LHM Daily Devotion - April 27, 2017 "Fatal Fall"

George Mallory was a British hiker, a mountain climber. In 1923 a writer...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Fatal Fall "

April 27, 2017

Jude 1:24-25 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen

George Mallory was a British hiker, a mountain climber.

In 1923 a writer for the  New York Times  asked Mallory why he spent so much time and energy trying to conquer Mount Everest. Mallory's reply was simple, "Because it's there." The following year, 1924, Mallory was last seen making a third attempt on the mountain. His body was discovered more than 75 years later.

Because it's there.

That explains why two Vancouver hiking groups were recently climbing the town mountain, mile-high Mount Harvey. The report said, "Five hikers managed to reach the summit and stepped out on a cornice." (For those of you who, like me, are not mountain climbers, let me save you the time of looking up the word. A cornice is "an overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a mountain precipice.")

Our Vancouver climbers stepped out on this cornice and it gave way. They fell 1,600 feet.

The only member of the group who survived was one who had fallen behind. When he reached the summit, he expected to be met by his friends. Instead, he encountered another climber who had followed the tracks of the group. He sadly told the survivor: "I'm sorry, I think your friends have fallen."

You don't have to be a mountain climber to hear those words, "I think your friends have fallen." Indeed, many of us have special friends who are treading on dangerous ground.

These are friends and family who do not know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They rely on themselves and their own skills to get through their days. Amazingly, many of them do well, managing to accomplish great things. But ... there always is a "but," isn't there?

In spite of their skill, in spite of their past successes, if things remain as they are, the day will come when they will take a step and find out there is nothing to support them, and they will fall.

I know you have tried to warn these special people, in the past. You have told them they need the Savior if they are going to avoid eternal death. You have told them to watch their step, but they have not listened. Well, today we are going to pray for them. We will entrust them, once again to Him who "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy."

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, today our Daily Devotioners come before You with a very special person in our minds. We pray for (include name(s) here ________________) and all those who are living their lives without the Savior. Send Your Holy Spirit upon them so they may know and believe in the Lord who gave His life so they might have an abundant life. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 27 de Abril de 2017

Alimento Diario

Sólo por gracia

27 de Abril 2017

Lo que sí vemos es que Jesús, que fue hecho un poco menor que los ángeles, está coronado de gloria y de honra, a causa de la muerte que sufrió. Dios, en su bondad, quiso que Jesús experimentara la muerte para el bien de todos. Hebreos 2:9

No hace mucho leí un artículo en un periódico sobre un hombre de negocios que se había convertido al hinduismo. El artículo decía que había completado su conversión traspasándose las mejillas con una varilla de acero de un cuarto de pulgada de espesor y cuatro pulgadas de largo.

Pero ese acto de auto-mutilación no fue suficiente para completar su iniciación en la nueva fe por lo que, después de hacer eso, tiró de un carro por dos millas... con cuerdas que estaban prendidas de su pecho y espalda con ganchos de acero.

Es cierto que no todos los seguidores de otras religiones hacen cosas tan drásticas o dramáticas. Pero también es cierto que todas las otras religiones del mundo exigen que sus seguidores hagan algo para apaciguar a su dios y para ganar la salvación. Una religión obliga a sus seguidores a orar cierta cantidad de veces al día. Otra los obliga a dar cierta parte de sus entradas para caridad. Cada religión pide algo diferente.

Lo que piden es diferente, pero el deseo de ser perdonados de los pecados es el mismo.

Sólo la fe cristiana tiene un Salvador que descendió de los cielos y, por un tiempo, fue hecho un poco inferior que los ángeles. Sólo la fe cristiana dice que Jesús sufrió y murió para pagar el precio del pecado y salvar a la humanidad perdida. Sólo la fe cristiana dice que somos salvados por gracia a través de la fe.

Gracias al sufrimiento y sacrificio de Jesús en la cruz del Calvario, todos lo que creen en él como su sustituto, son perdonados.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, te doy gracias por ser mi sustituto, mi Salvador del pecado, del diablo y de la muerte. Ayúdame para que, libre de la ley, te alabe, te sirva y te obedezca con alegría. 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 - Learning the Language

Read: Acts 17:22–32 | Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1–2; Luke 19:28–48

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As I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. Acts 17:23

I stood before the gathering at a small Jamaican church and said in my best local dialect, “Wah Gwan, Jamaica?” The reaction was better than I expected, as smiles and applause greeted me.

