LHM Daily Devotion - April 22, 2017 "Again and Again"

There are right ways to do things and there are wrong ways to do things.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Again and Again"

April 22, 2017

1 John 3:5-6 - You know that He appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known Him.

There are right ways to do things and there are wrong ways to do things.

That's a truth underlined by the story of Marcus Sanford Patmon of Miami. Here's part of that story. In 2001 Patmon was convicted of assault. That court decision negatively impacted his life in a number of ways, including his income. Having seen the value of art on an episode of Antiques Roadshow, he tried to sell two Picasso etchings and a Marc Chagall lithograph he had stolen.

To make a long story short, Patmon was caught, went to trial and, having been found guilty, spent two years in prison.

This past January he decided to drive to Washington and ask the Obama administration to clean his record of past wrongdoings.

It was a good idea. What was not a good idea is Patmon drove to Washington in a stolen car.

The car was spotted when Patmon stopped at a Starbucks; he was arrested and all hopes of receiving a pardon for past crimes went out the window.

As I said at the beginning: there are right ways to do things and there are wrong ways to do things.

Patmon did things the wrong way. So do a lot of people. To help us out, to help us do things the right way, the Holy Spirit inspired John to share the passage above. Very simply, those words tell us that Jesus offered His life to win our forgiveness and rescue us from condemnation and damnation.

Now we who have been rescued by the Savior need to live our lives the right way.

According to John, that means we need to stop our deliberate, intentional sinning. Now you and I know that until Judgment Day comes we will always be sinners. But that does not mean we should embrace deliberate, intentional sins.

Law enforcement had a tough time believing Patmon had changed his ways when he drove a stolen car to ask for a pardon.

Similarly, the Lord has a difficult time thinking we are serious about our salvation when we ask Him for forgiveness and then deliberately sin again.

Truly, having seen the Bethlehem manger, the Jerusalem cross, and the empty tomb, we ought to be filled with gratitude and thankfulness. Our appreciation ought to reflect itself in the way our lives are lived to honor the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, once you said, "This people draw near with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, while their hearts are far from Me" (Isaiah 29:13b). Grant that my lips, my heart, and my life show my great love for -- and appreciation of -- the Savior whose life has won my salvation. Help me live my life the right way. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen

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

Our Daily Bread - Always Listening

Read: Nehemiah 2:1–9 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 14–15; Luke 17:1–19

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The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Dad was a man of few words. He had hearing damage due to years of military duty and wore hearing aids. One afternoon when Mom and I were talking a little longer than he thought necessary, he responded playfully, “Whenever I want peace and quiet, all I have to do is this.” Lifting both hands in a single motion, he turned off both hearing aids, folded his hands behind his head and closed his eyes in a serene smile.

We laughed. As far as he was concerned, the conversation was over!

My father’s actions that day remind me how different God is from us. He always wants to hear His children. This is underscored by one of the shortest prayers in the Bible. One day Nehemiah, a servant to King Artaxerxes of Persia, was visibly sad in the king’s presence. Fearful when the king asked him why, Nehemiah confessed it was because Jerusalem, the conquered city of his ancestors, lay in ruins. Nehemiah recounts, “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…” (Neh. 2:4–5, italics added).

Nehemiah’s prayer lasted only a moment, but God heard it. It set in motion God’s merciful response to the many prayers Nehemiah had already offered for Jerusalem. In that moment, Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah’s request to rebuild the city.

Isn’t it comforting to know that God cares enough to listen to all of our prayers—from the shortest to the longest?

Thank You, loving Father, for blessing me with the beautiful privilege and opportunity of prayer.

Our God is big enough to hear the smallest voice.

By James Banks

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Luôn Lắng Nghe

Đọc: Nê-hê-mi 2:1-9 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Sa-mu-ên 14-15; Lu-ca 17:1-19

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Đức Giê-hô-va ở gần mọi người cầu khẩn Ngài, tức ở gần mọi người thành tâm cầu khẩn Ngài. Thi Thiên 145:18

Bố tôi là người ít nói. Ông bị vấn đề về thính giác do nhiều năm phục vụ trong quân ngũ nên phải đeo máy trợ thính. Một chiều nọ, khi mẹ và tôi đang nói hơi dông dài hơn mức ông nghĩ là cần thiết, ông hóm hỉnh nói: “Hễ khi nào bố muốn được yên bình và tĩnh lặng, bố sẽ làm thế này.” Ông đưa hai tay lên, tắt cái máy trợ thính, đưa hai tay ra gối đầu và nhắm mắt lại với một nụ cười bình thản.

