Daily Devotion May 8, 2017 "Don't Let Anyone or Anything Steal Christ's Life from YOU!"

I'm listening to a commercial today about a new alarm system.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

"Don't Let Anyone or Anything Steal Christ's Life from YOU!"

May 8, 2017

John 10:10 - (Jesus said) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

I'm listening to a commercial today about a new alarm system. They say it works better than any other. They say it is easy to install, easy to use, easy to have monitored, so that your home can be safe when you are gone, safe when you are asleep -- safe all the way around. If that could only be true. It seems that thieves are always one step ahead of our best inventions and our best intentions.

That's what Jesus is getting at today. There are more ominous thieves than those who can break in and steal things that are precious to you. There are thieves that can steal what is more precious than gold, more precious than silver; they are the thieves that steal your heart and your soul away from the living God.

Jesus actually talks about that when he says, "Don't fear the ones who can kill the body but not the soul, fear the one who can destroy both your body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).

Wow! I wonder if anyone thinks about that at all today. I wonder if anyone takes that Word of Jesus to heart today.

Said another way, don't let anyone steal the abundant life that Jesus wants you to have in Him.

So many are hell-bent on protecting their treasures of material wealth, but we are leaving the doors of our souls unlocked or, worse, wide open.

When you seek to live life merely for personal pleasures, personal gains, your soul is wide open to the tempter. And by the time you realize that, it may be too late to reclaim anything of value. When you work yourselves to death as if you can build a treasure trove of security for retirement, that soul is often wide open to neglecting your spirit life all along. The tragedy of that is that you don't have control today or in retirement. Life has too many ups and downs beyond our control. But even if you have control today -- at least in your mind -- that's merely a sedative that dulls you to the end of all human sinful life: death. Death is this sinful world's constant; it's the last enemy; it's the final bargain we all lose when it comes to living life on our own, the greatest temptation of all.

Jesus talks straight today. He says that in the face of death, there is a way, there is the truth, there is the life waiting for all who come to Him in repentance and faith. It's not a bargain; it's not sleight of hand. Jesus earned the right to say this to you and me when He died our death to give us His life. Don't let anyone tell you that there is anything in heaven and earth greater than this offer of life and salvation in Him. Thieves ... robbers ... or Jesus Christ? When it comes to your soul, He alone is not only abundant protection, He's abundant blessing.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, give me the eyes of faith to see the difference of the life that You have for me by faith so that I might never be tempted to relinquish it to the false promises of another. Amen

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

CPTLN Devocional de 08 de Mayo de 2017

Alimento Diario

Poder y amor

08 de Mayo 2017

Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna. Porque Dios no envió a su Hijo al mundo para condenar al mundo, sino para que el mundo sea salvo por él. Juan 3:16-17

Dolly Madison es más que el nombre de la compañía que hace los Zingers y los donuts cubiertos con azúcar. Dolly Madison fue la esposa del cuarto presidente de los Estados Unidos y hasta el día de hoy sigue siendo una de las mujeres más populares de la historia de este país.

Dondequiera que fuera, Dolly cautivaba a todas las personas con su manera de ser. No importaba si era alguien famoso o no, rico o pobre, hombre o mujer, todos los que la conocían se quedaban encantados con ella.

Una vez alguien le preguntó cómo hacía para ejercer esa atracción sobre los demás, a lo que muy sorprendida contestó: "¿Qué yo atraigo a las personas? Yo no tengo ningún poder especial, ni tampoco deseo tenerlo. Lo único que hago es amarlas a todas por igual."

No somos muchos los que podemos decir lo mismo sin que los demás se nos rían en la cara.

Los cristianos conocemos a otra persona que amó a todos por igual: el Señor Jesucristo.

Lamentablemente, no todos le respondieron con el mismo amor, e incluso fue odiado por los líderes de la iglesia, del gobierno y por otros que estaban celosos de él.

