Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words. In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours, Kenneth R. Klaus Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour I had been told by a fellow pastor about the hospitalization of a girl who, at the time, was 12 or 13 years old. She was the only daughter of a Christian couple who regularly participated in the activities of one of our congregations in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). The pastor told me the young lady, because of problems with her birth, had been born with cerebral palsy and a number of other special difficulties. When I entered the hospital room, I soon realized that I was with a family which had taken good care of their little girl. With all their hearts they believed she was a special gift they had received from the Lord. I understood that I was working with parents who, through the crosses of life they had been given, had grown mature. Bitterness was not part of their conversation. They preferred to tell me the lessons they had learned from life and their Lord. They shared how, although their daughter could neither speak nor walk, she could in her own way, communicate her love and affection to them through her eyes. Over the years I have often visited with this family, and our conversations have been far-ranging.
It is true that occasionally I have heard them ask the age-old question: "Why?" Understand their wondering had not come from doubt or distrust in the Lord. No, they were trying to understand things which cannot always be understood. Motivated by such questions, we worked our way through pertinent Scriptures. Our Bible time was supplemented by Christian booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Of special help to them were the titles, Why Do We Suffer? and Courage for Difficult Times. They are not the first, nor will they be the last, family to find the holy Bible and good Christian literature are the Lord's tools, which can give strength, hope, and faith for the many struggles that life can bring to us. I just shared that the family asked me why. It has taken some time for me to form an answer. I'd like to share that answer now, with you. 1. You already know how this family had a deep faith, which had come from their wrestling with their daughter's affliction. 2. But there's more. I noticed that often other families in the same room of that hospital commented about the care that the girl's parents showed to her, the love they gave, and the faith they shared. Recently, the little girl passed away. Her Savior took her away from her many pains and struggles. The certainty of salvation has been of great comfort to her family. They know that in Jesus the Lord has given us the greatest gift of all: His only and beloved Son. Through faith in the crucified and risen Savior, we are given forgiveness and eternal life. This takes me to the third and last reason why this girl had carried her cross. 3. It was for you. You who live in a different country and probably speak a different language than does her family now know how God's love given to us through Jesus' sacrifice can sustain people through difficult circumstances and give them eternal life. Our little girl has touched tens of thousands. THE PRAYER:Dear God, help me take care of those who need me and be with those whose special needs should take them to the Savior. In Jesus may they find the peace they need. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Pastor Adelar Munieweg. Pastor Munieweg is married to Miriam and they live in Pelotas, Brazil, with their son and daughter. For nine years, he has served as chaplain in eight hospitals in Pelotas. There he has often used Lutheran Hour literature materials to bring comfort to people in need.
In this large South American country of more than 200 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Brazil is known in-country as Hora Luterana and has its ministry center in São Paulo. It was first established in 1947. Today LHM-Brazil reaches out to Brazilians through social media and by a daily radio program, Five Minutes with Jesus. A voice-mail service, Messages of Hope, utilizes audio messages and is distributed via e-mail as well. Another resource for Brazilians is a weekly "live" online Bible study. This ministry center also utilizes, Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops to train volunteers in sharing the Gospel. Another resource is the "Chaplaincy with Jesus" project, which coordinates its work with various chaplaincy programs throughout Brazil, ministering to individuals in prisons and hospitals.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. Psalm 145:13
My parents married in 1933 during the Great Depression. My wife
and I are Baby Boomers, part of the dramatic increase in births
following World War II. Our four daughters, born in the seventies and
eighties, belong to Generations X and Y. Growing up in such different
times, it’s not surprising that we have different opinions about many
things!
Generations differ widely in their life experiences and values.
And this is true among followers of Jesus. But no matter what we wear or
the kind of music we enjoy, our spiritual connection is stronger than
those differences.
Psalm 145, a mighty song of praise to God, proclaims our bond of
faith. “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your
mighty acts. . . . They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully
sing of your righteousness” (vv. 4, 7). Within a great diversity of age
and experience, we come together by honoring the Lord. “They tell of the
glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (v. 11).
While differences and preferences could divide us, shared faith in
Jesus Christ the Lord brings us together in mutual trust, encouragement,
and praise. Whatever our age and outlook, we need each other! No matter
which generation we belong to, we can learn from each other and
together honor the Lord—“So that all people may know of [His] mighty
acts and the glorious splendor of [His] kingdom” (v. 12).