Chúng tôi phá lên cười. Khi bố lên tiếng như thế thì hai mẹ con chấm dứt cuộc trò chuyện.

Hành động của bố tôi ngày hôm đó nhắc tôi nhớ Chúa khác chúng ta thể nào. Ngài luôn muốn nghe con cái Ngài trò chuyện. Một trong những lời cầu nguyện ngắn nhất trong Kinh Thánh đã nhấn mạnh điều này. Ngày nọ Nê-hê-mi, một người phục vụ cho Vua Ạt-ta-xét-xe của nước Ba Tư diện kiến vua với gương mặt buồn bã. Sợ hãi khi vua hỏi lý do ông buồn, Nê-hê-mi thú thật là vì Giê-ru-sa-lem, thành của tổ tiên ông đã bị xâm chiếm và tàn phá. Nê-hê-mi thuật lại rằng: “Vua hỏi tôi: ‘Ngươi cầu xin điều gì?’ Tôi cầu nguyện với Đức Chúa Trời của các tầng trời rồi tâu với vua…” (Nê-hê-mi 2:4-5).

Lời cầu nguyện của Nê-hê-mi rất ngắn ngủi, nhưng Chúa đã lắng nghe, khởi đầu cho sự đáp lời đầy nhân từ của Chúa đối với nhiều lời cầu xin cho thành Giê-ru-sa-lem mà ông đã trình dâng lên Chúa trước đó. Vua Ạt-ta-xét-xe đã chấp thuận lời cầu xin của Nê-hê-mi để tái xây dựng thành Giê-ru-sa-lem.

Biết rằng Chúa quan tâm đến chúng ta đủ để nghe mọi lời cầu xin của chúng ta—từ ngắn nhất đến dài nhất—chẳng phải là một sự an ủi lớn sao?

Lạy Cha yêu thương, con cảm ơn Cha đã cho con đặc ân và cơ hội tuyệt vời để được cầu nguyện cùng Ngài.

Đức Chúa Trời của chúng ta đủ vĩ đại để nghe mọi lời cầu xin thầm kín nhất.

bởi James Banks

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Siempre escucha

Leer: Nehemías 2:1-9 | La Biblia en un año: 2 Samuel 14–15; Lucas 17:1-19

Cercano está el Señor a todos los que le invocan, A todos los que le invocan de veras (Salmo 145:18).

Papá era un hombre de pocas palabras. Tenía daño auditivo debido a años de servicio militar, y usaba audífonos. Una tarde, mientras Mamá y yo hablábamos un poco más de lo que a él le parecía necesario, Papá respondió bromeando: «Siempre que quiero un poco de paz y silencio, lo único que tengo que hacer es esto». Levantó las manos, apagó sus audífonos y cerró los ojos, con una sonrisa serena.

Nos reímos. Para él, ¡la conversación había terminado!

Esto me recuerda cuán diferente es Dios de nosotros. Él siempre quiere escuchar a sus hijos. Una de las oraciones más breves de la Biblia resalta esta idea. Un día, Nehemías, siervo del rey Artajerjes de Persia, estaba visiblemente triste. Cuando el rey le preguntó qué sucedía, Nehemías confesó que se debía a que Jerusalén, la ciudad conquistada de sus ancestros, estaba en ruinas. Nehemías relata: «Me dijo el rey: ¿Qué cosa pides? Entonces oré al Dios de los cielos, y dije al rey…» (Nehemías 2:4-5, énfasis añadido).

La oración de Nehemías duró solo un momento, pero Dios la escuchó. En ese momento, Artajerjes le concedió a Nehemías el pedido de reconstruir la ciudad.

