LHM Daily Devotion - July 22, 2017 "Take It Down"

Some years ago, the pastor of a North Carolina Catholic Church placed an...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Take It Down"

July 22, 2017

But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

~ 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (ESV)

Some years ago, the pastor of a North Carolina Catholic Church placed an array of Lenten crosses on the front lawn of his little congregation.

It wasn't long before he received a call from the Chamber of Commerce. He was told, "Look Father, we're getting complaints about those crosses in your churchyard. When they are inside the church nobody cares, but out front, where everybody can see them, those crosses are offensive. The retired people don't like them; they find them depressing. The tourists probably won't like your display either. It'll be bad for business. People come down here to get happy, not depressed. Father, speaking for many in the community, we would all very much like to see those crosses be put away, so they no longer offend."

For any number of reasons, the world doesn't want anyone to hear about the cross of Christ.

For one reason, the Lord wants His Good News to be shared. The reason we need to speak of the cross is because it was God's method which saves sinners. That's you. It's me. Actually, it's everybody. Jesus was born to save sinners. He suffered for sinners. He died on the cross for sinners. He rose for sinners. And now the risen Redeemer sends His Holy Spirit to rescue sinners.

And you, my friend, are a sinner.

To which you may reply, "That's good news?"

And I say, oh, yes. It is the best news you will ever hear. It's Good News because the message of the empty cross and tomb says that we are going to be made well.

It's just that simple. God has a cure for what ails you. It is a cure that will change your life.

• Have you been searching for something you can rely on? The love of Jesus -- His presence, His concern, His care, His power -- will always be there (see Matthew 28:20).
• Have you been lonely? There is nowhere you can go where you can ever be separated from the love of God, which comes to you in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:35-39).
• Have people let you down? Jesus Christ will always lift you up (see James 4:10).
• Has your life been a fiasco of falsity and foolishness? Jesus has come so you might have life, and have it to the full (see John 10:10).

With nail-pierced hands, Jesus reaches out to you. Along with forgiveness and salvation, He offers the peace that passes human understanding.(Philippians 4:7).

The cross is God's medicine that will wash your soul from every spot and stain. No matter what's gone wrong, no matter how bad a sinner you've been, by God's power -- through His Son -- you can be made well. This is God's Good News which says you no longer have to be what you were. It's God's Good News which says your cure can be complete. And that, my friends, like those crosses, is a message that should never be taken down.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may Your church proudly proclaim to a sinful world the salvation that only comes through the cross of Christ. If we boast, let us boast in what You have done to save us. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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

Our Daily Bread - “I’m Really Scared . . .”

Read: Philippians 4:4–9

Bible in a Year: Psalms 31–32; Acts 23:16–35

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

“I’m really scared.” This was the poignant note a teenager posted to friends on Facebook as she told them of some upcoming medical tests. She was facing hospitalization and a series of procedures in a city three hours from home and anxiously waited as doctors tried to discover the source of some serious medical problems she was experiencing.

Who of us, in youth or later years, has not felt similar fears when facing unwanted life events that are truly frightening? And where can we turn for help? What comfort can we find from Scripture to give us courage in these kinds of situations?

The reality that God will go with us through our trial can help us to hope. Isaiah 41:13 tells us, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’ ”

In addition, God offers indescribable, heart-guarding peace when we present our difficulties to Him in prayer (Phil. 4:6–7).

Through God’s unfailing presence and His peace that “transcends all understanding” (v. 7), we can find the hope and help we need to endure situations in which we are really scared.

Dear heavenly Father, when I am afraid, remind me that You hold my hand and give me peace. I’m grateful that I can lean into Your arms and find help when I’m scared. You are good to me.

God is with us in all our struggles.

By Dave Branon

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Ministérios Pão Diário - Instintos

Leia: Salmo 32

A Bíblia em um ano: Salmos 31–32, Atos 23:16-35

É perigoso voar em meio às tempestades. A tentação é de voar seguindo os nossos instintos, como parecer melhor. Mas qualquer piloto afirma que sem habilidade isso é um convite ao desastre. Se você confiar em seus instintos, se desorientará achando que o avião está subindo quando ele estiver descendo. Felizmente, o painel de controle está ajustado para o polo norte magnético e podemos confiar nele em todo o tempo. Deixar que esses instrumentos o guiem, mesmo quando parecerem errados, ajuda a garantir sua segurança.

