The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, April 26, 2018

Moses Makes New Tablets
Exodus 34:1-17

Daily Readings

THURSDAY, April 26, 2018

Old Testament

Exodus 34:1-17
Moses Makes New Tablets
34:1 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai and present yourself there to me, on the top of the mountain. 3 No one shall come up with you, and do not let anyone be seen throughout all the mountain; and do not let flocks or herds graze in front of that mountain.” 4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the former ones; and he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tablets of stone. 5 The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name, “The Lord.” 6 The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. 9 He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
The Covenant Renewed
10 He said: I hereby make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform marvels, such as have not been performed in all the earth or in any nation; and all the people among whom you live shall see the work of the Lord; for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you. 11 Observe what I command you today. See, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 12 Take care not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you are going, or it will become a snare among you. 13 You shall tear down their altars, break their pillars, and cut down their sacred poles 14 (for you shall worship no other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God). 15 You shall not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to their gods, someone among them will invite you, and you will eat of the sacrifice. 16 And you will take wives from among their daughters for your sons, and their daughters who prostitute themselves to their gods will make your sons also prostitute themselves to their gods. 17 You shall not make cast idols.

The Epistle

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
2:13 We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own compatriots as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they displease God and oppose everyone 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they have constantly been filling up the measure of their sins; but God’s wrath has overtaken them at last.
Paul’s Desire to Visit the Thessalonians Again
17 As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 Yes, you are our glory and joy!

The Gospel

Matthew 5:21-26
Concerning Anger
5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
The Lord said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets, which you broke.

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, April 26, 2018

Father, Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You; for it teaches me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You.  Even when it brings about hurtful circumstances help me to do the right thing in keeping with the Christ-filled nature I received upon the day of my salvation.  May I not be found lacking in integrity but rather be characterized by my integrity as it honors my Father in heaven.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, April 26, 2018

Proverbs 11:3 (NIV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Read all of Proverbs 11

Listen to Proverbs 11

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

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - Living Upright

Living Upright

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

~ Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

When a family member has integrity, it is a gift to the rest of the home. Remove that integrity, and the feelings toward that family member will be changed.

Families that thrive are full of upright individuals who seek each other’s guidance and prosper together. What do you do to expose any areas in your family that lack integrity? In a healthy family, a lack of integrity will surface more quickly because the lack is not the norm. In an unhealthy family, it won’t be exposed as easily because it will be hidden among other issues. You need to look closely at each family member’s life and address areas where integrity is lacking. This effort may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary to maintain integrity in the home.

If your child shows signs of lacking integrity, you need to confront this issue quickly and remind them of Proverbs 11:3. Help them to instill more integrity in their life.

Father, Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You; for it teaches me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You. Even when it brings about hurtful circumstances help me to do the right thing in keeping with the Christ-filled nature I received upon the day of my salvation. May I not be found lacking in integrity but rather be characterized by my integrity as it honors my Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion taken from Once a Day Nurturing Great Kids.
Always live with integrity and you will always experience the guidance of God.

Un dia a la Vez - Hoy es día de dar gracias

Hoy es día de dar gracias

Las muchas aguas no podrán apagar el amor, ni lo ahogarán los ríos.

~ Cantar de los cantares 8:7 (RV-60)

En tu caso, no sé lo que tienes que agradecerle a Dios en un día como hoy. En el mío, tengo una gran razón para decirle «GRACIAS»: Me regaló el amor y la felicidad al lado de mi esposo, Edgar.

Además, ¡el día de nuestra boda es inolvidable! La ceremonia se realizó en la bellísima ciudad de Homestead el 26 de abril. Allí me acompañaron muchos de ustedes, mis oyentes, no solo en la iglesia, sino con sus oraciones, sus tarjetas, regalos, detalles y cientos de correos electrónicos.

También doy gracias a Dios por mis compañeros de trabajo que disfrutaron conmigo de un día absolutamente hermoso. Ese día no solo fue azul, sino que vimos a Dios en cada detalle. Lo vimos en el vestido, las flores, la tarta y todo lo que personas tan lindas y cercanas a mí aportaron para que fuera un día donde honraríamos a Dios.