¿Cuál fue la razón por la cual Jesús amó con tanta intensidad y se sacrificó completamente? No lo hizo para tener poder ni para ser famoso, sino porque amó tanto al mundo que dio se dio a sí mismo para que el mundo pudiera ser salvo. Le invito a que juntos lo amemos a él, nuestro Salvador.

ORACIÓN: Querido Salvador, tu amor hizo que dieras tu vida como sacrificio para mi salvación. Por tu gloriosa resurrección puedo creer que todos los que te confiesan como su Salvador no morirán, sino que tendrán vida eterna junto a ti. En tu nombre. 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 - The Burden of Waiting

Read: Psalm 90

Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 4–6; Luke 24:36–53

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Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Over the last few years, two members of my family have faced life-threatening diagnoses. For me, the hardest part of supporting them through their treatments has been the constant uncertainty. I am always desperate for a definitive word from a doctor, but things are rarely that straightforward. Instead of being given clarity, we are often asked to wait.

It’s hard to bear the burden of uncertainty, always wondering what the next test will reveal. Will we have weeks, months, years, or decades before death separates us? But regardless of disease and diagnosis, each of us will die one day—things like cancer just bring our mortality to the forefront instead of letting it hide in the recesses of our minds.

Faced with sobering reminders of our mortality, I find myself praying words that Moses once prayed. Psalm 90 tells us that though our lives are like grass that withers and fades (vv. 5–6), we have an eternal home with God (v. 1). Like Moses, we can ask God to teach us to number our days so we can make wise decisions (v. 12), and to make our brief lives fruitful by making what we do for Him count (v. 17). Ultimately, the psalm reminds us that our hope is not in a doctor’s diagnosis, but in a God who is “from everlasting to everlasting.”

How can we best spend the time we’ve been given?

Share your thoughts with us at odb.org.

We can face the reality of our own mortality because we trust in God.

By Amy Peterson

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Gánh Nặng Chờ Đợi

Đọc: Thi thiên 90

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 2 Các vua 4–6; Lu-ca 24:36–53

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Cầu xin Chúa dạy chúng con biết đếm các ngày chúng con hầu cho chúng con được lòng khôn ngoan. Thi thiên 90:12

Cách đây vài năm, hai người thân của tôi được chuẩn đoán mắc bệnh nguy hiểm tới tính mạng. Với tôi, điều khó khăn nhất khi khích lệ họ trải qua những đợt điều trị đó là sự mơ hồ, không chắc chắn. Nhiều lúc tôi mệt mỏi mong chờ được nghe một kết luận dứt khoát từ bác sĩ điều trị, thế nhưng việc đó thật hiếm hoi. Thay vì giải thích rõ ràng, các bác sĩ luôn bảo chúng tôi kiên nhẫn chờ đợi.

Thật khó để chịu đựng tình trạng mơ hồ như vậy, tôi luôn tự hỏi lần xét nghiệm tiếp theo sẽ có kết quả thế nào. Sẽ còn bao lâu, vài tuần, vài tháng, vài năm hay vài chục năm trước khi cái chết chia lìa chúng tôi? Tuy vậy, dầu đang khoẻ mạnh, không bệnh tật gì, thì một ngày nào đó mỗi người chúng ta cũng sẽ qua đời—bệnh ung thư chỉ làm cho cái chết xuất hiện rõ ràng trước mắt thay vì kín giấu.

Khi đối diện với lời nhắc nhở về sự hữu hạn của cuộc đời, tôi đã thốt lên những lời cầu nguyện như chính Môi-se đã từng cầu nguyện. Thi Thiên 90 cho chúng ta biết rằng dầu cuộc sống của mình giống như cây cỏ vốn sẽ tàn tạ và khô héo đi (c.5–6), nhưng chúng ta vẫn còn có nơi ở đời đời với Chúa (c.1). Giống như Môi-se, chúng ta có thể cầu xin Chúa dạy mình biết đếm từng ngày mình có để có thể đưa ra những quyết định khôn ngoan (c.12) và làm cho đời sống ngắn ngủi của mình trở nên kết quả bởi những việc làm đẹp lòng Chúa (c.17). Sau hết, bài Thi Thiên này nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng niềm hy vọng của chúng ta không đặt nơi những chẩn đoán của bác sĩ, nhưng ở nơi Chúa là Đấng hiện diện “từ đời nầy qua đời kia.”

