LHM Daily Devotion - August 9, 2017 "Growing Tired"

As far as I can remember, Britain's Prince Philip has always been...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Growing Tired"

August 9, 2017

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

~ Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)

As far as I can remember, Britain's Prince Philip has always been ... Prince Philip.

I remember him that way because he and Queen Elizabeth were married in 1947, the year before I was born. He was 26 and she was 21 when they said their "I dos." Two years later, when Elizabeth became the ruling monarch, he promised himself to be her "liege man of life and limb." From that moment on, as far as the government was concerned, Philip had officially agreed to play a supporting role.

It's a role he has played well for over 65 years.

Those who keep track of royal statistics say that Philip has made 5,496 speeches, written 14 books, and taken 637 visits to other countries. He is the Royal patron, president, or member of 780 organizations, and he has made 22,219 solo public appearances. His last such act took place this month at Buckingham Palace where he endured a rain storm to greet some Royal Marines who had walked more than 1,664 miles to raise money for charity.

But now, according to the palace PR man, Philip is tired and is stepping down from many duties.

True, he still takes the stairs rather than the elevator, and he can still fit into the uniform he wore the day he got married. But, quite frankly, Philip is weary, and he is wearing out. Recent years have seen him hospitalized for a grab bag of illnesses and maladies.

That is why, after more than 65 years, Philip is going into semi-retirement.

Yes, he may still make an occasional appearance alongside his wife but, for the most part, Philip is through with his official, day-to-day schedule. He is done and is going to try and enjoy a much-needed rest.

Reading that story about Philip, I began to wonder, when will God decide He needs a rest? Think about it: not only has the Triune God created the universe and all that is in it, He also made our first ancestors and established them in an ongoing and harmonious relationship with Him.

Sadly, Adam and Eve didn't remain faithful, and they lost much of what the Lord had given them. Yes, they lost much, but not all. They still had the Lord's love and His mercy. Centuries later, in Bethlehem, that love and grace, became human. For the next decades, Jesus fulfilled the Law, resisted temptation, carried our sins, and died the death that should have been ours.

Read through the Gospels and you will find there was never a time when Jesus grew so tired He was ready to step away from His mission and do something else. He did all He had been asked to do and His third-day resurrection from the dead says His unwavering, unrelenting, uncompromising sacrifice has been accepted, and because it is -- all who believe are forgiven and saved.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks You have saved me and continue to support me. Grant that I may have a spirit which never wearies of thanking You for the forgiveness and salvation the Savior has won for me. Keep me ever thankful for all You do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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

CPTLN Devocional de 09 de Agosto de 2017

Alimento Diario

Belleza física

09 de Agosto 2017

Jesús extendió la mano, lo tocó y le dijo: 'Quiero. Ya has quedado limpio.' Y al instante su lepra desapareció.

~ Mateo 8:3 (RVC)

Al entrar la bandera de China al Estadio Nacional de Beijín, en la ceremonia de apertura de las Olimpíadas en ese país en el 2008, la pequeña Lin Miaoke cantó la "Oda a la Tierra Madre".

Lástima que ese momento tan espectacular terminó siendo empañado cuando se descubrió que la pequeña Lin no era en realidad quien cantaba, sino que la voz pertenecía a una niña de 7 años llamada Yang Peiyi.

La pregunta inevitable es: ¿Por qué no dejaron que Yang cantara ante la multitud reunida en el estadio y los millones de personas que miraban desde sus hogares?

La respuesta es muy simple: Yang no era suficientemente bonita.

Así de simple. Políticos de alto rango habían decidido que sólo quienes tenían un cierto grado de belleza podían participar de la ceremonia, pues tenían que lucir bien ante el mundo... y Yang no entraba en ese modelo de perfección. Esa es la razón por la cual Yang va a seguir siendo desconocida, y la niña que apareció en televisión va a seguir siendo aplaudida.

Cuando escuché esta historia me puse a pensar en la forma en que el Salvador actuó con los leprosos.

Aunque no sabemos las condiciones físicas del hombre que se menciona en el texto de esta devoción, sí sabemos que estaba obligado a mantenerse alejado de las personas sanas. Y cuanto más progresaba la enfermedad más fácil se le haría alejarse, pues la lepra se aseguraba de desfigurar el rostro y resto del cuerpo.

