LHM Daily Devotion - April 29, 2017 "Last Requests"

The doctors at Denmark's Aarhus University Hospital had told...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Last Requests"

April 29, 2017

1 John 4:19 - We love because He first loved us.

The doctors at Denmark's Aarhus University Hospital had told Carsten Flemming Hansen that he had a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Then they told the 75-year-old Hansen that he was too sick to have surgery.

Translating the doctor's words so everybody can understand -- those MDs were telling Hansen he had days, maybe hours, to live. The news got Hansen thinking. He asked himself, "Do I have a last wish? Is there something I want to do with the time left to me?" Eventually, Hansen came up with an answer to his question. He told his nurse, Rikke Kvist, "I wish I could have one last cigarette and a glass of wine."

Now to you and me, that may sound like a frivolous last request. No matter how nurse Kvist might have felt personally, she decided to try and fulfill her patient's wish. That meant she had to petition the hospital for an exemption to their ironclad "no smoking" policy.

The hospital officials agreed when Nurse Kvist said she could wheel Hansen and his bed out to the hospital balcony. A few days later the hospital released a touching photo of Hansen, surrounded by his family, enjoying his smoke and a glass of white wine, as the sun set.

Now, Mr. Hansen's request might not be yours. It certainly isn't mine.

That being said, the story got me wondering: if the physicians told me my time on this earth was extremely limited, what would I do? What would be my last request? Would it be something as simple as a glass of wine and a sunset? Would it be the kind of wish that called for months of planning and a small fortune to make a reality?

Seriously, take a moment and ask yourself what would you do if you were limited to 24 hours?

Did you ever think of the requests Jesus made in His last 24-hour-period with His disciples? There are a number of things He requested:

1. He told His disciples they ought to serve others.
2. He asked them to stay awake with Him in the Garden.
3. He prayed that if it were possible the "cup of suffering" might be taken away from Him. (It was a wish followed by another wish, namely, that the Lord's "will be done.")
4. From the cross, He asked His Father to forgive the sins of those who put Him there.
5. He asked John to take care of His mother.

You will note that very few of Jesus' requests centered on Himself. Most of them were concerned with the physical and spiritual future of those He was leaving behind. From the mouth of anyone else, it would be a surprising list.

Coming from the Savior -- whose entire life was spent saving a lost and sinful world -- it is not a shock. It's the kind of thing our heaven-sent Redeemer would do.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for Your thinking of sinners, I give thanks. For living Your life to save those sinners, I praise Your Name. For making me a saved soul, I shall always be in Your debt. May I acknowledge that debt in serving You every day of my life. In Your 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 - When Morning Comes

Read: Hebrews 11:1–8

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 6–7; Luke 20:27–47

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

It was very late when we stopped for the night at a country inn outside of Munich. We were delighted to see that our cozy room had a balcony, although an oppressive fog made it impossible to see into the darkness. But when the sun rose a few hours later, the haze began to fade. Then we could see what had been grimly shrouded the night before—a completely idyllic scene—peaceful and lush green meadow, sheep grazing with tiny tinkling bells about their necks, and big white clouds in the sky that looked exactly like more sheep—huge, fluffy sheep!

Sometimes life can get clouded over by a heavy fog of despair. Our situation may look so dark that we begin to lose hope. But just as the sun burns away a fog, our faith in God can burn away the haze of doubt. Hebrews 11 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (v. 1). The passage goes on to remind us of the faith of Noah, who was “warned about things not yet seen,” yet obeyed God (v. 7). And Abraham who went where God directed—even though he didn’t know where that would be (v. 8).

Though we have not seen Him and cannot always feel His presence, God is always present and will help us through our darkest nights.

Father, thank You for Your promise to walk with us through all of life. In moments of doubt, help us to have the confidence You are in control and we can trust You.