¿No es reconfortante saber que a Dios le importa y que escucha todas nuestras oraciones… desde la más breve a la más larga?

Gracias, Padre, por bendecirme con el privilegio de la oración.

Dios es lo suficientemente grande como para escuchar la voz más débil.

Por James Banks

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ganz Ohr

Lesen: Nehemia 2,1-9 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Samuel 14–15; Lukas 17,1-19

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Der Herr ist nahe allen, die ihn anrufen, allen, die ihn ernstlich anrufen. Psalm 145,18

Mein Vater war kein Mann großer Worte. Im Militär hatte sein Gehör gelitten und er musste Hörgeräte tragen. Als ich einmal mit meiner Mutter länger redete, als er für notwendig hielt, meinte er ironisch: „Wenn ich meine Ruhe haben will, weiß ich, was tun.“ Er schaltete die Hörgeräte aus, lehnte sich lächelnd zurück, faltete die Hände hinter dem Kopf und schloss zufrieden die Augen.

Wir lachten. Für ihn war die Unterhaltung beendet!

Wie anders ist doch Gott als wir. Er will seinen Kindern immer zuhören. Das wird an einem der kürzesten Gebete in der Bibel deutlich. Nehemia, ein Diener am Hof von König Artaxerxes in Persien, war einmal sehr bedrückt. Als der König ihn fragte, was mit ihm los sei, erwiderte er, er sei so bedrückt, weil Jerusalem, die Stadt seiner Vorfahren, vom Feind erobert und nur noch eine Ruine sei. Nehemia erzählt: „Da sprach der König zu mir: Was begehrst du denn? Da betete ich zu dem Gott des Himmels und sprach zum König . . .“ (Neh. 2,4-5).

Nehemias Gebet dauerte nur einen Augenblick, aber Gott hörte es. Er hatte auch die vielen anderen Gebete gehört, die Nehemia bereits für Jerusalem gesprochen hatte, und nun griff er ein. Der König erhörte umgehend Nehemias Bitte, die Stadt wiederaufzubauen.

Ist es nicht tröstlich, dass es Gott wichtig ist, auf alle unsere Gebete zu hören—die langen und die kurzen?

Danke, lieber Vater, dass du mir das Vorrecht und die Möglichkeit schenkst, zu dir zu beten.

Unser Gott ist groß genug, um auch die kleinste Stimme zu hören.

Von James Banks

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Toujours à l’écoute

Lisez : Néhémie 2.1‑9 | La Bible en un an : 2 SAMUEL 14 – 15 et LUC 17.1‑19

L'Éternel est près de tous ceux qui l'invoquent, de tous ceux qui l'invoquent avec sincérité. Psaume 145.18

Mon père était peu loquace. Il portait des appareils auditifs parce que toutes ses années passées dans l’armée avaient endommagé son ouïe. Un certain après‑midi que ma mère et moi discutions un peu plus longtemps qu’il ne le jugeait nécessaire, il nous a lancé avec amusement : « Quand je veux avoir la paix et le silence, je n’ai qu’à faire ça », en éteignant du même coup ses deux appareils, puis en joignant les mains derrière la tête et en fermant les yeux avec un sourire serein aux lèvres.

Nous avons bien ri de le voir faire. En ce qui le concernait, la conversation était terminée !

Le réflexe de mon père ce jour‑là me rappelle combien Dieu est différent de nous. Il désire toujours entendre ses enfants, un fait que confirme l’une des prières les plus courtes de la Bible. Un jour, Néhémie, serviteur du roi Artaxerxès de Perse, était visiblement triste en présence du roi. Quand celui‑ci lui a demandé pourquoi, Néhémie lui a avoué avec crainte que c’était parce que Jérusalem, la ville conquise de ses ancêtres, était en ruine. « Et le roi me dit : Que demandes‑tu ? Je priai le Dieu des cieux, et je répondis au roi […] » (NÉ 2.4,5, italiques pour souligner).

Même succincte, sa prière a été entendue et a donné lieu à la réponse empreinte de miséricorde aux nombreuses prières que Néhémie avait déjà offertes à Dieu pour Jérusalem, et Artaxerxès lui a donné gain de cause.