In reality, all I had said was the standard greeting, “What’s going on?” in Patois [pa-twa], but to their ears I was saying, “I care enough to speak your language.” Of course I did not yet know enough Patois to continue, but a door had been opened.

When the apostle Paul stood before the people of Athens, he let them know that he knew their culture. He told them that he had noticed their altar to “an unknown god,” and he quoted one of their poets. Of course, not everyone believed Paul’s message about Jesus’s resurrection, but some said, “We want to hear you again on this subject” (Acts 17:32).

As we interact with others about Jesus and the salvation He offers, the lessons of Scripture show us to invest ourselves in others—to learn their language, as it were—as a way to open the door to telling them the good news (see also 1 Cor. 9:20–23).

As we find out “Wah Gwan?” in others’ lives, it will be easier to share what God has done in ours.

Show us, Lord, what is important to others. Help us to think of their interests first, and allow opportunities to speak about the love of Jesus.

Before you tell others about Christ, let them see how much you care.

By Dave Branon

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Học Tiếng

Đọc: Công Vụ 17:22-32

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các Vua 1-2; Lu-ca 19:28-48

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Vì khi đi khắp thành phố, quan sát các nơi thờ phượng của quý vị, tôi thấy một bàn thờ có khắc chữ: THỜ THẦN KHÔNG BIẾT. Công Vụ 17:23

Tôi đứng trước hội chúng tại một Hội thánh nhỏ tại Jamaica và nói bằng tiếng địa phương: “Wah Gwan, Jamaica?” Đáp ứng của mọi người tốt hơn tôi mong đợi, khi họ đều cười tươi và vỗ tay đón chào tôi.

Thực ra, tất cả những gì tôi nói là một câu chào quen thuộc “Bạn thế nào?” bằng tiếng Patois [pa-twa], nhưng với họ, tôi đang nói rằng: “Tôi quan tâm đến các bạn đủ để nói tiếng của các bạn.” Dĩ nhiên tôi không biết tiếng Patois đủ để nói thêm tí nào nữa, nhưng cánh cửa đã được mở.

Khi sứ đồ Phao-lô đứng trước dân thành A-thên, ông cho họ biết rằng ông hiểu văn hóa của họ. Ông nói với họ rằng ông để ý đến bàn thờ “THẦN KHÔNG BIẾT” của họ, và ông cũng trích dẫn lời một nhà thơ của họ. Dĩ nhiên, không phải ai cũng tin vào sứ điệp của Phao-lô về sự sống lại của Chúa Jêsus, nhưng một số người đã nói: “Chúng tôi muốn nghe ông nói chuyện nầy một lần nữa” (Công vụ 17:32).

Khi chúng ta chia sẻ với người khác về Chúa Jêsus và sự cứu rỗi mà Ngài hứa ban thì những bài học từ Kinh Thánh cho thấy đầu tư chính mình vào người khác—như học ngôn ngữ của họ chẳng hạn—là một phương cách để mở ra cánh cửa chia sẻ Tin lành (xem thêm 1 Cô-rinh-tô 9:20-23).

Khi chúng ta hiểu cuộc sống người khác, chúng ta sẽ thấy dễ dàng hơn để chia sẻ điều Chúa đã làm trong cuộc đời mình.

Lạy Chúa, xin chỉ cho con thấy điều gì là quan trọng với người khác. Xin giúp chúng con nghĩ đến mối quan tâm của họ trước, và bắt lấy cơ hội nói về tình yêu của Chúa Jêsus.

Trước khi nói cho người khác về Đấng Christ, hãy để họ thấy bạn quan tâm đến họ biết bao.

bởi Dave Branon

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Aprender el idioma

Leer: Hechos 17:22-32 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 1–2; Lucas 19:28-48

… hallé también un altar en el cual estaba esta inscripción: AL DIOS NO CONOCIDO… (v. 23).

