LHM Daily Devotion - July 1, 2017 "Doggy Doors"

Ask around and the experts will tell you about the greatest fights...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Doggy Doors"

July 1, 2017

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

~ James 1:14-15 (ESV)

Ask around and the experts will tell you about the greatest fights in history. In the top 10, most would likely list the "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Others would mention the 1952 battle between Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott. That battle was won by Marciano who finished his career undefeated.

Truly, those were epic contests, but they were mere skirmishes when compared to the 2016 battle waged by "Boone the boxer." Before I go further, allow me to share that Boone the boxer is a dog owned by the Scott Gray family of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Dog or no, right before Halloween last year, Boone got himself into a prime-time fight. And if you're wondering how this battle began, I can tell you: the Gray's house has a dog door to make Boone's comings and goings more convenient.

Unfortunately, that dog door can be used by other animals -- other animals like skunks, for example.

The Grays were not at home the night an uninvited skunk came in through the doggy door. A few hours later when the family returned, Boone and the skunk were still at it. Mr. Gray managed to corner the skunk in a bedroom and have it removed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Experts were called in to tell how the Grays might restore their home to pre-fight conditions.

What the experts said was this: get rid of your clothes; toss your furniture; tear the sheet rock off its studs, and begin over. The insurance company agreed that doing those things would be the way for the Gray family to proceed. Oh, the insurance company also said something else, something like "While we feel sorry for you, and deeply regret what has happened to your home, you should know your homeowner's policy does not cover your domicile for damages done by skunks that gained entrance through a doggy door left open."

As this devotion is written, the Grays have shelled out $70,000 and they estimate they will spend another $50,000 before they are done reclaiming their home.

Now there ought to be a devotional point to this sad story -- and there is. The point is we need to watch what comes into the homes of our hearts.

James talks about the process of how a sin begins in a simple way. It all starts when a heart which ought to be owned by the Lord has been built with a doggy door. It doesn't take too long before an unchristian temptation saunters in. Left unchecked, that desire will grow and become a sin which, as James says, "brings forth death."

Now, unlike the Gray family, we do have good news for those who find their hearts have been befouled by sin. We have a Savior who can, for people of faith, remove that sin and set things straight. Scripture is clear: if we confess our sins, the Lord wall forgive us our sins. But, the Bible tells us God's people are smart if they don't leave open a doggy door for sin, in the first place.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me the faith and the wisdom to stop sin before it starts. Keep my heart dedicated to giving thanks for the Savior who has done all to win my forgiveness and salvation. 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).

Our Daily Bread - Cleaning House

Read: 1 Peter 1:22–2:5

Bible in a Year: Job 20–21; Acts 10:24–48

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Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 1 Peter 2:1

Recently, I switched rooms in the home I rent. This took longer than expected, because I didn’t want to simply transfer my (extensive) mess to a new room; I wanted a completely fresh and uncluttered start. After hours and hours of cleaning and sorting, bags of stuff sat by the front door to be thrown away, donated, or recycled. But at the end of this exhausting process was a beautiful room I was excited to spend time in.

My housecleaning project gave me a fresh perspective when reading 1 Peter 2:1, as paraphrased in The Message: “So, clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy, and hurtful talk.” Interestingly, it’s after a joyful confession of their new life in Christ (1:1–12) that Peter urges them to throw away destructive habits (1:13–2:3). When our walk with the Lord feels cluttered and our love for others feels strained, this shouldn’t cause us to question our salvation. We don’t change our lives to be saved, but because we are (1:23).

As real as our new life in Christ is, bad habits learned do not disappear overnight. So, on a daily basis, we need to “clean house,” throwing away all that prevents us from fully loving others (1:22) and growing (2:2). Then, in that new, clean space, we can experience the wonder of being freshly built (v. 5) by Christ’s power and life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the new life You are building in us through our Lord Jesus. Help us to daily turn to You for cleansing and renewal.

Every day we can reject destructive habits and experience new life in Jesus.

By Monica Brands

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ministérios Pão Diário - Corredeiras

Leia: 1 Crônicas 28:9-20

A Bíblia em um ano: Jó 20–21, Atos 10:24-48

Minha primeira experiência de rafting estava sendo bem divertida, até que ouvi o rugir das corredeiras à frente. Surgiu a incerteza, o medo e a insegurança, tudo ao mesmo tempo. Passar pelas corredeiras foi uma experiência emocionante, cheia de tensão e ansiedade! De repente tudo acabou. O guia, sentado na parte de trás do bote, tinha nos ajudado a atravessar aquele trecho. E eu então me senti seguro — pelo menos até as próximas corredeiras.