Làm thế nào chúng ta có thể sử dụng tốt nhất thời gian mình có?

Chúng ta có thể đối diện với thực tế hữu hạn của đời người vì chúng ta tin cậy Chúa.

bởi Amy Peterson

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - La angustia de la espera

Leer: Salmo 90

La Biblia en un año: 2 Reyes 4–6; Lucas 24:36-53

Enséñanos de tal modo a contar nuestros días, que traigamos al corazón sabiduría (v. 12).

En los últimos años, dos miembros de mi familia recibieron diagnósticos graves. Para mí, la parte más difícil fue la incertidumbre constante. Siempre espero con desesperación una palabra decisiva del doctor, pero, en vez de darnos claridad, a menudo se nos pide que esperemos.

Es difícil soportar la angustia de la incertidumbre, y siempre nos preguntamos qué revelará la próxima prueba. ¿Tendremos semanas, meses, años o décadas antes de que la muerte nos separe? Pero, más allá de la enfermedad, todos moriremos algún día; cuestiones como el cáncer simplemente ponen en primer plano nuestra mortalidad.

Al enfrentarme a los recordatorios aleccionadores de nuestra mortalidad, me encuentro orando las palabras de Moisés. El Salmo 90 dice que, aunque nuestra vida es como la hierba que se marchita y se seca (vv. 5-6), tenemos un hogar eterno con Dios (v. 1). Al igual que Moisés, podemos pedirle a Dios que nos enseñe a contar nuestros días para que podamos tomar decisiones sabias (v. 12) y a hacer que nuestra vida breve lleve fruto, pidiendo que Dios confirme lo que hacemos (v. 17). El salmo nos recuerda que nuestra esperanza no está en ningún diagnóstico médico, sino en un Dios que es «desde la eternidad y hasta la eternidad» (LBLA).

¿Cómo podemos usar mejor el tiempo que nos ha sido dado?

Podemos enfrentar la realidad de nuestra mortalidad porque confiamos en Dios.

Por ap

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Die Last des Wartens

Lesen: Psalm 90

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 2.Könige 4–6; Lukas 24,36-53

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Lehre uns bedenken, dass wir sterben müssen, auf dass wir klug werden. Psalm 90,12

In den letzten Jahren wurde bei zwei meiner Familienangehörigen eine lebensbedrohliche Krankheit festgestellt. Das Schwierigste in der Zeit der Behandlung war für mich die ständige Ungewissheit. Ich will vom Arzt immer klare Worte hören. Aber so einfach ist es meist nicht. Anstatt uns Klarheit zu verschaffen, werden wir oft aufgefordert zu warten.

Die Ungewissheit ist oft schwer zu ertragen, das ständige Bangen, was die nächste Untersuchung wohl zutage bringen wird. Sind es noch Wochen, Monate, Jahre oder Jahrzehnte, bis der Tod uns scheidet? Doch egal, wie die Diagnose lautet, wir alle müssen eines Tages sterben—Krankheiten wie Krebs bewirken lediglich, dass unsere Sterblichkeit auf einmal ein Thema ist, das wir nicht mehr verdrängen können.

Beim ernüchternden Gedanken an unsere Sterblichkeit bete ich gern die Worte, die Mose gebetet hat. Psalm 90 sagt uns, dass unser Leben zwar ist wie Gras, das welkt und verdorrt (V.5-6), dass wir aber bei Gott eine Zuflucht haben (V.1). Wie Mose können wir Gott bitten, uns zu helfen, damit wir den Gedanken an den Tod nicht verdrängen, sondern kluge Entscheidungen treffen (V.12) und so leben, dass das, was wir tun, bleibenden Wert hat (V.17). Letztlich erinnert uns der Psalm daran, dass unsere Hoffnung nicht auf der ärztlichen Diagnose gründet, sondern auf dem Gott, der „von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit“ ist.

Wie können wir die Zeit, die uns geschenkt ist, am besten zubringen?

Teile deine Gedanken mit uns auf: unsertaeglichbrot.org.

Wir können der Tatsache, dass wir sterben müssen, ins Auge sehen, weil wir Gott vertrauen.

Von Amy

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Le fardeau de l’attente

Lisez : Psaume 90

La Bible en un an : 2 ROIS 4 – 6 et LUC 24.36‑53

Enseigne nous à bien compter nos jours, afin que nous appliquions notre cœur à la sagesse. V. 12

Au cours des dernières années, deux de mes proches ont reçu un diagnostic pouvant être fatal. Ce que je trouve personnellement le plus difficile dans le fait de les soutenir durant leurs traitements a été l’incertitude constante. Je suis toujours dans l’attente désespérée d’un mot définitif de la part d’un médecin, mais les choses sont rarement aussi simples. Au lieu de nous apporter des éclaircissements, on nous demande souvent de patienter.

Le fardeau de l’incertitude est lourd à porter, car on se demande constamment ce que révélera l’examen suivant. Des semaines, des mois, des années ou des décennies s’écouleront‑ils avant que la mort nous sépare ? En dépit des maladies et des diagnostics, chacun de nous mourra un jour – des choses comme le cancer ne font que ramener notre mortalité à l’avant-scène au lieu de la laisser se cacher dans les coulisses de notre esprit.

Face aux rappels de notre mortalité qui prêtent à réflexion, je prie selon des paroles que Moïse a lui‑même mises en prière un jour. Le Psaume 90 nous dit que, même si notre vie est comme l’herbe qui sèche (V. 5,6), nous avons un refuge auprès de Dieu (V. 1). À l’instar de Moïse, nous pouvons demander à Dieu de nous enseigner à compter nos jours afin de prendre de sages décisions (V. 12) et de faire fructifier notre courte vie par les oeuvres que nous accomplissons à son service (V. 17). En définitive, ce psaume nous rappelle que notre espoir ne repose pas sur le diagnostic d’un médecin, mais en un Dieu dont la bonté dure à jamais (PS 103.17).

Notre foi nous permet d’affronter la réalité de notre mortalité.

par Amy Peterson

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Тягар чекання

Читати: Псалом 89

Біблія за рік: 2 Царів 4–6 ; Луки 24:36-53

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Навчи нас лічити отак наші дні, щоб ми набули серце мудре! — Псалом 89:12

Протягом кількох останніх років у двох членів нашої сім’ї виявили захворювання, що загрожували їхньому життю. В цей період, коли вони лікувались, я відчайдушно чекала від лікаря якихось конкретних результатів. Але в житті рідко буває, коли все ясно і зрозуміло. Нас частіше просять просто чекати, замість того щоб дати чітку інформацію.

Дуже важко нести тягар невизначеності. Завжди непокоїть питання: Яке нове випробування готує нам життя? Скільки нам залишилось днів, місяців чи років бути з дорогими нам людьми? Втім, всі ми одного дня помремо – справа навіть не в хворобах чи діагнозах. Такі речі як рак лише змушують нас гостріше сприймати реальність смерті.

Знаходячись в таких обставинах, що нагадують про неминучість смерті, я почала молитись словами, що ними колись молився Мойсей. Псалом 89 говорить нам, що хоча наше життя немов трава, що в’яне та сохне (Пс. 89:5-6), ми маємо вічну домівку з Богом (Пс. 89:1).

Як і Мойсей, можемо просити Бога вчити нас “лічити дні”, щоб приймати мудрі рішення (Пс. 89:12) і щоб наше коротке життя було плодовитим. Для цього потрібно догоджати Богу в усьому, що робимо (Пс. 89:17). Псалом нагадує нам, що треба надіятись не на лікарів, а на Бога, Хто “від віку й до віку”.

Як найкраще використати даний нам час?

Можемо сміливо дивитись смерті в обличчя, якщо довіряємо Богу.

Автор Емі Петерсон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Бремя ожидания

Читать сейчас: Псалом 89

Библия за год: 4 Царств 4-6; Луки 24:36-53

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Научи нас так счислять дни наши, чтобы нам приобрести сердце мудрое. — Псалом 89:12

За последние несколько лет два члена моей семьи услышали от врачей тревожный диагноз. Для меня самым сложным в общении с ними во время лечения было чувство неизвестности. Я всегда хочу быть уверенной и знать точно, но в медицине так бывает редко. Вместо того чтобы внести ясность, нас часто просили подождать и потерпеть.

Нести бремя неизвестности тяжело. Постоянно тревожат мысли о том, какими будут следующие анализы. Сколько времени осталось до того момента, как смерть разлучит нас: недели, месяцы, годы или десятилетия? Однако независимо от болезней или диагнозов все мы когда-то умрем. Явления вроде рака лишь выводят на передний план непререкаемую истину, которую мы предпочитаем забывать: мы смертны.

Сталкиваясь с такими напоминаниями, я молюсь словами Божьего человека Моисея. В Псалме 89 говорится, что, хотя наша жизнь подобна траве, которая в один день цветет и засыхает (Пс. 89:5-6), для нас готов вечный дом у Бога (Пс. 89:2). Подобно Моисею, мы можем просить Бога научить нас так исчислять наши дни, чтобы стать мудрыми сердцем (Пс. 89:12), и сделать нашу короткую жизнь плодоносной, споспешествуя в добрых делах (Пс. 89:17). Этот Псалом напоминает, что нам следует надеяться не на врачей, а на Бога, Который «нам прибежище из рода в род».

Как нам лучше использовать отведенное на земле время?

Мы можем смотреть в лицо смерти, потому что надеемся на Бога.

автор: Эми Петерсон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Readings for SUNDAY, May 7, 2017 - 4th Sunday of Easter - Good Sheppard Sunday (Jubilate )

Opening Sentence

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

Introitus: Jubilate Deo

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

A reading from Wisdom 1:1-15

Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said, therefore those who utter unrighteous things will not escape notice, and justice, when it punishes, will not pass them by. For inquiry will be made into the counsels of the ungodly, and a report of their words will come to the Lord, to convict them of their lawless deeds; because a jealous ear hears all things, and the sound of grumbling does not go unheard. Beware then of useless grumbling, and keep your tongue from slander; because no secret word is without result, and a lying mouth destroys the soul. Do not invite death by the error of your life, or bring on destruction by the works of your hands; because God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. For he created all things so that they might exist; the generative forces of the world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them, and the dominion of Hades is not on earth. For righteousness is immortal.

Psalm 23 Dominus regit me
1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2   He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
3   He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4   Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5   You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6   Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Epistle Lesson

The First Reading is taken from Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The Second Reading is taken from 1 Peter 2:19-25

For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

The Holy Gospel Reading

The Holy Gospel is written in John 10:1-10

"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Click HERE to read today's Holy Gospel Lesson message.

The Apostle's 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 Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for Sundays

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; 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.

The Sermon for SUNDAY, May 7, 2017 - 4th Sunday of Easter - Good Sheppard Sunday (Jubilate)

"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:1-10)

"The Lord Is My Shepherd"

What we have today is a honest gut wrenching message saying “What a Thing Really Is,” by using the 23rd Psalm followed by the words of Christ Jesus.

Don’t you wonder sometimes why the world we live in is such a mess? Not only our world, but many of our lives seems to be spiraling out of control. This chaos spills into all arenas even into the church actually causing some to turn away from God. What in the world is going on?

Well my dear friends, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The cause of all this mess and confusion is simply called people! That’s right! People—human beings trying their hardest—maybe not their hardest—but trying all the less to make things right!

Maybe our intentions are not half bad. Really we just want what Jesus talks about in today’s lesson. We all desire that “Abundant Life.” We all simply want what the shepherd boy David writes about in the 23rd Psalm.

Never to be in need.

A nice place to lay my head, or green pastures.

A peaceful life without all the conflict. Still waters.