Quel bonheur de savoir que Dieu nous écoute toujours !

Notre Dieu est assez grand pour entendre même la plus faible des voix.

par James Banks

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Завжди чує

Читати: Неемії 2:1-9 | Біблія за рік: 2 Самуїлова 14−15 ; Луки 17:1-19

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Господь близький всім, хто взиває до Нього, хто правдою кличе Його! — Псалом 144:18

Мій батько був небагатомовною людиною. Він пошкодив собі слух, коли служив в армії, тому користувався слуховим апаратом. Одного дня, коли ми з мамою занадто розбалакались, він сказав жартівливо: “Коли я хочу тиші й спокою, все, що мені потрібно зробити, це…” З цими словами він виключив свій слуховий апарат. А потім, заклавши руки за голову, подивився на нас з посмішкою. Ми засміялись теж. Бесіда закінчилась.

Цей випадок нагадав мені про те, як все-таки Бог відрізняється від нас, людей. Цю істину ілюструє одна з найкоротших біблійних молитов. Одного дня Неемія – слуга перського царя Артаксеркса – не зміг приховати свого суму, прислуговуючи владиці. Коли цар запитав у нього про причину його суму, Неемія, не на жарт злякавшись, зізнався, що йому сумно через Єрусалим, що лежить в руїнах. “І сказав мені цар: Чого ж ти просиш? І я помолився до Небесного Бога, і сказав цареві…” (Неем. 2:4-5).

Молитва Неемії тривала лише пару секунд, але Бог почув її. Вона привела в рух цілий ланцюжок Божих відповідей на ті молитви про Єрусалим, що Неемія вже возносив до Бога. Тепер він отримав від Артаксеркса доручення відбудувати зруйноване місто.

Хіба це не велика втіха знати, що Бог настільки піклується про нас, що чує всі наші молитви – найкоротші та найдовші?

Дякую Тобі, люблячий Отче, за дарування великого привілею і можливості молитись до Тебе!

Щоб дізнатись більше про прощення, читайте брошуру «Що є справжнім прощенням?»

Наш Бог достатньо могутній, щоб почути навіть найслабкіший голос.

Автор Джеймс Бенкс

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Всегда внимателен

Читать сейчас: Неемия 2:1-9 | Библия за год: 2 Царств 14-15; Луки 17:1-19

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Близок Господь ко всем призывающим Его, ко всем призывающим Его в истине. — Псалом 144:18

Мой папа был человек немногословный. Во время военной службы он оглох, и после этого носил слуховые аппараты в обоих ушах. Однажды после обеда наш с мамой разговор занял больше времени, чем папа считал необходимым. Он шутливо сказал: «Знаете, когда я хочу мира и тишины, то делаю вот что». Он поднес руки к ушам и одним движением выключил оба аппарата, после чего с блаженной улыбкой закрыл глаза. Мы рассмеялись и прекратили затянувшийся разговор.

Шутка отца напомнила мне, как сильно отличается от нас Бог. Он всегда желает слышать Своих детей. Это подтверждается одной из самых коротких библейских молитв. Однажды Неемия, виночерпий персидского царя Артаксеркса, был опечален в присутствии царя. Когда тот поинтересовался причиной печали, испуганный Неемия признался, что скорбит о городе своих предков Иерусалиме, лежащем в развалинах. Царь спросил: «Чего же ты желаешь?» Неемия вспоминает: «Я помолился Богу Небесному и сказал царю...» (Неем. 2:4-5).

Молитва Неемии длилась одно мгновение, но Бог услышал ее. Она привела в действие милостивый Божий ответ на другие молитвы, которые Неемия уже вознес об Иерусалиме. В тот день Артаксеркс разрешил мужу Божьему отправиться в Иудею и восстановить Иерусалим.

Разве не утешительно знать, что Бог слышит все наши молитвы, от самых коротких до самых длинных?

Благодарю Тебя, Небесный Отец, за благословение и великую привилегию обращаться к Тебе в молитве.

Как использовать Слово Бога для общения с Ним? Прочитайте брошюру Джеймса Бэнкса «ПОМОЛИМСЯ».

Наш Бог так велик, что слышит самый тихий голос.