As transições na vida são como as corredeiras. As inevitáveis passagens de uma estação da vida à outra: da vida acadêmica à profissional, de solteiro para casado, da ativa à aposentadoria, do casamento à viuvez — todas são marcadas por incerteza e insegurança.

Em uma das transições mais significativas registradas na história do Antigo Testamento, Salomão assumiu o trono de seu pai, Davi. Estou certo de que ele estava cheio de incerteza em relação ao futuro. Qual fora o conselho de seu pai? “…Sê forte e corajoso e faze a obra […] o Senhor Deus, meu Deus, há de ser contigo…” (1 Crônicas 28.20).

Cada um de nós tem a sua parte de transições difíceis na vida. Mas com Deus ao seu lado, você não está só. Fixe os seus olhos naquele que navega com você pelas águas turbulentas. Ele já ajudou muitos outros a passarem por elas. À frente estão as águas tranquilas.

Deus o guiará pelas turbulentas mudanças que ocorrem em sua vida.

por Joe Stowell

© 2017 Ministérios Pão Diário

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Dọn Dẹp Nhà Cửa

Đọc: I Phi-e-rơ 1:22-2:5

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Gióp 20-21; Công vụ 10:24-48

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Vậy, anh em hãy từ bỏ mọi điều độc ác, xảo trá, đạo đức giả, ghen tị và mọi chuyện vu cáo. I Phi-e-rơ 2:1

Mới đây, tôi chuyển sang ở phòng khác trong căn hộ tôi thuê. Việc này lâu hơn dự kiến vì tôi không muốn chuyển đống đồ lộn xộn (to lớn) của mình sang căn phòng mới. Tôi muốn có một khởi đầu hoàn toàn mới mẻ và một chỗ ở gọn gàng. Sau nhiều giờ dọn dẹp và phân loại, ngoài cửa phòng chất đầy các túi đồ cần bỏ đi, túi đồ tặng hoặc tái chế. Dù vậy, kết thúc quá trình mệt mỏi này là một căn phòng xinh xắn và tôi rất thích sống trong căn phòng đó.

Chuyện dọn dẹp nhà cửa này đã giúp tôi có một góc nhìn tươi mới khi đọc I Phi-e-rơ 2:1: “Vậy, hãy dọn dẹp nhà cửa! Hãy quét sạch điều độc ác và giả vờ, ghen tị và chuyện gây hại.” (Bản dịch The Message) Điều thú vị là sau lời công bố đầy vui mừng về đời sống mới của tín hữu trong Đấng Christ (1:1-12) thì Phi-e-rơ thúc giục họ vứt bỏ những thói quen gây hư hoại (1:13-2:3). Nếu đời sống theo Chúa của chúng ta bị trục trặc và tình yêu của chúng ta dành cho người khác trở nên gượng ép, thì đừng để những điều đó làm chúng ta nghi ngờ sự cứu rỗi của mình. Chúng ta không thay đổi đời sống mình để được cứu, mà vì chúng ta vốn đã được cứu (1:23).

Khi tin Đấng Christ, chúng ta có một đời sống mới, nhưng những thói quen xấu không biến mất sau một đêm. Vì vậy, mỗi ngày chúng ta cần “dọn dep nhà cửa”, vứt bỏ mọi thứ ngăn cản chúng ta thật lòng yêu thương người khác (1:22) và tăng trưởng (2:2). Để rồi, trong không gian tươi mới và sạch sẽ đó, chúng ta có thể trải nghiệm sự kỳ diệu của việc được dựng nên mới (c. 5) bằng quyền năng và sự sống của Đấng Christ.

Lạy Cha Thiên Thượng, cảm ơn Cha vì qua Cứu Chúa Jêsus, Ngài đang dựng nên trong con một đời sống mới. Cầu xin Chúa thanh tẩy và đổi mới chúng con từng ngày.

Mỗi ngày chúng ta có thể loại bỏ những thói quen gây hư hoại và kinh nghiệm đời sống mới trong Chúa Jêsus.

bởi Monica Brands

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Limpiar la casa

Leer: 1 Pedro 1:22–2:5

La Biblia en un año: Job 20–21; Hechos 10:24-48

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Desechando, pues, toda malicia, todo engaño, hipocresía, envidias, y todas las detracciones… (2:1).

 

Hace poco, cambié de habitación en casa. Me llevó más tiempo de lo que esperaba, porque no solo quería transferir mi desorden; deseaba empezar de cero. Después de horas de limpiar y clasificar —un proceso agotador—, tenía una hermosa habitación donde me entusiasmaba estar.