Lord, unite Your people from all generations to honor and praise You as we bear witness of Your love.
God’s kingdom is alive and active in all generations.
Em certa cerimônia de casamento
em que participei, o pai da noiva citou uma comovente seleção de textos
bíblicos sobre o relacionamento conjugal. Em seguida, um amigo do casal
leu o “Soneto 116” de William Shakespeare. O pastor que conduziu a
cerimônia usou uma frase daquele soneto para ilustrar o tipo de amor que
deve caracterizar o matrimônio cristão: “Amor não é amor que se altera
quando encontra alteração.” O poeta está dizendo que o verdadeiro amor
não muda com as circunstâncias.
O pastor falou sobre as muitas mudanças que o casal
experimentaria durante sua vida em comum, incluindo a saúde e os efeitos
inevitáveis da idade. E os desafiou a cultivar o verdadeiro amor
bíblico que nunca vacila nem falha, apesar das alterações que certamente
encontrariam no caminho.
Enquanto observava a alegria e o entusiasmo daquele jovem
casal, veio-me à mente um versículo de Tiago: “Toda boa dádiva e todo
dom perfeito são lá do alto, descendo do Pai das luzes, em quem não pode
existir variação ou sombra de mudança” (1:17).
Deus nunca muda, e Seu amor por nós também não. Somos receptores de um
amor perfeito que vem de nosso Pai celestial, que nos amou “com amor
eterno” (Jeremias 31:3).
Somos chamados a aceitar o amor infalível de Deus, permitir que Ele molde nossa vida e transmitir o Seu amor.
O amor de Deus permanece mesmo quando todo o restante já caiu.
Vương quốc Chúa là vương quốc đời đời, quyền cai trị của Chúa tồn tại từ thế hệ nầy qua thế hệ kia. Thi thiên 145:13
Cha mẹ tôi kết hôn vào năm 1933 trong thời kỳ Đại Suy Thoái. Vợ
chồng chúng tôi thuộc thế hệ Baby Boomer, là giai đoạn mà tỷ lệ sinh
bùng nổ mạnh mẽ sau Thế Chiến thứ II. Bốn con gái của chúng tôi ra đời
vào thập niên bảy mươi và tám mươi, thuộc Thế hệ X và Y. Khi được trưởng
dưỡng trong những giai đoạn lịch sử khác nhau như vậy, chẳng có gì ngạc
nhiên khi chúng tôi có những quan điểm khác nhau về nhiều điều!
Mỗi thế hệ đều có rất nhiều sự khác biệt về kinh nghiệm sống và giá
trị sống. Và điều này cũng đúng trong vòng các môn đồ của Chúa Jêsus.
Nhưng dù chúng ta thích mặc trang phục gì hoặc thích nghe thể loại âm
nhạc nào thì mối liên kết thuộc linh vẫn mạnh mẽ hơn những khác biệt đó.
Thi Thiên 145 là một bài ca ngợi khen Chúa, công bố mối liên kết đức
tin bền chặt của chúng ta: “Thế hệ nầy qua thế hệ kia sẽ truyền tụng
công việc Chúa, và công bố những việc quyền năng của Ngài… Người ta sẽ
loan truyền kỷ niệm về sự tốt lành vô biên của Chúa, và reo mừng ca hát
về đức công chính của Ngài” (c.4, 7). Dù có những khác biệt về tuổi tác
và kinh nghiệm sống nhưng chúng ta hiệp một với nhau khi cùng tôn cao
Chúa. “Họ sẽ nói về vinh quang của vương quốc Chúa, thuật lại quyền năng
của Ngài” (c.11).
Dù những khác biệt và sở thích có thể chia rẽ chúng ta, nhưng bởi đức
tin chung nơi Chúa Jêsus Christ, Chúa mang chúng ta lại với nhau trong
sự tin cậy, khích lệ lẫn nhau và cùng nhau ca ngợi Chúa. Cho dù tuổi tác
và diện mạo của chúng ta có ra sao, chúng ta vẫn cần có nhau! Cho dù
chúng ta thuộc thế hệ nào, chúng ta vẫn có thể học hỏi lẫn nhau và cùng
tôn cao Chúa—“để bày tỏ cho loài người biết công việc quyền năng của
Chúa và vinh quang oai nghi của vương quốc Ngài” (c.12).