¿Qué hizo el Salvador cuando se encontró con este leproso? Ni salió corriendo lleno de repulsión, ni se puso a gritarle y apedrearlo. Por el contrario, Jesús se le acercó para tocarlo y curarlo.

La ausencia de belleza física y los pecados que manchan nuestras almas no evitan que Jesús se acerque a nosotros. El Hijo de Dios, que dio su vida en la cruz y resucitó de la tumba para que seamos perdonados y adoptados en la familia de la fe, siempre está dispuesto a acercarse a nosotros.

Sí, escuchó bien: a pesar de lo que somos, el Cristo resucitado, con las cicatrices de los clavos en sus manos, se acerca para tocarnos, limpiarnos, y sanarnos.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, gracias por entregarte como sacrificio por mi salvación y por limpiarme a través de tu sangre. Ayúdame a servirte y honrarte cada día de mi vida. En tu nombre. Amén.

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

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, August 8, 2017

Mark 8:22-26

Opening Sentence

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Morning Prayer

Oh God the King eternal, who divides the day from the darkness, and has turned the shadow of death into the light of morning; I pray that this day you will incline my heart to keep your commandments, driving temptation from my mind. Guide my feet into the way of peace; that having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, I may, when the night comes, rejoice in giving you thanks for a day lived in your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession and Forgiveness

Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.

~ Book of Common Worship

Today's Readings

The First Reading is taken from 2 Samuel 7:18-29

[David’s Prayer] Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD; you have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come. May this be instruction for the people, O Lord GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people, like Israel? Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them, by driving out before his people nations and their gods? And you established your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God. And now, O LORD God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, 'The LORD of hosts is God over Israel' and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house' therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever."

The Second Reading is taken from Acts 18:12-28

But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal. They said, "This man is persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law." Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews; but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." And he dismissed them from the tribunal. Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things.

[Paul’s Return to Antioch] After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow. When they reached Ephesus, he left them there, but first he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. When they asked him to stay longer, he declined; but on taking leave of them, he said, "I will return to you, if God wills." Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

[Ministry of Apollos] Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.

The Holy Gospel is written in Mark 8:22-33

[Jesus Cures a Blind Man at Bethsaida] They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?" And the man looked up and said, "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, "Do not even go into the village.

[Peter’s Declaration about Jesus] Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

[Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection] Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 78:1-39 Attendite, popule
1   Hear my teaching, O my people; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2   I will open my mouth in a parable; I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3   That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, we will not hide from their children.
4   We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, and the wonderful works he has done.
5   He gave his decrees to Jacob and established a law for Israel, which he commanded them to teach their children;
6   That the generations to come might know, and the children yet unborn; that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7   So that they might put their trust in God, and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments;
8   And not be like their forefathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
9   The people of Ephraim, armed with the bow, turned back in the day of battle;
10   They did not keep the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
11   They forgot what he had done, and the wonders he had shown them.
12   He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13   He split open the sea and let them pass through; he made the waters stand up like walls.
14   He led them with a cloud by day, and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15   He split the hard rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16   He brought streams out of the cliff, and the waters gushed out like rivers.
17   But they went on sinning against him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18   They tested God in their hearts, demanding food for their craving.
19   They railed against God and said, "Can God set a table in the wilderness?
20   True, he struck the rock, the waters gushed out, and the gullies overflowed; but is he able to give bread or to provide meat for his people?"
21   When the LORD heard this, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob, and his anger mounted against Israel;
22   For they had no faith in God, nor did they put their trust in his saving power.
23   So he commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of heaven.
24   He rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them grain from heaven.
25   So mortals ate the bread of angels; he provided for them food enough.
26   He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens and led out the south wind by his might.
27   He rained down flesh upon them like dust and wingéd birds like the sand of the sea.
28   He let it fall in the midst of their camp and round about their dwellings.
29   So they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
30   But they did not stop their craving, though the food was still in their mouths.
31   So God's anger mounted against them; he slew their strongest men and laid low the youth of Israel.
32   In spite of all this, they went on sinning and had no faith in his wonderful works.
33   So he brought their days to an end like a breath and their years in sudden terror.
34   Whenever he slew them, they would seek him, and repent, and diligently search for God.
35   They would remember that God was their rock, and the Most High God their redeemer.
36   But they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues.
37   Their heart was not steadfast toward him, and they were not faithful to his covenant.
38   But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins and did not destroy them; many times he held back his anger and did not permit his wrath to be roused.
39   For he remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that goes forth and does not return.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 78:40-72 Quoties exacerbaverunt
40   How often the people disobeyed him in the wilderness and offended him in the desert!
41   Again and again they tempted God and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
42   They did not remember his power in the day when he ransomed them from the enemy;
43   How he wrought his signs in Egypt and his omens in the field of Zoan.
44   He turned their rivers into blood, so that they could not drink of their streams.
45   He sent swarms of flies among them, which ate them up, and frogs, which destroyed them.
46   He gave their crops to the caterpillar, the fruit of their toil to the locust.
47   He killed their vines with hail and their sycamores with frost.
48   He delivered their cattle to hailstones and their livestock to hot thunderbolts.
49   He poured out upon them his blazing anger: fury, indignation, and distress, a troop of destroying angels.
50   He gave full rein to his anger; he did not spare their souls from death; but delivered their lives to the plague.
51   He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the flower of manhood in the dwellings of Ham.
52   He led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
53   He led them to safety, and they were not afraid; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
54   He brought them to his holy land, the mountain his right hand had won.
55   He drove out the Canaanites before them and apportioned an inheritance to them by lot; he made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
56   But they tested the Most High God, and defied him, and did not keep his commandments.
57   They turned away and were disloyal like their fathers; they were undependable like a warped bow.
58   They grieved him with their hill-altars they provoked his displeasure with their idols.
59   When God heard this, he was angry and utterly rejected Israel.
60   He forsook the shrine at Shiloh, the tabernacle where he had lived among his people.
61   He delivered the ark into captivity, his glory into the adversary's hand.
62   He gave his people to the sword and was angered against his inheritance.
63   The fire consumed their young men; there were no wedding songs for their maidens.
64   Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation.
65   Then the LORD woke as though from sleep, like a warrior refreshed with wine.
66   He struck his enemies on the backside and put them to perpetual shame.
67   He rejected the tent of Joseph and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
68   He chose instead the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, which he loved.
69   He built his sanctuary like the heights of heaven, like the earth which he founded for ever.
70   He chose David his servant, and took him away from the sheepfolds.
71   He brought him from following the ewes, to be a shepherd over Jacob his people and over Israel his inheritance.
72   So he shepherded them with a faithful and true heart and guided them with the skillfulness of his hands.

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 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace to take to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer to Receive God

God, of your goodness give me yourself for you are sufficient for me. I cannot properly ask anything less, to be worthy of you. If I were to ask less, I should always be in want. In you alone do I have all. Amen.

~ Julian of Norwich, 1392

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.

Keep Your Lamp Trimmed
Ashley Cleveland & Kenny Greenberg

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

Closing Prayer

Lord, pour your love into my heart, that I may love you above all things, and my neighbors as myself. Through Christ our Lord. 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 TUESDAY, August 8, 2017

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace to take to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, August 8, 2017

Psalm 149:4 (NIV) For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Read all of Psalm 149

Listen to Psalm 149

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 - God Is Love

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

~ John 17:24-26 (NIV)

If you look up the word love in the dictionary, it gives several meanings. It is used both as a noun, and as a verb. However, I believe that love is much bigger than we ever imagined, and much more obscured. 1 Corinthians 13:4 explains love to some degree, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.” But yet we are still missing the full meaning.

In the prayer of John 17:26, Jesus is praying for us right before He was to be handed over, tried, and crucified. One pinnacle of the prayer is when He says, “In order that the love you have for me may be in them.” I believe that many times our minds limit who God is. The Bible says quite clearly that God is Love. This prayer is another example of God’s love, and His being.

We are asked to Love the Lord, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He is asking no more than what He gave to us. God gave us His Son who displayed all the attributes of the, I AM. In verse 21 of John 17, Jesus says to the Father, “You are in me and I am in you.” He displayed the mind of the Father, His own physical strength of human flesh, the soul of the Holy Spirit and the heart, which is Love. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the heart, soul, mind and strength, all one, and all Love.

Jesus, continued in that same verse, “I pray that they can also be one in us.” Love is not only an attribute which God possesses, or a response of God through His Son, but God is love. When God ask us to love one another, He is imparting not only a response in us, but is bequeathing His very nature into us. It is by His love that we are able to love. God is the author and creator of Love. Without God, love would be nonexistent.

This Love cannot be adequately defined in a dictionary, or commentary. This Love is not bound by size, gravity, space or time. Jesus could walk into a room without going through a door; Love has no matter. Jesus could walk on water; Love is not bound to nature. Jesus could turn a small amount of food into an abundance; Love cannot be numbered. God can hear the prayers of everyone, at all times, from all over the world; Love is all knowing. God is in the past, present, and future; Love is timeless. God is the creator; Love can do all things. God never slumbers or sleeps; Love never tires.

1 John 4:8 says very clearly, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And, 1 John 4:16 says, “So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them.” Commentators call God’s Love, Agape. But in simple terms, God’s Love is a non-dimensional, non-denominational, immeasurable, incomparable, timeless, tireless, all knowing, and unexplainable Word, Truth, and Life. Love is, just as God is. God IS Love!

Dear Author of Love, We do not worship love but we worship you as love, and we thank you for your response of love. Amen

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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

Un Dia a la Vez - Día del perdón

Yo soy el que por amor a mí mismo borra tus transgresiones y no se acuerda más de tus pecados.

~ Isaías 43:25 (NVI)

Esta semana hemos aprendido acerca de cómo debemos honrar a nuestros padres. También hemos reflexionado que no podemos permitir que el abuso de hijos a padres se siga desarrollando como una terrible enfermedad.

Por eso hoy es una oportunidad de arrepentimiento. Es el momento de ponernos a cuentas con Dios y cortar esa terrible maldición para la vida.

Tú quieres ser próspero, deseas tener éxito y la bendición de una larga vida, así que debes respetar y honrar a tus padres.

Hoy Dios te está llamando a que busques a tus padres, les pidas perdón y les digas que estás arrepentido.

Comienza una nueva relación con ellos donde Dios pueda reinar y restaurar todas esas heridas.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE PROCESS OF PERSECUTION–2: DISINFORMATION

Blessed are you when people…falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

~ Matthew 5:11 (NIV)

This stage of persecution is characterized by unchecked ridicule and disinformation against a targeted group (Christian or others) most often spread through media. In this stage Christians are robbed of their good reputation and the right to answer the accusations made against them. Media, politics, entertainment, publications and schools are most often the avenues used to spread such insinuations or lies.

If disinformation about any group is disseminated long enough, no one will help in later stages because of this negative brain-washing about them. It essentially dehumanizes the person and is a pattern of thinking that may make it easier for milder wrongs to ignite a chain reaction of events. It creates an “us-versus-them” mentality.

A classic historic example is the gross disinformation the German Nazis spread about the Jews which then developed into a literal negative symbol when Jewish homes and businesses were marked with Stars of David and then targeted.

This also can result in verbal stereotyping. In the Rwanda genocide, the term “cockroach” became a negative classification of all Tutsi as conspirators against the government.

There are many significant global examples of disinformation used against our Christian brothers and sisters. The influence and impact of negative television programs against Protestant Christians in an autonomous region in Central Asia is very strong. A local pastor was shown on TV and, without reference to any evidence, labelled “an enemy of the state.” His family members’ pictures were also shown at the same time causing them to be despised by their community.

Recently a Christian woman who was shown on TV was not able to continue her work in a kiosk in the market. Other vendors forced her to leave the bazaar.

One local pastor says, “Since the program is shown regularly on TV, persecution has become worse. Some people have left the church out of fear. When you start to preach (to the public), people close up and say, we have heard about you, we don’t want to listen.”

In North Korea, the entire society is controlled by propaganda and disinformation. Persecution is so severe that in many Christian families, children are not even told about the family’s faith in Jesus until they are young adults because they are encouraged and expected to inform on their parents while in their school years. Christians are considered enemies of the state and the disinformation about this is wide spread.

Similarly, in countries like Laos, the government disinformation is that Christianity is an American religion being used to infiltrate their country rather than the former military methods. All Christians are thus portrayed as being traitors and working for America.

RESPONSE: Today I will work for truth and quash all attempts at disinformation against followers of Jesus everywhere.

PRAYER: Lord, grant Your blessing today on Your followers suffering from lies and untruths.