Mi proyecto me dio una perspectiva renovada de 1 Pedro 2:1: «Entonces, ¡limpien la casa! Descarten por completo la malicia y el fingimiento, la envidia y las palabras hirientes» (The Message, trad. libre). Es interesante que, después de celebrar su nueva fe en Cristo (1:1-12), Pedro animara a los creyentes a desechar hábitos destructivos (1:13–2:3). Cuando nuestro caminar con el Señor parece desordenado y hay tensión en nuestro amor por los demás, esto no debe llevarnos a cuestionar nuestra salvación. No cambiamos nuestras vidas para ser salvos, sino porque ya lo somos (1:23).

Los malos hábitos no desaparecen de la noche a la mañana. Así que, a diario, necesitamos «limpiar la casa» y desechar cualquier cosa que evite que amemos plenamente a los demás (1:22) y que crezcamos (2:2). Entonces, en ese espacio nuevo y limpio, podemos experimentar la maravilla de ser edificados y renovados (v. 5) por el poder y la vida de Cristo.

Padre celestial, ayúdanos a acudir a ti para limpiarnos y renovarnos.

Rechacemos los hábitos destructivos y experimentemos la nueva vida en Jesús.

Por mb

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Hausputz

Lesen: 1.Petrus 1,22–2,5

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hiob 20–21; Apostelgeschichte 10,24-48

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So legt nun ab alle Bosheit und allen Betrug und Heuchelei und Neid und alle üble Nachrede. 1.Petrus 2,1

Vor kurzem habe ich in der Wohnung ein paar Zimmer umgeräumt. Das dauerte länger, als erwartet, denn ich wollte nicht einfach mein Durcheinander in einen anderen Raum verlegen, sondern dort ganz neu und ohne Altlasten beginnen. Ich putzte und sortierte stundenlang und vor dem Haus stapelten sich Säcke mit Dingen, die weggeworfen, weitergegeben oder recycelt werden sollten. Schließlich aber hatte ich ein schönes Zimmer, in dem ich mich gern aufhalten werde.

Und auf einmal verstand ich den Text in 1.Petrus 2,1 viel besser. In einer neueren Übersetzung heißt es dort: „Macht Hausputz! Kehrt Bosheit und Angeberei, Neid und negatives Reden aus.“ Interessanterweise ist es ein frohes Bekenntnis zum neuen Leben in Christus (1,1-12), das Petrus veranlasst, zum Ablegen schädlicher Gewohnheiten aufzurufen (1,13–2,3). Wenn die Nachfolge schwierig und die Liebe zum Nächsten anstrengend zu sein scheint, sollten wir nicht gleich an unserer Erlösung zweifeln. Wir ändern unser Leben nicht, um gerettet zu werden, sondern weil wir gerettet sind (1,23).

Schlechte Gewohnheiten verschwinden nicht über Nacht. Deshalb sollten wir täglich „Hausputz“ halten und alles hinauswerfen, was uns daran hindert, andere von Herzen zu lieben (1,22) und im Glauben zu wachsen (2,2). Dann können wir erleben, wie es ist, durch Jesu Kraft und Leben auferbaut zu werden (V.5).

Himmlischer Vater, hab Dank für das neue Leben, das du durch unseren Herrn Jesus in uns baust. Mach uns bereit, uns täglich von dir reinigen und erneuern zu lassen.

Jeden Tag können wir in Jesus neues Leben erfahren und schlechte Gewohnheiten ablegen.

Von Brands Monica

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Le ménage de la maison

Lisez : 1 Pierre 1.22 – 2.5

La Bible en un an : JOB 20 – 21 et ACTES 10.24‑48

Rejetant donc toute méchanceté et toute ruse, la dissimulation, l'envie, et toute médisance. 1 Pierre 2.1

Dernièrement, j’ai changé de chambre dans la maison que je loue. J’y ai consacré plus de temps que prévu, car je refusais de simplement transférer mon désordre (considérable) dans une nouvelle chambre. Je tenais à repartir à neuf. Après avoir passé plusieurs heures à faire du ménage et du triage, j’ai déposé près de ma porte d’entrée des sacs remplis de choses destinées aux ordures ou au recyclage. Au terme de ce long processus épuisant, je me suis retrouvée dans une belle pièce où j’étais heureuse de passer du temps.

Mon projet de ménage m’a procuré une nouvelle perspective d’une autre forme de ménage, que préconise 1 Pierre 2.1 : « Rejetant toute méchanceté et toute ruse, la dissimulation, l’envie, et toute médisance ». Fait intéressant : c’est après avoir confessé avec joie leur nouvelle vie en Christ (1.1‑12) que Pierre a poussé ses lecteurs à renoncer à des habitudes destructrices (1.13 – 2.3). Lorsque notre marche avec le Seigneur nous semble chancelante et qu’il ne nous vient pas facilement d’aimer autrui, cela ne devrait pas nous faire douter de notre salut. Nous ne modifions pas notre vie dans le but d’être sauvés, mais bien plutôt parce que nous sommes sauvés (1.23).