Faith is the radar that sees through the fog. Corrie ten Boom

By Cindy Hess Kasper

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Khi Bình Minh Ló Dạng

Đọc: Hê-bơ-rơ 11:1-8

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các Vua 6-7; Lu-ca 20:27-47

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Đức tin là sự xác quyết về những điều mình đang hi vọng, là bằng chứng của những điều mình chẳng xem thấy. Hê-bơ-rơ 11:1

Khi chúng tôi dừng lại để nghỉ đêm tại một nhà nghỉ ở miền quê ngoài thành phố Munich thì trời đã rất khuya rồi. Chúng tôi rất vui khi thấy căn phòng ấm cúng của mình có ban công, mặc dù màn sương dày đặc khiến chúng tôi không nhìn thấy gì trong đêm. Nhưng vài tiếng sau đó khi mặt trời mọc, sương mù bắt đầu tan dần. Khi đó, chúng tôi có thể thấy những gì mà đêm hôm trước bị che khuất bởi màn sương dày đặc—một cảnh tượng hết sức bình dị—một đồng cỏ xanh mướt, thanh bình, những con cừu nhởn nhơ gặm cỏ với những cái chuông nhỏ xíu kêu leng keng trên cổ, và những đám mây trắng trôi bồng bềnh trên bầu trời trông hệt như những con cừu, những con cừu khổng lồ với bộ lông tơ mềm mại!

Đôi khi cuộc sống âm u, mờ mịt bởi những đám sương mù tuyệt vọng vây bủa. Hoàn cảnh của chúng ta dường như đen tối đến mức chúng ta bắt đầu mất hy vọng. Nhưng như mặt trời xua tan đi màn sương mờ, đức tin nơi Chúa của chúng ta có thể xua tan đi đám mây ngờ vực. Hê-bơ-rơ 11 định nghĩa đức tin là “sự xác quyết về những điều mình đang hi vọng, là bằng chứng của những điều mình chẳng xem thấy” (c.1). Phân đoạn này tiếp tục nhắc chúng ta về đức tin của Nô-ê, người “được Chúa cảnh báo về những việc chưa thấy”, nhưng ông vẫn vâng lời Chúa (c.7). Và Áp-ra-ham là người đã đi đến nơi Chúa chỉ—ngay cả khi ông không biết đó là đâu (c.8).

Mặc dù chúng ta không thấy Chúa và không phải lúc nào cũng cảm nhận được sự hiện diện của Ngài, nhưng Chúa luôn hiện diện và sẽ vùa giúp chúng ta qua những đêm dài tăm tối nhất.

Lạy Cha, cảm ơn Ngài đã hứa đi cùng với chúng con suốt cả cuộc đời. Trong những giờ khắc nghi ngờ bủa vây, xin giúp chúng con tin rằng Ngài đang tể trị và chúng con có thể tin cậy Ngài.

Đức tin là chiếc máy ra-đa giúp ta nhìn xuyên qua sương mù.

bởi Cindy Hess Kasper

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Cuando llega la mañana

Leer: Hebreos 11:1-8

La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 6–7; Lucas 20:27-47

Es, pues, la fe la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve (v. 1).

Era tarde cuando paramos a pasar la noche en una hostería a las afueras de Múnich. Nuestra cómoda habitación tenía balcón, aunque una densa niebla no nos permitía ver en la oscuridad. Pero, cuando salió el sol, la neblina empezó a desaparecer. Entonces, pudimos ver lo que había estado lúgubremente escondido la noche anterior: una pradera tranquila e idílica de un verde exuberante, ovejas pastando con campanillas en sus cuellos, y grandes nubes blancas en el cielo, que parecían más ovejas… ¡ovejas mullidas y gigantes!

A veces, la vida puede enturbiarse en una densa niebla de desesperación. Nuestra situación puede parecer tan oscura que empezamos a perder la esperanza. Pero, así como el sol levanta la neblina, nuestra fe en Dios puede disipar la niebla de la duda. Hebreos 11 define la fe como «la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve» (v. 1). Luego, el pasaje nos recuerda la fe de Noé, que «fue advertido por Dios acerca de cosas que aún no se veían», y aun así, obedeció (v. 7). También habla de Abraham, quien fue donde Dios le indicó, aunque no sabía adónde iba (v. 8).

Aunque no lo vemos y a veces no podemos sentir su presencia, Dios está siempre presente y nos ayudará a atravesar nuestras noches más oscuras.

