з нами завжди Бог − дарує глибокий спокій.

Господи, допоможи мені довіряти Тобі, навіть коли не розумію, чому в моєму житті відбуваються певні речі. Лину до Тебе, бо потребую Твого миру.

Щоб дізнатись більше, читайте брошуру “Чому? Пошуки Бога серед страждань”

Що краще за отримання відповідей на всі наші “чому?” Довіра благому, могутньому Богу.

Автор Дженніфер Бенсон Шульдт

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Вопросы к Богу

Читать сейчас: Судей 6:11-16, 24

Библия за год: 3 Царств 10-11; Луки 21:20-38

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«Иди с этой силой твоей... Я буду с тобой». — Судей 6:14, 16

Что бы вы сделали, если бы Господь явился вам в разгар рабочего дня с вестью? Именно это произошло с Гедеоном, одним из древних героев Израиля. «Явился ему ангел Господен и сказал ему: “Господь с тобой, муж сильный!”» Растерянный Гедеон стал возражать: «Если Господь с нами, то отчего постигло нас все это?» (Суд. 6:12-13). Будущий победитель хотел знать, почему Бог, как казалось, отверг Свой народ.

Бог не ответил на вопрос. После семи лет вражеских нападений, голода и скитаний по пещерам люди так и не узнали, почему Он не вмешался. Бог мог бы открыть Израилю его прошлые грехи, но вместо этого Он дал Гедеону надежду на будущее. Бог сказал: «Иди с этой силой твоей и спаси Израиля... Я буду с тобой» (Суд. 6:14, 16).

Вы никогда не задумывались, почему Бог допускает страдания в вашей жизни? Вместо ответа на этот вопрос Бог может утешить вас Своим присутствием и напомнить, что в своей слабости вам следует полагаться на Его силу. Поверив в то, что Бог был с Ним и что Он поможет, Гедеон соорудил жертвенник и назвал его «Господь – мир» (Суд. 6:24).

Если помнить о том, что Господь с нами, куда бы мы ни пошли и что бы ни делали, в сердце приходит мир. Он обещал никогда не оставить и не покинуть Своих детей.

Господь, помоги мне доверять Тебе, даже когда я не понимаю, почему происходит то или иное. Я обращаюсь к Тебе за миром и спокойствием.

Чтобы узнать больше, прочитайте брошюру «Почему? Как видеть Бога среди невзгод».

Что может быть лучше ответов на молитвы? Доверие благому и великому Богу.

автор: Дженифер Бенсон Шульдт

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Readings for SUNDAY, April 30, 2017 - 3rd Sunday of Easter (Misericordia Sunday)

Jesus and the two disciples On the Road to Emmaus, by Duccio, 1308-1311

Opening Sentence

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

INTROIT
Misericordias Domini - Taizé

Morning Prayer

O God:
Give me strength to live another day;
Let me not turn coward before its difficulties or prove recreant to its duties;
Let me not lose faith in other people;
Keep me sweet and sound of heart, in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness;
Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them;
Help me to keep my heart clean, and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity;
Open wide the eyes of my soul that I may see good in all things;
Grant me this day some new vision of thy truth;
Inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness;
and make me the cup of strength to suffering souls;
in the name of the strong Deliverer, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Daniel 4:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that live throughout the earth: May you have abundant prosperity! The signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me I am pleased to recount. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his sovereignty is from generation to generation. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living at ease in my home and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that frightened me; my fantasies in bed and the visions of my head terrified me. So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, in order that they might tell me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not tell me its interpretation. At last Daniel came in before me-- he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods-- and I told him the dream: "O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that you are endowed with a spirit of the holy gods and that no mystery is too difficult for you. Hear the dream that I saw; tell me its interpretation. Upon my bed this is what I saw; there was a tree at the center of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew great and strong, its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. Its foliage was beautiful, its fruit abundant, and it provided food for all. The animals of the field found shade under it, the birds of the air nested in its branches, and from it all living beings were fed. "I continued looking, in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and there was a holy watcher, coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said: 'Cut down the tree and chop off its branches, strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from beneath it and the birds from its branches. But leave its stump and roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be bathed with the dew of heaven, and let his lot be with the animals of the field in the grass of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a human, and let the mind of an animal be given to him. And let seven times pass over him. The sentence is rendered by decree of the watchers, the decision is given by order of the holy ones, in order that all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of mortals; he gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of human beings.' "This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are unable to tell me the interpretation. You are able, however, for you are endowed with a spirit of the holy gods."

Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17
1  I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2  Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3  The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
10  I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;
11  I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
12  What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
13  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
14  I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
15  Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
16  O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.
17  I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.