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, April 21, 2017 - Easter Friday

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 Introit

Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Daniel 12:1-4, 12:13-13

"At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase." But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days."

Psalms

Psalm 118:19-24
19   Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.
20   This is the gate of the LORD; he who is righteous may enter.
21   I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation.
22   The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
23   This is the LORD'S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24   On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Acts 4:1-12

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 21:1-14

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

The Apostles' 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

Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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

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

Prayer of the Day for FRIDAY, April 21, 2017 - Easter Friday

Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Verse of the Day - April 21, 2017 - Easter Friday

John 10:28-30 (NIV) I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Read all of John 10

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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 - "Go Tell Peter"

But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.

—Mark 16:7 (NKJV)

Perhaps the most notable of Jesus’ resurrection appearances is when He met Simon Peter. We all know how Peter denied and deserted the Lord. Peter was devastated by his own unfaithfulness; and he really needed encouragement.

The last sight Peter had of his Lord was as Jesus was taken away for trial. Poor Peter, his world came crashing in on him. He had so many regrets. He was never even able to tell the Lord he was sorry.

But the Resurrection of Jesus changed all of that. Peter heard the incredible message, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you” (Mark 16:7).

Isn’t that amazing? Here is the Lord directly responding to the doubts, fears, and regrets of one of His followers. The message was not, “Go tell the disciples and James He is risen." Or, "Go tell the disciples and John He is risen." Or, "Tell the disciples and Matthew He is risen." No, it was, "Tell the disciples and Peter He is risen."

More than the rest of the disciples, Peter needed reassurance. His risen Lord knew that, and knew how to restore his faith.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV® Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Honremos a los pastores

En fin, que conozcan ese amor que sobrepasa nuestro conocimiento, para que sean llenos de la plenitud de Dios.
Efesios 3:19, NVI

Los pastores son una tremenda bendición. Muchos dan de su vida y tiempo por sus ovejas. Son tan entregados a la causa, que a veces dejan para el final las necesidades de sus familias y las suyas propias. Ponen como prioridad la atención a los demás. Varios se han preguntado si ese trabajo vale la pena. Tanto sacrificio, no vivir los días normales, sino poner la cara por cada situación que se presenta en la iglesia y, además, ser los consejeros de cada familia. Sin duda alguna, para ser pastor se necesita tener un llamado de parte de Dios, pues este trabajo no es por vocación.

Hoy quiero agradecerles a mi pastor Albert Ixchu y su esposa, Lizbeth, por todo lo que han hecho por mí y por mis princesas. No solo me han orientado en momentos de crisis, sino que han estado incondicionalmente con mis hijas dándoles consejos cuando lo han necesitado. No importa el día, ni la hora… solo sirviendo.

Así que te motivo a que le agradezcas hoy de una manera especial a Dios por la vida de tus pastores, mentores y líderes. También pidámosle a Dios que los bendiga a ellos y a sus familias.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE SANDALS OF PEACE

…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

 Ephesians 6:15, NIV

The cry for peace is as old as the dawn of history and as fresh as the morning newspaper. Several centuries before Christ, the prophet Isaiah said, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace….” (Isaiah 52:7)

When the Hebrew prophets foretold the coming of a divine deliverer, they said one of his names would be “Prince of Peace.” When the Savior was born, the note struck by the angelic chorus in the nativity story of the shepherds was “…and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

Therefore, it is not surprising that when describing the armor of God, Paul included the element of peace. As God’s peacemakers, our sandals enable us to march into circumstances to bring peace, not destruction. Christ calls people who have made their peace with God to fight for fellowship, not against it (Hebrews 12:2-3). So we must be ready to go where God sends us with the message of peace, forgiveness and hope. We may be called to march right to the gates of hell—which He promised would not hold us back (Matthew 16:18). It is in this sense that we can be considered “waging” peace.

Your life thus centers on the good news of the kingdom. Everything else comes second. Know how to share the good news. Understand what it has done in your life. See how it can help others. Ask God to give you opportunities to share with others. Be alert for the opportunities. Be prepared to take advantage of them…standing strong in your sandals of peace.