Aussi vraie soit notre nouvelle vie en Christ, nos mauvaises habitudes ne disparaîtront pas du jour au lendemain. Nous devons chaque jour « faire du ménage », nous défaire de tout ce qui nous empêche d’aimer sincèrement (1.22) et de grandir (2.2). Nous pourrons ainsi jouir de notre nouvelle vie réordonnée par la puissance de Christ (V. 5).

Préférons la vie nouvelle en Jésus à nos habitudes destructrices.

par Monica Brands

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Домашнє прибирання

Читати: 1 Петра 1:22–2:5

Біблія за рік: Йова 20−21 ; Дії 10:24-48

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Отож, відкладіть усяку злобу, і всякий підступ, і лицемірство, і заздрість, і всякі обмови. — 1 Петра 2:1

Нещодавно я переселилась в іншу квартиру. Це забрало набагато більше часу, ніж я думала. Потрібно було не лише перенести речі, але й позбавитись всього зайвого. Після багатьох годин сортування біля входу до будинку стояли пакети з непотрібними речами, щоб потім їх комусь подарувати або відправити на утилізацію. Я дуже втомилась, але нагородою стала чудова затишна кімната.

Таке домашнє прибирання допомогло мені дещо по-новому глянути на текст з 1 Петра 2:1. В одному переказі цей текст звучить так: “Отже, приберіть у домі! Підметіть старанно, щоб не було злоби, заздрості й шкідливих балачок”. Цікаво, що саме після радісного проголошення нового життя у Христі апостол Петро спонукає віруючих позбавитись усіх поганих звичок (1 Петр. 1:13–2:3). Якщо, слідуючи за Ісусом, ми відчуваємо, що стало важко любити інших, це не повинно ставити під сумнів наше спасіння. Ми не для того змінюємося, щоб спастись, але змінюємося тому, що вже спасенні (1 Петр. 1:23).

Хоча нове життя у Христі – то справді реальність, наші погані звички не зникнуть протягом однієї ночі. Маємо щоденно “прибирати хатинку”, викидаючи все те, що заважає нам любити інших (1 Петр. 1:22) і зростати духовно (1 Петр. 2:2). Потім у прибраній кімнаті серця ми пізнаємо чудо внутрішнього преображення Христовою силою.

Небесний Отче, дякуємо Тобі за нове життя, яке Ти зрощуєш в нас через Господа Ісуса Христа. Допоможи щодня звертатись до Тебе за очищенням та відновленням.

Маємо можливість щодня, відкидаючи погані звички, пізнавати нове життя в Ісусі.

Автор Моніка Брандс

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Уборка в доме

Читать сейчас: 1 Петра 1:22–2:5

Библия за год: Иов 20-21; Деяния 10:24-48

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[Отложите] всякую злобу, и всякое коварство, и лицемерие, и зависть, и всякое злословие. — 1 Петра 2:1

Недавно я решила переселиться в другую комнату. Это заняло больше времени, чем ожидалось, потому что мне не хотелось просто перенести старый беспорядок в новое место. Я решила начать все с чистого листа. После нескольких утомительных часов уборки и сортировки вещей у входной двери выстроился ряд пакетов с ненужным барахлом. Что-то еще можно было отдать на благотворительность, а остальное – выбросить в мусорный контейнер. Зато в конце я получила красивую комнату, в которой приятно жить.

Это скромное домашнее мероприятие помогло мне по-новому взглянуть на текст 1 Петра 2:1. Свободный пересказ «Весть» передает его следующим образом: «Приберитесь в доме! Вычистите из него злобу, коварство, лицемерие, зависть и злословие». Интересно, что после радостного провозглашения новой жизни во Христе (1 Пет. 1:1-12) Петр побуждает читателей выбросить прочь разрушительные привычки (1 Пет. 1:13–2:3). Когда наша жизнь с Богом затрудняется, а первая любовь угасает, это не затрагивает вопрос спасения. Мы меняем жизнь не для того, чтобы спастись, но делаем это потому, что спасены (1 Пет. 1:23).

Мы получаем новую жизнь во Христе, однако плохие привычки не исчезают мгновенно. Поэтому нам ежедневно нужно «прибираться в доме», выбрасывая все, что мешает любить друг друга (1 Пет. 1:22) и возрастать в вере (1 Пет. 2:2). В новом, убранном пространстве мы участвуем в чуде нового творения (1 Пет. 2:5) силой Христа.

Небесный Отец, благодарим Тебя за новую жизнь, Которую Ты творишь в нас через Господа Иисуса Христа. Помоги нам ежедневно обращаться к Тебе за очищением и обновлением.

Мы призваны каждый день жить новой жизнью во Христе.