Le doy gracias también porque ahora somos una familia completa. Mis princesas tienen el apoyo en todo de mi esposo y yo tengo una linda relación con sus tres hijos y su familia. Así que valió la pena esperar a que fuese Dios el que trajera a mi vida el hombre que Él sabía me haría muy feliz.

Por eso hoy testifico que la felicidad sí existe y que, cuando confiamos nuestra vida a papito Dios, Él nos sorprende y nos da lo mejor.

Claudia y Edgar

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Tengo una gran razón para decirle «GRACIAS».

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STANDING AGAINST THE DEVIL

STANDING AGAINST THE DEVIL

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

~ Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

The Bible clearly says to use the full armor. We usually feel we are doing okay if we have most of the pieces of armor in place. Yet, if even one piece is missing, we have a weak spot where Satan can injure us, causing us to lose ground rather than standing firm. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The New Living Translation in Ephesians 6:11 puts it this way: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” It further says in verse 13, “Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.” 

RESPONSE: Today I will put on the full armor of God to stand strong against Satan’s darts of doubt, denial and deceit.

PRAYER: “The Warrior’s Prayer”
Heavenly Father, Your warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God!
I put on the Belt of Truth.
May I stand firm in the truth of your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.
May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.
I put on the Sandals of Peace.
May I go out and proclaim the good news of the Gospel so your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith.
May I be ready to deflect Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation.
May I keep my mind focused on you so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit.
May the two-edged sword of your Word be ready in my hands so I can use it to take authority over the Enemy.
By faith, your warrior has put on the whole armor of God.
I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory.
Amen.[1]

1. Author unknown.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

NIV Devotionals for Men - Productivity Without Passion

Productivity Without Passion

Read Revelation 2:1–7
Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Matthew 7:21–23; Luke 10:38–42; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13

Imagine a marriage in which the husband dutifully earns a living to pay his family’s bills, takes care of the house and cars and sees that his family has the clothing and other things they need. Yet he has lost all tenderness and passion for his wife. Is this a healthy marital relationship?

Productivity without passion. Just as the partners in a marriage can lose their passion for one another and yet carry on, a similar situation can occur in relationships between believers and God. In fact, the church of Ephesus had fallen into this very trap. Jesus noted that this church had “persevered and … endured hardships for my name” (Revelation 2:3). But, he pointedly added, “you have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).

What about you? When you compare your current relationship with Christ to what it was like when you first began following him, are you just as passionate about knowing him, being with him and worshiping him as you were then? Or do you find yourself busy serving him without bothering to further cultivate your relationship with him?

Sadly, like a marriage without passion, our relationship with God can go through a period during which spiritual passion wanes. We serve the Lord more out of habit or duty than out of a desire to know God more deeply.

Consider this possibility: God might occasionally want us to stop doing for him so that we can concentrate on being with him and recovering the love we had at first. Many dry marriages have been renewed. Dry relationships with the Lord can experience renewed passion and vigor as well. Put your relationship with Christ first, then let your service for him follow as a natural response.

To Take Away

• What feelings did you have when you first followed Christ? What words expressed your passion about knowing him then?
• How does that compare with your current feelings for Christ?
• How can you rediscover your “first love” for your Lord and Savior—renew the passion and vigor of your relationship with him?

Imagine a marriage in which the husband dutifully earns a living to pay his family’s bills, takes care of the house and cars and sees that his family has the clothing and other things they need. Yet he has lost all tenderness and passion for his wife.

Girlfriends in God - I am Offended and Hurt

I am Offended and Hurt

KellyBalarie

Today’s Truth

For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

~ Romans 6:14 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

She put me down, right there in front of "all them." Sure, it was subtle, but it was real and ... worst of all, it wasn't the first time. In fact, every time I encourage others around that one particular subject, she circles right back and shoots it down. You can't get one thing past her. 