Todos nós enfrentamos tempestades que ameaçam nos confundir e desorientar. Pode ser um telefonema do consultório do médico, um amigo que o traiu ou um sonho despedaçado. Nesses momentos devemos ser cuidadosos. Quando você perder a visão por causa de decepções, não confie em seus instintos. Voar por instinto nas tempestades da vida pode conduzir ao desespero, confusão e reações vingativas que pioram as coisas ainda mais.

Deus quer guiá-lo, e Sua Palavra está repleta de sabedoria e discernimento para se viver. O salmista diz: “Lâmpada para os meus pés é a tua palavra e, luz para os meus caminhos” (Salmo 119:105). Ele sempre nos conduz para o lugar certo!

Leia a sua Bíblia e confie que Deus o guiará. Ele promete: “Instruir-te-ei e te ensinarei o caminho que deves seguir…” (Salmo 32:8).

Quanto mais próximos de Deus caminharmos, mais claramente veremos a Sua orientação.

por Joe Stowell

© 2017 Ministérios Pão Diário

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - “Tôi Thực Sự Sợ Hãi…”

Đọc: Phi-líp 4:4-9

Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Thi thiên 31-32; Công vụ 23:16-35

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Đừng lo lắng gì cả, nhưng trong mọi sự hãy dùng lời cầu nguyện, nài xin cùng sự tạ ơn mà trình dâng những nhu cầu của mình cho Đức Chúa Trời. Phi-líp 4:6

“Mình thực sự sợ hãi.” Đây là dòng trạng thái cảm động mà một thiếu niên gửi cho bạn bè trên Facebook khi cô bé kể về một số xét nghiệm y khoa sắp tới. Cô bé đang ở bệnh viện để thực hiện một loạt thủ tục tại một thành phố cách nhà ba giờ lái xe và lo lắng chờ đợi khi các bác sĩ cố tìm ra nguyên nhân của một số vấn đề sức khỏe nghiêm trọng mà cô bé đang gặp phải.

Ai trong chúng ta, suốt thời niên thiếu hay những năm sau đó, không cảm thấy những nỗi sợ hãi tương tự khi đối diện với các sự kiện không mong muốn và thực sự đáng sợ trong đời? Và chúng ta có thể cầu cứu ở nơi đâu? Chúng ta có thể tìm thấy sự an ủi nào từ Kinh Thánh để can đảm trong những tình huống đó?

Chúa sẽ đi cùng chúng ta qua những khó khăn trong đời. Lẽ thật đó có thể tiếp thêm niềm hy vọng cho chúng ta. Ê-sai 41:13 cho biết: “Vì Ta là Giê-hô-va Đức Chúa Trời của con, Đấng nắm giữ tay phải con và phán với con rằng: ‘Đừng sợ, chính Ta sẽ giúp đỡ con.’”

Bên cạnh đó, Chúa còn ban sự bình an vượt quá sự hiểu biết, gìn giữ tấm lòng chúng ta khi chúng ta trình dâng những khó khăn của mình cho Ngài trong sự cầu nguyện (Phil. 4:6-7).

Nhờ sự hiện diện liên tục của Chúa và sự bình an “vượt trên mọi sự hiểu biết” của Ngài (c.7), chúng ta có thể tìm thấy hy vọng và sự giúp đỡ cần thiết để vượt qua những tình huống khiến chúng ta thực sự sợ hãi.

Lạy Cha, khi con sợ hãi, xin nhắc nhở con nhớ rằng Ngài đang nắm tay con và ban bình an cho con. Con biết ơn Ngài vì có thể nương dựa vào cánh tay Ngài và tìm được sự giúp đỡ khi con sợ hãi. Ngài thật tốt lành với con.

Chúa ở cùng chúng ta trong mọi nan đề.

bởi Dave Branon

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - «Tengo mucho miedo»

Leer: Filipenses 4:4-9

La Biblia en un año: Salmos 31–32; Hechos 23:16-35

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Por nada estéis afanosos, sino sean conocidas vuestras peticiones delante de Dios… (v. 6).

«Tengo mucho miedo». Esta fue la nota conmovedora que una adolescente publicó en Facebook después de comunicarles a sus amigos que se realizaría unos exámenes médicos. La hospitalizarían y le harían una serie de estudios en una ciudad a tres horas de distancia de su casa, y, ansiosa, esperaba que los doctores descubrieran la causa de algunos problemas serios que tenía.

¿Quién, en la juventud o después, no ha sentido temores similares frente a sucesos indeseables y temibles? ¿Dónde podemos buscar ayuda? ¿Qué consuelo podemos encontrar en la Escritura que nos anime en esta clase de situaciones?

La realidad de que Dios nos acompaña en las pruebas puede ayudarnos a esperar. Isaías 41:13 declara: «Porque yo el Señor soy tu Dios, quien te sostiene de tu mano derecha, y te dice: No temas, yo te ayudo».

Además, Dios ofrece una paz indescriptible y que protege nuestro corazón cuando le presentamos nuestras dificultades en oración (Filipenses 4:6-7).

A través de la presencia incondicional de Dios y de su paz «que sobrepasa todo entendimiento» (v. 7), podemos encontrar la esperanza y la ayuda que necesitamos para sobrellevar situaciones que nos producen temor.

Padre, gracias porque puedo apoyarme en tus brazos y encontrar ayuda cuando tengo miedo.

Dios está con nosotros en todas nuestras luchas.

Por Dave Branon

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ich habe Angst

Lesen: Philipper 4,4-9

Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Psalm 31–32; Apostelgeschichte 23,16-35

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Sorgt euch um nichts, sondern in allen Dingen lasst eure Bitten in Gebet und Flehen mit Danksagung vor Gott kundwerden! Philipper 4,6

„Ich habe Angst.“ Das postete ein Teenager ihren Freunden auf Facebook. Sie sollte für einige Untersuchungen in ein Krankenhaus drei Stunden von Zuhause weg, wo die Ärzte herausfinden wollten, was mit ihrer Gesundheit los war.

Wer von uns, ob jung oder älter, hat nicht schon ähnlich empfunden, wenn unliebsame Ereignisse uns wirklich Angst gemacht haben? Und wo können wir Hilfe finden? Welchen Trost kann uns die Bibel bieten, wie kann sie uns in ähnlichen Situationen Mut spenden?

Die Tatsache, dass Gott auch durch schwierige Zeiten mit uns geht, kann uns Hoffnung schenken. In Jesaja 41,13 heißt es: „Denn ich bin der Herr, dein Gott, der deine rechte Hand fasst und zu dir spricht: Fürchte dich nicht, ich helfe dir!“

Außerdem schenkt Gott uns unbeschreiblichen Frieden und bewahrt unser Herz, wenn wir ihm im Gebet unsere Nöte bringen (Phil. 4,6-7).

Durch Gottes unwandelbare Gegenwart und seinen Frieden, „der höher ist als alle Vernunft“ (V.7). können wir die Hoffnung und Hilfe finden, die wir brauchen, um auch mit den Situationen fertig zu werden, die uns wirklich Angst machen.

Lieber himmlischer Vater, wenn ich Angst habe, dann lass mich nicht vergessen, dass du meine Hand hältst und mir Frieden gibst. Ich danke dir, dass ich mich in deine Arme fallen lassen kann. Du bist so gut zu mir.

Gott ist in allen Schwierigkeiten bei uns.

Von Dave Branon

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - « J’ai vraiment peur… »

Lisez : Philippiens 4.4‑9

La Bible en un an : PSAUMES 31 – 32 et ACTES 23.16‑35

Ne vous inquiétez de rien ; mais en toute chose faites connaître vos besoins à Dieu par des prières et des supplications, avec des actions de grâces. V. 6

« J’ai vraiment peur. » Voilà le mot émouvant qu’une adolescente a affiché pour ses amis sur Facebook en leur parlant des examens médicaux qu’elle allait devoir passer. Elle risquait d’être hospitalisée et de subir une série d’actes médicaux dans une ville située à trois heures de route de chez elle. Par ailleurs, elle attendait avec angoisse de connaître le diagnostic que lui rendraient les médecins qui s’efforçaient de découvrir la source de ses graves problèmes de santé.

Qui d’entre vous, jeune ou vieux, n’a jamais ressenti de peur similaire devant des événements indésirables vraiment affolants ? Et où trouver alors de l’aide ? Quelle consolation puiser dans la Bible qui nous procure le courage de les surmonter ?

Le fait que Dieu traversera avec nous toute épreuve peut nourrir notre espoir, conformément à Ésaïe 41.13 : « Car je suis l’Éternel, ton Dieu, qui fortifie ta droite, qui te dis : Ne crains rien, je viens à ton secours. »

De plus, lorsque nous présentons nos difficultés à Dieu par la prière, il nous offre une paix indescriptible qui gardera notre coeur (PH 4.6,7).

Grâce à la présence de Dieu, ainsi que sa paix infaillible « qui surpasse toute intelligence » (V. 7), nous pouvons trouver l’espoir et l’aide qui nous sont nécessaires pour surmonter les situations qui nous effraient.

Dieu se tient à nos côtés dans toutes nos épreuves.

par Dave Branon

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Мені справді страшно

Читати: Филип’ян 4:4-9

Біблія за рік: Псалми 31−32 ; Дії 23:16-35

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Ні про що не турбуйтесь, а в усьому нехай виявляються Богові ваші бажання молитвою й проханням з подякою. — Филип’ян 4:6

“Мені справді страшно”. Ці зворушливі слова дівчинка-підліток написала у соціальній мережі Facebook своїм друзям, коли розказувала їм про свої проблеми зі здоров’ям. Вона чекала на госпіталізацію в лікарні, що знаходиться за три години їзди від дому. Їй потрібно пройти обстеження і вона з тривогою чекає, що скажуть лікарі про причину її серйозних проблем зі здоров’ям.

Хто з нас, незалежно від віку, не відчував подібного страху в часи серйозних неприємностей – таких, що дійсно можуть налякати? І до кого можемо звернутись за допомогою у такі моменти? Яку втіху можемо знайти у Святому Письмі, щоб мати підбадьорення і мужність у подібних ситуаціях?

Велику надію в часи випробувань дарує нам реальність Божої присутності. В Книзі пророка Ісаї читаємо наступні слова: “Бо Я Господь, Бог твій, що держить тебе за правицю й говорить до тебе: Не бійся, Я тобі поможу!”(Іс. 41:13). Крім того, Бог пропонує Свій мир, що “вищий від усякого розуму” і береже серця наші та наші думки у Христі Ісусі, коли ми в молитві приносимо свої проблеми Богу (Фил. 4:6-7).

Завдяки незмінній Божій присутності й миру, яким Він сповняє наші серця, можемо дійсно мати надію і поміч, яких потребуємо для проходження через випробування, що так лякають нас.

Дорогий Небесний Отче, коли я наляканий, нагадуй мені, що Ти тримаєш мене за праву руку; сповняй моє серце Твоїм миром. Я дуже вдячний за те, що в страшні моменти можу пригорнутись до Тебе й отримати поміч. Дякую, що Ти такий благий до мене.

Бог із нами в усіх наших проблемах.

Автор Давид Бренон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Реально страшно

Читать сейчас: Филиппийцам 4:4-9

Библия за год: Псалтирь 30–31; Деяния 23:16-35

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Не заботьтесь ни о чем, но всегда в молитве и прошении с благодарением открывайте свои желания пред Богом. — Филиппийцам 4:6

«Мне реально страшно». Такое сообщение разместила девочка-подросток в социальной сети Facebook. Она писала друзьям, что ей предстоит сдать ряд анализов, для чего нужно лечь в больницу в трех часах езды на автомобиле. Она с тревогой ждала заключения врачей по поводу возникших у нее серьезных проблем со здоровьем.

Кто из нас, в юности или будучи взрослым, не испытывал похожих страхов, встречаясь с неожиданными и иногда действительно страшными явлениями? Куда обратиться за помощью? Какое утешение можно найти в Библии, чтобы стать смелее в подобных обстоятельствах?

Истина заключается в том, что Бог пойдет с нами через все испытания. Через пророка Исаию Он говорит: «Я Господь, Бог твой, держу тебя за правую руку твою, говорю тебе: “Не бойся, Я помогаю тебе”» (Ис. 41:13).

В дополнение к этому Бог дарует неизреченный, хранящий сердце мир, если мы приносим свои переживания к Нему в молитве (Флп. 4:6-7).

Благодаря неизменному Божьему присутствию и Его миру, «который превыше всякого ума» (Флп. 4:7), мы можем получить надежду и помощь, чтобы пройти через любые, даже самые страшные, испытания.

Отец Небесный, когда мне страшно, напомни сердцу, что Ты держишь меня за руку и даешь мир. Я благодарю, что могу успокоиться в Твоих руках и найти поддержку среди любых страхов. Ты так благ ко мне.

Бог с нами во всех переживаниях.

автор: Дэвид Брэнон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, July 21, 2017

Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia

Opening Sentence

The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. John 4:23

Morning Prayer

Holy God, thank you for giving me another morning! I am lucky to be alive on your beautiful planet, so full of marvelous things and the beautiful plants and animals and all the people you have created in your image. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, now and all day long, until I go to sleep, because I want to live with you every minute of this day. The time and opportunities I have right now will never return, so help me make the best of it, Lord. And let me remember this one thing: You know what you are doing, whether I can see it or not; so I will try to remember today that you are in charge, that you put me here for a reason and that, by your grace, things will turn out with your triumph and the Kingdom of Heaven, for all those who live by your grace. All praise to you forever, Amen.

Prayer of Confession and Pardon

Dear Heavenly Father, we lower our heads before you and we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God and we fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to You in our world. Remind us to be who You would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to You and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us on earth. Amen.

Today's Readings

The First Reading is taken from 1 Samuel 21:1-15

David came to Nob to the priest Ahimelech. Ahimelech came trembling to meet David, and said to him, "Why are you alone, and no one with you?" David said to the priest Ahimelech, "The king has charged me with a matter, and said to me, 'No one must know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.' I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. Now then, what have you at hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here." The priest answered David, "I have no ordinary bread at hand, only holy bread-- provided that the young men have kept themselves from women." David answered the priest, "Indeed women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition; the vessels of the young men are holy even when it is a common journey; how much more today will their vessels be holy?" So the priest gave him the holy bread; for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the LORD, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's shepherds. David said to Ahimelech, "Is there no spear or sword here with you? I did not bring my sword or my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." The priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you will take that, take it, for there is none here except that one." David said, "There is none like it; give it to me." David rose and fled that day from Saul; he went to King Achish of Gath. The servants of Achish said to him, "Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of King Achish of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them; he pretended to be mad when in their presence. He scratched marks on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle run down his beard. Achish said to his servants, "Look, you see the man is mad; why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"

The Second Reading is taken from Acts 13:13-25

Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.'

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 3:7-19

Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home;

Morning Psalms

Psalm 31 In te, Domine, speravi
1   In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2   Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me.
3   Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4   Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength.
5   Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.
6   I hate those who cling to worthless idols, and I put my trust in the LORD.
7   I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress.
8   You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; you have set my feet in an open place.
9   Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10   For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11   I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12   I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot.
13   For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
14   But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. I have said, "You are my God.
15   My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16   Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me."
17   LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; rather, let the wicked be put to shame; let them be silent in the grave.
18   Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against the righteous, haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.
19   How great is your goodness, O LORD! which you have laid up for those who fear you; which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you.
20   You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander them; you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21   Blessed be the LORD! for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.
22   Yet I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes." Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.
23   Love the LORD, all you who worship him; the LORD protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
24   Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 35 Judica, Domine
1   Fight those who fight me, O LORD; attack those who are attacking me.
2   Take up shield and armor and rise up to help me.
3   Draw the sword and bar the way against those who pursue me; say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4   Let those who seek after my life be shamed and humbled; let those who plot my ruin fall back and be dismayed.
5   Let them be like chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the LORD drive them away.
6   Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the LORD pursue them.
7   For they have secretly spread a net for me without a cause; without a cause they have dug a pit to take me alive.
8   Let ruin come upon them unawares; let them be caught in the net they hid; let them fall into the pit they dug.
9   Then I will be joyful in the LORD; I will glory in his victory.
10   My very bones will say, "LORD, who is like you? You deliver the poor from those who are too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."
11   Malicious witnesses rise up against me; they charge me with matters I know nothing about.
12   They pay me evil in exchange for good; my soul is full of despair.
13   But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth and humbled myself by fasting.
14   I prayed with my whole heart, as one would for a friend or a brother; I behaved like one who mourns for his mother, bowed down and grieving.
15   But when I stumbled, they were glad and gathered together; they gathered against me; strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and would not stop.
16   They put me to the test and mocked me; they gnashed at me with their teeth.
17   O Lord, how long will you look on? rescue me from the roaring beasts, and my life from the young lions.
18   I will give you thanks in the great congregation; I will praise you in the mighty throng.
19   Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice over me, nor let those who hate me without a cause wink at each other.
20   For they do not plan for peace, but invent deceitful schemes against the quiet in the land.
21   They opened their mouths at me and said, "Aha! we saw it with our own eyes."
22   You saw it, O LORD; do not be silent; O Lord, be not far from me.
23   Awake, arise, to my cause! to my defense, my God and my Lord!
24   Give me justice, O LORD my God, according to your righteousness; do not let them triumph over me.
25   Do not let them say in their hearts, "Aha! just what we want!" Do not let them say, "We have swallowed him up."
26   Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; let those who boast against me be clothed with dismay and shame.
27   Let those who favor my cause sing out with joy and be glad; let them say always, "Great is the LORD, who desires the prosperity of his servant."
28   And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Prayer for those with Disabilities

Dear heavenly Father, my thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost the use of their body or mind, in some important way: those of us who cannot move, those who cannot walk, who cannot see or hear, whose minds are not clear: for all of us who have lost some function that others of us take for granted. And I count myself among them, for who among us will not face such tribulations as we grow older?

I pray that those of us so afflicted may know you, Lord Christ, and that your Holy Spirit may be strong in us, to give us comfort in the inconvenience, the frustration, and often the embarrassment we might suffer. Heal us, where it is your will, Lord; and for those of us who cannot be healed, let us know with complete confidence that we are truly whole. Bring to all of your children full comprehension of the freedom and joy that await us, after the short trial of this life is ended, and we all come to perfection together. 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.

You Can Always Come Home
by the Sharon Singers of the Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute

Alleluia! Christ has risen.
Christ has risen indeed. Alleluia!

Closing Prayer

Now to Him who has given me grace in accordance with His gospel, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for many ages past, but now revealed and made known by the command of the eternal God, so that all mankind might find the obedience that comes from faith; to the only God, the God of wisdom and truth, be glory forever through His only son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Prayer of the Day for FRIDAY, July 21, 2017

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, July 21, 2017

Psalm 119:30 (NIV) I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

Read all of Psalm 119

Listen to Psalm 119

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 - Conforming to the World

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

~ Ephesians 5:7-11 (ESV)

Whether we find Christ later in life or are fortunate to have been raised in a Christian life, one of the great temptations we have is to mingle with atheists. It really seems so harmless, especially if they are nice people, or funny, or we are single and attracted to a pretty/handsome face and a pleasant personality. Plus, we convince ourselves, aren't we supposed to go out into the world in order to spread the Gospel?

It is actually almost impossible to avoid interaction with the unsaved. Even the Amish, who try about as hard as possible to maintain their relationships within a Christian community, are sometimes forced by necessity to take jobs at “English” factories (who love to hire them, since they are generally about the hardest working people one can find); and even the lucky ones, who can afford the land to farm, must shop in stores, sell goods to outsiders, go to English doctors, etc..

But if we want to deepen our life in Christ and grow in the Spirit, it is important to spend as much time in the company of other Christians as possible, especially when we simply socialize. Christian fellowship is a powerful tool in so many ways: not to mention, it is ordained by God. We have sufficient temptation pulling us away from Christ by our nature; we don't need to add the unholy voices, sights, and opinions of those who walk in darkness, flooding into our minds.

The Great Commission, to spread the Gospel to the whole world, does not mean constant argument with atheists and mockers. Even the apostles (who were way holier than I am and, I assume, anyone reading this) were told by Christ Himself: if you approach someone and they will not hear you, “knock the dust off your sandals” and move on.

Face it — we are human and we tend to conform to whomever we spend time with. If we are going to be pulled in a direction by the people around us, we need to ensure that we are being pulled in the direction we want to go, the direction Christ wants us to go. And the same holds true for movies, television, books and radio. Everybody wants to have some fun and get some entertainment, but the more we can steer ourselves away from the unholy, the easier we will find our spiritual growth. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 2:12)

Lord, let me follow your will in choosing how I live my life. Amen.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Un Dia a la Vez - Testimonio

Bueno es el Señor; es refugio en el día de la angustia, y protector de los que en él confían.

~ Nahúm 1:7 (NVI)

Dios mío, esta vida cada vez está más difícil. Solo podemos sentir seguridad a tu lado.

Solo los que hemos experimentado tu favor podemos dar fe de esa protección que nos das, por muy complicadas que estén las cosas.

Señor, fortaleza mía, castillo mío.

Guárdame en tus manos y muestra el camino que debo seguir.

Dame sabiduría y guíame para llevar a mi familia por el buen camino.

No permitas, mi Dios, que tome malas decisiones y protégeme de todo mal y peligro.

En el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - BEING SALT OF THE EARTH

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

~ Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Jesus is making a statement of fact here when he says, “You are the salt of the earth!” It is not a command or wish list. It is to be reality here and now. The implication is that we are to be what God has already made us to be.

The context is Christians facing persecution. Their numbers are small and they are insignificant. Salt is cheap in some places and expensive in others. We have the saying that a man is worth his weight in salt! Its value may vary yet it has unusual properties that far exceed its value.

This is what should happen when Christians take their stand for God in society. That stand for good renders society infertile for the growth of evil and ungodly influences. When England went through revival under the ministry of the Wesley’s and George Whitefield in the 18th century, a possible bloody revolution such as afflicted France was averted.

Usually it happens on a more moderate scale. Conversations moderated, consciences pricked, respect for others heightened.

The disciples’ of Christ do not remain silent about their faith. They do not hide themselves, but live and work in places where their influence may be felt. The light that is in them can then be most fully manifested to others so that they may see that the light of real Christian goodness. It is a light not of this world but coming from God, and may in consequence be led to give honor and praise to its Giver.

I was blessed to visit a seminary in Indonesia that reflects this teaching of Jesus. They are surrounded by a Muslim community where many live in poverty. Rather than live in an isolated enclave, the school and students serve this community with the love of Jesus. They teach literacy lessons; they provide first-aid medical care; they distribute food and clothing to the hungry and naked.

During an outbreak of violence by extremists against churches in the area, an angry Muslim mob approached the seminary one night chanting their slogans and waving their machetes. When they arrived at the buildings, they found a circle of Muslim people surrounding the campus holding hands in a large circle. They said to the extremists, “We will not allow you to destroy this school. These people help us and our children with all our needs. You may not harm them!” The mob disappeared.

Being salt and light in community also has its rewards.

RESPONSE: Today I resolve to live my life for Jesus in a way that will positively “salt” my community.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to stand for the good and be a salty influence for You in the world around me.

Men of the Bible - Ezra

His name probably means: "Helps"

His work: A priest living in exile in Babylon.
His character: Courageous to face any foe, diligent in his study of the law, skilled in leadership, and humble before the Lord.
His sorrow: His own sinfulness and need of forgiveness and the sinfulness and disobedience of his people.
His triumph: Being the catalyst for genuine repentance among those Hebrews who returned from exile to their homeland.
Key Scriptures: The book of Ezra

A Look at the Man

Ezra was a student and a teacher of Scripture. His dedication to learning made him well versed in the substance and nuances of the law. He had a commanding knowledge of its truth. Is it any wonder why God selected him to initiate revival among the Hebrews?

Not much is said of Ezra's conversation with Artaxerxes that day, but God empowered Ezra and softened the king in a remarkable way. Of course, Artaxerxes was impressed with Ezra's understanding of his own religion and thoughtful preparation for this return to the homeland.

And although he would have been hard-pressed to explain it, the king knew that there was something else going on with this humble man who stood in his presence. Scripture tells us that "the hand of the LORD his God was on Ezra." God revealed himself through Ezra and moved the heart of a pagan monarch.

The king also must have observed Ezra's leadership skills. He knew that the task of moving thousands of Jews back to their homeland would need to be shouldered by a group of men who shared Ezra's vision and were loyal to him. In his letter, the king directs Ezra and his "brother Jews" to "do whatever seems best" with the vast provisions he sends along. This was not going to be a solo operation, and Artaxerxes was impressed with Ezra's ability to find other leaders to assist him.

Ezra was a man of vision demonstrated by his calling of the Levites to join the caravan to Jerusalem. He made it clear that this voyage was not simply a sightseeing tour of the rebuilt temple, but a spiritual pilgrimage.

Ezra's close relationship to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is undeniable. Ezra "was well versed in the law" and had devoted himself to studying and keeping the law, as well as teaching its commands.

But it was Ezra's humility before God that is the most telling part of the story. Nowhere was this more clearly demonstrated than when the report of Israel's sinfulness was brought to his attention.

You would think, after seeing how Ezra had prepared for this trip and how he had demonstrated his fidelity to God and his leadership skills, that Ezra would be outraged by the report. "Who do these Jews think they are?" Ezra could have thundered. "God will surely judge them for their sin."

Instead, Ezra fell on his knees lamenting the sins of God's people. Soon others gathered around the weeping priest, pouring out their own sins before the throne of God. What an amazing sight that must have been. Then Ezra, empowered by the Holy Spirit, made a declaration before the people that Israel's unfaithfulness had manifested itself in the Jewish men marrying foreign women. He told them to confess their sin and make a covenant to send away these wives and their children. "You are right!" the people responded. "We must do as you say."

Often the fires of revival are kindled in the souls of people like Ezra who come before the Lord on behalf of God's people.

Reflect On: Ezra 10:1
Praise God: For his faithfulness in Ezra’s life and his promise to be faithful in yours.
Offer Thanks: For the insurmountable challenges that force you into his presence.
Confess: Any propensity to be critical of others’ sins without confessing the gravity of your own.
Ask God: To fill you with his presence, to give you dreams and plans that honor him, and grant you wisdom.

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

Girlfriends in God - July 21, 2017

Heaven is Not in a Panic!

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I will never forget the day I learned how God really can turn tragedy into triumph. I was sitting at my desk, working on an assignment from the counselor I had been seeing. For months, I had been wrestling with my past - slowly, methodically working through painful issues and buried memories that seemed to be feeding the clinical depression I was battling. As page after page filled with harsh realities, a memory slammed into my heart and mind.

The pain was overwhelming as a vile scene from my childhood slowly took shape. I could hardly breathe as I frantically tried to escape the certainty that I had been molested. The perpetrator had been our family doctor and a trusted friend. He had even provided free medical treatment when we couldn’t pay for it. I trusted him, counted on him. As a nurse, my mother worked beside this man every day and often babysat his children to earn extra money.

Anger unlike any I had ever known fueled violent thoughts of revenge and retaliation. I was angry with this man – and angry with God. How could He have let this happen? Where was the light in this dark place?

For months, I worked through painful memories and raging emotions until I saw the first glimmer of light. It was wrapped in chosen forgiveness. I began to see that had I never been wounded so badly, I would never have been able to forgive so freely – and in doing so, discover a depth of healing and freedom only the greatest pain can produce. Today, I can honestly thank God for all He has accomplished in me through the sin of that man.

There are no accidents with God, nor is He surprised by anything or anyone in the life of His child. Heaven is never in a panic. God uses even the most horrendous circumstances for our good and His glory. Every circumstance comes to us for a purpose, bound by God’s love and plan and faithfully delivered with His permission. While we cannot go back and change our past, we can change the way we respond to our past, and determine how much power it has in our lives today.

Only God can take the broken pieces of your life and make something beautiful out of each one. He is waiting for you to let go of your pain and trust Him. And you really can. No one loves you the way He loves you – unconditionally, completely and with no strings attached. Just come as you are.

Let’s Pray

Father, I choose to believe You are faithful and will do what You promise to do in Your Word. I believe when I lay the pain and hurt of my past at Your feet, You not only can but will transform it all into something beautiful. I choose to believe You will turn the broken places of my life into living illustrations of Your sufficiency and healing power. I trust You, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Isaiah 45:3 is one of my favorite life verses. Read it carefully:

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name (Isaiah 45:3, NLT).

What treasures have you discovered in the dark times of your life? What tragedy has God transformed into a triumph that has changed your life? Praise Him right now for doing so.

More from the Girlfriends

Storms are a reality of life. If you need help facing and dealing with the storms in your life, check out Mary’s CD, Strength for the Storm. (Also available in CD Bible Study and Video download.)

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

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