автор: Моника Брандс

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, June 30, 2017

Opening Sentence

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

~ John 4:23

Morning Prayer

Good morning, dear Father; thank you for this day,
Help me to follow you in every way.
Let me speak as you speak, and do as you do;
Let me help others, as you help them, too.

Help me to be honest, don't let me play games,
Help me to grow, yet still stay the same.
Help me not to be selfish, to give of my heart, my mind and my labor;
Give all - not just part.

Help me to love others, my family, my friends,
Bless all of my foes, help me make amends.
Help me be kind, Father, where I am needed, let
Me give warm attention, and see all needs are met.

Help keep me busy, to strive for the best,
Help me not to be lazy, but find needed rest.
Let me come to you, Father, throughout the day,
Often to thank you, often to pray.

Amen

Confession and Forgiveness

O Holy One, we call to you and name you as eternal, ever-present, and boundless in love. Yet there are times, O God, when we fail to recognize you in the dailyness of our lives. Sometimes shame clenches tightly around our hearts, and we hide our true feelings. Sometimes fear makes us small, and we miss the chance to speak from our strength. Sometimes doubt invades our hopefulness, and we degrade our own wisdom.

Holy God, in the daily round from sunrise to sunset, remind us again of your holy presence hovering near us and in us. Free us from shame and self-doubt. Help us to see you in the moment-by-moment possibilities to live honestly, to act courageously, and to speak from our wisdom.

Amen

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from 1 Samuel 9:1-14

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish son of Abiel son of Zeror son of Becorath son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. He had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he; he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, had strayed. So Kish said to his son Saul, "Take one of the boys with you; go and look for the donkeys." He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of Benjamin, but they did not find them. When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to the boy who was with him, "Let us turn back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and worry about us." But he said to him, "There is a man of God in this town; he is a man held in honor. Whatever he says always comes true. Let us go there now; perhaps he will tell us about the journey on which we have set out." Then Saul replied to the boy, "But if we go, what can we bring the man? For the bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What have we?" The boy answered Saul again, "Here, I have with me a quarter shekel of silver; I will give it to the man of God, to tell us our way." (Formerly in Israel, anyone who went to inquire of God would say, "Come, let us go to the seer" for the one who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) Saul said to the boy, "Good; come, let us go." So they went to the town where the man of God was. As they went up the hill to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water, and said to them, "Is the seer here?" They answered, "Yes, there he is just ahead of you. Hurry; he has come just now to the town, because the people have a sacrifice today at the shrine. As soon as you enter the town, you will find him, before he goes up to the shrine to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those eat who are invited. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately." So they went up to the town. As they were entering the town, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the shrine.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Acts 7:17-29

"But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house; and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?' But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 22:31-38

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless' and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 102 Domine, exaudi
1   LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.
2   Incline your ear to me; when I call, make haste to answer me,
3   For my days drift away like smoke, and my bones are hot as burning coals.
4   My heart is smitten like grass and withered, so that I forget to eat my bread.
5   Because of the voice of my groaning I am but skin and bones.
6   I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, like an owl among the ruins.
7   I lie awake and groan; I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house-top.
8   My enemies revile me all day long, and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.
9   For I have eaten ashes for bread and mingled my drink with weeping.
10   Because of your indignation and wrath you have lifted me up and thrown me away.
11   My days pass away like a shadow, and I wither like the grass.
12   But you, O LORD, endure for ever, and your Name from age to age.
13   You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy upon her; indeed, the appointed time has come.
14   For your servants love her very rubble, and are moved to pity even for her dust.
15   The nations shall fear your Name, O LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory.
16   For the LORD will build up Zion, and his glory will appear.
17   He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; he will not despise their plea.
18   Let this be written for a future generation, so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD.
19   For the LORD looked down from his holy place on high; from the heavens he beheld the earth;
20   That he might hear the groan of the captive and set free those condemned to die;
21   That they may declare in Zion the Name of the LORD, and his praise in Jerusalem;
22   When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms also, to serve the LORD.
23   He has brought down my strength before my time; he has shortened the number of my days;
24   And I said, "O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; your years endure throughout all generations.
25   In the beginning, O LORD, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
26   They shall perish, but you will endure; they all shall wear out like a garment; as clothing you will change them, and they shall be changed;
27   But you are always the same, and your years will never end.
28   The children of your servants shall continue, and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight."

