LHM Daily Devotion - May 4, 2017 "Alligators"

Bucktown in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, had been having some rain.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Alligators"

May 4, 2017

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Bucktown in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, had been having some rain.

Actually, they had been having a lot of rain.

It was the amount of the rain which had everybody worried, and it was fear of flooding that urged them to keep their eyes trained on the storm drains. That explains why they were watching when something did come out of the drain behind the Marie Riviere Elementary School.

Yes, something came out and it wasn't water.

What came out of the school's drain was a seven-foot alligator. Steven Nicholson, a resident of the Parrish commented: "First his head emerged out of the drain and then his whole body."

Now I am not an educator but I don't think most teachers and superintendents want to have an alligator stalking their playground.

Now I can tell you, with a high degree of certainty, that day there was never a time when the little ones at Marie Riviere were in any kind of danger. The students weren't in danger because the students weren't there. It was spring break and everyone had wandered off to the four directions of the compass.

Even so, nobody thought it was a good plan to allow the alligator to settle down in a nice, unobtrusive place and wait until the kids returned. Instead, they decided the men would keep the gator distracted and entertained, while another volunteer called for some assistance: that is, an alligator-wrestling, pest-control officer.

By the time the pest control people arrived the men had managed to work up quite a sweat keeping that alligator entertained -- keeping everybody around, both safe and sound. Those men had done a fine job and nobody had to nag them to get going.

No, those men saw the job which needed to be done and they did it.

I wish the same enthusiasm and commitment would be there when it comes to protecting our little children from the spiritual alligators who are waiting for them. They -- like Peter's lion spoken of in our text -- are eager to devour these young souls. The pornographer, the drug dealer, the representatives from crazy cults and religions are ready to do their worst.

This is why we have to do our best.

We need to be consistent and faithful in pointing children to the Christ. We need, in word and example, to share the blood-bought story of salvation, which brings us to faith and makes us members of the household of the Lord.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, dangerous animals like lions and alligators are easy to identify. That is not always true when it comes to spiritual threats to our little ones. Grant to all adults in authority a sense of discernment that they may do all that is necessary to keep their children in Jesus. This I ask in the Savior's 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 04 de Mayo de 2017

Alimento Diario

Evitando caídas

04 de Mayo 2017

Pórtense como hijos obedientes, y no sigan los dictados de sus anteriores malos deseos, de cuando vivían en la ignorancia. 1 Pedro 1:14

Haga una encuesta entre un grupo de hombres, y la mayoría le dirá que hay muy pocas experiencias en la vida que les gusten menos que ir de compras a un centro comercial.

Yo no soy distinto. Sin embargo, el paseo de ayer fue un poco diferente. Casi podría decir que hasta lo disfruté.

Resulta que un niño, que no tendría más de dos años, salía de una casa de música en compañía de sus padres que estaban conversando tan animosamente, que no se percataron del cd que el pequeño sostenía en sus manos. Estoy convencido que el niño no sabía que lo estaba robando... para él no era más que un juguete nuevo.

De cualquier forma, al salir de la tienda, el sensor magnético pegado al cd hizo sonar una bulliciosa alarma que inmediatamente paralizó todo. La emoción terminó con la devolución del disco "robado" por dos padres avergonzados y un niño llorando a voz en cuello.

Es una lástima que nuestras vidas no tengan alarmas que se enciendan cuando estamos a punto de cometer un error, o de hacer algo tonto. ¡Se imaginan cuántos dolores de cabeza nos evitarían!

Por lo tanto, hasta que tal invento sea creado, vamos a tener que confiar en la sabiduría del Señor para darnos los avisos de alerta. En sus Diez Mandamientos, el Señor nos dice cómo podemos evitar los riesgos que son comunes a todo hombre y mujer. Cuando hacemos caso de las advertencias que Dios nos da en su Ley, los errores son cada vez menos, y la felicidad es cada vez mayor.

Y para cuando no escuchamos, para cuando tambaleamos y pecamos, tenemos un Salvador que dio su vida para perdonar nuestros errores y permitirnos comenzar de nuevo.

Después de todo, en realidad no necesitamos ninguna alarma. Nada puede ser mejor que lo que Dios ya ha diseñado para nuestras vidas.