The Epistle Lesson

The First Reading is taken from Acts 2:14, 2:36-41

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Second Reading is taken from 1 Peter 1:17-23

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

The Holy Gospel Reading

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Click HERE to read today's Holy Gospel Lesson message.

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Prayer of the Day

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

A Prayer for Sundays

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

A Prayer for Mission

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen

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

The Sermon for SUNDAY, April 30, 2017 - 3rd Sunday of Easter (Misericordia Sunday)

The Road to Emmaus - Altobello Melone

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:13-35)

Grace and peace to you from our risen Savior, Jesus who is the Christ. Amen

What Is Jesus Doing In Your Life Today?

Do you know the greatest recorded event in human history? This event is a fact of history, written about by many individuals who either saw the event themselves or spoke with eye witnesses. Is it Columbus’ arrival in America? Is it the D-Day invasion of Normandy or perhaps the detonation of the first nuclear bomb over Hiroshima? Or maybe is it Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon? These are all climactic human events in the history of our world. None of these events are disputed. In fact, each one of these events has much written about it. But they are not “the” event that I am talking about here my friends. No, what I am referring to is the resurrection of Jesus Christ: a historical fact. Now, there are those who have tried to pervert history. There are nay-sayers who say Jesus’ resurrection was a fable, a story, a sham, or whatever. But regardless of what they are anyone says, Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact; it’s literally the turning-point in human history; it is a real fact that impacted millions of people 2,000 years ago and continues to impact billions of people today. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is more powerful than the nuclear bomb of Hiroshima or Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon. And today, we’re going to look what this historical fact is doing for you and your life today. What is Jesus doing in your life today? 

Last week in the message we looked at this guy who got the unfortunate name of “doubting” Thomas. I suggested that we are all “doubting Thomases” at times but that God never stops loving us, even when we doubt. It seems amazing that Thomas, who was an eye witness to Jesus’ life and ministry had to see and touch Jesus’ resurrected body in order to believe that Jesus lives! And the message today is even more profound in that these two men walking along were talking about this huge event that had just happened in Jerusalem, in fact the most profound event in the history of the world—the scandalous and sensational execution by crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth—this Jesus guy who Himself had been healing the sick, raising the dead and was even called “the King of the Jews.” These walking men were talking about it; they obviously know most of the details, maybe even saw Jesus as He dragged His cross through the village, and then, as they’re walking along, Jesus Himself appears to them and they don’t recognize the Lord for Who He is. Jesus appears and they just think He’s a fellow traveler, just like they are. They continue to talk about Jesus, not knowing that in fact they are talking with Jesus. 

I think the dialogue between Jesus and these traveling men is so revealing. Why can’t they see Jesus for Who He is? How come they can’t see Jesus at work in their lives right in this very moment? Friends, has that ever happened to you? Because, you know, Jesus is always at work in your life. Always, in good times and in bad. Certainly these men couldn’t see this fact. So Jesus asks them interrogating questions in order to lead and guide them into understanding the importance of these events that they had just witnessed. I like how Jesus opens the conversation by asking them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” Now of course its generally accepted that its rude to answer a question with another question, but one of these men, named Cleopas, basically asks Jesus, “what else would we be talking about? I mean, where you have been, on the moon or something? Haven’t you heard about this great scandal, about the things that have just happened here in these last few days?” How ironic when you think that he’s asking Jesus these questions! And then Jesus’ answer is great, “hmm…what things?”

Although these guys open their dialogue with calling Jesus a prophet, “powerful in word and deed before God and all people,” the rest of their dialogue, although correct, reveals that they don’t really understand the importance of the crucifixion and resurrection. They do reveal that they had hoped that Jesus was the promised Messiah, that Jesus would be the One to finally deliver and free Israel. But to them, it couldn’t be the case because the Jews and the Romans killed Jesus. To them, Jesus was just another false prophet. Maybe a good guy, but a false prophet.

And yet these men knew that Jesus said that He had to die and would be raised again on the third day. And they reported to Jesus that some people had just been reporting that they had heard that Jesus had risen from the dead. These men are just like the Jewish Pharisees…it’s all right there, right in front of their eyes. And yet they can’t put two and two together. The Jews couldn’t see Jesus for Who He was and so they killed Him. And these men couldn’t see the Savior of the world working in their lives. In fact, Jesus is walking with them, they’re talking about Jesus, and yet they can’t see Him for who He is. And friends, if you can’t see Jesus for Who He is, its pretty tough to see what it is that Jesus is doing for you. So how do we go about recognizing Jesus in our lives?