Me paré frente a la congregación en una pequeña iglesia jamaiquina y dije, en mi mejor dialecto local: «¿Wa Guan, Jamaica?». La reacción fue mejor de lo que esperaba, y me recibieron con sonrisas y aplausos.

En realidad, lo único que había dicho era: «¿Cómo están?» en patois, pero, para ellos, lo que estaba diciendo era: «Me interesan lo suficiente como para hablar su idioma». Por supuesto, todavía no sabía el dialecto necesario para seguir, pero había abierto una puerta.

Cuando el apóstol Pablo se paró frente a la gente de Atenas, le mostró que conocía su cultura. Les dijo que había notado su altar «al Dios no conocido», y citó a uno de sus poetas. Por supuesto, no todos creyeron en el mensaje de Pablo sobre la resurrección de Jesús, pero algunos dijeron: «Ya te oiremos acerca de esto otra vez» (Hechos 17:32).

A medida que interactuamos con los demás sobre Jesús y la salvación que Él ofrece, la Escritura nos enseña a dedicarnos a los demás (a aprender su idioma, por así decirlo), como una manera de abrir la puerta para contarles la buena noticia (ver también 1 Corintios 9:20-23).

Cuando descubrimos el «Wa Guan» de los demás, es más fácil compartirles lo que Dios ha hecho en nuestra vida.

Señor, muéstranos lo que es importante para los demás, y danos oportunidades de hablar sobre tu amor.

Antes de hablar de Cristo, muestra cuánto te interesas por los demás.

Por Dave Branon

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Die Sprache lernen

Lesen: Apostelgeschichte 17,22-32 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 1–2; Lukas 19,28-48

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Ich bin umhergegangen und habe eure Heiligtümer angesehen und fand einen Altar, auf dem stand geschrieben: Dem unbekannten Gott. Apostelgeschichte 17,23

Ich stand vor der Versammlung in einer kleinen Gemeinde auf Jamaika und sagte laut und deutlich: „Wah Gwan, Jamaica?“ Die Reaktionen waren besser, als ich erwartet hatte. Man lächelte und applaudierte mir.

Tatsächlich hatte ich nur die übliche Grußformel „Wie geht’s?“ auf Jamaikanisch gesagt, aber in ihren Ohren klang es wie: „Ich mache mir die Mühe, eure Sprache zu sprechen.“ Natürlich konnte ich die Sprache nicht gut genug, um darin weiterzureden. Aber die paar Worte hatten mir eine Tür geöffnet.

Als der Apostel Paulus vor den Menschen von Athen stand, ließ er sie wissen, dass er ihre Kultur kannte. Er berichtete, dass er einen Altar für einen „unbekannten Gott“ entdeckt hatte, und zitierte einen ihrer Dichter. Natürlich glaubten nicht alle seiner Botschaft von Jesu Auferstehung, aber einige sagten: „Wir wollen dich darüber ein andermal weiterhören“ (Apg. 17,32).

Aus der Bibel können wir lernen, wie wir anderen entgegenkommen können, wenn wir ihnen von Jesus und der Erlösung, die er uns anbietet, erzählen wollen. Wir können etwa ihre Sprache lernen, um damit eine Tür zu öffnen, durch die wir ihnen das Evangelium bringen können (siehe auch 1.Kor. 9,20-23).

Wenn wir herausfinden, was „Wah Gwan?“ im Leben anderer heißt, können wir ihnen leichter erzählen, was Gott in unserem Leben getan hat.

Herr, zeige uns, was anderen wichtig ist. Hilf uns, zuerst an ihre Interessen zu denken, und gib uns Gelegenheit, von der Liebe Jesu zu reden.

Ehe du anderen von Jesus erzählst, lass sie spüren, dass sie dir wichtig sind.

Von Dave Branon

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Apprendre la langue

Lisez : Actes 17.22‑32

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 1 – 2 et LUC 19.28‑48

Car, en parcourant votre ville et en considérant les objets de votre dévotion, j'ai même découvert un autel avec cette inscription : À un dieu inconnu ! V.23

Me tenant devant une petite assemblée jamaïcaine, je me suis ainsi adressé à elle en employant mon meilleur dialecte local : « Wah Gwan, Jamaica ? » Or, cette salutation m’a valu une réaction allant au‑delà de mes espérances : un accueil riche en sourires et en applaudissements.