Padre, gracias por tu promesa de caminar con nosotros toda la vida.

«La fe es el radar que penetra en la neblina y nos guía». Corrie ten Boom

Por Cindy Hess Kasper

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Wenn der Morgen kommt

Lesen: Hebräer 11,1-8

Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 6–7; Lukas 20,27-47

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Es ist aber der Glaube eine feste Zuversicht auf das, was man hofft, und ein Nichtzweifeln an dem, was man nicht sieht. Hebräer 11,1

Es war schon spät, als wir vor dem Landgasthof außerhalb von München ankamen. Unser gemütliches Zimmer hatte sogar einen Balkon. Aber draußen herrschte dichter Nebel, sodass man in der Dunkelheit nichts sehen konnte. Doch als ein paar Stunden später die Sonne aufging, löste der Nebel sich auf und wir konnten sehen, was uns am Abend verborgen geblieben war—eine absolut idyllische Szenerie. Friedliche, üppig grüne Weiden, Schafe mit Glöckchen um den Hals, die darauf grasten, und dicke weiße Wolken am Himmel, die aussahen wie noch mehr Schafe—riesige, flauschige Schafe!

Manchmal legen sich Wolken über unser Leben wie ein dicker Nebel. Die Umstände mögen so finster erscheinen, dass wir beginnen, die Hoffnung zu verlieren. Aber so wie die Sonne den Nebel vertreibt, kann Gott den Nebel unserer Zweifel auflösen. Hebräer 11 definiert Glaube als „eine feste Zuversicht auf das, was man hofft, und ein Nichtzweifeln an dem, was man nicht sieht“ (V.1). Weiter erinnert uns der Abschnitt an den Glauben von Noah, der „ein göttliches Wort empfing über das, was man noch nicht sah“, und Gott dennoch gehorchte (V.7). Und an Abraham, der dahin ging, wo Gott es wollte—auch wenn er nicht wusste, wo das sein sollte (V.8).

Auch wenn wir ihn nicht sehen und nicht immer seine Nähe spüren, ist Gott immer da und hilft uns auch durch die dunkelste Nacht.

Vater, hab Dank für dein Versprechen, unser ganzes Leben lang mit uns zu gehen. Wenn Zweifel kommen, hilf uns, dir zu vertrauen.

Glaube ist der Radar, der durch den Nebel sieht. Corrie ten Boom

Von Cindy Hess Kasper

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Quand le jour se lève

Lisez : Hébreux 11.1‑8

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 6 – 7 et LUC 20.27‑47

Or la foi est une ferme assurance des choses qu'on espère, une démonstration de celles qu'on ne voit pas. V.1

Très tard en soirée, nous nous sommes arrêtés dans une auberge de Munich pour y passer la nuit. Nous étions ravis de voir que notre petite chambre était munie d’un balcon, même si un épais brouillard nous voilait complètement la vue. Par contre, lorsque le soleil s’est levé quelques heures plus tard, cette nappe a commencé à se dissiper. Et nous avons pu alors voir ce qui la veille avait été enveloppé de ténèbres : une scène des plus idylliques composée d’un pré paisible et verdoyant, de moutons en train de brouter avec de minuscules clochettes tintant à leur cou et d’énormes nuages blancs dans le ciel qui ressemblaient étrangement eux aussi à des moutons, d’immenses moutons floconneux !

Il arrive parfois qu’un épais brouillard de désespoir voile notre vie et que notre situation semble sombre au point de nous faire perdre espoir. Comme le soleil dissipe le brouillard, notre foi en Dieu dissipe toutefois la brume du doute. Hébreux 11 définit la foi comme « une ferme assurance des choses qu’on espère, une démonstration de celles qu’on ne voit pas » (V. 1). Dans la suite, ce passage nous rappelle la foi de Noé, qui a été « divinement averti des choses qu’on ne voyait pas encore » (V. 7). Et Abraham a suivi la direction de Dieu – même s’il ignorait où cela le mènerait (V. 8).

Bien que nous ne l’ayons pas encore vu et que nous ne puissions pas toujours sentir sa présence, Dieu est toujours là et nous aidera à traverser nos heures les plus sombres.