Has anyone ever heard of the “Jesus Seminar?” In 1985 a group of very theologically liberal scholars gathered together to “re-evaluate” the person of Jesus Christ and to deconstruct the biblical accounts surrounding Him. These guys sat around and discussed the Biblical events and then voted on whether they thought these events actually happened by using colored beads.

Red means authentic, pink means probably authentic, grey means probably not authentic and black meaning definitely not authentic. The Jesus Seminar members concluded that the Biblical claims of Christ’s divinity were false and that the accounts of His physical resurrection were fabricated. In fact, they discounted much of the New Testament itself as fictional. Ultimately, these so-called scholars concluded that it is not necessary to believe in the historical truth and accuracy—the historical fact—of the resurrection narratives in the Gospels. And these guys identify themselves as Christian scholars.

You know my friends, I can point to multiple places in our Bible that clearly contradicts what this “Jesus Seminar” statement says. For example in our reading last week, we looked at how important faith in the living Jesus Christ is—how Jesus presented His resurrected body to Thomas so that Thomas might believe, and how Jesus gives us His body and blood through Communion so that we might believe too. But the point of the question isn’t to contradict this Jesus Seminar, but rather the question is, for all of humanity, does the empty tomb matter? Does the resurrection of Jesus Christ really matter? The Apostle Paul would definitely have a problem with this Jesus Seminar. In 1 Corinthians he writes “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” Exactly. It’s all or nothing. If Jesus wasn’t resurrected, if the Lord isn’t alive now, then we have no chance at life either.

You know, I brought up this “Jesus Seminar” a little bit to show how easy it is to simply discount human history of long ago and to discount the very real fact that Jesus Christ does live and that this event was witnessed by hundreds of people. I mean, think about this, people who witnessed the resurrection were talking about Jesus’ resurrection, and people who heard them talk were talking with others. If the resurrection was fake, the eye could certainly have confirmed or denied the accuracy of such accounts. The writers of the four Gospels either had themselves been witnesses or else were relating the accounts of eyewitnesses of the actual events. Nothing changes the fact that the tomb really was empty. Bottom line…it really happened and the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith. Looking into the empty tomb, the women heard the angels ask, “why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.” That’s what I want to ask these Jesus Seminar scholars: “why do you seek the living among the dead?”

Friends, Jesus Christ has risen! He is alive! As I opened my sermon, I asked you to think about what Jesus is doing in your life today. Friends, Jesus has risen to work miracles in your life. Yes, you and I are not eye witnesses to the historical events of His death and resurrection, but we are faith witnesses…we can have the same faith to believe as the eye witnesses had. I mean, think about it, these men who walked with Jesus couldn’t see Him for Who He was. What changed? How come they suddenly recognized Jesus as the risen Lord? Verse 30 tells us, “when he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” Talk about means of grace my friends! We can recognize Jesus for Who He is and what He does in our lives by those same means of Grace. We study the Scriptural Words written about the Lord—our Bible. We are baptized for the forgiveness of sins into the body of Christ. And just like Thomas could touch the resurrected Lord, we partake of His Holy meal, where receive His true body and blood. God gives us forgiveness of sins in these means of Grace and the Holy Spirit continues to reveal the truth of Jesus Christ and His workings in our lives every day.

So what is Jesus Christ doing in your life today? Can you see Him at work? If not, I encourage you to look. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Because you know, my friends, God is constantly at work in your life. For me, every breath I take is a gift from God. My health is a gift from God. Even the aches and the pains I sometimes feel are gifts from God because I know that Christ is always with me, even if I can’t see Him. That is Jesus’ promise. He says, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He doesn’t say “I am usually with you,” or “I’ll be there a lot.” No our Savior tells us straight-up, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus Christ came into this world for us. He lived among us for us. He died for us. And He rose again. You might not have witnessed these events with your own eyes, but my friends, but the historical truth is that many people did witness the resurrected Lord Jesus with their own eyes. Jesus Christ is our living God. And He lives for us. And because He lives, so do we. It’s real, historical fact. So what is Jesus doing in your life today, my friends? Let’s pray…

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted. Sermon shared by By Stephen H. Becker, M.Div., Apr 5, 2008.

Prayer of the Day for SUNDAY, April 30, 2017 - 3rd Sunday of Easter (Misericordia Sunday)

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for SUNDAY, April 30, 2017 - 3rd Sunday of Easter (Misericordia Sunday)

Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Read all of Ephesians 4

Listen to Ephesians 4

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

Un Dia a la Vez - Oración para hacer su voluntad

Enséñame a hacer tu voluntad, porque tú eres mi Dios. Que tu buen Espíritu me guíe por un terreno sin obstáculos.
Salmo 143:10 

Señor, en estos días me has hablado acerca de mantener mi mirada en ti, sin importar las situaciones que pueda estar viviendo.

