LHM Daily Devotion - November 23, 2017 "He Is Good, Really."

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"He Is Good, Really."

November 23, 2017

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!

~ Psalm 107:1 (ESV)

No question -- today, at least in America, everybody ought to be thanking God. They ought to be, but many won't. Why?

It's not that we don't know how to give thanks. When we were young, we were taught to say, "thank you" for all the gifts we received, even the ones we didn't like. You remember, mom would say, "Honey, don't forget to thank auntie for your monogrammed knee socks." And if you hesitated, she gave you the look which said, "Say thank you, or you're going to have a time-out that is going to take you into your Social Security years."

No, we all teach our children to give thanks.

So, what is the problem this Thanksgiving Day? Why do people hesitate? Let's look at our verse again: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good." Maybe that's the problem. Maybe we don't believe the Lord is good. I mean, listen to the crowds after a calamity. "Why, God? Why?" is what you will hear. Do people believe the Lord is good? Many do not. Most prefer to blame Him for every problem and pain, every disappointment, distress, dissatisfaction, disenchantment, and disaster.

They may not have changed the oil in their car for 20,000 miles, but when their engine blows up, it's "Why God? Why?"

Time and again, God gets the blame. He's the fall guy; the divine scapegoat.

If you, this Thanksgiving Day, feel that God is gunning for you, then I'm here to say you are wrong. You can give thanks to the Lord, because the Lord is good. He is very good. It's part of His make-up. God couldn't be bad if you paid Him.

The problem is God is good, but we sinners aren't always able to see it.

Let me ask those of you who drive a car: how many times have you had a close call? Did you congratulate yourself for your cat-like reflexes, for your brilliance under pressure, or did you thank the Lord who is good?

Those of you who have been healthy this year, were you glad your parents gave you such healthy genes? Did you congratulate yourself on the fact that you keep yourself in grand shape? Did you think of yourself a superman, or superwoman, who was stronger than all the viruses, bacteria, and other creepy crawlies? Or did you give thanks unto the Lord who is good?

Those of you who haven't been healthy, did you thank God because things weren't worse, or because things aren't always this way?

Do you want me to go on? I can. Those of you who will be eating turkey leftovers a week from now, will you thank God for the leftovers? Or will you be complaining at having turkey one more time? O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.

And if you're still not sure about His goodness, look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I wonder how many times a day You hear people on earth suggest they could do a better job of running the world than You do. Forgive us. Let us realize that all good gifts we have come from You, including the best gift of all, our Savior, in whose Name we pray. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
No question -- today, at least in America, everybody ought to be...

CPTLN Devocional de 23 de Noviembre de 2017 -

Alimento Diario

Demos gracias siempre

23 de Noviembre 2017

Den siempre gracias por todo al Dios y Padre, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

~ Efesios 5:20 (RVC)

En los Estados Unidos hoy celebramos el Día de Acción de Gracias.

¿Cuán agradecido se siente usted este año? Con guerras, inestabilidad económica, escasas fuentes de trabajo y un futuro incierto, quizás no mucho.

¿Qué piensa sobre lo que escribió San Pablo: "den siempre gracias a por todo al Dios y Padre, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo"?

Algunos dirán que el apóstol no sabía lo que estaba diciendo. A decir verdad, hubo momentos en mi vida en los cuales quizás habría estado de acuerdo con esa opinión. Pero ya no más. En parte debido a un artículo que encontré en mis archivos, y que no sé de dónde vino.

En este Día de Acción de Gracias, y después de hacerle unos pequeños cambios, lo voy a compartir con ustedes, con la esperanza que de sea de ayuda... "Doy gracias...

* Por los impuestos que pago, porque significa que el Señor me ha dado un salario.
* Por las ropas ajustadas que demuestran que el Señor me bendice con abundante comida.
* Por la electricidad y el gas que debo pagar cada mes, porque significa que el Señor me ha dado un lugar donde vivir.
* Por el precio de la gasolina, porque quiere decir que poseo un automóvil y que soy capaz de conducir.
* Por el Presidente Electo, haya sido o no mi candidato, porque tengo la bendición de vivir en un país libre.
* Por la ropa sucia que se acumula, porque significa que tengo más que "sólo lo puesto".
* Por el despertador que suena cada mañana, porque significa que puedo ser útil.
* Por los múltiples correos de mis amigos, porque significa que tengo amigos que piensan en mí.

La lista podría seguir. Debería seguir. En realidad, debería ser modificada y personalizada por cada uno de nosotros, porque nos quejamos cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles, pero: ¿son realmente tan difíciles?

El Señor nos ha bendecido y en respuesta a su generosidad podemos darle gracias y alabarlo, servirle y compartirlo con los demás. Podemos darle gracias por los regalos que a veces pasan desapercibidos; podemos compartir el sacrificio de su Hijo que nos salvó. En el nombre de Jesús, podemos dar gracias.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, te doy gracias por todos los regalos que me has dado sin que los haya ganado o merecido. Te pido que mi vida esté llena de agradecimiento por tu Hijo y la salvación que su sacrificio me ha dado. En el nombre de Jesús. 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.
En los Estados Unidos hoy celebramos el Día de Acción de Gracias.