Evening Psalms

Psalm 107:1-32 Confitemini Domino
1   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, and his mercy endures for ever.
2   Let all those whom the LORD has redeemed proclaim that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3   He gathered them out of the lands; from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
4   Some wandered in desert wastes; they found no way to a city where they might dwell.
5   They were hungry and thirsty; their spirits languished within them.
6   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
7   He put their feet on a straight path to go to a city where they might dwell.
8   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
9   For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
10   Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, bound fast in misery and iron;
11   Because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12   So he humbled their spirits with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was none to help.
13   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
14   He led them out of darkness and deep gloom and broke their bonds asunder.
15   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
16   For he shatters the doors of bronze and breaks in two the iron bars.
17   Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; they were afflicted because of their sins.
18   They abhorred all manner of food and drew near to death's door.
19   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
20   He sent forth his word and healed them and saved them from the grave.
21   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
22   Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
23   Some went down to the sea in ships and plied their trade in deep waters;
24   They beheld the works of the LORD and his wonders in the deep.
25   Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, which tossed high the waves of the sea.
26   They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; their hearts melted because of their peril.
27   They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits' end.
28   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
29   He stilled the storm to a whisper and quieted the waves of the sea.
30   Then were they glad because of the calm, and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for.
31   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
32   Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen

Prayer of the Day

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

A Prayer for Fridays

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; 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

Saint Paul Cathedral Choir: Psalm 121
This pretty anthem, sung by the Cathedral of St. Paul Choir, is based on Psalm 121

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

Lord, support me all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and my work is done. Then of Thy mercy, grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace at last through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

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

Prayer of the Day for FRIDAY, June 30, 2017

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, June 30, 2017

Zechariah 14:9 (NIV) The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

Read all of Zechariah 1

Listen to Zechariah 1

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 - Without Prejudice

Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism."

~ Acts 10:34 (NLT)

Some fifty years ago there was a pastor named Charles, known by his friends as Chuck, who felt God had called him to teach the Bible in an understandable way. He became the pastor of a small church in Orange County, California, known as Calvary Chapel.

The counterculture revolution was in full swing, and kids were collectively losing their minds. Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll was the mantra of the day. Parents thought an entire generation was lost.

Chuck looked at these hippies and, for the most part, didn’t want that much to do with them. But his wife, Kay, one of the unsung heroes of the Jesus Movement, had a real heart for these kids, and she prayed for them.

Then one day their daughter brought home a living, breathing hippie. It turns out this hippie was a Christian, and he talked about how his friends were coming to faith in Christ. Chuck and Kay wanted to open up Calvary Chapel to these hippies, and Chuck shared this with his board of elders.

The elders, however, didn’t want hippies in the church because their bare feet would soil the new carpet. So the next Sunday morning, Chuck was at the front door with a basin of water and a rag, ready to wash the hippies’ feet so they could come to church.

Chuck won that battle. The hippies started coming in, and this became part of a modern revival known as the Jesus Movement, the impact of which continues to this day. Chuck Smith was willing to overcome personal prejudice and say, “Yes, Lord.”

Is there someone in your life who is different from you, someone you don’t necessarily want to reach out to? Are you willing to overcome personal prejudice? Are you willing to say, “Yes, Lord”?

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation®, NLT® copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Secretos para triunfar

Gracias a Dios que en Cristo siempre nos lleva triunfantes y, por medio de nosotros, esparce por todas partes la fragancia de su conocimiento.

~ 2 Corintios 2:14 (NVI)

Creo que este es un pensamiento que alguna vez todos hemos tenido: ser alguien, triunfar y que nos vaya bien. Y eso es lo que quiere Dios. Es más, Él quiere que prosperemos.

Sin embargo, ¿cuáles serían algunos secretos para triunfar? Quizá lo que te diga hoy sea lo que hay en mi corazón también. Sin embargo, en ocasiones y por diferentes razones, no lo ponemos en práctica. Quizá se deba a que no creemos en nosotros mismos o que les damos prioridad a otras cosas o personas. En mi caso, a veces pienso más en el beneficio de los demás que en hacer cosas para mis hijas, dejando mis sueños para el final.

Por ejemplo, yo quería hacer este libro, pero a la verdad no sabía por dónde empezar. Incluso, a menudo pensaba que no iba a ser capaz de escribir un libro. ¿A qué hora podría hacerlo? Aunque ya varias personas me habían sugerido que lo hiciera, siempre lo postergaba. Lo lindo de todo esto es que Dios ya tiene determinado lo que seremos y haremos, y nos da la pauta para seguirla. Así que seamos obedientes y emprendamos las cosas que Dios ponga en nuestros corazones de modo que logremos el verdadero triunfo.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE DISCIPLINE OF FASTING

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

~ Matthew 6:17-18 (NIV)

Jesus assumes in this passage that His followers practice fasting. He says “when” you fast—not “if” you fast and then goes on to give these instructions. Fasting is a significant spiritual activity that goes along with intensive prayer times. To fast means to put God first. Fasting is an attitude of the heart in which we interrupt our normal life to pray for a specific matter or cause. It means to abstain from food—and for some, even drink—so that we can focus on God and be more sensitive to spiritual matters. Fasting is also perseverance in prayer until you have received an answer—be it yes, no, wait or something different. In essence, fasting means that we rend our hearts before God, confess our sins and turn to the Lord anew (Joel 2:12-13).