La foi est le radar qui perce le brouillard.

CORRIE TEN BOOM

par Cindy Hess Kasper

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Коли настає ранок

Читати: Євреїв 11:1-8

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 6−7 ; Луки 20:27-47

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А віра − то підстава сподіваного, доказ небаченого. — Євреїв 11:1

Вже було дуже пізно, коли ми зупинились на ніч в маленькому сільському готелі неподалік від Мюнхена. Нам сподобалось, що в затишному номері був балкон, хоча надворі нічого не було видно через темряву й густий туман. Але коли за кілька годин почало сходити сонце, туман почав розсіюватись. Ми побачили те, що було сховане від наших очей під саваном ночі. Цілковито ідилічна картина: мирні пасовиська з зеленою соковитою травою, отари овець, що паслися з маленькими дзвониками на шиях, великі білі хмари на небі, що виглядали немов ті ж самі вівці – величезні пухнасті вівці!

Інколи життя може окутувати нас густим туманом відчаю. Темрява проблем може бути такою непроглядною, що ми ладні втратити надію. Але як тільки сонце проганяє морок, наша віра в Бога розсіює туман сумнівів. У Посланні до євреїв віра визначається як “підстава сподіваного, доказ небаченого” (Євр. 11:1). Далі автор нагадує нам про віру Ноя, хто отримав попередження про те, “чого ще не бачив” (Євр. 11:7). І про віру Авраама, хто пішов за вказівкою Бога в інші краї, “не відаючи, куди йде” (Євр. 11:8).

Хоча ми не бачимо Бога й не завжди відчуваємо Його присутність, Він завжди поруч з нами і допомагає проходити крізь найчорніші дні.

Отче, дякуємо Тобі за обітницю йти поруч протягом всього нашого життя. Допоможи в моменти сумнівів не втрачати віру, що Ти все контролюєш, – і довіряти Тобі.

“Віра – то радар, що бачить крізь туман”. — Корі Тен Бум

Автор Сінді Хесс Каспер

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Наступление утра

Читать сейчас: Евреям 11:1-8

Библия за год: 3 Царств 6-7; Луки 20:27-47 

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Вера же есть осуществление ожидаемого и уверенность в невидимом. — Евреям 11:1

Было совсем поздно, когда мы остановились на ночлег в деревенской гостинице недалеко от Мюнхена. В ней была уютная комната с балконом, хотя густой туман не давал возможности полюбоваться далью. Зато когда взошло солнце, туман начал рассеиваться. Мы увидели совершенно идиллическую картину: мирный, цветущий луг, овцы, позвякивающие колокольчиками на шеях, и большие белые облака на небе, тоже похожие на овец, огромных и пушистых.

Порой жизнь окутывается густым туманом уныния. Наше положение может казаться таким мрачным, что не остается никакой надежды. Но как солнце рассеивает туман, вера может прогнать прочь сомнения. Автор Послания к евреям определяет веру как «осуществление ожидаемого и уверенность в невидимом» (Евр. 11:1). Дальше текст напоминает читателям о вере Ноя, который, «получив откровение о том, что еще не было видимо», повиновался Богу (Евр. 11:7). А еще об Аврааме, который пошел, не зная куда, всецело доверившись Божьему водительству (Евр. 11:8).

Хотя мы не видим Бога и не всегда ощущаем Его присутствие, Он всегда рядом и поможет пройти через самые темные ночи.

Отче, благодарим Тебя за обетование быть с нами во все дни до скончания века. В минуты отчаяния помоги нам иметь уверенность, что Ты управляешь всем, и мы можем положиться на Тебя.

