LHM Daily Devotion - April 26, 2017 "Done It All"

By now, all of us have seen the videos of a passenger being dragged...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

 "Done It All "

April 26, 2017

1 John 2:2 - He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

By now, all of us have seen the videos of a passenger being dragged off of a United Airlines' flight. We have heard the comedians joke about it, and we have listened to the excuses, the explanations, and the apologies coming from various official and unofficial sources. We have heard promises of an in-depth investigation and commitments that such a thing will never happen again.

By now, that story from a few weeks ago is old news.

Even so, forgive me for bringing the matter to your attention one more time. More specifically, I would like to reference a note United Airlines' President Oscar Munoz wrote to his employees. Part of that message said his agents "were left with no choice but to call Chicago Aviation Security Officers to assist in removing the customer from the flight."

At the risk of seeming to be picky, that statement's not quite right.

Not  every  avenue of getting people off the flight voluntarily had been fully explored. Yes, the airline's agents had offered everyone $400 if they would travel later. When that didn't work, the agents raised the incentive to $800. Again, there were no takers.

And that's where the offers stopped. You know how the rest of the nasty story goes.

But here's the thing: the agents had another choice. They could have raised the offer to $1,000! If that offer had fallen on deaf ears, United's representatives could have gone all the way up to $1,350. Now I might turn down $400 to give up my seat; I might even turn down $800, but $1,350 is a different matter entirely.

Now, nobody can ever prove that someone might have accepted the larger sum. Nobody can say what  would have  happened, but it would have been worth a try.

It would have been good to do all that could have been done.

Now I don't want to be overly judgmental here. I've looked at my life and I have to confess I haven't always done all that could have been done. I could have given to others more; I could have prayed harder; I could have volunteered more; I could have shown greater patience.

When it comes to doing all that can be done, I'm a failure -- and you probably are, too.

In fact, the only Person I can think of who did all that could be done was our Savior.

More than that, Jesus did all that could be done, all of the time. Think about it: when Jesus went to the cross, He was carrying every sin committed by every person who has ever lived. There were no exceptions. Not one. That is why, when He said, "It is finished!" It really was.

His third-day resurrection from the dead says Jesus had been successful in doing all that could be done. And because that is so, all who believe on Him are forgiven and given life eternal.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for a Savor who has done absolutely everything necessary for my salvation. May I do all I can to live a life that always honors Him. In His Name, I pray. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 26 de Abril de 2017

Alimento Diario

Otra preocupación

26 de Abril 2017

Así que, no se preocupen por el día de mañana, porque el día de mañana traerá sus propias preocupaciones. ¡Ya bastante tiene cada día con su propio mal! Mateo 6:34

Si usted es una de esas personas que se preocupa con facilidad, hace un tiempo los astrónomos descubrieron algo más para agregar a su lista de preocupaciones: el Asteroide 1999 RQ36, que tiene una posibilidad en 1400 de chocar contra la tierra.

Si así sucede, podría causar mucho daño. Si cayera en el océano crearía olas inmensas, y si cayera en la tierra haría un gran desastre.

Si esta noticia le ha causado preocupación, déjeme hacerle otra pregunta. ¿Le ayudaría en algo si le dijera que esta "posible" colisión no habrá de suceder hasta dentro de unos 160 años? ¿Sería distinto si le dijera que la humanidad tiene solamente 70 años para cambiar el rumbo de ese asteroide?

Me imagino que la mayoría de ustedes estarán pensando: "Hay muchas otras cosas que me preocupan y que son más importantes que un asteroide que quizás vaya a chocar con la tierra mucho tiempo después de que me haya ido con Jesús".

Y es cierto. Casi todos tenemos cosas más importantes que nos preocupan. Usted sabe cuáles son esas cosas que le preocupan desde que se despierta en la mañana hasta que se va a dormir por la noche, esas que le irritan el estómago, le ponen de mal humor, o le producen dolores de cabeza.

Por eso es que quiero recordarle lo que dijo el Salvador: "no se angustien por mañana". Aclaremos que Jesús nunca dijo que el mañana va a estar libre de problemas y preocupaciones. Lo que Jesús dijo fue que él va a escuchar nuestras preocupaciones, y juntos las vamos a superar.