The Daily Readings for WEDNESDAY, November 22, 2017

Vision of the New Jerusalem - Revelation 21:9-21

Daily Readings

1 Maccabees 3:42-60

Now Judas and his brothers saw that misfortunes had increased and that the forces were encamped in their territory. They also learned what the king had commanded to do to the people to cause their final destruction. But they said to one another, "Let us restore the ruins of our people, and fight for our people and the sanctuary." So the congregation assembled to be ready for battle, and to pray and ask for mercy and compassion. Jerusalem was uninhabited like a wilderness; not one of her children went in or out. The sanctuary was trampled down, and aliens held the citadel; it was a lodging place for the Gentiles. Joy was taken from Jacob; the flute and the harp ceased to play. Then they gathered together and went to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because Israel formerly had a place of prayer in Mizpah. They fasted that day, put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on their heads, and tore their clothes. And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters about which the Gentiles consulted the likenesses of their gods. They also brought the vestments of the priesthood and the first fruits and the tithes, and they stirred up the nazirites who had completed their days; and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying, "What shall we do with these? Where shall we take them? Your sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and your priests mourn in humiliation. Here the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us; you know what they plot against us. How will we be able to withstand them, if you do not help us?" Then they sounded the trumpets and gave a loud shout. After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens. Those who were building houses, or were about to be married, or were planting a vineyard, or were fainthearted, he told to go home again, according to the law. Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus. And Judas said, "Arm yourselves and be courageous. Be ready early in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary. It is better for us to die in battle than to see the misfortunes of our nation and of the sanctuary. But as his will in heaven may be, so shall he do."

Revelation 21:9-21

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who talked to me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width; and he measured the city with his rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits by human measurement, which the angel was using. The wall is built of jasper, while the city is pure gold, clear as glass. The foundations of the wall of the city are adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each of the gates is a single pearl, and the street of the city is pure gold, transparent as glass.

Matthew 17:22-27

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised." And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?" He said, "Yes, he does." And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?" When Peter said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."

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

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, November 22, 2017

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea. We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends, We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Amen

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, November 22, 2017

Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Read all of Colossians 3

Listen to Colossians 3

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 - A Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Most of us here in the United States will be celebrating the upcoming national holiday of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23th. For many it's a day of feast to share with family and friends with a holiday turkey and an afternoon of watching sports on TV. For many it will be a day of loneliness for those who have no one to share this holiday with or a day to remember a loved one that they used to share this holiday with. For some it will be a day to give to our communities and help feed those who otherwise might go hungry this day. For many it's a day to remember and give thanks for our achievements this past year. For many it's the day to get a jump-start on their Christmas shopping. And for many it's a day to give Thanks to God for all He has done for us and the blessings that we have received from Him.

The following is a Thanksgiving prayer that I will share with everyone for the next couple of days. I will share a new Thanksgiving prayer each day through Thanksgiving Day. You may copy them and share them with your friends and family and may even use them as a prayer of grace for your Thanksgiving feast.

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea. We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends, We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Un Dia a la Vez - Digamos «NO» al divorcio (segunda parte)

Digamos «NO» al divorcio (segunda parte)

Esposas, sométanse a sus esposos, como conviene en el Señor. Esposos, amen a sus esposas y no sean duros con ellas.

~ Colosenses 3:18-19 (NVI)

Las mujeres, al igual que los hombres, tenemos funciones específicas que Dios nos dejó en su Palabra para tener un matrimonio según sus mandamientos. Dios dijo:

• «Esposas, sométanse a sus esposos» (1 Pedro 3:1). Esto no es otra cosa que honrar y respetar al esposo, darle la posición adecuada en la casa, ya que es la cabeza de la familia. Sé que muchas mujeres no viven este principio por necias, rebeldes o porque el hombre no tiene el carácter para llevar las riendas de la casa, así que la mujer asume esa posición.
• «Que la esposa respete a su esposo» (Efesios 5:33). Dios diseñó al hombre para que los respetemos. Esa es la manera en que se siente amado.
• «La mujer pendenciera es gotera constante» (Proverbios 19:13). Aquí Dios nos compara como esa gotera que cae sin cesar, y tiene razón. Muchas de nosotras, quizá por temperamento, somos peleonas, regañonas y complicadas. Todos los problemas del hogar los volvemos una tragedia y cansamos a nuestros esposos.
• «La mujer sabia edifica su casa» (Proverbios 14:1). Dios nos llamó a que edificáramos la casa. Así que tenemos la gran responsabilidad de formar un hogar con bases sanas y respeto, siendo fieles y sabias.

Si eres una fiera, vives siempre con mal genio, por todo te irritas, ¿qué crees que consigues con esto? Estás espantando a tu esposo de la casa y lo que menos va a querer es llegar a su hogar con tal de no enfrascarse en una pelea.