Lạy Chúa, xin hiệp nhất con dân Ngài từ mọi thế hệ để tôn cao và ca ngợi Ngài khi chúng con làm chứng về tình yêu của Ngài.
Vương quốc Đức Chúa Trời sống động trong mọi thế hệ.
Tu reino es reino de todos los siglos, y tu señorío en todas las generaciones (v. 13).
Mis padres se casaron durante la Gran Depresión en Estados Unidos,
en 1933. Mi esposa y yo somos baby boomers, parte del sorprendente
aumento en nacimientos después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Nuestras
cuatro hijas pertenecen a las Generaciones X e Y. Al haber crecido en
épocas tan distintas, ¡no es extraño que tengamos tantas diferencias de
opinión!
Las generaciones difieren en sus experiencias de vida y sus valores. Y
esto también es cierto entre los seguidores de Jesús. Pero, sin
importar la ropa que usemos o la clase de música que nos guste, nuestra
conexión espiritual trasciende estas cosas.
El Salmo 145 proclama nuestro vínculo de fe: «Generación a generación
celebrará tus obras […]. Proclamarán la memoria de tu inmensa bondad, y
cantarán tu justicia» (vv. 4, 7). Con una gran diversidad de edad
y experiencia, nos unimos para honrar al Señor. «La gloria de tu reino
digan, y hablen de tu poder» (v. 11).
Aunque las diferencias pueden dividirnos, la fe en Jesucristo nos une
en confianza, ánimo y alabanza mutuos. ¡Nos necesitamos unos a otros!
Más allá de la generación a la que pertenezcamos, podemos aprender
juntos y honrar al Señor, «para hacer saber a los hijos de los hombres
sus poderosos hechos, y la gloria de la magnificencia de su reino» (v.
12).
Señor, une a tu pueblo de todas las generaciones.
El reino de Dios está vivo y activo en todas las generaciones.
Dein Reich ist ein ewiges Reich, und deine Herrschaft währet für und für. Psalm 145,13
Meine Eltern haben 1933 geheiratet. Meine Frau und ich kamen zur
Welt, als die Geburtsraten anstiegen. Wir sind Babyboomer. Unsere vier
Töchter wiederum gehören zur Generation X und Y. Kein Wunder, dass wir
in vielen Dingen unterschiedliche Ansichten haben!
Was die Lebenserfahrung und die Wertvorstellungen angeht, gibt es
zwischen den Generationen beträchtliche Unterschiede. Und das gilt auch
für Menschen, die Jesus nachfolgen. Doch egal, was wir anhaben oder
welche Musik wir mögen, was uns geistlich verbindet ist stärker als alle
Verschiedenheiten.
Psalm 145, ein Loblied Gottes, spricht von diesem Band des Glaubens:
„Kindeskinder werden deine Werke preisen und deine gewaltigen Taten
verkündigen. Sie sollen preisen deine große Güte und deine Gerechtigkeit
rühmen“ (V.4.7). Trotz Unterschiede in Alter und Erfahrung können wir
Gott gemeinsam ehren. „Es sollen . . . deine Heiligen dich loben und die
Ehre deines Königtums rühmen und von deiner Macht reden“ (V.10-11).
Vieles kann uns trennen. Aber der Glaube an Jesus Christus, unseren
Herrn, bringt uns zusammen. Egal, wie alt wir sind oder wie wir
aussehen, wir brauchen einander! Egal, zu welcher Generation wir
gehören, wir können voneinander lernen und gemeinsam den Herrn loben: „ .
. . dass den Menschen deine gewaltigen Taten kundwerden und die
herrliche Pracht deines Königtums“ (V.12).
Herr, lass deine Kinder aus allen Generationen dich rühmen und preisen und gemeinsam deine Liebe verkündigen.
Gottes Reich lebt und wirkt in allen Generationen.
Ton règne est un règne de tous les siècles, et ta domination subsiste dans tous les âges. V. 13
Mes parents se sont mariés en 1933
durant la Grande Crise. Ma femme et moi sommes issus du baby‑boom, cette
explosion des naissances qui a suivi la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Nos
quatre filles, nées dans les années 1970 et 1980, appartiennent aux
générations X et Y. Comme elles et nous avons grandi à des époques très
différentes, il n’y a rien d’étonnant au fait que nous divergions
d’opinions sur de nombreux sujets !