Girlfriends in God - August 08, 2017

Acknowledging The Battle and Keeping Watch

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…

~ 1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)

Friend to Friend

We need to be fully engaged and alert because our enemy is fierce. You don’t have to wear camo but as a follower of Christ you do need a battle plan. It begins with acknowledging that there is, in fact, a spiritual battle raging all around you, and it requires you to keep watch.

I was excited one evening because I actually had a fun dinner plan, which isn’t always the case. Some grilled chicken was left over from the night before, so I decided to bust out my griddle and whip up some yummy grilled-chicken quesadillas. I know: it’s a crazy-easy make, but for some reason, my kids think I’m a genius when quesadillas are on the menu. Go figure.

I grabbed a knife, a chopping board, and the leftover chicken from the fridge. Minutes later, the chicken was ready for its cheese and tortilla companions. While the griddle was heating up, I turned my attention to a few other family matters. I don’t even remember what those matters were—just normal, ordinary stuff.

When I turned back to the business of quesadilla making, an empty cutting board glared at me. I raised an eyebrow and asked my husband if he had moved my chicken.

“No, honey. I haven’t touched your chicken,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye.

Hmm. A chicken mystery. How odd.

I began to interview each of my children, “Did you take the chicken off the cutting board?”

“No, Mom. I didn’t touch the chicken,” they said one after another.

I wondered, If I didn’t move the chicken and my family didn’t move the chicken, then where is my chicken? I looked around the room once more just to be sure that I hadn’t simply placed the chicken somewhere else.

Then I saw it … a look of guilt.

A look that screamed and pleaded, Yes! I took your chicken, but please don’t be angry with me. It smelled so good, and … and … I’m a big dog. I need my nourishment. Was it wrong? Okay. I know it was wrong. Please forgive me. I did it. I ate your chicken. I’m sorry. I’d like to go to my crate now …

His hairy ears lowered as my eyes met his. My brows furrowed. “Rocky! You ate my chicken! Bad dog!” I lamented in frustration as I began to make a new chickenless dinner plan.

Rocky’s just a dog. He’s not out to get me, and he didn’t mean to mess up our dinner plans, but he did prey on our family meal that night. He came and took what wasn’t his because I had let down my guard. I wasn’t watching over my chicken.

As believers in Jesus Christ, you and I must guard our hearts and watch over our homes. The Bible warns Christians to keep watch. Beyond things seen, there are spiritual battles taking place around us continually. Allow me to state this again: If you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, then you have an enemy, and his name is Satan. If you live to listen to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, then strap on your battle gear, girlfriend, because your enemy has a mission to destroy you.

Beware!

The Bible tells us time and again to be alert to the schemes of Satan. To keep watch. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet. 5:8–9).

Though we have an enemy who wants to mess with our emotions, our health, our marriages, our children, our relationships, our jobs, and our thoughts, we aren’t without help or hope. We have both. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to God’s power and protection: “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3).

I was caught off guard the night our dog Rocky took the chicken off the counter, and there have been times I’ve been caught off guard in the midst of spiritual battles as well. As Christian women, let’s remember to call on the Spirit of God to empower us to keep watch over our hearts, our minds, and our homes.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, You are all-powerful and mighty to save. I praise you and delight in your plan for me to have abundant life through Jesus. Please cover me in Your Spirit today and equip me to fend off attacks from the enemy in your power and help.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Can you identify an area where you feel the enemy is attacking you? Grab your journal and write about it. Pause to pray for specific people and relationships that you feel need protection.

Are you an armed and dangerous Girlfriend in God? Be that woman! Let’s PRAY for one another today. If you want to link arms with GiGs from across the globe and stand unified in prayer against the schemes of the devil, click over to my blog. For FUN: I’m posting a picture of our dog Rocky so you can see the cute chicken thief!

More from the Girlfriends


C’MON OVER! I’VE GOT A GIFT FOR YOU! Since we are rebuilding our home after a house fire I figured I’d also rebuild my cyber home—my website. Why not? I’m already going a bit crazy. Might as well go all in! My home is still several months away from being livable, but my website is all ready to move in. I’d love for you to come by GwenSmith.net for a visit. I’ve got the welcome mat out just for you! I can’t serve you coffee and brownies, but I can offer you another goodie that’s even better…a 25% OFF coupon. And you don't even need to take your shoes off. Use the COUPON CODE NEW25 and enjoy 25% OFF any purchase of $20 or more from the new store!

Today’s post is an excerpt from Gwen’s book, I Want It ALL.

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