«Вера – это радар, проникающий сквозь туман». — Корри тен Бум

автор: Синди Хесс Каспер

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, April 28, 2017 - 13th 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 3:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent for the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to assemble and come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. So the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. When they were standing before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up, the herald proclaimed aloud, "You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire." Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, shall fall down and worship the golden statue, and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up." Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought in; so they brought those men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 1 John 3:1-10

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because God's seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God. The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 3:15-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine
1   Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my good above all other."
2   All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, upon those who are noble among the people.
3   But those who run after other gods shall have their troubles multiplied.
4   Their libations of blood I will not offer, nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5   O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot.
6   My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7   I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night.
8   I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9   My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.
10   For you will not abandon me to the grave, nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11   You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 17 Exaudi, Domine
1   Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD; give heed to my cry; listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2   Let my vindication come forth from your presence; let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3   Weigh my heart, summon me by night, melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4   I give no offense with my mouth as others do; I have heeded the words of your lips.
5   My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6   I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7   Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.
8   Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9   From the wicked who assault me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10   They have closed their heart to pity, and their mouth speaks proud things.
11   They press me hard, now they surround me, watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12   Like a lion, greedy for its prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13   Arise, O LORD; confront them and bring them down; deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14   Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand from those whose portion in life is this world;
15   Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, who are well supplied with children and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16   But at my vindication I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
1   Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
2   Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

Psalm 135 Laudate nomen
1   Hallelujah! Praise the Name of the LORD; give praise, you servants of the LORD.
2   You who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.
3   Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praises to his Name, for it is lovely.
4   For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession.
5   For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6   The LORD does whatever pleases him, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the deeps.
7   He brings up rain clouds from the ends of the earth; he sends out lightning with the rain, and brings the winds out of his storehouse.
8   It was he who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn both of man and beast.
9   He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.
10   He overthrew many nations and put mighty kings to death:
11   Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, the king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.
12   He gave their land to be an inheritance, an inheritance for Israel his people.
13   O LORD, your Name is everlasting; your renown, O LORD, endures from age to age.
14   For the LORD gives his people justice and shows compassion to his servants.
15   The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
16   They have mouths, but they cannot speak; eyes have they, but they cannot see.
17   They have ears, but they cannot hear; neither is there any breath in their mouth.
18   Those who make them are like them, and so are all who put their trust in them.
19   Bless the LORD, O house of Israel; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD.
20   Bless the LORD, O house of Levi; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21   Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

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 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!
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 FRIDAY, April 28, 2017 - 13th 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 28, 2017 - 13th Day of Easter

Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Read all of Philippians 2

Listen to Philippians 2 

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's Trade-in Deal"

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Imagine turning on your television and seeing a car dealer standing in front of a fleet of Ferraris. He says, “Hi, I’m Crazy Eddie, and if you’ll bring in your car and trade it in, I’ll give you a Ferrari. I don’t care what shape your car is in or even if it’s an old piece of junk. No need to put any money down. I’ll give you a Ferrari.”

Would you even bother driving over to see Crazy Eddie? Probably not. You wouldn’t believe him, because you don’t get something for nothing.

Yet God Almighty says, “I will give you eternal life. I will give you the forgiveness of sin. I will fill the void in your life.”

You say, “What’s the catch?”

“Give me your life.”

“Yes, but what else? Surely there’s something I need to do.” It’s hard to accept that God would simply forgive us. Aren’t certain works of righteousness necessary on our part?

God says, “No, you have broken all the laws. There is no way you could earn My grace or forgiveness. I offer it to you freely. But once you have received it, then I expect you in return. I’m giving you everything. Now, give Me your life. I don’t care what kind of shape it’s in.”

You say, “Lord, this is crazy. Talk about a trade-in deal. It doesn’t even work anymore.”

He says, “That’s all right. I’m in the restoration business. Watch what I can do.” So you bring your life. You bring your problems. You bring yourself to Him.

Jesus said, “If you give up your life for me, you will find it” (Matthew 10:39). This almost sounds contradictory. But He will give you the purpose and life you have been searching for. Don’t be afraid to give yourself to God.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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

Un Dia a la Vez - La duda… enemiga de la fe

El Señor te guiará siempre; te saciará en tierras resecas, y fortalecerá tus huesos. Serás como jardín bien regado, como manantial cuyas aguas no se agotan.
Isaías 58:11, NVI

La duda paraliza tu fe. La duda es un sentimiento que todos tenemos, pero que se mantiene como ciertos virus dormida en nuestro ser. Y la activan varios sucesos de la vida.

Es posible que tú fueras una persona de mucha fe, pero un suceso marcó tu vida y es como si no pudieras volver a creer.