Les générations diffèrent
considérablement entre elles en matière de vécu et de valeurs. Or, c’est
aussi la réalité parmi les disciples de Jésus. Reste que, peu importe
notre tenue vestimentaire et nos goûts musicaux, nos liens spirituels
sont plus forts que nos différences.
Le Psaume 145, un puissant cantique de
louanges adressé à Dieu, proclame notre relation de foi. « Que chaque
génération célèbre tes oeuvres, et publie tes hauts faits ! […] Qu’on
proclame le souvenir de ton immense bonté, et qu’on célèbre ta justice !
» (V. 4,7.) Dans une grande diversité d’âge et de vécu, nous nous
rassemblons en honorant le Seigneur : « Ils diront la gloire de ton
règne, et ils proclameront ta puissance » (V. 11).
Même si différences et préférences
peuvent nous diviser, notre foi commune en Jésus‑Christ nous réunit dans
une confiance mutuelle, les encouragements et les louanges. Quels que
soient notre âge et nos perceptions, nous avons besoin les uns des
autres, nous devons nous instruire les uns les autres et honorer Dieu
tous ensemble (V. 12).
Le royaume de Dieu vit et agit au sein de toutes les générations.
Царство Твоє − царство всіх віків, а влада Твоя − по всі роди! — Псалом 144:13
Мої батьки одружились у 1933 році під час Великої депресії. Я і
моя дружина народились у період Другої Світової війни, коли був бум на
народження дітей. Наші чотири доньки, що народились у 70-ті та 80-ті
роки, − то вже покоління “X” і “Y”. Різні покоління й різні часи! Не
дивно, що ми маємо розбіжності в багатьох речах!
Але як би ми не відрізнялись в одязі, що носимо, чи в тій музиці, що
слухаємо, наш духовний зв’язок значно міцніший за всі ці відмінності.
Псалом 144 – це пісня великої хвали Богу. Вона проголошує ці узи
віри. “Рід родові буде хвалити діла Твої, і будуть могутність Твою
виявляти!.. Пам’ять про добрість велику Твою сповіщатимуть, і будуть
співати про правду Твою!” (Пс. 144:4, 7).
Незважаючи на різницю у віці та досвіді, ми разом вшановуємо Господа.
“Про славу Царства Твого звіщатимуть, про могутність Твою говоритимуть” (Пс. 144:11).
Хоча відмінності та уподобання розділяють нас, спільна віра в Господа
Ісуса Христа поєднує нас у взаємній довірі, хвалі й підбадьоренні. Яким
би не був наш вік чи наші погляди, ми потребуємо один одного! До якого б
покоління ми не належали, завжди можемо повчитися один від одного і
разом славити Господа – “щоб людським синам об’явити про могутність Його
та про славу величчя Царства Його!” (Пс. 144:12).
Господи, об’єднуй Своїх людей з усіх поколінь, щоб славили й величали Тебе та засвідчували цьому світові про Твою любов.
Боже Царство є реальним та динамічним для кожного покоління.
Царство Твое – Царство всех веков, и владычество Твое во все роды. — Псалом 144:13
Мои родители поженились в 1933 г. во время Великой депрессии. Мы с
женой – дети «бэби-бума», демографического взрыва, произошедшего после
Второй мировой войны. Наши четыре дочери, родившиеся в
семидесятых-восьмидесятых годах, принадлежат к поколениям «X» и «Y».
Естественно, раз мы росли в такие разные времена, наши взгляды по многим
вопросам расходятся.
Поколения могут сильно отличаться в вопросах ценностей и жизненного
опыта. Но независимо от того, что мы носим или какую музыку слушаем,
наша духовная связь сильнее всех различий.
Псалом 144,
великий гимн хвалы Богу, провозглашает связь, установленную верой. «Род
роду будет восхвалять дела Твои и возвещать о могуществе Твоем… Будут
провозглашать память великой благости Твоей и воспевать правду Твою» (Пс. 144:4, 7).
Такие разные во многом, мы вместе приходим к Господу, чтобы прославить
Его. «Да проповедуют славу Царства Твоего и да повествуют о могуществе
Твоем» (Пс. 144:11).
Различия всегда будут влиять на наши отношения, но вера в Иисуса
Христа, нашего Господа, соединит нас в едином уповании. Каким бы ни был
наш возраст и внешний вид, мы нужны друг другу! К какому бы поколению мы
ни принадлежали, мы можем многому научиться друг у друга и вместе
прославить Господа, «чтобы дать знать сынам человеческим о могуществе
Твоем и о славном величии Царства Твоего» (Пс. 144:12).