En réalité, je ne leur avais servi qu’une simple salutation d’usage qui signifie : « Que se passe‑t‑il ? », en patois, mais pour les gens de l’assemblée, ma salutation voulait dire : « Je m’intéresse assez à vous pour parler votre langue. » Bien entendu, je ne connaissais pas encore assez le patois pour continuer dans cette veine, mais il n’en demeure pas moins que, du coup, une porte s’était ouverte.

Devant les Athéniens, Paul leur a indiqué, en citant l’un de leurs poètes, qu’il connaissait leur culture et qu’il avait remarqué dans leur ville un autel dédié à « UN DIEU INCONNU ». Bien sûr, tous n’ont pas cru au message de Paul au sujet de la résurrection de Jésus, mais certains ont néanmoins déclaré : « Nous t’entendrons là‑dessus une autre fois » (AC 17.32).

Lorsque nous parlons autour de nous de Jésus et du salut qu’il nous offre, les leçons de la Bible nous incitent à nous investir dans la vie d’autrui — à apprendre leur langue, pour ainsi dire — comme un moyen d’ouvrir la porte à l’annonce de la Bonne Nouvelle (Voir aussi 1 CO 9.20‑23).

En découvrant les « Wah Gwan ? » chez les autres, cela nous aidera à communiquer ce que Dieu a accompli dans la nôtre.

Avant de parler de Christ aux autres, faites‑leur voir votre estime.

par Dave Branon

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Вивчення мови

Читати: Дії 17:22-32

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 1−2 ; Луки 19:28-48

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Бо, проходячи та оглядаючи святощі ваші, я знайшов також жертівника, що на ньому написано: Незнаному Богові. — Дії 17:23

Я стояв перед людьми в маленькій ямайській церкві під час богослужіння і сказав їм, намагаючись найкраще передати місцевий діалект, три слова: “Ва Гван, Ямайка?” Люди відреагували ще більш позитивно, ніж я очікував, – посмішки, гучні оплески, радісні вигуки.

Я сказав насправді просте, стандартне привітання місцевою мовою (як справи?), але люди почули дещо більше: “Я справді опікуюсь вами, тому й намагаюсь говорити вашою мовою”. Звісно, я не знав їхньої мови достатньо добре, щоб продовжувати проповідь їх мовою, але двері до їхніх сердець вже були відчинені.

Коли апостол Павло стояв перед натовпом в Афінах, то дав слухачам зрозуміти, що обізнаний з їхньою культурою. Він також зазначив, що натикнувся на жертовник “незнаному Богу”, і процитував одного з їхніх поетів. Звісно, не всі повірили істині про воскресіння, що про неї проповідував Павло, але деякі виявили бажання ще раз послухати про це (Дії 17:32).

Якщо бажаємо ефективно бесідувати з іншими про Ісуса, то потрібно щось робити для входження в життя людей – наприклад, вчити їхню мову. Такі зусилля відкривають двері для ефективного проголошення Благої Звістки (1 Кор. 9:20-23).

Знайшовши їхнє “Ва Гван”, зможете краще розповісти їм про те, що Бог вчинив у вашому житті.

Господи, допоможи дбати в першу чергу про інтереси інших, а не свої. Дай можливість засвідчити їм про любов Ісуса.

Перед тим, як розповісти комусь про Христа, продемонструйте спочатку свою щиру турботу.

Автор Давид Бренон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Изучение языка

Читать сейчас: Деяния 17:22-32 | Библия за год: 3 Царств 1-2; Луки 19:28-48

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Проходя и осматривая ваши святыни, я нашел и жертвенник, на котором написано «Неведомому Богу». — Деяния 17:23

Я стоял перед собравшимися в небольшой ямайской церкви и на своем лучшем местном диалекте возгласил: «Ва Гван, Ямайка?» Реакция оказалась лучше, чем я ожидал: люди заулыбались и захлопали.