ORACIÓN: Señor Dios, te doy gracias porque tus mandamientos me advierten del pecado, y el sacrificio de tu Hijo me da perdón cuando tambaleo y caigo. Gracias por salvar mi alma y por cuidar de mí en una forma que no merezco. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén

De una devoción escrita originalmente para "By the Way"

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

Our Daily Bread - Five-Minute Rule

Read: Psalm 102:1–17

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 16–18; Luke 22:47–71

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He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17

I read about a five-minute rule that a mother had for her children. They had to be ready for school and gather together five minutes before it was time to leave each day.

They would gather around Mom, and she would pray for each one by name, asking for the Lord’s blessing on their day. Then she’d give them a kiss and off they’d run. Even neighborhood kids would be included in the prayer circle if they happened to stop by. One of the children said many years later that she learned from this experience how crucial prayer is to her day.

The writer of Psalm 102 knew the importance of prayer. This psalm is labeled, “A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.” He cried out, “Hear my prayer, Lord; . . .  when I call, answer me quickly” (vv. 1–2). God looks down “from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he [views] the earth” (v. 19).

God cares for you and wants to hear from you. Whether you follow the five-minute rule asking for blessings on the day, or need to spend more time crying out to Him in deep distress, talk to the Lord each day. Your example may have a big impact on your family or someone close to you.

Teach me to be aware of Your presence, Lord, and to talk to You freely and often.

Read Jesus' Blueprint for Prayer at discoveryseries.org/hj891.

Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for God.

By Anne Cetas

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Nguyên Tắc Năm Phút

Đọc: Thi thiên 102:1–17

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Các vua 16–18; Lu-ca 22:47–71

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Ngài sẽ nghe lời cầu nguyện của kẻ khốn cùng; không khinh dể lời nài xin của họ. Thi thiên 102:17

Tôi có dịp đọc về nguyên tắc năm phút mà một người mẹ đã đặt ra cho các con của mình. Mỗi ngày, sau khi sửa soạn đồ đạc đến trường, bà tập trung các con lại trước giờ khởi hành khoảng năm phút.

Các con nhóm nhau lại xung quanh mẹ để được mẹ nêu tên rồi cầu nguyện cho từng đứa một, cầu xin Chúa ban phước trên ngày mới của chúng. Sau đó, cô hôn từng đứa một rồi chúng mới bắt đầu đến trường. Nhiều lúc, những đứa trẻ hàng xóm tình cờ đi ngang qua cũng tham gia vào giờ cầu nguyện này. Nhiều năm sau, một trong số những đứa trẻ đó kể rằng qua trải nghiệm đó, cô bé học biết được tầm quan trọng của việc cầu nguyện mỗi ngày.

Trước giả Thi Thiên 102 biết rõ tầm quan trọng của sự cầu nguyện. Phần Thi Thiên này được gọi là: “Lời cầu nguyện của người bị hoạn nạn, dốc đổ nỗi buồn thảm của mình trước ĐỨC GIÊ-HÔ-VA.” Ông kêu lên rằng: “Lạy ĐỨC GIÊ-HÔ-VA, xin nghe lời cầu nguyện con… Trong ngày con kêu cầu, xin mau mau đáp lời con” (c.1–2). Chúa nhìn xuống “từ nơi thánh trên cao… từ trên trời, Ngài xem xét thế gian” (c.19).

Chúa quan tâm đến bạn và Ngài muốn lắng nghe bạn. Mỗi ngày, hãy trò chuyện với Chúa, dù bạn áp dụng nguyên tắc năm phút để cầu xin Chúa ban phước cho ngày mới, hoặc cần dành nhiều thì giờ hơn để kêu cầu với Ngài trong lúc đau buồn. Gương mẫu cầu nguyện của bạn có thể mang đến ảnh hưởng lớn lao trên gia đình và những người thân thiết với bạn.

Lạy Chúa, xin dạy con nhận biết sự hiện diện của Ngài, để con tương giao với Ngài cách tự do và thường xuyên.

Cầu nguyện là thừa nhận chúng ta cần Chúa.

bởi Anne Cetas

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - La regla de los cinco minutos

Leer: Salmo 102:1-17

La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 16–18; Lucas 22:47-71

Ha considerado la oración de los menesterosos, y no ha despreciado su plegaria… (v. 17 LBLA).

Hace tiempo, leí sobre una regla de cinco minutos que tenía una madre para sus hijos. Ellos tenían que estar listos para la escuela cinco minutos antes de que fuera hora de salir.

Se reunían alrededor de su mamá, y ella oraba por cada uno por su nombre, pidiendo la bendición del Señor sobre su día. Después, les daba un beso y ellos partían. Los niños del vecindario participaban del círculo de oración si justo pasaban por allí. Muchos años después, una de las niñas dijo que esta experiencia le enseñó la importancia de la oración para su día.

El escritor del Salmo 102 conocía la importancia de la oración. A este salmo, se lo titula: «Plegaria de uno que sufre, cuando desmaya y expone su queja ante el Señor» (LBLA). El salmista clamó: «Señor, escucha mi oración […]. Apresúrate a responderme el día que te invocare» (vv. 1-2). Dios mira «desde lo alto de su santuario; […] desde los cielos a la tierra» (v. 19).

Se interesa por ti y quiere escucharte. Ya sea que sigas la regla de los cinco minutos y pidas una bendición para el día o necesites pasar más tiempo clamando a Él con profunda angustia, habla con el Señor cada día. Tu ejemplo puede dejar una huella profunda en tu familia o en alguien cercano.

Enséñame a ser consciente de tu presencia, Señor, y a hablar contigo con libertad y a menudo.

Orar es reconocer que necesitamos a Dios.

Por Anne Cetas

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Die Fünf-Minuten-Regel

Lesen: Psalm 102,2-18

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Könige 16–18; Lukas 22,47-71

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Er wendet sich zum Gebet der Verlassenen und verschmäht ihr Gebet nicht. Psalm 102,18

Ich habe einmal von einer Mutter gelesen, die für ihre Kinder die Fünf-Minuten-Regel eingeführt hatte. Jeden Morgen vor der Schule hatten sie fünf Minuten früher fertig zu sein.

Die Mutter versammelte sie um sich und betete für jedes Kind mit Namen und bat Gott um seinen Segen für den Tag. Dann gab sie ihnen einen Abschiedskuss und ließ sie loslaufen. Selbst Kinder aus der Nachbarschaft wurden in den Gebetskreis aufgenommen, wenn sie gerade vorbeikamen. Eine der Töchter sagte viele Jahre später, sie habe daraus gelernt, wie wichtig es ist, täglich zu beten.

Der Schreiber von Psalm 102 wusste das auch. Sein Psalm ist überschrieben mit den Worten: „Ein Gebet für den Elenden, wenn er verzagt ist und seine Klage vor dem Herrn ausschüttet.“ Er rief: „Herr, höre mein Gebet . . . wenn ich dich anrufe, so erhöre mich bald!“ (V.2-3). Gott schaut „von seiner heiligen Höhe, der Herr sieht vom Himmel auf die Erde“ (V.20).

Du bist Gott wichtig und er möchte von dir hören. Ob du die Fünf-Minuten-Regel befolgst und um seinen Segen für den Tag bittest oder dir mehr Zeit nehmen solltest, um zu ihm zu rufen und dein Herz vor ihm auszuschütten—rede mit ihm, täglich. Dein Beispiel kann große Auswirkungen haben auf deine Familie oder andere Menschen, die dir nahestehen.

Herr, lehre mich, deine Nähe zu spüren und gern und oft mit dir zu reden.

Beten heißt, sich eingestehen, dass wir Gott brauchen.

Von Anne Cetas

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - La règle des cinq minutes

Lisez : Psaume 102.1‑18

La Bible en un an : 1 ROIS 16 – 18 et LUC 22.47‑71

Il est attentif à la prière du misérable. Il ne dédaigne pas sa prière. V.18

J’ai lu quelque chose au sujet de la règle de cinq minutes qu’une mère imposait à ses enfants. Chaque jour, ils devaient être prêts à partir pour l’école et se réunir cinq minutes avant de quitter la maison.

Ils se rassemblaient autour de leur mère, et elle priait pour chacun d’eux individuellement en demandant au Seigneur de bénir leur journée. Puis elle les embrassait et les envoyait à l’école. Elle incluait même dans son cercle de prière les enfants du quartier qui s’arrêtaient chez elle. De nombreuses années plus tard, une de ces enfants a dit en être venue ainsi à comprendre toute l’influence qu’exerce la prière sur sa journée.

L’auteur du Psaume 102 connaissait l’importance de la prière. Ce psaume est désigné comme ceci : « Prière d’un malheureux, lorsqu’il est abattu et qu’il répand sa plainte devant l’Éternel. » Puis l’auteur s’écrie : « Éternel, écoute ma prière, et que mon cri parvienne jusqu’à toi ! » (V. 1,2), avant d’ajouter plus loin : « Car il regarde du lieu élevé de sa sainteté ; du haut des cieux l’Éternel regarde sur la terre » (V. 20).

Dieu se soucie de vous et désire que vous communiquiez avec lui. Que vous observiez la règle des cinq minutes en lui demandant de bénir votre journée ou que vous ressentiez le besoin de passer plus de temps à lui rappeler votre grande détresse, parlez à Dieu chaque jour. Il se pourrait que votre exemple influence énormément votre famille ou un intime.

La prière est la reconnaissance de notre besoin de Dieu.

par Anne Cetas

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Правило п’яти хвилин

Читати: Псалом 101:1-18

Біблія за рік: 1 Царів 16–18 ; Луки 22:47-71

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До молитви забутих звернеться Він, і молитви їхньої не осоромить. — Псалом 101:18

Якось я прочитала про правило п’яти хвилин, що одна мати встановила для своїх дітей.

Щоранку діти мали за п’ять хвилин до виходу з дому вже бути готовими до школи і бути разом. Вони збирались навколо мами, і вона молилась за кожного з них по імені – просила, щоб Господь благословляв їх протягом дня. Потім вона цілувала дітей, і вони бігли до школи. Ця жінка молилась навіть за сусідських дітей, коли вони інколи заходили до них перед школою. Одна з її дочок через багато років свідчила, що це правило навчило її вважати ранкову молитву дуже важливою для нового дня.

Автор Псалма 101 розумів важливість молитви. Цей псалом навіть називається “Молитва вбогого, коли він слабне та перед Господнім лицем виливає мову свою”. Автор починає молитву з крику душі: “Господи, вислухай молитву мою… в день благання озвися небавом до мене!” (Пс. 101:1-3). І далі читаємо: “Споглянув Він із високости святої Своєї, Господь зорив на землю з небес” (Пс. 101:20).

Бог піклується про тебе. Він бажає чути твої молитви. Незалежно від того, п’ятихвилинна твоя молитва чи більш тривала (коли ти гукаєш до Бога серед глибокого смутку), звертайся до Господа щодня. Твій приклад може мати великий вплив на членів твоєї сім’ї та близьких тобі людей.

Господи, навчай мене пам’ятати про Твою присутність і звертатись до Тебе часто й просто.

Молитва – то визнання, що нам потрібен Бог.

Автор Енн Сітас

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Правило пяти минут

Читать сейчас: Псалом 101:1-18

Библия за год: 3 Царств 16-18; Луки 22:47-71

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Призрит на молитву беспомощных и не презрит моления их. — Псалом 101:18

Я читала о «Правиле пяти минут», которое одна мама привила своим детям. Каждое утро они должны были подготовиться к школе на пять минут раньше, чем подъезжал школьный автобус.

После чего все собирались вокруг мамы, а она молилась за них, называя каждого по имени и прося Господнего благословения. Потом целовала ребят, и они отправлялись. Даже соседские дети, заходя за друзьями, включались в общую молитву. Одна из девочек много лет спустя говорила, что благодаря этим пятиминуткам поняла, как важна молитва.

Автор Псалма 101 также понимал важность молитвы. Надписание гласит: «Молитва страждущего, когда он унывает и изливает пред Господом печаль свою». Он взывает: «Господи! Услышь молитву мою... в день, когда воззову к Тебе, скоро услышь меня» (Пс. 101:2, 3). Бог смотрит «со святой высоты Своей, с небес... на землю» (Пс. 101:20).

Господь заботится о вас и желает слушать. Хватает вам пяти минут, чтобы испросить благословения на новый день или сердцу нужны часы, чтобы излить перед Ним все накопившееся, обращайтесь к Нему каждый день. Такой пример может оказать огромное влияние на вашу семью или тех, кто близок к вам.

Научи меня помнить о Твоем присутствии, Господь, и обращаться к Тебе часто и свободно.

Молитва – признание нужды в Боге.

автор: Анн Ситас

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

Opening Sentence

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

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 5:1-12

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom." Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed. The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from 1 John 5:1-12

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in Luke 4:38-44

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 38 Domine, ne in furore
1   O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath.
2   For your arrows have already pierced me, and your hand presses hard upon me.
3   There is no health in my flesh, because of your indignation; there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin.
4   For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear.
5   My wounds stink and fester by reason of my foolishness.
6   I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; I go about in mourning all the day long.
7   My loins are filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
8   I am utterly numb and crushed; I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.
9   O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you.
10   My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me.
11   My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; my neighbors stand afar off.
12   Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin and plot treachery all the day long.
13   But I am like the deaf who do not hear, like those who are mute and who do not open their mouth.
14   I have become like one who does not hear and from whose mouth comes no defense.
15   For in you, O LORD, have I fixed my hope; you will answer me, O Lord my God.
16   For I said, "Do not let them rejoice at my expense, those who gloat over me when my foot slips."
17   Truly, I am on the verge of falling, and my pain is always with me.
18   I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin.
19   Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me.
20   Those who repay evil for good slander me, because I follow the course that is right.
21   O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God.
22   Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 119:25-32 Daleth Adhæsit pavimento
25    My soul cleaves to the dust; give me life according to your word.
26   I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; instruct me in your statutes.
27   Make me understand the way of your commandments, that I may meditate on your marvelous works.
28   My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29   Take from me the way of lying; let me find grace through your law.
30   I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set your judgments before me.
31   I hold fast to your decrees; O LORD, let me not be put to shame.
32   I will run the way of your commandments, for you have set my heart at liberty.

Psalm 119:33-40 He Legem pone
33   Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
34   Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; I shall keep it with all my heart.
35   Make me go in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.
36   Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain.
37   Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; give me life in your ways.
38   Fulfill your promise to your servant, which you make to those who fear you.
39   Turn away the reproach which I dread, because your judgments are good.
40   Behold, I long for your commandments; in your righteousness preserve my life.

Psalm 119:41-48 Waw Et veniat super me
41   Let your loving-kindness come to me, O LORD, and your salvation, according to your promise.
42   Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, because I trust in your words.
43   Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, for my hope is in your judgments.
44   I shall continue to keep your law; I shall keep it for ever and ever.
45   I will walk at liberty, because I study your commandments.
46   I will tell of your decrees before kings and will not be ashamed.
47   I delight in your commandments, which I have always loved.
48   I will lift up my hands to your commandments, and I will meditate on your statutes.

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

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 - 18th Day of Easter

Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Read all of Romans 12

Listen to Romans 12

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 - "Upside Down Living"

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."

—Acts 17:6 (NKJV)

It was said of the early church that they turned the world upside down. And that, by the way, was offered as a criticism, not a compliment. When Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica preaching the gospel, it was said of them critically, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).

This is the church that changed the world through prayer and through preaching. But it seems today the opposite is happening. We have double standards, moral compromise, and little to no power. We need to get back to what the early church experienced as given on the day of Pentecost.

Some would say we need another Pentecost. However, we don’t need another Pentecost any more than we need another Calvary. Let’s just appropriate what was made available at the first Pentecost. The power that was given to the first century believers is also available to twenty-first century believers as we bring the gospel to our generation.

What concerns me is that we are so worried about fitting in, so worried about relating, and so worried about being cool that we have forgotten what it is to make a stand for what is true. And instead of the church turning the world upside down, my fear is that the world is turning the church upside down.

Vance Havner said, “We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.”

Believers today need to be involved in upside down living. The early church turned their world upside down (or should I say right side up?). And in this crazy, topsy-turvy world where wrong is right and right is wrong, we need to do the same.

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 - Aprendamos de nuestros hijos

Los hijos son una herencia del Señor, los frutos del vientre son una recompensa.
Salmo 127:3 (NVI)

Es un honor poder decir que tengo tres princesas que son mi orgullo y mi felicidad. Quizá te llame la atención que siempre que me refiera a alguna de mis hijas la señale como mi princesa. Y es que lo son para mí. No solo por la belleza física que les ha dado Dios, sino por una belleza interna que se destaca en cada una de acuerdo a sus edades. He admirado mucho de ellas que, a pesar de los errores de mami, se han mantenido bien paradas y firmes en los caminos del Señor, pues las pruebas vividas nos unieron y he podido recibir su consejo y su apoyo.

En medio de mi enfermedad, mis divorcios y mis quebrantos, siempre recibí el consejo sabio de mi Nathy, quien con carácter y autoridad me decía lo que necesitaba escuchar. Sin faltarme al respeto, las veces que necesita decirme las cosas, lo hace.

La admiro por su madurez espiritual y la manera tan equilibrada de afrontar cada situación. También aprendo mucho de ella por su comunión con Dios, su constancia en servirle en la iglesia y su vida de oración. ¡Qué linda!

Naty, mi princesa mayor, te amo y agradezco tu apoyo y tu rectitud. Te felicito por el ejemplo de orden, de valentía y entrega a tu estudio y trabajo.

En la actualidad, estudia Administración de Empresas y danza profesional, trabaja en un consultorio médico, danza en la iglesia y hace parte de un programa para jóvenes en Vida Network.

Entrega todo tu amor y dedicación a tus hijos, y recogerás sus triunfos.

No los ofendas ni lastimes. Valóralos y ámalos porque son tus hijos.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

Helen Berhane was imprisoned for almost three years in the shipping container prisons in Eritrea. She shares how a Muslim man with epilepsy was also imprisoned. She says in her testimonial book titled Song of the Nightingale:

I noticed that he wore two charms on his belt. I pointed at them, “Where did you get those charms from?” “I saw a witch doctor, before I was arrested, about my fits. He said that they would make me better, but I should never take them off.” “Jemal,” I said, ‘those charms cannot heal you. Only prayer to God can do that.”

As I spoke he began to have a fit, and so I prayed for him. I did this often until, miraculously, he agreed to take the charms off. I took them away and burnt them, but whatever was in them smelled awful, and the guards demanded to know what I had been doing, which gave me the opportunity to explain to them that only prayer can heal a person, not charms from a witch doctor.

Jemal’s health improved and his fits became less frequent. I was delighted but he was worried.

“Helen, if they know that I am feeling better they will keep me here, and I want to be released.”

“If you continue to trust in God, no one can keep you from going home, not if God wills that you should be released.” I was very pleased when he was released shortly afterwards.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I will live in the awareness that the spiritual battle rages all around me and I can be used to counter Satan’s bondage over people.

PRAYER: Lord, you have given me the spiritual weapons with which to demolish the strongholds of the spiritual battle that I find myself against today. Help me not to depend on the weapons of the world.

1. Berhane, p. 31.

Girlfriends in God - God Has Given You Precious Promises

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness,” (2 Pet. 1:3 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Aren’t you excited to know that God has deposited rich blessings and a lavish inheritance into your account? Tell me, what reason do we have to feel inadequate? In light of what we have in Christ, I can’t think of a thing. But how do we access these magnificent promises? Peter says: “Through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

The Greeks had several words for the word knowledge. The one used here is epignosis. This is a strengthened form of the word and implies a larger, more thorough, and intimate knowledge. It is not simply knowing something intellectually, but understanding and believing what you know in a personal way.

When Steve and I traveled to Ephesus, a local tour guide took us through the landmarks, ruins, and history of the early church. She knew the facts about Christianity and more about the dates, locations, and nuances of Paul’s visits than we did. When we stopped for lunch, I asked her if it would be okay with her if we asked God to bless our food. She bowed her head with us as we prayed. When she opened her eyes, she said, “Thank you. I’ve never experienced that before.”

This Turkish woman knew about Christianity, but she had no epignosis of Jesus. She knew all about the historical aspects of the religion, but she did not know the One who came to set her free.

Even demons know who Jesus is—and they shudder (James 2:19). The devil knows exactly who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will do in the final days. But the devil does not know Him experientially as Savior and Lord. Paul says that through knowing Jesus intimately, personally, and experientially, we have everything we need—precious and magnificent promises.

Like a tiny baby born to be King, most of us have no idea what those great and mighty promises entail, what our rich inheritance contains, or what our spiritual birthright bestows. As we open the pages of God’s Word, He begins to reveal the truth of who you are and what you have as a child of God. And remember, this is not a promise of what you will have one day, but what you have the moment you believe.

These promises are called precious and valuable. I love how the NASB translation refers to them as “magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). The word magnificent means “splendid, lavish, beautiful; as to arouse admiration and wonder.” And, oh, how God’s magnificent, splendid, lavish, and beautiful promises arouse admiration and wonder of who He is and what He does. Oh my goodness, why in the world would I feel inadequate! Thick-headedness and unbelief are my only excuses.

And how does He give us everything we need for life and godliness, how does He dole out the precious promises? He gives freely. Pours out lavishly. It costs you nothing. It cost Jesus everything.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for your lavish blessings and Your magnificent promises. No matter what comes my way today, help me to remember that You have given me everything I need for a life of godliness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Look up the following verses and note what you learn about God’s promises: Genesis 28:15; Numbers 23:19; Joshua 21:45; Psalm 145:13

What do you need to do to move that knowledge from your head, to your heart, to your feet or actions?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let go, Move forward, Live bold. A mediocre, mundane faith is not what you were made for! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, I reveal the most common reasons we get stuck in our Christian faith, living less than what we had hoped. 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. Click on the book cover to download a sample chapter and view a quick video. And if you’re looking for a new study for your women’s group or individual study, Take Hold includes a Bible Study guide in the back.

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