Sea cual sea la preocupación que tenga, Jesús le puede ayudar a superarla.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, reconozco que hay cosas que me preocupan. Te doy gracias por estar dispuesto a escuchar mis temores y a ayudarme a superarlos. Enséñame a confiar cada vez más en ti. En tu nombre. Amén

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡U tilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL

Our Daily Bread - Someone to Touch

Read: Luke 5:12–16 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 23–24; Luke 19:1–27

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Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. Luke 5:13

Commuters on a Canadian Metro train witnessed a heart-moving conclusion to a tense moment. They watched as a 70-year old woman gently reached out and offered her hand to a young man whose loud voice and disturbing words were scaring other passengers. The lady’s kindness calmed the man who sank to the floor of the train with tears in his eyes. He said, “Thanks, Grandma,” stood up, and walked away. The woman later admitted to being afraid. But she said, “I’m a mother and he needed someone to touch.” While better judgment might have given her reason to keep her distance, she took a risk of love.

Jesus understands such compassion. He didn’t side with the fears of unnerved onlookers when a desperate man, full of leprosy, showed up begging to be healed. Neither was He helpless as other religious leaders were—men who could only have condemned the man for bringing his leprosy into the village (Lev. 13:45–46). Instead, Jesus reached out to someone who probably hadn’t been touched by anyone for years, and healed him.

Thankfully, for that man and for us, Jesus came to offer what no law could ever offer—the touch of His hand and heart.

Father in heaven, please help us to see ourselves and one another in that desperate man—and in the merciful eyes of Your Son who reached out and touched him.

No one is too troubled or unclean to be touched by Jesus.

By Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Chạm Đến Ai Đó

Đọc: Lu-ca 5:12-16 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Sa-mu-ên 23-24; Lu-ca 19:1-27

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Đức Chúa Jêsus giơ tay chạm đến người ấy. Lu-ca 5:13

Những hành khách trên chuyến tàu điện ở Canada đã chứng kiến một kết cục đầy cảm động của một khoảnh khắc căng thẳng. Họ thấy một bà cụ 70 tuổi nhẹ nhàng đưa tay ra đề nghị giúp một chàng thanh niên mà tiếng la lối và những lời khó nghe của anh ta làm cho các hành khách khác sợ sệt. Sự tử tế của bà cụ đã làm chàng thanh niên đang ngã dưới sàn tàu bình tĩnh lại với đôi mắt ươn ướt. Chàng ta nói: “Cảm ơn bà,” rồi đứng dậy và bước đi. Sau đó, bà cụ thú nhận rằng bà cũng thấy sợ. Nhưng bà nói: “Tôi là một người mẹ và tôi biết cậu ấy cần có ai đó chạm đến.” Dù nếu suy xét kỹ càng hơn, bà sẽ có lý do để tránh xa cậu ấy, nhưng bà đã chọn mạo hiểm vì tình thương.

Chúa Jêsus thấu hiểu sự cảm thương đó. Ngài không ủng hộ nỗi sợ của những người nhút nhát khi đứng nhìn người đàn ông vô vọng, mình mẩy đầy phong hủi, đến xin Ngài chữa lành. Ngài cũng không bất lực như những lãnh đạo tôn giáo—những người chỉ có thể chỉ trích người đàn ông đó vì mang phong hủi vào làng (Lê. 13:45-46). Trái lại, Chúa Jêsus đã đưa tay rờ người mà có lẽ nhiều năm rồi không được ai đụng đến, và chữa lành cho ông.

Tạ ơn Chúa, Chúa Jêsus đã đến để ban cho người đàn ông đó và chúng ta điều mà luật pháp không bao giờ có thể ban cho—sự rờ chạm của bàn tay và trái tim.

Lạy Cha Thiên Thượng, xin giúp chúng con thấy chính mình và người khác trong người đàn ông tuyệt vọng đó—bằng ánh mắt thương xót của Con Ngài, Đấng đã chạm đến ông.

Chúa Jêsus có thể chạm đến những con người ô uế nhất và buông tuồng nhất.

bởi Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Alguien a quién tocar

Leer: Lucas 5:12-16 | La Biblia en un año: 2 Samuel 23–24; Lucas 19:1-27

Entonces, extendiendo él la mano, [Jesús] le tocó… (v. 13).

Los pasajeros de un tren subterráneo presenciaron una emocionante conclusión a un momento de tensión. Con dulzura, una mujer de 70 años le ofreció la mano a un joven cuya voz fuerte y palabras perturbadoras estaban asustando a los demás pasajeros. La bondad de la mujer calmó al hombre, quien se arrodilló en el tren, conmovido. Le dijo: «Gracias, abuela», se levantó y se fue. Más adelante, la mujer admitió que tuvo miedo. Pero afirmó: «Yo soy madre, y él necesitaba alguien a quién tocar». Aunque el sentido común le habría indicado que mantuviera distancia, ella se arriesgó por amor.

Jesús entiende esta clase de compasión. No actuó como los nerviosos y atemorizados espectadores cuando un hombre desesperado, cubierto de lepra, apareció y rogó que lo sanara. Además, Él podía hacer algo por este hombre, a diferencia de los otros líderes religiosos, hombres que habrían condenado al leproso por traer su enfermedad al pueblo (Levítico 13:45–46). En cambio, Jesús se acercó a alguien que probablemente nadie había tocado en años, y lo sanó.

Afortunadamente, para ese hombre y para nosotros, Jesús vino a ofrecer lo que ninguna ley podría dar: el toque de su mano y su corazón.

Padre, ayúdanos a vernos y a ver a los demás en ese hombre desesperado, y en tu Hijo, que extendió su mano y lo tocó.

Nadie está demasiado atribulado o impuro como para recibir el toque de Jesús.

Por Mart De Haan

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Berührungen

Lesen: Lukas 5,12-16 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Samuel 23–24; Lukas 19,1-27

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Und er streckte die Hand aus und rührte ihn an. Lukas 5,13

Pendler in einer Metro in Kanada konnten miterleben, wie eine angespannte Situation eine herzerwärmende Wendung erfuhr. Ein junger Mann belästigte die Passagiere mit lauter Stimme und üblen Beschimpfungen, als eine etwa siebzigjährige Frau ihre Hand ausstreckte und ihn sacht berührte. Die freundliche Geste brachte ihn umgehend zur Ruhe. Er sank auf den Boden und brach in Tränen aus. „Danke, Oma“, stieß er hervor, erhob sich und ging davon. Die Frau gab später zu, dass sie Angst gehabt habe. „Aber“, so sagte sie, „ich bin Mutter und er brauchte eine Berührung.“ Auch wenn die Vernunft wohl geraten hätte, lieber Abstand zu halten, ging die Liebe ein Risiko ein.

Jesus versteht solches Mitgefühl. Er schlug sich nicht auf die Seite der entnervten Zuschauer, als ein verzweifelter, vom Aussatz entstellter Mann, zu ihm kam und um Heilung bat. Und er war auch nicht hilflos wie die anderen Priester—Männer, die den Mann nur dafür verurteilen konnten, dass er den Aussatz ins Dorf brachte (3.Mose 13,45-46). Stattdessen streckte Jesus einem die Hand entgegen, den vermutlich seit Jahren niemand mehr berührt hatte, und machte ihn gesund.

Zum Glück für diesen Mann und uns kam Jesus, um uns zu bieten, was kein Gesetz je bieten kann—er lässt sein Herz anrühren und berührt uns mit seiner Hand.

Vater im Himmel, hilf uns, uns selbst und andere in diesem verzweifelten Mann zu erkennen—und in den barmherzigen Augen deines Sohnes, der die Hand ausgestreckt und ihn berührt hat.

Niemand ist so böse oder schmutzig, dass Jesus ihn nicht anrühren könnte.

Von Mart DeHaan

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Qu’est‑ce qui dure toujours ?

Lisez : Psaume 102.26‑29

La Bible en un an : 1 SAMUEL 4 – 6 et LUC 9.1‑17

Mais toi, tu restes le même, et tes années de finiront point. V.28

Un ami ayant traversé de nombreuses difficultés dernièrement a écrit : « En me remémorant les quatre derniers trimestres en tant qu’étudiant, force m’est de constater que beaucoup de choses se sont produites. […] C’est affolant, vraiment affolant. Rien ne dure toujours. »

En effet, tant de choses peuvent arriver en deux ans – un changement de carrière, une nouvelle amitié, une maladie, un décès. Qu’elle soit bonne ou mauvaise, une expérience transformatrice de la vie peut nous guetter au tournant ! C’est juste que nous l’ignorons. Quel merveilleux réconfort, alors, de savoir que notre Père bienveillant ne change jamais !

Le psalmiste a dit : « Mais toi, tu restes le même, et tes années ne finiront point » (PS 102.27). Cette vérité aux implications immenses signifie que Dieu conserve toujours son amour, sa justice et sa sagesse. Comme le professeur de la Bible Arthur W. Pink le dit si bien : « Quels qu’aient pu être les attributs de Dieu avant la création de l’univers, ce sont encore précisément les mêmes aujourd’hui et qui demeureront pour l’éternité. »

Jacques a écrit : « Toute grâce excellente et tout don parfait descendent d’en haut, du Père des lumières, chez lequel il n’y a ni changement ni ombre de variation » (JA 1.17). En toute situation, nous pouvons toujours avoir l’assurance que notre Dieu si bon restera toujours fidèle à lui‑même. Il est la source même de tout ce qui est bon et tout ce qu’il fait est bon.

Contrairement à tout le reste, Dieu ne change jamais.

Celui qui soutient l’univers ne vous abandonnera pas.

par Poh Fang Chia

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Щоб хтось торкнувся

Читати: Луки 5:12-16

Біблія за рік: 2 Самуїлова 23−24 ; Луки 19:1-27

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А Він руку простяг, доторкнувся до нього й сказав: “Хочу, − будь чистий!” — Луки 5:13

Комп’ютери в канадському метро зафіксували зворушливий момент, яким завершився напружений інцидент. На моніторах було видно, як 70-річна бабуся підійшла й ніжно торкнулась молодого парубка, гучні й загрозливі слова якого сполошили й перелякали інших пасажирів. Ласкавість цієї жінки вгасила агресивні емоції хлопця. Він сів на підлогу у вагоні зі сльозами на очах. “Дякую, бабусю”, – сказав він. Потім підвівся й пішов геть. Ця жінка пізніше зізналась, що теж була налякана. Але вона сказала: “Я – мати. А він потребував, щоб хтось до нього доторкнувся”.

Ісусу Христу не був чужий такий спосіб виявлення співчуття. Він не шарахнувся з юрбою переляканих людей, коли раптово з’явився прокажений чоловік із відчайдушним проханням про зцілення. Не був Він і серед релігійних лідерів, що безсилі були чимось допомогти бідоласі, а могли лише засудити його за те, що він, нечистий і небезпечно хворий, зважився зайти у селище (Лев. 13:45-46). Ісус натомість простягнув руку, торкнувся цієї людини – якої напевно ніхто не торкався протягом багатьох років – і зцілив її.

Дякувати Богу, Ісус прийшов запропонувати нам (як і цьому прокаженому) те, що закон неспроможний дати, – ласкавий дотик руки й серця Бога.

Небесний Отче, допоможи нам бачити себе й інших тими, хто має відчайдушну потребу в Тобі, – як той прокажений. Щоб Твій Син міг торкнутись нас Своєю ласкою.

Не буває настільки нечистих і обтяжених гріхом людей, щоб Ісус не міг їх торкнутись.

Автор Мартін де Гаан

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Кто бы прикоснулся

Читать сейчас: Луки 5:12-16 | Библия за год: 2 Царств 23-24; Луки 19:1-27

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[Иисус] простер руку [и] прикоснулся к нему... — Луки 5:13

Работники метро в Канаде стали свидетелями трогательной развязки случая нарушения общественного порядка. Какой-то молодой человек прямо в вагоне принялся громко кричать и пугать пассажиров. В ответ на это семидесятилетняя старушка подошла и ласково положила руку ему на плечо. От этого жеста «дебошир» вдруг опустился на пол со слезами на глазах. Потом сказал: «Спасибо, бабушка», встал и вышел. Позже старушка призналась, что боялась, как и все остальные, но при этом сказала: «Я мать, а ему нужно было, чтобы кто-то к нему прикоснулся». Хотя, вероятно, разумнее было бы держаться подальше, она пожалела молодого человека и решила рискнуть.

Иисусу Христу знакомо такое сострадание. Он не отстранился вместе с обеспокоенной толпой, когда к Нему приблизился отчаявшийся прокаженный, прося исцеления. Не был Он и беспомощен, подобно религиозным учителям, которые могли только осудить несчастного, что тот принес проказу в селение (Лев. 13:45-46). Вместо этого Иисус простер руку, коснулся того, кого, вероятно, никто не касался уже многие годы, и исцелил его.

К счастью для этого человека и для нас, Господь пришел, чтобы даровать то, чего не мог дать никакой закон, – прикосновение Божьей доброй руки и любящего сердца.

Отче Небесный, помоги нам видеть себя и друг друга в этом несчастном прокаженном и даруй нам милостивое отношение Твоего Сына, Который простер руку и коснулся Его.

Иисус желает прикоснуться к самым нечистым душам.

автор: Мартин де Гаан

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 - Saint Mark the Evangelist

St Mark the Evangelist

Opening Sentence

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

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 Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11

My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not stray, or else you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations of old and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress.

Psalm 2 Quare fremuerunt gentes?
1   Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2   Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3   Let us break their yoke, they say; let us cast off their bonds from us.
4   He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; the Lord has them in derision.
5   Then he speaks to them in his wrath, and his rage fills them with terror.
6   I myself have set my king . upon my holy hill of Zion
7   Let me announce the decree of the LORD: he said to me, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8   Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9   You shall crush them with an iron rod and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10   And now, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11   Submit to the LORD with fear, and with trembling bow before him;
12   Lest he be angry and you perish; for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13   Happy are they all who take refuge in him!

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Ephesians 4:7-8, 4:11-16

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people." The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 1:1-15

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

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 God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; 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 Peace

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of 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 TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 - Saint Mark the Evangelist

Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; 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 - April 25, 2017 - 10th Day of Easter

Colossians 1:27-28 (NIV) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

Read all of Colossians 1

Listen to Colossians 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 - "A Conquering Victor"

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.

—Luke 9:51 (NKJV)

It offends me when movies about the life of Christ present Him as losing control, almost as though everything was going great until one of His disciples betrayed Him, and He was taken against His will and crucified.

This was always the plan of God from the very beginning. Jesus spoke of it frequently. He would tell His disciples, in effect, “Guys, listen to what I’m saying. I am going to be betrayed. I am going to be crucified. And I am going to rise again on the third day.” Somehow this went right over their heads. They just didn’t get it.

Jesus did not go into Jerusalem as a helpless victim; He went as a conquering victor in full control of the circumstances. And here is the amazing thing: He knew what was ahead.

I think all of us, at one time or another, have wished we could have known what the future was. We’ve thought, “If I would have known this, I would have never done that.” But there are times when I’m glad I don’t know what is ahead. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Jesus knew everything. That is why, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Bible says He sweat, as it were, great drops of blood and said, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

So the Bible says He “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). He would let nothing or no one stop Him from His course.

Why? He knew there was no other way we could be forgiven of our sins. He knew there was no other way we could come into a relationship with Him. So He went to the cross for you and me.

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 - Temprano, te buscaré

Alégrese el corazón de los que buscan al Señor. Recurran al Señor y a su fuerza; busquen siempre su rostro.
Salmo 105:3-4, NVI

¿Qué es lo primero que hiciste hoy cuando te levantaste? Seguro que me dirás: «Bueno, me lavé los dientes». Otros me dirán: «En realidad, me tomé un cafecito. Es más, dejé la cafetera programada». Otros dirán: «Lo primero que hago cuando me despierto es darle gracias a Dios por un día más de vida».

Esta reflexión la quiero basar en esta última respuesta.

La Biblia habla acerca de la bendición de buscar a Dios en las primeras horas del amanecer. Es como si nuestro Dios nos dijera: «Sé que es un sacrificio para ti, pero cuando lo hagas, encontrarás gran bendición».

Son muchos los testimonios que he escuchado de personas que realizan lo mismo que hacemos hoy en este devocional, y que lo acompañamos con una oración y un momento a solas con Dios. Sé que cuando uno se lo propone, enseguida surgen cosas a fin de que no te puedas mantener. Nos da de repente un sueño que no podemos ni abrir los ojos. Incluso, te empieza a doler algo o dices: «Hoy no puedo, empiezo mañana».

La búsqueda del tiempo, aunque parezca raro, requiere disciplina, constancia y sacrificio. De modo que recordemos todo lo que hace Dios por nosotros y propongámonos buscar cada día unos minutos para la oración y la lectura de su Palabra… y veremos el resultado en el diario vivir.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - ALL KINDS OF PRAYER

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

Ephesians 6:18, NIV

Prayer is mentioned in the context of the wardrobe of the Christian warrior but not as a specific weapon of war or a piece of armor. That’s because prayer is the key to consistent victory in our warfare. Therefore, prayer is one of the most important things we can do when fighting the enemy.