Fasting is biblical. Consider the following: Moses fasted twice for forty days (Exodus 34:28); Daniel fasted (partially) for twenty-one days (Daniel 10:3); Joel called for a day of fasting (Joel 1:14; 2:12); Ezra withdrew for a period of fasting and mourning (Ezra 10:6); Elijah fasted for forty days (1 Kings 19:8); Leaders of the church in Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2-3); Jesus fasted for forty days (Luke 4:2); Paul and Barnabas fasted (Acts 14:23; 27:33).

Captain Bill Tinsley was arrested on false charges under President Marcos in the Philippines following the completion of Project Pearl in 1981. As the days of his confinement passed, Bill fasted from eating. After a few days of fasting, his blood pressure rose very higher. A doctor visited him daily. Everything possible was done to get him to eat. He was accused of staging a hunger strike. Bill carefully explained to his captors many times, “My fasting is a spiritual exercise. If I want my God to take my part, I must become weak that He may become strong. President Marcos is a very powerful man. I cannot fight him. I must let God take my part.” His explanation brought only a certain resignation by his jailers. They did not understand.

Each day during his captivity Bill went for a walk. A soldier always went along to guard against possible escape. On that tenth morning, after reading of Elijah’s running a great distance while fasting, Bill jogged. The soldier that went along couldn’t keep up and was forced to take shortcuts across the fields to stay with him.

“How can you be so strong without eating?” a colonel asked referring to the jogging incident that morning.

“It’s the power of God,” Bill told him sincerely. “And if you keep me here, you’re going to see me grow stronger and stronger!” The eyes of all the men present grew large. They believed him and that prospect was not to their liking. It was with some reluctance Bill later walked out of his cell for the last time. He had experienced God’s presence there. His captors, the same ones that had falsely arrested him, gave him a send-off as they would a dear friend.

RESPONSE: Today I resolve to practice all the spiritual disciplines…including fasting.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to practice fasting as a spiritual discipline without making it obvious.

Men of the Bible - Naaman

His name means: "Pleasantness"

His work: Naaman was the commander of Syria's army.
His character: A brave man lauded for his military victories, his position would have guaranteed considerable respect in both Syria (known as Aram) and Israel. He would have been accustomed to getting his way, especially with social inferiors, which is what he may have considered Elisha and most everyone else in Israel. His no-nonsense approach made it difficult for him to follow Elisha's instructions.
His sorrow: Naaman suffered from leprosy, not the illness we call Hansen's Disease, but a skin disorder so serious that he left his country to seek healing in Israel.
His triumph: To have received not only the healing he asked for, but a relationship with the one true God.
Key Scriptures: 2 Kings 5; Luke 4:27

A Look at the Man

Naaman, a man whose success as a military commander placed him close to the king of Syria, was faced with a choice. Listen to his wife's servant girl, to the lowly messenger of a prophet, and to one of his own servants, and obey. Or return home with his dignity intact but without the healing he longed for. It wasn't an easy choice for a proud man to make. Give up your sense of how things should go, of how people should treat you, of how you should conduct yourself for the chance—not the certainty—of being healed.

Naaman nearly made the mistake of cherishing his pride at the cost of the miracle he desired. Yet something inside him asserted itself, some hope that perhaps the prophet's crazy instructions were not as crazy as they seemed. So he took a chance, deciding to let go of his own ideas of how his healing should be accomplished, deciding to let go of his own perceptions of how the universe should be ordered.

Naaman's obedience would have felt uncomfortable. How much easier it would have been to play it safe and do what came naturally—to nurse his anger and preserve his dignity. Instead, Naaman did exactly as he was told, and his obedience opened his heart to a greater miracle than the one for which he longed. Instead of a proud man, he became a humble one. Instead of a man incapable of knowing God, he became a man who knew and celebrated the fact that in all the earth there is only one God, the God who loved him and made him whole.

Reflect On: 2 Kings 5:15–17
Praise God: For offering salvation as a free gift to all.
Offer Thanks: For God’s gift of salvation to you.
Confess: Any tendency you may have to think that God cannot or will not work in the lives of certain individuals, groups, or nations.
Ask God: To give you a heart as loving as his for those who are far from him.

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

Girlfriends in God - June 30, 2017

Joy in the Triathlon

Arlene Pellicane

Today’s Truth

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

~ Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Oh friend, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t participate in a triathlon. I watched it.