A time to truly rest where my soul is content.

To know what is right and be able to do it.

Not to be fearful when dark times comes.

To know that God is with me even when trouble surrounds me.

Where we have more than enough for a good life.

And to never, never have to worry about death.

If you had all these gifts do you think that your life would be at least at little more abundant? I know mine would!

However, we seek these gifts through our own measures.

Jesus calls these ways thieves and bandits that do not provide what we desire. Not only that—our own messily efforts eventually end up sucking out the abundance of life.

Think I’m full of it?

At the time of Christ the philosophers were big news. Additional education would cure the world’s problems. If that didn’t work the perfect government of Rome with all her power and wealth might cure our ills. That culture was known for all its various gods. Gods of wine and food, of beauty and strength. God’s of wealth and fortune.

And yet 2000 years later not much has changed. We, like the people of ancient days, create of own idols and gods in the manner in which we live. We place money, things and careers first thinking this is the way to greener pastures. We even create thieves and bandits in our religions saying that we are the only ones who have the truth.

We still think never to be in need, no conflict, rest, right behavior, no fear, the good life lies at our finger tips with just the right effort and perhaps a little bit of luck. Well I say, “Good Luck with that one!”

I think by now we should have come to the conclusion that we need another approach if this abundant living is going to become a reality. We truly need help! And David writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” God is the one who provides our every need—not us—not thieves and bandits.

It sounds simple enough! But there are just two huge problems in this truth of life. Are you willing to admit first of all that you need a shepherd, and, second willing to admit you are like a sheep?

However, if you take all this seriously, one of the very first steps in getting closer to an abundant life is an honest and gut wrenching confession of the truth, “I am a lost, ignorant sheep! I need a Shepherd! Because I can not do it alone!

And here lies our catch 22, compounding our struggle. A sheep is not the kind of animal I care to be associated with. Weak and not so smart! After all, back in the days of Christ Jesus all they were really good for was to provide food and clothing and serve as a sacrifice.

They are not the most noble of beasts always wandering off, getting lost and in trouble. Sound familiar?

I read about an entire flock of sheep getting spooked by a jackrabbit and following each other right over a cliff to their death. No comment.

The ignorant little creatures will eat themselves sick of you allow them to graze in one place too long, and they will starve and won’t even go look for food if they are not led to proper pasture. Again canning similarities.

Plus if you have ever smelled a sheep in blunt terms they stink.

See the problem? Most of us have no intention of being like a sheep, so we continue to rely on our own ability and abundance of life remains allusive.

So what in the world do we do? We begin to think like sheep!

We start existing to feed the poor and clothe the naked, living our daily lives as lives of sacrifice to God—the Shepherd.

We give up our grand idea of independence that we as a people can make things better if only we try harder.

We seriously admit the way things really are and come to the understanding that we truly are like sheep who have gone astray.

We need God to point us in the right paths and help us live life abundantly.

We need a shepherd!

And Christ Jesus says, “I am the gate for the sheep. I am access to that Shepherd!” Whoever enters by me will be saved, and they will come in and find pasture.”

Therefore, as a not so smart sheep, we begin follow the One who offers life—we begin to do what Jesus asks.

When you awake in the morning, thank the Lord before your feet even hits the floor.

When you shower or wash your face, return to the cleansing waters of baptism where you are reminded that you, you have been named as a child of the Most High and Living God.

Know at that moment, all your sins have been washed away and now you start your morning free to serve the Lord—your Shepherd.

As you go through the day allow God to guide your thoughts and actions—pray at meals, pray when decisions need to be made.

Take a moment or two during the busy day to be grounded through lifes giving Words found in Scripture.

Before you lay down and close your eyes to sleep, ponder the Love God has for you, shown ever so clearly once again through the Life/Death and Resurrection of the gatekeeper.

And if you start practicing these simple sheep skills, I promise, better yet God promises that David’s words will start to become a reality and life will become more and more abundant.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For you are with me;
Your rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over,
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

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. Sermon shared by  David Trexler on May 13, 2011.

Prayer of the Day for SUNDAY, May 7, 2017 - 4th Sunday of Easter - Good Sheppard Sunday (Jubilate)

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Verse of the Day for SUNDAY, May 7, 2017 - 4th Sunday of Easter - Good Sheppard Sunday (Jubilate )

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

Listen to 1 Thessalonians 5

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Exploring the Parables with Cap'n Kenny - The Parable of The Water and The Spirit

John 3:5-8
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

THINK ABOUT IT
Jesus was likely alluding to Ezekiel’s promise that God would cleanse with water and give a new spirit in the final restoration of Israel (see Ezekiel 36:25–27). This was similar to the theology of the Dead Sea Scrolls community. The Dead Sea Scrolls read, “He will cleanse him of all wicked deeds by means of a holy spirit; like purified water He will sprinkle upon him the spirit of truth.”

TALK ABOUT IT
What does this passage teach you about the Holy Spirit?

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un Dia a la Vez - La gracia es un regalo de Dios

Porque por gracias sois salvos.
Efesios 2:8 (RVR1960)

Cuando haces una oración de fe, o sea, aceptas a Dios como tu único y verdadero Salvador, recibes varias cosas para tu vida y debes apreciarlas de la misma manera que lo haces con un hermoso regalo.

En ese momento, recibes la gracia que te hace comprender uno de los maravillosos atributos de Dios. Además, esta es la clave para una relación personal y profunda por medio de Jesucristo.

La gracia te permite apreciar lo maravilloso de nuestro Dios y su misericordia.

¿Has sentido cuando llegas a un lugar o hablas que te sientes especial, te ven especial, te dicen que tienes un brillo en los ojos o hay algo que reflejas?

Pues bien, esa es la gracia de Dios en tu vida y en tu ser.

Es un regalo maravilloso. Así que apréciala y disfrútala.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - NATIONALISM

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)

Satan has inspired rulers to try to force Christians to return to their former folk religions or the pagan gods of their ancestors—all in the name of patriotism or nationalism. Religious nationalism is where a particular territory or culture is staked out exclusively in religious terms.

Leaders say, “Only Hindus are allowed to stay in India.” Or, “You are a true Sri Lankan only if you are a Buddhist.” In such cases where religious nationalism reigns, Christians either must accept second-class citizen status, face daily discrimination, or leave.

Research done by Open Doors indicates that to establish a “religious state” the religious nationalists require four elements: a villain, a lie, a mob, and a vacuum. They need a “villain” who can unite the people with a powerful message; a “lie” (Christians are intolerant); a “mob” to create chaos (media support helps); and a “vacuum” (absence of moderates in power to control the nation).

Some in India and Nepal argue that their country is Hindu hence other religions are foreign and imperialistic. State assistance is denied to those who convert to non-Hindu religions.

At one point, the Mongolian State Intelligence Bureau described Christianity as a “foreign religion.” And today, Mongolia’s new laws imply that Christianity is “against Mongolian customs.”

In Mexico, a mayor of a community in the southern state of Chiapas has tried to justify the ongoing persecution of evangelicals with the claim that they “attack…our culture and traditions.” In reality, tens of thousands of Christians have been expelled from their homes for not joining in the syncretistic community spiritual activities.

Christians in an area of Swaziland were told by their chief that each Christian would be fined a cow for not attending the annual cultural ceremonies at the king’s royal cattle kraal. The chief announced that he had compiled a list of all his subjects who deliberately avoided two yearly ceremonies: the umhlanga (reed dance) and the incwala (first fruit). Pastors of churches accused of preaching against Swazi culture are among those fined. Pastors in the area plan to challenge the chief’s fines in a court of law.

Christians must avoid the mistake of identifying religion with nation, and nation with religion—even in the West. To do so severely hinders the growth of the Body of Christ where there is “neither Jew nor Greek.”

RESPONSE: I will not make the mistake of identifying religion with nation…and pray for those who do.

PRAYER: Pray for Christians who struggle to survive in the midst of religious nationalism and extreme patriotism.