Hoy estoy reconociendo que te he juzgado, que me he enojado contigo y te he culpado por todo lo que estoy pasando y por todo lo que viví en el pasado.

Te pido perdón y te suplico que me ayudes a hacer tu voluntad y morir a mis caprichos.

También te pido que me ayudes a andar en tus caminos y a hacer tu voluntad para mi vida.

Límpiame y purifica mi mente, Jesús.

Enséñame a entender que tú has estado en cada adversidad, aunque no te haya visto.

Quiero confiar en ti y serte fiel.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - GOD USES PROBLEMS AND PERSECUTION TO PROTECT YOU

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Genesis 50:20

Here is another of five ways God uses problems and persecution in your life: God uses problems and persecution to PROTECT you.

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem—but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered.

Eritrean Christian singer, Helen Berhane, testifies that God helped her at every turn during her almost three years of imprisonment in the infamous shipping containers. She saw God repeatedly turn evil plans into good:

One day they [the guards] brought two girls to my container. Their names were Rahel and Elsa. They were both in the army before they were arrested. They were supposed to spy on me and report back, because the authorities could not understand how, despite their treatment of me, I was still defiant. However, things backfired because the girls really liked me. Very soon we had become good friends and they even told me, “We were supposed to spy on you. But we like you, and so we won’t!”

…Since the girls were not spying as they had been told to, Rahel was released, but they left Elsa in the container with me for a while. Rahel left all her spare clothes for me. This was a blessing, as for a long time I had not been allowed any more clothes, even when the old ones were worn out. I felt that this was God’s provision for me, like the ravens he sent to Elijah. It was my experience that no matter what hardship I was in, God always sent someone to help me. So, although these girls were sent to spy on me, God used them to bless me.[1] (emphasis mine)

RESPONSE: God is at work in my life—even when I do not recognize it or understand it. It is much easier and more profitable when I cooperate with Him. This is the way to victory!

PRAYER: God help me to trust You to bring good from the challenges, difficulties and persecutions I might be subjected to today.

1. Helen Berhane, The Song of the Nightingale (Colorado Springs: Authentic Media, 2009), pp. 57-58.

LHM Daily Devotion - April 30, 2017 "The Impact of the Gospel"

Billions of people around the world are living in the dark. They...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"The Impact of the Gospel"

April 30, 2017

Romans 10:14-17 - How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

Billions of people around the world are living in the dark.

They are seeking some kind of light, but where should they search and for what should they look? These things they do not know.

In contrast to what they do not know we believers are fully aware these people are in urgent spiritual need. We also know we have a responsibility to them which comes from God. He has told us the Holy Spirit will save lives when we preach the Word and bring the risen Christ to all nations.

In Vietnam we are not afraid of hard work, unforeseen inconveniences, and many difficulties. The Savior warned us these things would come. Still, no matter what may be ahead, we rejoice in the opportunity to share the Savior through our lives as well as through our words. In the office or not, we try not to sound like bosses who bark out orders to underlings. No, our words about the Savior ought to be underlined by our sanctified lives in which we offer help and care, love and sympathy.

Some examples taken from our holistic ministry may help you see this point more clearly. Over the years, we have given milk to children at nursery schools and eye glasses to the impoverished elderly of our country. We do that because we want them to see and feel God's love through our sharing.

We do it because not only the children, but also their teachers, their parents, and their neighbors then see God's Word is being underlined by our actions. And the result? Hundreds of people from our holistic projects have been saved by the power of God's Spirit.

Truly we have seen many, many people come to know Christ and trust in Him as their Lord and Savior because they have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has been preached to them. We know Paul was right when He was inspired to write that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please help us understand the real importance of evangelism so that we may want to share Your Word and love with the lost. Please help us make our witness in both word and works so the Holy Spirit may move them out of darkness and into the light of Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen

Biography of Author: Mr. Dinh Hai Au is the Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries-Vietnam, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City. "I was born into a Christian family but did not really understand who God is," Hai Au relates. Some personal crises led him to the Lord who answered his prayers in powerful ways. "Since then I have experienced countless blessings in my life and work," he says. Hai Au majored in English and worked as an English teacher for 12 years after his graduation. From 2003 to 2007 he worked for LHM organizing shows that shared the Gospel to non-Christian children and youth. Hai Au began work as the center's Director at the end of 2011. Under his leadership, LHM-Vietnam has experienced overwhelming responses and new or revitalized evangelism strategies.