То, что я сказал, было на языке патуа обычным приветствием: «Как дела?» Однако за этими словами люди услышали то, что я ценю их и их обычаи. Конечно же, дальше продолжать на местном языке я не мог, но дверь для общения была открыта.

Представ перед жителями Афин, апостол Павел дал им понять, что знает их культуру. Он сказал, что увидел в их городе жертвенник «Неведомому Богу», а также процитировал их поэтов. Конечно, не все поверили вести Павла о воскресении Иисуса Христа, но некоторые сказали: «Об этом послушаем тебя в другое время» (Деян. 17:32).

Разговаривая с людьми о Христе и спасении, будем подходить к делу серьезно, так сказать, «изучим их язык», чтобы лучше передать Благую Весть (см. также 1 Кор. 9:20-23).

Найдя их «Ва Гван», мы сможем доступнее рассказать, что совершил для них Христос.

Покажи нам, Господь, что важно для людей. Помоги думать об их интересах и открой возможности для свидетельства о Христе.

Прежде чем говорить людям о Христе, покажите, что вы о них заботитесь.

автор: Дэвид Брэнон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2017 - 11th Day of Easter

Opening Sentence

On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Morning Prayer

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

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Daniel 2:17-30

Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel said: "Blessed be the name of God from age to age, for wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons, deposes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him. To you, O God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power, and have now revealed to me what we asked of you, for you have revealed to us what the king ordered." Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will give the king the interpretation." Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king and said to him: "I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who can tell the king the interpretation." The king said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to tell me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?" Daniel answered the king, "No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has disclosed to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen at the end of days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed were these: To you, O king, as you lay in bed, came thoughts of what would be hereafter, and the revealer of mysteries disclosed to you what is to be. But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that I have more than any other living being, but in order that the interpretation may be known to the king and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 1 John 2:12-17

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world-- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches-- comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 17:20-26

"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. "Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 119: Aleph Beati immaculati
1   Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2   Happy are they who observe his decrees and seek him with all their hearts!
3   Who never do any wrong, but always walk in his ways.
4   You laid down your commandments, that we should fully keep them.
5   Oh, that my ways were made so direct that I might keep your statutes!
6   Then I should not be put to shame, when I regard all your commandments.
7   I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8   I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

Psalm 119: Beth In quo corrigit?
9   How shall a young man cleanse his way? By keeping to your words.
10   With my whole heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commandments.
11   I treasure your promise in my heart, that I may not sin against you.
12   Blessed are you, O LORD; instruct me in your statutes.
13   With my lips will I recite all the judgments of your mouth.
14   I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees than in all manner of riches.
15   I will meditate on your commandments and give attention to your ways.
16   My delight is in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Psalm 119: Gimel Retribue servo tuo
17   Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
18   Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders of your law.
19   I am a stranger here on earth; do not hide your commandments from me.
20   My soul is consumed at all times with longing for your judgments.
21   You have rebuked the insolent; cursed are they who stray from your commandments!
22   Turn from me shame and rebuke, for I have kept your decrees.
23   Even though rulers sit and plot against me, I will meditate on your statutes.
24   For your decrees are my delight, and they are my counselors.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 12 Salvum me fac
1   Help me, LORD, for there is no godly one left; the faithful have vanished from among us.
2   Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.
3   Oh, that the LORD would cut off all smooth tongues, and close the lips that utter proud boasts!
4   Those who say, "With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"
5   Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, I will rise up, says the LORD, and give them the help they long for.
6   The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined from ore and purified seven times in the fire.
7   O LORD, watch over us and save us from this generation for ever.
8   The wicked prowl on every side, and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.

Psalm 13 Usquequo, Domine?
1   How long, O LORD? will you forget me for ever? how long will you hide your face from me?
2   How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in my heart, day after day? how long shall my enemy triumph over me?
3   Look upon me and answer me, O LORD my God; give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
4   Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him, " and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.
5   But I put my trust in your mercy; my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
6   I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt with me richly; I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 14 Dixit insipiens
1   The fool has said in his heart, There is no God." All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good.
2   The LORD looks down from heaven upon us all, to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God.
3   Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; there is none who does good; no, not one.
4   Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers who eat up my people like bread and do not call upon the LORD?
5   See how they tremble with fear, because God is in the company of the righteous.
6   Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, but the LORD is their refuge.
7   Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

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 and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; 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 Grace

O Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

A Prayer for Mission

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

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

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

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

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2017 - 11th Day of Easter

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; 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 26, 2017 - 11th Day of Easter

Hebrews 7:25 (NIV) Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Read all of Hebrews 7

Listen to Hebrews 7

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 - "God on Our Terms"

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

—Lamentations 3:22 (NKJV)

In ancient Rome when a conquering hero returned from war, he would be riding a donkey. So when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the multitude cried out, “Hosanna!” the significance of this was not missed by the Romans or the Jews.