David’s battle with Goliath was not won when the stone flew from the sling. It was won in David’s close relationship with the Living God. Our battles are won or lost in the way we walk with God. Prayer is talking with God and letting Him talk with you. Prayer is taking a stand against the spiritual forces of darkness that influence events and circumstances in the world.

Prayer is asserting God’s victory before we walk into battle. But prayer is more than kneeling before God. Prayer is as much an attitude as it is an act. Prayer is keeping your heart open to His leadership. Prayer is the constant communion with God needed to face the challenge of completing Jesus’ mission.

A Bible courier recounts: “We walked up to the customs with our suitcases full of Bibles. We know that at that moment there are as many as a hundred people praying for us. And can you feel it! We felt peace and joy as we push our trolley of suitcases towards the customs desk. I am absolutely certain that we were surrounded by angels. It sounds strange, but I just know.

‘Excuse me, ladies, do you have anything to declare?’ says the custom agent. At that moment, a good friend rushes up to the officer. They greet each other profusely. The customs man no longer sees us. We walk on, and a moment later we are standing with all our suitcases, which have not been opened, waiting for a taxi.

“I feel small and think, ‘Who am I? I only walk past the customs with my suitcases and I don't even have to answer any questions. That’s all that God asks of me. And it’s He who does the rest—incredibly!’”

RESPONSE: Today I commit myself to being a person of prayer as I put on the whole armor of God.

PRAYER: Pray today with all kinds of prayers for all of God’s people. A great challenge and a great opportunity!

Girlfriends in God - When You Wonder if God is Concerned About You

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (Exodus 3:7, NIV)

Friend to Friend

Have you ever wondered if God really cares about you?

If God sees you?

If God is concerned about you?

I have. Many times. And I think Moses did too.

He was on the far side of the wilderness when God spoke to him through the burning bush. He had failed in Egypt and bailed to Midian. Yep, failed and bailed. He ran away to the wilderness where he stayed for the next forty years.

And friend, sometimes it is only on the far side of the wilderness where God can get our attention. Sometimes it is when we feel alone, abandoned, and forgotten that our ears are pricked to hear. Isolation is often God’s place of invitation.

Now that you know the backstory, let’s join Moses at his wakeup call.

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am” (Exod. 3:1–4).

Let’s hit the pause button for a second. Here’s something interesting about this encounter. When God spoke, He didn’t speak through a fragrant rose bush, a blooming rhododendron, or a genteel hydrangea. God spoke through a prickly, gnarly, thorny, dried up old desert tumbleweedish shrub. Oh yes, when God chooses to speak through something or someone, any old bush will do. I don’t know about you, but that gives me great hope!

Did you notice when God began to speak? “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look.” When God saw that He had Moses’ attention, He began to speak. I wonder how many times I’ve missed God’s gentle whisper and tender tug because I wasn’t paying attention. How many times has God tried to speak to me, but I was too busy being busy to notice? Moses turned aside. God spoke.

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them (Exod. 3:3-9, emphasis added).

This was sounding good to Moses! (And it sounds good to me!)

God sees!

God hears!

God is concerned!

God will rescue!

This is an amazing story, and we’re going to stop right here.

No matter what you’re going through today. Even if you HAVE failed and bailed, even if you are somewhere on the backside of the wilderness, God sees you. God hears you. God is concerned about you. And God will rescue you.

Perhaps He is waiting for you to turn aside. To see the burning bushes in your own backyard.

Make no mistake about it. He has not left you. Never has. Never will. He speaks to us and waits for us to turn aside and listen.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me, even when I give up on myself. Thank You for seeing me, for hearing me, for being concerned about me, and for rescuing me. Thank You for proving that by sending Your Son, Jesus, just for me.
In His Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

How have you observed that God sees you?

How have you observed that God hears you?

How have you observed that God is concerned about you?

How have you observed that God has rescued you?

Write God a prayer of praise for all the times He has come to your aid.

If you know that you know (that’s not a typo) that God cares for you, click over to my Facebook page and say, “I know God cares for me.”

More from the Girlfriends


A mediocre, mundane faith is not your destiny! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold, I reveal the most common reasons we get stuck in our Christian faith. I show you how to break free of all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing. Leave behind feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that hold you hostage and take hold of the mountain-moving faith God intends. You were meant for more…take hold of God’s truth and thrive. A life-changing Bible study guide is included.

Also, see the laminated True Identity in Christ card filled with verses that fits snuggling in your Bible as a daily reminder of who God says you are!

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

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