A few years ago, my family was on vacation and just happened upon an Ironman 70.3 triathlon in progress. We had never seen anything like it before. The Ironman 70.3 races include a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run, which adds up to 70.3 miles of total racing. We watched in amazement as numerous forty and fifty somethings crossed the finish line and even a 69-year-old, but we were most inspired by the man we saw biking using a racing wheelchair.

He had no legs and was motoring through those hot, rigorous miles using his upper body alone. As we cheered wildly for him, he looked up and stuck out his tongue as if to say, “Phew, this is tough!” But the twinkle in his eye revealed his joy.

I’m sure there were many times along that 70-mile race when he wanted to give up, but somehow he didn’t. He might have doubted himself as he swam, or contemplated his sanity with each additional mile on the road. Yet for the joy of the finish line, he kept pressing on.

I don’t run and a triathlon is certainly not on my bucket list. But twice a week, I attend a cycling class with a personal trainer who works in our neighborhood. My husband talked me into going more than 12 years ago after my first child. He even convinced my mom to cycle too. When I don’t feel like moving another muscle, my instructor yells, “Keep going! Give me all you’ve got! Don’t give up!”
Her influence pushes me to complete each class, a feat I could not do in my own strength. Guess what? That’s kind of like what God does for us, but He does a much better job than any human coach. When we’re weary, we can lean on His joy to be our strength.

The Bible uses the words joy and happiness interchangeably. In Esther 8:16, it says it was a time of happiness and joy. Proverbs 23:25 (NLT) says, “I will turn their mourning into joy and bring happiness out of grief.” Did you know God Himself is described as a happy God? In 1 Timothy 1:11, the Apostle Paul speaks of the “glory of the blessed God.” That word “blessed” is translated into the common word we know as happy.

How’s your strength level today? You may or may not be ready to push your body like an athlete, but do you live with a twinkle in your eye like that inspiring man in the wheelchair? In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Set your eye on the prize of the high calling you have in Christ Jesus. Put a smile on your face for He is with you. Let His joy be your strength today.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I praise You for being with me in good times and bad. You are the God who saves. Your Word says You delight in me and rejoice over me with singing. I invite You to fill me with Your joy, which is my strength.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

If you get stuck today in a bad mood or a hard situation, repeat to yourself, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Pray and invite the happiness of Jesus to lift up your heavy heart.

More from the Girlfriends

Watch Arlene as she speaks about the joy of Jesus and His winsome happiness. For more about Arlene’s books such as 31 Days to a Becoming Happy Mom, visit her website.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

P.O. Box 725, Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Daily Devotion - June 30, 2017 "Return to Rescue"

If you're not from Texas, odds are you have never heard of...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Return to Rescue"

June 30, 2017

And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

~ Luke 4:17-21 (ESV)

If you're not from Texas, odds are you have never heard of James Butler Bonham.

Please, let me tell you his story.

In 1836, for the first two weeks in February, James Bonham worked with the other men of the Alamo in building up the fortifications of the mission. His job description changed when word came that Santa Anna, the Mexican general, was approaching the mission with a great army.

Realizing the hopelessness of their present situation, one of the commanders of the Alamo sent Bonham out to find assistance. Bonham, under orders, left before the siege began. He looked for help; he looked far and wide, but he found no one to relieve the surrounded garrison.

There is no written record of what went through Bonham's mind when he realized the helplessness of his companions' situation.

Who could blame him if he decided not to go back? His presence at the mission was not going to change the outcome of the battle. All it would do is raise the total death count by one.

We have no written record of what James Bonham thought. We do know that James Butler Bonham got back on his horse and returned to the Alamo to inform his friends and fellow defenders that they were, to the best of his knowledge, on their own.

Bonham made a choice and refused to desert or betray his comrades.

He died with his friends fighting the enemy. His death was a noble thing, but it pales in comparison to that of the Christ. Unlike Bonham who carried bad news, lonely news, Jesus came to earth to give us the good news that we were not alone or on our own.

Unlike Bonham who died killing his enemies, Jesus died trying to save those who hated Him. And while history tells us that the body of James Butler Bonham was found in the chapel of the Alamo, alongside a cannon, it also tells us that Jesus' body has never been found.

Why? Because Christ is not a dead hero.

Jesus is a living Lord, a risen Lord, our Redeemer. As Luke recorded, Jesus has come to proclaim good news to the poor and liberty to those who are enslaved. The living Lord Jesus has come to offer sight to the blind and give freedom to the oppressed.

In short, Jesus was born, lived, and died as one of us so that we might be rescued from the forces of sin, Satan, and death. And, unlike James Bonham, the Savior's death has made all the difference.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, accept my gratitude and praise for becoming my earthly Brother, and dedicating Your life to saving this lost world. May I proclaim to all whom I meet, the transformation that was won through Your work among us. In Your 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).