The Romans thought Jesus was acting as though He were a returning war hero. But the Jews saw a different meaning. The prophet Zechariah had said of the Messiah, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

For the Jews, Jesus was saying, “I am your Messiah.” And for the Romans, He was saying, “I am your king.” But Jesus did not come to conquer Rome. He came to conquer sin and death.

The crowd said, “‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (John 12:13). These people wanted to see Jesus, but they wanted Him on their own terms: Lord, we want You to be our conquering King.

There are some people who say they want God in their lives, but they want Him on their terms. They essentially would say to God, “Look, God, you can come into my life. But don’t tell me what to do. I’m going to do it my way. But by the way, Lord, I could use Your help in this one situation.”

It doesn’t work that way. Who are we to stand and dictate terms to God Almighty? The Bible says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). We all deserve His judgment, yet He is loving and tolerant with us.

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 - Hoy es día de dar gracias

Las muchas aguas no podrán apagar el amor, ni lo ahogarán los ríos.
Cantar de los cantares 8:7, RV-60

En tu caso, no sé lo que tienes que agradecerle a Dios en un día como hoy. En el mío, tengo una gran razón para decirle «GRACIAS»: Me regaló el amor y la felicidad al lado de mi esposo, Edgar.

Además, ¡el día de nuestra boda es inolvidable! La ceremonia se realizó en la bellísima ciudad de Homestead el 26 de abril. Allí me acompañaron muchos de ustedes, mis oyentes, no solo en la iglesia, sino con sus oraciones, sus tarjetas, regalos, detalles y cientos de correos electrónicos.

También doy gracias a Dios por mis compañeros de trabajo que disfrutaron conmigo de un día absolutamente hermoso. Ese día no solo fue azul, sino que vimos a Dios en cada detalle. Lo vimos en el vestido, las flores, la tarta y todo lo que personas tan lindas y cercanas a mí aportaron para que fuera un día donde honraríamos a Dios.

Le doy gracias también porque ahora somos una familia completa. Mis princesas tienen el apoyo en todo de mi esposo y yo tengo una linda relación con sus tres hijos y su familia. Así que valió la pena esperar a que fuese Dios el que trajera a mi vida el hombre que Él sabía me haría muy feliz.

Por eso hoy testifico que la felicidad sí existe y que, cuando confiamos nuestra vida a papito Dios, Él nos sorprende y nos da lo mejor.

Claudia y Edgar

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STANDING AGAINST THE DEVIL

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

The Bible clearly says to use the full armor. We usually feel we are doing okay if we have most of the pieces of armor in place. Yet, if even one piece is missing, we have a weak spot where Satan can injure us, causing us to lose ground rather than standing firm. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The New Living Translation in Ephesians 6:11 puts it this way: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” It further says in verse 13, “Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

RESPONSE: Today I will put on the full armor of God to stand strong against Satan’s darts of doubt, denial and deceit.

PRAYER: “The Warrior’s Prayer”

Heavenly Father, Your warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God!

I put on the Belt of Truth.
May I stand firm in the truth of your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.

I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.
May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.

I put on the Sandals of Peace.
May I go out and proclaim the good news of the Gospel so your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.

I take the Shield of Faith.
May I be ready to deflect Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation.
May I keep my mind focused on you so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.

I take the Sword of the Spirit.
May the two-edged sword of your Word be ready in my hands so I can use it to take authority over the Enemy.

By faith, your warrior has put on the whole armor of God.

I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory.