Situaciones como una infidelidad, la traición.

En el peor de los casos, una tragedia enlutó tu vida. Así que decides perder toda confianza en Dios y le das espacio a la duda.

Hoy es el día de restablecer lo dañado. Hoy es el día para decirle a Dios que te ayude a volver a confiar.

Recuerda que la duda no te permite ver la mano de Dios en tu vida y mucho menos vivir agradándole.

Además, «sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios» (Hebreos 11:6).

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

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

“When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.”

James 1:2-3 (NCV)

Here is another of five ways God uses problems and persecution in your life: God uses problems and persecution to INSPECT you. An African Christian businessman shares this testimony:

Born in a rich family I was living for earning big money. My businesses were very profitable. All over town people knew me. When God revealed to me the insignificance of money and richness, I accepted Christ after a long struggle. He changed my life. No longer was I running after money but I started sharing what God had done in my life.

After some time, suddenly the police came to our house. Officers carrying guns took me to their office to interrogate me, asking me all kinds of questions, treating me as if I was a criminal. The next day the same thing happened. A lot of soldiers entered my home and stood in every room making my children cry. For over a period of six months they threatened me. Day after day they asked me and threatened me to stop sharing the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every time I responded saying: “No, I am not going to stop sharing about the life I received through Jesus Christ”

After six months they stopped. One man of the security forces told me, “The reason we could not do anything to you is because we couldn’t find any lie in your life.”

A year later, I saw on television the whole group of security men that had intimidated my family and me. They were shivering with fear in front of a judge. The government had changed and those people had to appear before the court because of things they had done. It was as if God told me, “This is what happens with those that oppose you, when you share My words.”

People are like tea bags...if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?

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

PRAYER: God may I be found faithful to You through every test.

Men of the Bible - Saul

His name means: "The One Asked For, Requested" 

His work: As Israel's first king, his role was to unite the tribes of Israel against their enemies and to begin the process of establishing Israel as a monarchy.
His character: Though his reign began well, Saul failed to live up to his calling, trusting himself more than he trusted God. Mentally unstable, he became so jealous of David that he tried to murder him. His last battle with the Philistines ended in his suicide and in the death of his eldest son, Jonathan.
His sorrow: To become so alienated from God that he could no longer hear the Lord's voice or receive his help; to have the kingdom torn from him and his heirs because of his unfaithfulness.
His triumph: His impressive military conquests, including victories over the surrounding Moabites, Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites.
Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 13:5-14; 16:14-23; 18:5-9

A Look at the Man

A well-known adage indicates how hard it can be to get things right the first time around, reminding us that "the first pickle is always the hardest to get out of the jar." That bit of folk wisdom could certainly apply to Israel's first attempt at transforming itself into a monarchy.

A head taller than other men, Saul must have seemed an excellent choice as a ruler. God, after all, had selected him, the prophet had anointed him, and the people had all shouted, "Long live the king!" But even divine affirmation and popular support were not enough to insure Saul's success. Only Saul could guarantee it by responding faithfully to what God was asking.

But time after time, Saul prevaricated. Told to wait, he took matters into his own hands. Commanded to kill the Amalekites and destroy everything they owned, he spared their king and preserved the best of their livestock. Though fortune-telling was forbidden, he consulted a medium. Whenever he was confronted with his disobedience, he made excuses:

"You didn't come."

"The Philistines were about to destroy us."

"I felt compelled to offer the sacrifice."

"We saved the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD, but we totally destroyed the rest."

"God won't talk to me, and I need to know what to do."

The excuses kept coming, like one bad penny after another. Centuries later they seem so plausible, so familiar, so understandable—at least to us. But not to the God who reads our hearts by how we act or fail to act.

So Saul's life and his rule as king gradually disintegrated. His mind became poisoned by jealousy and fear. A son and a daughter were estranged from him because of their love for David. Paranoia finally drove him to attempt an impossible task—to kill a man God himself was determined to protect. In the end, he lost more than a kingdom, forfeiting everything that matters in life—his family, his future, his own integrity.