Únete a esta campaña y digamos «NO» al divorcio.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STAND FIRM AND STAND TOGETHER

STAND FIRM AND STAND TOGETHER

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

~ 1 Corinthians 12:24b-25 (NIV)

As members of the same family we have the responsibility to come to the aid of another member who is suffering. The body of Christ is strong when each part is closely knit together. When one part suffers, all the other members suffer (1 Corinthians 12:20–27).

Members of the persecuted church who have been helped by others around the world have made comments like those of young Salamat Masih in Pakistan. He was charged with writing blasphemies against the Prophet Mohammed—even though he was illiterate. He was on death row until finally exonerated. After receiving cards from all over the world assuring him of prayers, Salamat said: “I never realized that I had so many brothers and sisters around the world.”

A pastor who was attacked and hurt in Indonesia was so traumatized that he and the family left the area and the ministry. Before we judge him, perhaps we should ask if this pastor ever received enough encouragement and help from other churches and believers. Could it be that he felt so alone because there were not enough other people who cared for him?

Another believer from Hindu background in eastern Indonesia was led to the Lord by a doctor who prayed for him regarding his incurable disease and God healed him. He lost no time in joining a local church.

He said, “At that time, a lot of people accepted Jesus in my village, but they were afraid of the threats from their families. When they convert, village officials come to interrogate them. I, myself, have been interrogated many times after my conversion, and warned me not to convert others. But I was not afraid. I chose to keep my faith in Him no matter what happened.” He experienced severe opposition and persecution from everyone he knew but he held fast to his faith. Open Doors then connected him with a group of other believers from Hindu background.

In November 2010, he and his family met a different kind of opposition that tested their faith. Mount Bromo erupted, covering hundreds of hectares of farmlands and plantations with volcanic ash. “Our livestock died, and we could not work on the farm…People around me ask why I can still smile and be happy. I just tell them that although I am poor and I face a lot of difficulties, I have Jesus. He gives me joy in my heart…Being with other believers reminds me that I am not alone. I am encouraged all the more to share the gospel with my people.”

RESPONSE: Today I will remember that I am part of a large body…a family that deeply cares for me.

PRAYER: Pray for isolated believers that God will show them the reality of standing strong together.

Girlfriends in God - Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference

Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life].

~ Romans 2:4b (AMP)

Friend to Friend

I was speaking in Georgia that particular weekend. On day two of the retreat I woke up early and turned on the water in the beautiful tiled shower. As it heated up I noticed that the showerhead was mounted on an off-centered pole. It seemed very low, and was spraying straight along the plane of the wall. Odd.

I’m a tall chick, so as I stepped in and positioned myself under the showerhead I had to squat and stand very close to the wall. {Awesome. A quad workout! Shower bonus.}

As I shampooed my hair, my legs were on fire from squatting. And then a thought crossed my mind… MAYBE the showerhead can be raised!

I turned around and tried to lift it higher. It went higher! YES!

What a difference! I was giddy … grateful that I could stand tall as I finished up. Not overly bothered by the fact that I was still hugging the wall to catch the water stream.

And then another thought popped into my groggy, haven’t-had-my-coffee-yet head…

MAYBE the shower head also turns toward the center!?

Cautiously optimistic, I raised an eyebrow and turned around one more time to give the head a wiggle. It was adjustable! FANTASTIC!

The space was amazing! I was free to move. Free to stand tall. Free to relax. And free to finish what I’d started with a fresh joy and happy heart.

A few small tweaks made all the difference!

In the book of Romans, Paul addressed a few areas where the early church needed to make some tweaks. He spoke of the sinfulness of all people and also about the difference in the way non-believers and believers see and address sin. He told the Roman believers to be humble in the ways they judged others and to recognize that God is the judge of all. He encouraged Jesus followers to examine their hearts and reminded them that it is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4, NLT)

This is as important for you and me today as it was for the people of the early church back then. As I considered my funny shower escapade I was reminded that a few small spiritual tweaks each day can make all the difference too.

As a Jesus follower, I have the opportunity every day to step into the fresh grace of God - to be washed in His goodness. As I do He showers mercy and faithfulness over me that renews my soul. When I open my heart in prayer, His Spirit connects me to the path of His will and convicts me toward His holiness.

These moments of connection and conviction cause me to consider the condition of my heart as well as the circumstances that surround me. I’m forced to assess soul situations, my emotions, edgy responses, unkind words, missed opportunities, snippy attitudes, and the myriad of rebellion I’ve got going on.

As the Spirit of God brings these matters to me I address each one, then ask the Lord to lift the showerhead of my heart up a little or over a bit. To align it in a spacious place where I can stand tall and free.

His grace meets me in the asking.

Grace gives our souls room to breathe.

As we make the small adjustments of confession in our hearts and breathe in grace, we’re renewed and refreshed.

Yes, please.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me this day. As I quiet my heart before You, please show me the ways that I can grow more in Your holiness. Create a clean heart in me, Lord. Free me freshly in Your grace.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Spend a few moments in prayer and reflection about a small tweak or two that the Lord might be leading you toward.

Read Psalm 51.

More from the Girlfriends

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