Господь, объедини Твоих детей из всех поколений, чтобы они чтили и славили Тебя, неся свидетельство о Твоей любви.
Божье Царство живо и действенно во всех поколениях.
Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
Morning Prayer
O Lord, take from me idleness of spirit, which destroys time; and vanity of thought, which hinders Your presence and distracts my attention to prayer. And if, while in prayer, I turn away from You in my thoughts, help me to return to my purpose; so that I might not avert my heart from You, during the few precious moments I dedicate to talking with You. And grant me this day, dear Lord, that You may never be completely out of my thoughts. Let me carry you as a voice to guide my every step as I slip down the path of this precious day, that I might always remember Your will, and lighten the world around me. Help me to make every moment of my day, every word from my mouth, a prayer, that I might live in Your presence. Amen.
Confession and Forgiveness
Almighty Father; we enter your presence confessing the things we try to conceal from you and the things we try to conceal from others. We confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow we have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive us, the times we have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm we have done that makes it hard for us to forgive ourselves. Lord have mercy and forgive us through Christ. Amen.
Today's Readings The First Reading is taken from 2 Samuel 1:1-16
After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. On the third day, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and did obeisance. David said to him, "Where have you come from?" He said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel." David said to him, "How did things go? Tell me!" He answered, "The army fled from the battle, but also many of the army fell and died; and Saul and his son Jonathan also died." Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?" The young man reporting to him said, "I happened to be on Mount Gilboa; and there was Saul leaning on his spear, while the chariots and the horsemen drew close to him. When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, 'Here sir.' And he said to me, 'Who are you?' I answered him, 'I am an Amalekite.' He said to me, 'Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers.' So I stood over him, and killed him, for I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord." Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. David said to the young man who had reported to him, "Where do you come from?" He answered, "I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite." David said to him, "Were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" Then David called one of the young men and said, "Come here and strike him down." So he struck him down and he died. David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the LORD's anointed.'"
The Second Reading is taken from Acts 15:22-35
Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: "The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After they had been there for some time, they were sent off in peace by the believers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and there, with many others, they taught and proclaimed the word of the Lord.
The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 6:1-13
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Morning Psalms
Psalm 55Exaudi, Deus 1 Hear my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my petition. 2 Listen to me and answer me; I have no peace, because of my cares. 3 I am shaken by the noise of the enemy and by the pressure of the wicked; 4 For they have cast an evil spell upon me and are set against me in fury. 5 My heart quakes within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 6 Fear and trembling have come over me, and horror overwhelms me. 7 And I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 8 I would flee to a far-off place and make my lodging in the wilderness. 9 I would hasten to escape from the stormy wind and tempest." 10 Swallow them up, O Lord; confound their speech; for I have seen violence and strife in the city. 11 Day and night the watchmen make their rounds upon her walls, but trouble and misery are in the midst of her. 12 There is corruption at her heart; her streets are never free of oppression and deceit. 13 For had it been an adversary who taunted me, then I could have borne it; or had it been an enemy who vaunted himself against me, then I could have hidden from him. 14 But it was you, a man after my own heart, my companion, my own familiar friend. 15 We took sweet counsel together, and walked with the throng in the house of God. 16 Let death come upon them suddenly; let them go down alive to the grave; for wickedness is in their dwellings, in their very midst. 17 But I will call upon God, and the LORD will deliver me. 18 In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament, and he will hear my voice. 19 He will bring me safely back from the battle waged against me; for there are many who fight me. 20 God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me and bring them down; they never change; they do not fear God. 21 My companion stretched forth his hand against his comrade; he has broken his covenant. 22 His speech is softer than butter, but war is in his heart. 23 His words are smoother than oil, but they are drawn swords. 24 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous stumble. 25 For you will bring the bloodthirsty and deceitful down to the pit of destruction, O God. 26 They shall not live out half their days, but I will put my trust in you.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 138Confitebor tibi 1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, because of your love and faithfulness; 3 For you have glorified your Name and your word above all things. 4 When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me. 5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, when they have heard the words of your mouth. 6 They will sing of the ways of the LORD, that great is the glory of the LORD. 7 Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; he perceives the haughty from afar. 8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me. 9 The LORD will make good his purpose for me; O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 139Domine, probasti 1 LORD, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways. 3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O LORD, know it altogether. 4 You press upon me behind and before and lay your hand upon me. 5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it. 6 Where can I go then from your Spirit? where can I flee from your presence? 7 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. 8 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 9 Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast. 10 If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night, " 11 Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. 12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well. 14 My body was not hidden from you, while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth. 15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them. 16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! how great is the sum of them! 17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours. 18 Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! You that thirst for blood, depart from me. 19 They speak despitefully against you; your enemies take your Name in vain. 20 Do I not hate those, O LORD, who hate you? and do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 21 I hate them with a perfect hatred; they have become my own enemies. 22 Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. 23 Look well whether there be any wickedness in me and lead me in the way that is everlasting.
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
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.
A Prayer for God’s Protection
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of 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.
Just a closer walk with thee Patsy Cline And Willie Nelson Lyrics I am weak, but Thou art strong, Jesus, keep me from all wrong, I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more, Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy kingdom's shore, to Thy shore.
Alleluia! Christ has risen. Christ has risen indeed. Alleluia!
Closing Prayer
Oh God who has made me, oh God who keeps me, oh God who will be my Lord through all eternity, shine down Your blessings and wisdom upon me like the sun upon a field; and may I keep You in the forefront of my every thought and deed, throughout this day, and evermore. 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.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen
I find it interesting that in the days of the early church when many were being saved, when miracles were being performed, and when the church was growing by leaps and bounds, people started complaining. Acts 6:1 tells us, “But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.”
Doesn’t that sound like today? You see, the devil is rather clever. He tried to stop the church through persecution. But instead of arresting their development, he helped them get on with the job of being what the Lord had called them to be. The church, instead of cowering in fear, became a lean, mean, preaching machine.
Then he tried to infiltrate the church through Ananias and Sapphira, two blatant hypocrites, and the Lord dealt with them. His next strategy was to try and stop the church through division—to divide and conquer. He slipped into their ranks, and people started complaining about the smallest things. It wasn’t really a spiritual issue; it essentially was a clash over culture.
And we still have that today. Every generation has the musical style they prefer. They have the clothing they prefer. They have certain cultural mores they think are important. Sometimes they are built on a biblical concept, and at other times they are simply a personal preference. But we should never divide over these things.
It’s okay to have personal preferences. It’s okay to like one thing over another. But it is wrong when we divide from a fellow Christian over something of that nature.
People will leave churches over the silliest things. They don’t like this change or don’t agree with that. They get hung up on the smallest issues. Maybe the problem isn’t so much with the church as it is with people. Let’s not divide over minor issues.
In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny
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En
el transcurso de este libro hemos comprobado por los testimonios y los
pasajes bíblicos que nuestro Padre es un Dios de oportunidades. A veces
la gente nos frustra nuestros sueños. Incluso, los padres por error
cortamos las alas de nuestros hijos. Muchos líderes también cortan los
anhelos de sus discípulos y, en otros casos, hasta los cónyuges arruinan
la vida de sus parejas. Sin embargo, la buena noticia es que no todo
está perdido. Por el contrario, Dios nos está llamando a brindarnos más
oportunidades con nuevo retos. Claro está, todo dependerá de nosotros si
estamos alertas a los cambios que Él quiere en la vida de sus hijos. Aunque
pensemos que es imposible salir adelante, debemos tener presente que
Dios está siempre dispuesto a darnos la salida. Nunca nos dejará solos y
nos pondrá nuevos anhelos. El secreto es confiar en Él. Pídele a
Dios que resucite esos sueños que ya habías enterrado y empieza a
visualizarte alcanzado esos logros. Ubícate en el futuro, mírate
renovado y trabaja hacia ese blanco con la seguridad que alcanzarás tu
meta. No importa la edad que tengas. Aunque para otros sea absurdo,
recuerda que Dios es el que tiene la última palabra. Por lo tanto, Él es
el que decide cuándo, cómo y dónde cumple ese anhelo de tu corazón.
To understand forgiveness we must realize what forgiveness is NOT: · Forgiveness is not forgetting. Deep hurts can rarely be wiped out of one’s awareness. · Forgiveness is not reconciliation. Reconciliation takes two persons, but an injured party can forgive an offender without reconciliation. · Forgiveness is not condoning. Forgiveness does not necessarily excuse bad or hurtful behavior. · Forgiveness is not dismissing. It involves taking the offense seriously, not passing it off as inconsequential or insignificant. · Forgiveness is not a vague notion of ‘tolerance’.