Known in-country as Globalinks, LHM-Vietnam makes use of holistic ministry, sporting events, internet radio, and musical performances to create opportunities for Gospel presentations. In this country of more than 90 million people, staff and volunteers from LHM-Vietnam's ministry center conduct eyeglass clinics and children's nutritional programs to help foster community relationships. God's Word is shared through print media, puppet productions, films, drama and rallies, too. Both Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) and lay Christian training provided through Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops are effective in strengthening believers' faith and giving them instruction in witnessing and personal faith-sharing.

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

Our Daily Bread - Forever Loved

Read: Psalm 4:1–8

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 8–9; Luke 21:1–19

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Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself. Psalm 4:3

It’s almost impossible for us to get through a day without being snubbed, ignored, or put down in some way. Sometimes we even do it to ourselves.

David’s enemies were talking smack—bullying, threatening, pummeling him with insults. His sense of self-worth and well-being had plummeted (Ps. 4:1–2). He asked for relief “from my distress.”

Then David remembered, “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself” (v. 3). Various English versions try to capture the full essence of David’s bold statement by translating “faithful servant” as “godly.” The Hebrew word here, hesed, literally refers to God’s covenant love and might well be rendered “those whom God will love forever and ever and ever.”

Here’s what we too must remember: We are loved forever, set apart in a special way, as dear to God as His own Son. He has called us to be His children for all eternity.

Instead of despairing, we can remind ourselves of the love we freely receive from our Father. We are His dearly beloved children. The end is not despair but peace and joy (vv. 7–8). He never gives up on us, and He never ever stops loving us.

Father in heaven, the words of others can wound us deeply. Your words to us heal and comfort, and You assure us that we are loved forever.

The true measure of God’s love is that He loves without measure. Bernard of Clairvaux

By David H. Roper

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Mãi Được Yêu

Đọc: Thi Thiên 4:1-8

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các Vua 8-9; Lu-ca 21:1-19

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Phải biết rằng Đức Giê-hô-va đã biệt riêng người tin kính cho Ngài. Thi Thiên 4:3

Hầu như không có ngày nào chúng ta không đối diện với việc bị sỉ nhục, bị phớt lờ hay bị hạ thấp theo cách nào đó. Đôi khi chúng ta còn tự làm vậy đối với chính mình nữa.

Kẻ thù của Đa-vít bắt nạt, dọa dẫm, và giáng những đòn nhục mạ vào ông. Danh dự của ông bị sỉ nhục (Thi. 4:1-2). Ông đã cầu xin Chúa giải cứu ông “khỏi gian truân.”

Sau đó Đa-vít nhớ lại: “Phải biết rằng Đức Giê-hô-va đã biệt riêng người tin kính cho Ngài” (c.3). Một số bản dịch khác cố gắng chuyển tải được đầy đủ ý nghĩa của lời tuyên bố mạnh mẽ này của Đa-vít bằng cách dịch cụm từ “người đầy tớ trung thành” là “người tin kính”. Từ tiếng Hê-bơ-rơ ở đây, hesed, theo nghĩa đen nói về tình yêu giao ước của Đức Chúa và có lẽ dịch đúng hơn là “những người được Đức Chúa Trời yêu thương mãi mãi và đời đời.”

Đây cũng là điều chúng ta phải ghi nhớ. Chúng ta được Chúa yêu mãi mãi, được biệt riêng một cách đặc biệt và chúng ta quý báu trước mặt Đức Chúa Trời y như Con của Ngài vậy. Ngài đã kêu gọi chúng ta trở nên con cái Ngài đời đời.

Thay vì tuyệt vọng, chúng ta cần nhắc nhở chính mình về tình yêu thương mà chúng ta nhận được cách miễn phí từ Cha Thiên Thượng. Chúng ta là con cái rất yêu dấu của Ngài. Cuối cùng không phải là tuyệt vọng mà là bình an và vui thỏa (c.7-8). Ngài không bao giờ ngừng kỳ vọng nơi chúng ta, và Ngài không bao giờ ngừng yêu thương chúng ta.

Lạy Cha trên trời, lời người khác nói có thể khiến chúng con bị tổn thương sâu sắc. Nhưng Lời Ngài đem đến sự chữa lành và yên ủi, và Ngài đảm bảo với chúng con rằng chúng con được Ngài yêu thương mãi mãi.

Thước đo thật sự của tình yêu thiên thượng là Ngài yêu chúng ta vô điều kiện.

Bernard thành Clairvaux.

bởi David H. Roper

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày