LHM Daily Devotion - April 30, 2017 "The Impact of the Gospel"

Billions of people around the world are living in the dark. They...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"The Impact of the Gospel"

April 30, 2017

Romans 10:14-17 - How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

Billions of people around the world are living in the dark.

They are seeking some kind of light, but where should they search and for what should they look? These things they do not know.

In contrast to what they do not know we believers are fully aware these people are in urgent spiritual need. We also know we have a responsibility to them which comes from God. He has told us the Holy Spirit will save lives when we preach the Word and bring the risen Christ to all nations.

In Vietnam we are not afraid of hard work, unforeseen inconveniences, and many difficulties. The Savior warned us these things would come. Still, no matter what may be ahead, we rejoice in the opportunity to share the Savior through our lives as well as through our words. In the office or not, we try not to sound like bosses who bark out orders to underlings. No, our words about the Savior ought to be underlined by our sanctified lives in which we offer help and care, love and sympathy.

Some examples taken from our holistic ministry may help you see this point more clearly. Over the years, we have given milk to children at nursery schools and eye glasses to the impoverished elderly of our country. We do that because we want them to see and feel God's love through our sharing.

We do it because not only the children, but also their teachers, their parents, and their neighbors then see God's Word is being underlined by our actions. And the result? Hundreds of people from our holistic projects have been saved by the power of God's Spirit.

Truly we have seen many, many people come to know Christ and trust in Him as their Lord and Savior because they have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has been preached to them. We know Paul was right when He was inspired to write that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please help us understand the real importance of evangelism so that we may want to share Your Word and love with the lost. Please help us make our witness in both word and works so the Holy Spirit may move them out of darkness and into the light of Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen

Biography of Author: Mr. Dinh Hai Au is the Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries-Vietnam, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City. "I was born into a Christian family but did not really understand who God is," Hai Au relates. Some personal crises led him to the Lord who answered his prayers in powerful ways. "Since then I have experienced countless blessings in my life and work," he says. Hai Au majored in English and worked as an English teacher for 12 years after his graduation. From 2003 to 2007 he worked for LHM organizing shows that shared the Gospel to non-Christian children and youth. Hai Au began work as the center's Director at the end of 2011. Under his leadership, LHM-Vietnam has experienced overwhelming responses and new or revitalized evangelism strategies.

Known in-country as Globalinks, LHM-Vietnam makes use of holistic ministry, sporting events, internet radio, and musical performances to create opportunities for Gospel presentations. In this country of more than 90 million people, staff and volunteers from LHM-Vietnam's ministry center conduct eyeglass clinics and children's nutritional programs to help foster community relationships. God's Word is shared through print media, puppet productions, films, drama and rallies, too. Both Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) and lay Christian training provided through Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops are effective in strengthening believers' faith and giving them instruction in witnessing and personal faith-sharing.

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

Our Daily Bread - Forever Loved

Read: Psalm 4:1–8

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 8–9; Luke 21:1–19

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Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself. Psalm 4:3

It’s almost impossible for us to get through a day without being snubbed, ignored, or put down in some way. Sometimes we even do it to ourselves.

David’s enemies were talking smack—bullying, threatening, pummeling him with insults. His sense of self-worth and well-being had plummeted (Ps. 4:1–2). He asked for relief “from my distress.”

Then David remembered, “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself” (v. 3). Various English versions try to capture the full essence of David’s bold statement by translating “faithful servant” as “godly.” The Hebrew word here, hesed, literally refers to God’s covenant love and might well be rendered “those whom God will love forever and ever and ever.”

Here’s what we too must remember: We are loved forever, set apart in a special way, as dear to God as His own Son. He has called us to be His children for all eternity.

Instead of despairing, we can remind ourselves of the love we freely receive from our Father. We are His dearly beloved children. The end is not despair but peace and joy (vv. 7–8). He never gives up on us, and He never ever stops loving us.

Father in heaven, the words of others can wound us deeply. Your words to us heal and comfort, and You assure us that we are loved forever.

The true measure of God’s love is that He loves without measure. Bernard of Clairvaux

By David H. Roper

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Mãi Được Yêu

Đọc: Thi Thiên 4:1-8

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các Vua 8-9; Lu-ca 21:1-19

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Phải biết rằng Đức Giê-hô-va đã biệt riêng người tin kính cho Ngài. Thi Thiên 4:3

Hầu như không có ngày nào chúng ta không đối diện với việc bị sỉ nhục, bị phớt lờ hay bị hạ thấp theo cách nào đó. Đôi khi chúng ta còn tự làm vậy đối với chính mình nữa.

Kẻ thù của Đa-vít bắt nạt, dọa dẫm, và giáng những đòn nhục mạ vào ông. Danh dự của ông bị sỉ nhục (Thi. 4:1-2). Ông đã cầu xin Chúa giải cứu ông “khỏi gian truân.”

Sau đó Đa-vít nhớ lại: “Phải biết rằng Đức Giê-hô-va đã biệt riêng người tin kính cho Ngài” (c.3). Một số bản dịch khác cố gắng chuyển tải được đầy đủ ý nghĩa của lời tuyên bố mạnh mẽ này của Đa-vít bằng cách dịch cụm từ “người đầy tớ trung thành” là “người tin kính”. Từ tiếng Hê-bơ-rơ ở đây, hesed, theo nghĩa đen nói về tình yêu giao ước của Đức Chúa và có lẽ dịch đúng hơn là “những người được Đức Chúa Trời yêu thương mãi mãi và đời đời.”

Đây cũng là điều chúng ta phải ghi nhớ. Chúng ta được Chúa yêu mãi mãi, được biệt riêng một cách đặc biệt và chúng ta quý báu trước mặt Đức Chúa Trời y như Con của Ngài vậy. Ngài đã kêu gọi chúng ta trở nên con cái Ngài đời đời.

Thay vì tuyệt vọng, chúng ta cần nhắc nhở chính mình về tình yêu thương mà chúng ta nhận được cách miễn phí từ Cha Thiên Thượng. Chúng ta là con cái rất yêu dấu của Ngài. Cuối cùng không phải là tuyệt vọng mà là bình an và vui thỏa (c.7-8). Ngài không bao giờ ngừng kỳ vọng nơi chúng ta, và Ngài không bao giờ ngừng yêu thương chúng ta.

Lạy Cha trên trời, lời người khác nói có thể khiến chúng con bị tổn thương sâu sắc. Nhưng Lời Ngài đem đến sự chữa lành và yên ủi, và Ngài đảm bảo với chúng con rằng chúng con được Ngài yêu thương mãi mãi.

Thước đo thật sự của tình yêu thiên thượng là Ngài yêu chúng ta vô điều kiện.

Bernard thành Clairvaux.

bởi David H. Roper

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Amado para siempre

Leer: Salmo 4:1-8

La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 8–9; Lucas 21:1-19

Sabed, pues, que el Señor ha escogido al piadoso para sí… (v. 3).

Es casi imposible que haya un día sin que alguien nos desprecie, nos ignore o nos denigre de alguna manera. A veces, el daño es incluso autoinfligido.

Los enemigos de David respiraban amenazas: lo intimidaban y lo golpeaban con insultos. Su sentido de valía y bienestar se había desplomado (Salmo 4:1-2), y pedía alivio de su angustia.

Entonces, David recordó: «Sabed, pues, que el Señor ha escogido al piadoso para sí» (v. 3). Distintas versiones intentan captar la plena esencia de la afirmación audaz de David, y traducen «piadoso» como «al que le es fiel». La palabra hebrea aquí es jasíd, que se refiere al pacto de amor de Dios, y podría traducirse: «aquellos a quienes Dios amará siempre y por siempre».

Esto es lo que nosotros también debemos recordar: Dios nos ama para siempre, nos separó de una manera especial y nos ama como a su propio Hijo. Nos ha llamado a ser sus hijos por toda la eternidad.

En lugar de desesperar, podemos recordar el amor que nos prodiga nuestro Padre. Somos sus hijos amados. Al final, no habrá desesperación, sino paz y gozo (vv. 7-8). Él nunca nos abandona ni deja de amarnos.

Padre celestial, las palabras de los demás pueden herirnos profundamente. Tus palabras nos sanan y nos consuelan, y nos aseguran que nos amas para siempre.

«La verdadera medida del amor de Dios es que nos ama sin medida».

B. de Claraval

Por david h. roper

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ewige Liebe

Lesen: Psalm 4,2-9 

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 8–9; Lukas 21,1-19

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Erkennet doch, dass der Herr seine Heiligen wunderbar führt. Psalm 4,4

Es ist fast unmöglich, einen Tag hinter sich zu bringen, ohne in irgendeiner Weise kritisiert, ignoriert oder klein gemacht zu werden. Manchmal tun wir es sogar selbst.

Davids Feinde beschimpften, bedrohten und beleidigten ihn. Sein Selbstwertgefühl und Wohlbefinden waren im Keller (Ps. 4,2-3). Er bat um Trost in seiner Angst.

Dann fiel ihm ein: „Erkennet doch, dass der Herr seine Heiligen wunderbar führt“ (V.3). Manche Übersetzungen versuchen die volle Bedeutung dieses Satzes zu erfassen, indem sie „Heilige“ als „Fromme“ wiedergeben. Das hebräische Wort, hesed, bezeichnet genau genommen die Bundesliebe Gottes und könnte auch übersetzt werden mit „jene, die Gott auf immer und ewig lieben wird“.

Das sollten auch wir nie vergessen: Wir sind auf ewig geliebt, auf ganz spezielle Weise ausgesondert als Menschen, die Gott so lieb sind wie sein eigener Sohn. Er hat uns dazu berufen, für alle Ewigkeit seine Kinder zu sein.

Anstatt zu verzweifeln, können wir uns an die Liebe erinnern, die wir umsonst von unserem Vater empfangen. Wir sind seine geliebten Kinder. Am Ende steht nicht die Verzweiflung, sondern Freude und Friede (V.8-9). Er gibt uns niemals auf und hört niemals auf, uns zu lieben.

Himmlischer Vater, Worte können uns zutiefst verletzen. Deine Worte heilen und trösten und du sagst uns zu, dass wir auf ewig geliebt sind.

Das ganze Ausmaß von Gottes Liebe besteht darin, dass er uns ohne Maßen liebt.

Bernhard von Clairvaux

Von David H. Roper

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Aimés de toute éternité

Lisez : Psaume 4.1‑9

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 8 – 9 et LUC 21.1‑19

Sachez que l'Éternel s'est choisi un homme pieux ; l'Éternel entend, quand je crie à lui. V.4

Il nous est presque impossible de passer toute une journée sans nous faire snober, négliger ou dénigrer d’une manière ou d’une autre. Nous sommes d’ailleurs parfois ceux qui agissent de la sorte.

Les ennemis de David l’ont critiqué — à coup d’intimidation, de menaces et d’injures — au point de mettre à mal son estime de soi et son impression de bien‑être (PS 4.1,2). Il a alors demandé à Dieu de le secourir « dans la détresse ».

Puis David s’est rappelé ceci : « Sachez que l’Éternel s’est choisi un homme pieux » (V. 4). Ici, le mot hébreu hesed rendu par « homme pieux » est parfois aussi rendu par « fidèle serviteur ». Or, ce mot hébreu qui désigne littéralement l’alliance de l’amour divin pourrait tout aussi bien être rendu par « ceux que Dieu aimera pour toujours, et toujours et toujours ».

Voici ce dont nous devons nous rappeler : Nous sommes aimés pour toujours, mis à part de façon toute particulière, chéris de Dieu comme il chérit son propre Fils. Il nous a appelés à être ses enfants pour l’éternité.

Au lieu de céder au désespoir, remémorons‑nous l’amour dont notre Père nous fait don. Nous sommes ses enfants chéris. Nous sommes ainsi destinés à la paix et à la joie, et non au désespoir (V. 7‑9). Il ne nous laissera jamais tomber, pas plus qu’il ne cessera de nous aimer.

La mesure pour aimer Dieu, c’est de l’aimer sans mesure.

CLAIRVAUX

par David H. Roper

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Безмірна любов

Читати: Псалом 4:1-9

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 8−9 ; Луки 21:1-19

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І знайте, що святого для Себе Господь відділив. — Псалом 4:4

Майже і дня не минає, щоб нас хтось не принизив, не проігнорував і не пригнітив тим чи іншим чином. Інколи ми й самі себе зневажаємо.

У Псалмі 4 йдеться про ворогів Давида, що, прицмокуючи, словесно нападали на нього – погрожували, ображали. Через це самооцінка псалміста суттєво впала, і взагалі він почувався дуже кепсько (Пс. 4:2-3). Він благав Бога, щоб допоміг йому в “тісноті”.

Потім, однак, Давид нагадує своїм ворогам: “Знайте, що святого для Себе Господь відділив” (Пс. 4:4). Деякі переклади, намагаючись передати точне значення слова “святий”, пропонують інші варіанти: вірний, благочестивий. Використане тут єврейське слово “хесед” буквально вказує на Божий завіт любові і може бути перекладене як “той, кого Бог любить і буде любити завжди, навіки”.

Це є та важлива істина, яку ми маємо завжди пам’ятати : Бог дуже любить нас; Він відділив нас особливим чином як тих, хто дуже дорогі в Його очах та очах Його Сина. Він покликав нас, щоб вічно були Його дітьми.

Отже, замість того, щоб впадати у відчай, нагадуйте собі про любов, що її дарує нам наш Небесний Отець. Ми – Його дорогі, улюблені діти. На нас зрештою чекає не смуток, а радість та мир (Пс. 4:8-9). Бог ніколи не зневіриться в нас. Ніколи не перестане нас любити.

Отче Небесний, слова інших людей можуть глибоко нас поранити. Але Твої слова несуть зцілення та втіху. Ти запевняєш нас у Своїй вічній любові.

“Справжня міра Божої любові виражається у Його безмірній любові до нас”.

— Бернард Клервоський

Автор Давид Роупер

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Всегда любим

Читать сейчас: Псалом 4

Библия за год: 3 Царств 8-9; Луки 21:1-19

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Знайте, что Господь отделил для Себя святого Своего. — Псалом 4:4

Почти невозможно прожить день и не ощутить какого-либо рода унижения, оскорбления или, на худой конец, игнорирования. Порой мы и сами так поступаем с другими.

Враги Давида в этом преуспели, каждый день возводя на него клевету и наговоры. Его чувство собственного достоинства было подорвано (Пс. 4:2-3). Он просил у Бога облегчения «в тесноте».

Затем, обращаясь к зложелателям, Давид говорил: «Знайте, что Господь отделил для Себя святого Своего» (Пс. 4:4). Различные переводы представляют слово «святой» как «верный» или «праведный». Еврейское слово «хесед» буквально говорит о Божьем завете и может быть истолковано как «тот, кого Бог будет любить во веки веков».

Нам нужно это запомнить: мы тоже любимы во веки веков. Мы отделены Богом как самые дорогие для Него люди. Он призвал нас быть Его детьми на всю вечность.

Вместо уныния мы можем напомнить себе о любви, которую в изобилии получаем от Отца. Мы – Его дорогие, любимые дети. Так и Псалом 4 завершается не выражением отчаяния, а словами радости и мира (Пс. 4:8-9). Бог никогда не оставит нас и не перестанет любить.

Отец небесный, слова людей могут глубоко ранить нас. Но Твои слова исцеляют и утешают. Они заверяют нас в Твоей вечной любви.

«Истинная мера Божьей любви в том, что Он любит нас без меры».

— Бернард Клервоский

автор: Дэвид Роупер

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, April 29, 2017 - 14th 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 3:19-30

Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary, and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. Because the king's command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, "Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?" They answered the king, "True, O king." He replied, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god." Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and said, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics were not harmed, and not even the smell of fire came from them. Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king's command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that utters blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 1 John 3:11-18

For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 20 Exaudiat te Dominus
1   May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble, the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2   Send you help from his holy place and strengthen you out of Zion;
3   Remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice;
4   Grant you your heart's desire and prosper all your plans.
5   We will shout for joy at your victory and triumph in the Name of our God; may the LORD grant all your requests.
6   Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his anointed; he will answer him out of his holy heaven, with the victorious strength of his right hand.
7   Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.
8   They collapse and fall down, but we will arise and stand upright.
9   O LORD, give victory to the king and answer us when we call.

Psalm 21 Domine, in virtute tua
1   The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD; how greatly he exults in your victory!
2   You have given him his heart's desire; you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3   For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4   He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: length of days, for ever and ever.
5   His honor is great, because of your victory; splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6   For you will give him everlasting felicity and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7   For the king puts his trust in the LORD; because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.
8   Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; your right hand will seize all those who hate you.
9   You will make them like a fiery furnace at the time of your appearing, O LORD;
10   You will swallow them up in your wrath, and fire shall consume them.
11   You will destroy their offspring from the land and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth.
12   Though they intend evil against you and devise wicked schemes, yet they shall not prevail.
13   For you will put them to flight and aim your arrows at them.
14   Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; we will sing and praise your power.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 110 Dixit Dominus
1   The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."
2   The LORD will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, saying, "Rule over your enemies round about you.
3   Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you, like dew from the womb of the morning."
4   The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: "You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
5   The Lord who is at your right hand will smite kings in the day of his wrath; he will rule over the nations.
6   He will heap high the corpses; he will smash heads over the wide earth.
7   He will drink from the brook beside the road; therefore he will lift high his head.

Psalm 116 Dilexi, quoniam
1   I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2   The cords of death entangled me; the grip of the grave took hold of me; I came to grief and sorrow.
3   Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray you, save my life."
4   Gracious is the LORD and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
5   The LORD watches over the innocent; I was brought very low, and he helped me.
6   Turn again to your rest, O my soul. for the LORD has treated you well.
7   For you have rescued my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8   I will walk in the presence of the LORD in the land of the living.
9   I believed, even when I said, "I have been brought very low." In my distress I said, "No one can be trusted."
10   How shall I repay the LORD for all the good things he has done for me?
11   I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the LORD.
12   I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
13   Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his servants.
14   O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
15   I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the Name of the LORD.
16   I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
17   In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

Psalm 117 Laudate Dominum
1   Praise the LORD, all you nations; laud him, all you peoples.
2   For his loving-kindness toward us is great, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever. 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

Everlasting God, you so kindled the flame of holy love in the heart of blessed Catherine of Siena, as she meditated on the passion of your Son our Savior, that she devoted her life to the poor and the sick, and to the peace and unity of the Church: Grant that we also may share in the mystery of Christ's death, and rejoice in the revelation of his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

A Prayer for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; 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 SATURDAY, April 29, 2017 - 14th Day of Easter

Everlasting God, you so kindled the flame of holy love in the heart of blessed Catherine of Siena, as she meditated on the passion of your Son our Savior, that she devoted her life to the poor and the sick, and to the peace and unity of the Church: Grant that we also may share in the mystery of Christ's death, and rejoice in the revelation of his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Verse of the Day - April 29, 2017 - 14th Day of Easter

Job 19:25 (NIV) I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Read all of Job 19

Listen to Job 19

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 - "Three Questions Every Christian Should Be Asking"

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

—1 Corinthians 6:12 (NKJV)

I heard a caller on a Christian radio station say, “I just became a Christian. I was wondering what Christians do for fun?” I love how candid that new believer was.

That’s a great question to ask, because there are a lot of gray areas we may encounter as Christians. Here are three questions—three litmus tests, as it were—that we can apply to those so-called gray areas of life.

First, does it build you up spiritually? Will it promote growth in Christian character? Or, to put it another way, will it discourage growth in Christian character? Anything that would tear you down spiritually, anything that would tear you away from the people of God or dull your hunger for the Word of God, anything that would keep you from Christian fellowship or take the edge off your desire for prayer or appetite for Bible study, and anything that would make this world more attractive should be avoided at all costs.

Second, does it bring you under its power? It could be alcohol. It could be television. It could be music. It could be possessions. It could be something else that is more important to us than God. So many things can bring us under their power. It is freedom to say, “I don’t need that stuff. I don’t want that stuff. I don’t want to do those things.”

Third, do you have an uneasy conscience about it? The Bible says, “For whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23b). Do you have an uneasy conscience about it? Don’t try to rationalize it; just don’t do it.

We want to avoid the things that will hurt us spiritually, because not only are there things that will build us up spiritually, but there are also things that will tear us down.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. 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 - Promesas sin cumplir

¡Sé fuerte y valiente! ¡No tengas miedo ni te desanimes! [...] ¡pon manos a la obra, y que el Señor te acompañe!
1 Crónicas 22:13, 16, NVI

Ya falta un día para que se acabe este cuarto mes del año y te está preocupando que muchas de las cosas que prometiste cambiar en el inicio del año aún no las puedes cumplir.

En este día, te motivo a que no te des por vencido. Un hábito no se cambia de la noche a la mañana, ni tampoco dejar de hacer algo que sabemos que no es la voluntad de Dios. A decir verdad, nos cuesta muchísimo cumplirlo.

Por lo tanto, nuestra oración diaria debe ser pedirle a Dios que nos permita desarrollar el dominio propio y estoy segura que, con el favor de Jesús, lo lograremos.

No te desanimes, Dios te ama y te ayudará a cumplir tus promesas.

Repítete: «Yo puedo, yo lo haré, yo lo lograré. Lo que me propongo, eso haré».

De ese modo, estoy segura que lograremos cumplir nuestras promesas.

¡Ánimo, aún nos faltan ocho meses para hacerlo!

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

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

"...It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.”

Psalm 119:71-72 (TLB)

Here is another of five ways God uses problems and persecution in your life: God uses problems and persecution to CORRECT you.

Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It is likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something—health, money, a relationship—by losing it.

John 17 clearly teaches that He does not desire to have His church in the comforts of a problem-free society. He desires for His church to be faithful in the midst of trials and testing.

During a recent visit to Indonesia, some co-workers had the joy of participating in an Open Doors Standing Strong Through the Storm (SSTS) seminar held in an area of intense conflict. The constant presence of armed soldiers outside the building confirmed that this seminar was far more than just a theology course—this was reality! More than seven hundred churches were already burned to the ground and the church was facing a severe onslaught.

On the second day of teaching, one pastor suddenly jumped up and with all his heart cried out: “My brother, please don’t teach us just to survive, teach us to be faithful.”

In understanding God’s purposes for the church it is vital to understand His requirements for us to remain faithful within these purposes. Faithfulness is not a request it is the duty of every believer. “Teach us to be faithful in the midst of our circumstances” should be a far greater priority in our prayers than that of making our society a safer place. Perseverance is far more important than transformation or preservation.

William Barclay said the following about praying for our circumstances. “When we pray for ourselves and others, we should not ask for the release from any task or situation, but strength to complete it and endure it. Prayer should be for power and seldom for release: not release but conquest must be the keynote of the church.” 

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: Lord, teach us to be faithful in the midst of our circumstances.

NIV Devotions for Couples - Affirmation Experiment

Matthew 7:1–5

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1–2

Years ago graduate students at an Ivy League college conducted an experiment. First they observed undergraduates until they found one of the most unkempt, most socially inept women on campus.

Then they drew up a schedule; each would spend a month getting close to the woman. They would “happen” to bump into her between classes. They would show up in line behind her in the dining hall. They would call her for lecture notes or assignment reminders. Moreover, when each was “on duty,” he would compliment the woman, expressing delight in her voice, her talents, her insights, her clothes.

The first student performed well. In spite of his misgivings, he began to speak to the woman, finding ways to affirm her. By the end of the month he found his task less onerous as the young woman started to respond. She smiled occasionally, combed her hair more often, and paid more attention to how she dressed.

The second graduate student took the experiment a step further. He asked the undergrad out on an official date and spent the month showering her with gifts and compliments.

By the third month there was a new glow about the young woman, and the third researcher enjoyed her company more than he cared to admit. When the graduate students got together to share their experiences and laugh at the “progress” of their victim, the third student had to force chuckles through self-conscious embarrassment.

The fourth member of the group never got the chance to lavish attention on the young woman because by then she was engaged to the man assigned to her during the third month. What started as a cruel and belittling pastime for the students turned into a love story.

None of us would want such a trick played on us. Yet there is something instructive about its outcome. As Jesus noted, when we spend our days looking at others with critical eyes, we find ourselves more in a laboratory than in a relationship. But when we begin to respect and affirm others as men and women made in the image of God, we move back into the relational warmth of family.

The implications are obvious for marriage. People who live closely with one another are bound to chip away at each other’s rough edges. We become experts in analysis and faultfinding, but we don’t gain much by that besides divisiveness and pain.

Jesus’ warning not to judge others doesn’t mean we should be blind to the faults of our mates. But it reminds us to be caring more than critical, compassionate more than judgmental. Just as Christ lavishes grace upon us, we can extend loving grace to each other, rejoicing as we together blossom and grow beautiful in each other’s eyes.

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk

• In what areas are we critical of each other? What brings out words of judgment in our relationship? How has this affected who we are together?
• When has our relationship blossomed with warmth? What kinds of things did we say to one another during those times?
• How can we bring out the best in each other? What practices will help accomplish that?