Reflect On: 1 Samuel 28:5–20
Praise God: For his word in Scripture.
Offer Thanks: For all the ways God has spoken during your lifetime.
Confess: Any tendency to disregard God’s Word and its authority in your life.
Ask God: To increase your desire to read and pray the Scriptures.

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

Girlfriends in God - God Is Able

by Susie Larson

Today’s Truth

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV).

Friend to Friend

A number of years ago, my friend and I sat face-to-face on the couch and talked about her journey through the wilderness. It's been a slow and agonizing passage for her. She’s been weary in the waiting; she so wants a breakthrough; yet she’s so faithfully taken one obedient step at a time without any sense of when her breakthrough would come.

The thing is, she could take a few steps to the right and land herself on the fast highway to some kind of quick solution. But truth be told, that would be her way, not God's way. She’d end up with a counterfeit version of God’s best desire for her life. And in the depths of her heart, she wants to lay hold God's highest and best will for her.

My friend shared how the journey has taken its toll. I leaned in, grabbed her arms, and said, "Listen to me, friend. Your sacrifice of praise and your fierce obedience have not gone unnoticed by God. There is NO sacrifice you could make to Him that will not met with a totally disproportionate response of His great love, and grace, and provision! Any gift you give, any offering you make, any initiative you take to obey Him (especially when it costs you), is noted by God and He will respond to in ways you cannot imagine. He is a disproportionate God! Wrap your arms around who you are to Him! Embrace what you possess in Him. Though you long to have your breakthrough right now, get a vision for the harvest response He is preparing for you in the days to come. You can trust Him with your whole story because He cares deeply about you!"

And can I tell you this? Today, all of these years later, my friend is overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness for the way God broke through and answered her prayers. She’d tell you this herself: Wait for the Lord. He knows what’s best for you and He is more than able to answer when the time is right!

May these words encourage you today you as well.

Are you weary in well doing? Have you waited on God for what feels like forever yet feel frustrated by your lack of forward-moving progress?

Maybe it feels tempting to grab a quick solution or a counterfeit version of something He has promised you, but deep in your heart, you know it’s best to wait for God's best for you.

Do it, my friend. Wait for God's best and see if He won't absolutely boggle your mind with His goodness, His grace, and His attention to detail.

If at all possible, get your eyes off of what you lack, and of what it's costing you right now. Instead, lift your eyes to Jesus, the One who will finish what He started in and through you.

If you lack strength or perspective in this particular moment, get alone with God. Spend extended time in His presence. Open your hands to receive more of what He so lovingly wants to provide for you. Remind yourself of His Word and His promise to you. Speak to your soul the way my friend Ann Voskamp speaks to hers. She reminds herself everyday of this truth: God is always good. And I am always loved.

There is no gift you can give, no prayer you can pray, no act of obedience that you can initiate that will not be met by God’s overwhelming love, provision, goodness, grace, and power when the time is right.

You may not see its evidence right away, but the seeds you’ve planted have life in them; they’re affecting change, making a difference, and impacting circumstances in your midst. One day your eyes will see it, so know it now.

Stand on God’s faithfulness now.
Today.
Believe Him for big things.
Entrust your cares, your sacrifices, and your gifts to Him.

There’s no safer place for your hopes, your dreams, and the concerns of your heart than with Jesus. God is in the business of exponential, over and above, beyond our wildest dreams, kinds of answers. Every detail of your life is best entrusted to Him.

Open your arms wide. Look up. Trust Him. Obey Him. He is good and He is more than able to do in a moment what it might take you years to accomplish. God is able. You can trust Him.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, You are the One true God! I declare it with my whole heart! You put the stars in place and You care deeply about my story. Fill me afresh with faith today! Give me the courage and grit to stay the course and to trust Your Word. You are a promise maker and a promise keeper. I love You and I trust You.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

If you’ve put a deep desire on the back burner or given up on it all together, bring it before God today. Ask Him to awaken a fresh desire in you to trust Him with all that’s in your heart. If you’ve grown weary in doing good, ask Him for a glimpse of what He’s up to in your life; just enough to encourage you onward. God is always up to something good. And one day, your eyes will see it!

More from the Girlfriends

Be sure to check out Susie’s book, Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith on her website at www.susielarson.com.

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