This is, at best, a low-grade parody of forgiveness. At worst, it’s a
way of sweeping the real issues in life under the carpet. · Forgiveness is not pardoning. A pardon is a legal transaction that releases an offender from the consequences of an action, such as a penalty. Throughout the Old Testament we read that only God can forgive sins. We hear David exclaim, “He forgives all my sins…”(Psalm 103:3).
We also see examples of human forgiveness—even in pain—like Joseph
forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. Joseph gains true
freedom. He then names his son Manasseh, “one who causes to be
forgotten.” In the New Testament we see Jesus, the Lamb of God,
come into to the world to die for our sins. Through His shed blood we
can once and for all receive ultimate forgiveness. This is the pure
“gospel of grace.” This forgiveness is a gift. We do not deserve it but
God, in His grace, reached out to provide forgiveness to a dying world. Then
we read in the verse above the impact of this on those of us who have
received that forgiveness. Its ethical challenge parallels “love your
enemies” and “pray for your persecutors.” In the final analysis,
forgiveness is an act of faith. By forgiving another, I am trusting that
God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own
right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out.
I leave in God’s hands the scales that must balance justice and mercy. I
simply forgive others and leave them to God. RESPONSE: Today I will leave fairness and justice in God’s hands. I will obediently forgive others just as the Lord forgave me. PRAYER: Lord, grant me the faith to trust You with the offenses committed against me. I will forgive.
People
who work with ocean-going ships will tell you that it’s critical to
check the way the cargo load is distributed in the vessel. If the cargo
is too heavy, the ship will ride too low in the water and won’t be able
to travel at a good speed. If the load is too light, the ship will ride
too high in the water and bob like a cork, especially when storms hit.
The ship needs the proper amount of cargo for it to make the best
progress across the ocean. Life works like that for Christians
too. When our burdens are too heavy, we can become so depressed and
weary that we can hardly do our work, much less be a testimony of God’s
grace to others. When our burdens are too light, we find it difficult to
empathize with others who are carrying a heavy load, or we find
ourselves aimless and restless. We need the proper balance between load
carrying and load sharing to progress in our Christian walk. Paul
knew this. By commanding us to share each other’s burdens, he was
echoing Jesus’ words: “A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34).
The apostle warns us not to question the loads of others, thinking
we’re better than they are because we don’t have their particular
problems. “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they
deceive themselves,” he said (Galatians 6:3). Instead, Paul tells us to examine ourselves, pick up our own loads and help others when we are called to do so. When
we look at problems in marriage, we see the same principle in place: If
one spouse is sinking under a load of guilt, troubles or sin, while the
other is bobbing around with seemingly no concern, anger and resentment
will build. An unbalanced load will only stress and slow down the
marital relationship. So to keep moving together in the right direction,
we must remain firmly yoked together as we lovingly share each other’s
problems and do what we can to help each other deal with them. But
what do we do when our problems become too heavy for the two of us to
carry? There may come a time when we need to look for help from others
outside the marriage. When we feel overwhelmed by severe problems such
as sexual addiction, alcohol abuse or clinical depression, it’s time to
get help. Going to a Christian doctor, counselor or pastor is not taking
the easy way out—for some, admitting a problem in the marriage is an
agonizing first step. But it is a necessary step for many couples that
need help adjusting to life’s problems, to a family crisis or simply to
each other. One caution: It is tempting to turn to friends, family
and coworkers to vent our marital problems. This is rarely a good idea.
Problems inside a marriage can almost never be solved by taking them
outside the marriage, unless it’s to a qualified professional. Letting
too many people know about our marital struggles just burdens us with
the responsibility of keeping others updated. It may force friends or
family members to side with one spouse while distancing themselves from
the other. And it will drain emotional energy from a marital
relationship. Offering our spouses privacy within the marital
relationship will keep trust in each other intact and will demonstrate
our continued love and respect for each other as we learn better ways of
sharing our load. Valerie Van Kooten
Let’s Talk
What burdens have each of us had to shoulder in our marriage? What burdens have we weathered together?
What are some practical ways we can help each other manage the burdens we are carrying right now?
How can we help others who are struggling with marital problems? What are some cautions to exercise in doing that?