Amen.[1]

1. Author unknown.

Girlfriends in God - When You Feel God Has Called You to More Than You Can Handle

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, ESV)

Friend to Friend

In my last devotion, we looked at Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush in Midian. God began by saying:

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. 3:7–9, emphasis added).

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

God sees!

God hears!

God is concerned!

God will rescue!

I imagine Moses’ heart was pounding, his pulse was quickening, his neck hairs prickling. Hope was rising! This was great news! Until the next few words rocked his world.

“So now go. I am sending you to the Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exod. 3:10, emphasis added).

Can’t you see Moses backing away from the bush . . . holding up his hands as in, “Whoa. Hold on here. You’ve got the wrong man for the job.”

His exact words were: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exod. 3:11)?

Every insecurity in Moses’ emotional storehouse rose to the surface. And in his fainthearted and half-hearted objections we discover answers to what keeps us stuck in milquetoast faith—what keeps us from moving forward to the land flowing with milk and honey, what keeps us from experiencing the wall-tumbling, giant-slaying, mountain-moving, lame-man-leaping, blind-man-seeing, loaves-and-fishes-multiplying, thriving faith.

Moses was stuck in the muck and mire of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy. He allowed his past failure to stand in the way of his future success. His measuring stick had gotten him stuck as he saw others as more qualified, sanctified, and fortified to do anything meaningful for God. He had lost his confidence and God was about to show him how to get it back. But this isn’t just Moses’ problem; it is a potential problem for you and me as well.

Did you notice that before God told Moses what He was going to do, He reminded Moses who He was? “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”

Then Moses replied, “Yeah, I got that, I know who You are, but who am I?”

That question is one of the most important you will ever ask. Your answer will affect the way to you look at life, tackle your troubles, and frame your circumstances. The answer to that question will determine your destiny. It can give you the confidence to accomplish your calling or take away your courage to even begin. If you don’t answer that question with the truth of God, the devil will answer it for you with his bag of lies.

What do you think ran through Moses’ mind when God said, “Now go, I am sending you to the Pharaoh?” I imagine his life flashed before his eyes and he saw all the ways he had disappointed people in his past, not to mention the way he had disappointed himself.

You’ve got to be kidding! I am a murderer! I am a coward! I am a dirty rotten scoundrel! I am a wanted man! I am so messed up, used up, and fed up! No. No. No. You’ve made a mistake. You’ve got it all wrong. You’ve got the wrong man for the job.

How many times have I reacted similarly to Moses? Perhaps you have too. As soon as God reveals what He has planned for you to do, the devil reminds you of your past failures and missteps. And I’m not talking about just the mistakes you made before you came to Christ, but also the ones you’ve made since you came to Christ. The times you did not flee from temptation but walked right into it, did not hold your tongue but lashed out in anger, did not wait on God but rushed in to take matters in you own hands. Those are the ones the enemy really likes to throw in your face.

And we ask the questions:

Who am I that I should go to the Pharaoh?
Who am I that I should write a book?
Who am I that I should start a business?
Who am I that I should start a ministry?
Who am I that I should be a teacher?
Who am I that I should help orphans overseas?

And God replies, “You are who I say you are.”

So here’s your question for today...will you believe Him?

Let’s Pray

Lord, so many times I’m like Moses. I sense you calling me to do something wonderful, something risky, something beyond my ability. And then I say, “Who am I that I could...?” Lord, help me to believe that I am who You say that I am, and that I can do what You say I can do. Help my unbelief, my shaky knees, and my weak hands. For I know that my weakness is made perfect in Your strength.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

What is one time when you sensed God calling you but you ignored the call because you didn’t feel qualified?

What is one time when you sensed God calling you and you move forward in faith even though you didn’t feel qualified?

I’d love to hear your answers. You can email me at Sharon@sharonjaynes.com.

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my new book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward. Live Bold. On the outside, many of us are well-put-together churchgoers with trendy shoes, beautiful families, and wide, white smiles. On the inside, we’re little girls hesitating at the edge of the playground, wishing we could join in, but feeling something’s not quite right. We don’t know how to truly take hold of the “life to the full” that Jesus offers us. So we settle for a life that’s . . . less.

But a mediocre, mundane faith is not your destiny! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, 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. It’s time to 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 trust and thrive!

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