Brother Alagaw in Ethiopia started an aggressive gospel ministry in his region. People accepted the Lord through his preaching. The people of the traditional church colluded with the Muslim fundamentalists to fight Alagaw and his followers. They said, “These people will destroy our country, nation and religions if we do not stop them immediately.”

Alagaw and his followers organized their first evangelistic meeting at the local stadium. They hired sound systems for this big occasion. Early in the morning they started with their outreach. At about 10:00 a.m. a big crowd approached the stadium. Without saying a word, they destroyed the sound system and a lot of other property. Some believers went to the local police station, but the police refused to help. During the attack, a pregnant woman lost her baby.

After this incident other forms of harassment followed. During church services stones were thrown on the roof of the church building. Faceless people burned down their church building. However, the Lord has blessed their ministry and their peaceful responses with one hundred and twenty new believers.

RESPONSE: Today I put on the sandals of peace and stand firm in the good news of the Gospel.

PRAYER: Lord, may Your peace shine through me today and be a light to all I encounter.

Men of the Bible - Samuel

His name means: "The Name of God"

His work: Priest, prophet, and judge, Samuel helped transform Israel from a nation led by charismatic figures called "judges" to one ruled by kings, who were to exercise their authority not as other kings did, but as men who belonged to God. He anointed Israel's first two kings: Saul and David.
His character: Samuel was eager to hear God's voice and willing to speak his word, even when doing so meant rebuking a king and risking his life. A spiritual leader who won military victories against the Philistines, he reminded the people of God's faithfulness and of the vital importance of their obedience. Sadly, he failed to pass on these same character traits to his sons, who acted corruptly as judges in his stead.
His sorrow: That Saul, Israel's first king, failed to obey God.
His triumph: To help shape Israel into a monarchy whose kings were to be God's servants.
Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-28; 2:18-26; 3:1-20; 7:2-16; 8:1-10:26; 12:1-25

A Look at the Man

Years had passed since the death of Eli and his sons, and Samuel was growing old, his own sons more like Eli's than he cared to admit. He had judged Israel faithfully for many years, but the elders were clamoring for a change, insisting Israel needed a king like the other nations of the world.

This demand for a king seemed to Samuel like more evidence of their waywardness. This stiff-necked people were impossible to lead, always so certain they knew what was best for them. So Samuel railed against the idea until the people became so adamant that he made it a matter for prayer. He heard a surprising answer from the Lord: "Samuel, listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."

So Samuel described in frightening detail all the demands a king would place on them—drafting their sons and daughters to work and die for him, devouring the fruits of their labor, requiring so much that they would feel enslaved by him. But the leaders insisted, "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations with a king to go out before us and fight our battles."

So God gave them a king named Saul, a man who stood a head taller than most other men, yet a man who was no better at following the Lord than they had been. This was the king Samuel had to anoint. The king he had to guide. The king he finally had to pass judgment on, delivering a message any man would fear to render a king—that God intended to tear the crown from him and give it to another man.

Then the Lord told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and go to Jesse of Bethlehem, because one of his sons was to be king. Though Samuel feared Saul's wrath if he were to anoint a new king, he did as the Lord commanded, and as soon as he saw Jesse's eldest son, he was certain he had found Israel's next king.

But the Lord thought otherwise, saying to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Six more of Jesse's sons passed before Samuel, but each one was rejected. And then came David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, a shepherd boy, as strong and solid on the inside as he looked on the outside. Samuel took the horn and poured the oil over David's head, anointing him king in the presence of his brothers.

Years passed before David finally ascended to the throne of Israel. By then Samuel was dead. But the man who had been an answer to his mother's prayer and who had been dedicated to God in a special way for the whole of his lifetime had fulfilled God's purpose, helping Israel make the transition from the chaotic period of the judges, when every man did what was right in his own eyes, to the period of the kings of Israel, when the Lord God searched for a ruler who would be a man after his own heart.

Reflect On: 1 Samuel 3:1–10
Praise God: For speaking to us.
Offer Thanks: For the way God has revealed himself to you.
Confess: Any failure to listen to what God is saying.
Ask God: To help you listen for his voice.

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.