Hmph! Well, if she's going to put me down like that? Well...I'll show her. I don't have to put up with this.

I thought about leaving the gathering. But I didn't. I just sat there, internally fuming, while externally smiling.

Later, when I got home, I wondered why I even bother speaking up, encouraging others or taking the risk to be open and honest. Women always hurt me. Like that one time I shared the vulnerable details of my heart, only to get word it was being passed through the meat grinder of women's chattering mouths. Or the other time when I shared my hurt and it was misinterpreted and stomped upon by those around me. Or worst yet, when I shared about God and felt all the crawling judgement of others walking up and down my body.

The more I think about all this, the more the problem bothers me. And worst yet, I fear: what if the real problem is - me? Perhaps it's not their issue, but my fatal-flaw issue. One I was born with. What then?

I must not be good. I must be unlikable. I'll always have this problem.

When I look deep within myself, I see faults:

I sometimes seek to impress others.

I hate feeling like people aren’t approving of me.

I never want to be seen as one doing wrong.

I have a hard time when people disagree.

I feel like less of a person when I’m not adding value.

I feel worthier when God is using me for important things.

Yet, when I look a level deeper I see something else. Yes, I am flawed, but not fatally - thanks to Jesus. I say things wrong, but I am always wanted. I make mistakes, but I am always loved. I do need to say, “I'm sorry,” but I am always forgiven.

I am not the sum of what I do, but the product of how I'm loved by Jesus.

The same goes for you. Love pours out of you, because Love came for you and conquered all. He taught. He led. He bled. He died. He was buried. He rose to heaven. For you.

With this, we no longer have to create perfect love that demands perfect responses from others. Instead, we can rest in Him who is perfect love. We can trust His love to compel us. We can breathe deep and gain perseverance and endurance from the endlessly beautiful gift he extends to us. The gift called, "sweet relief."

"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Today, I give up my need to gain man’s constant approval. I repent of tying my value to other people’s responses. I need you, Jesus, more than I need the passing head-nods of man. I need you, Father, more than I need to be filled up by applause. Teach me, God, to love others authentically.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Who has offended you recently? Choose today to forgive them, so you can make new room in your heart and mind for Jesus’ love. Then, take it a step further and pray for them.

More from the Girlfriends

Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of “Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.

Seeking God?

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Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

Women always hurt me...

LHM Devotion - April 26, 2018 - The Rest of the Story

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Rest of the Story"

Apr. 26, 2018

For He was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but in dealing with you we will live with Him by the power of God.

~ 2 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV)

The rest of the story.

You don't have to be a genius to know, quite often, there is a rest of the story.

For example, on May 9, 1957, a 23-year-old pilot, Lieutenant David Steeves, took off from Hamilton Air Force Base near San Francisco. Somewhere between there and his destination he disappeared. A search was made, and neither he nor his Lockheed was found. Eventually, his mother received a death certificate and Steeves' mourners tried to get on with their lives.

But there is a rest of the story: 54 days after he had disappeared, Steeves walked out of the Sierras.

He told of how something had exploded in his cockpit, how he had parachuted to safety. People were glad; at least most of them were. You see, there is a rest of the story.

A nation that was worried about Communism started to wonder. Some suggested Steeves had sold the jet to Russia; others said he had sent it in pieces to Mexico. No charges were ever brought against David Steeves, but he left the military under a cloud. Eventually, Steeves became a commercial pilot, but his free time was spent in the wilderness, looking for his plane. Steeves died in 1965, never having found the wreckage of his jet.

But there's more. There is a rest of the story.

In 1977, 12 years after Steeves had died, some Boy Scouts hiking in King's Canyon found a cockpit cover: a cockpit cover whose number matched Lieutenant David Steeves' lost Lockheed jet.

The rest of the story.

The Bible is filled with stories which should have ended but didn't. The story of Adam and Eve should have ended with them being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The narrative of Moses should have ended with him remaining a shepherd of the Sinai. But there was a rest of the story, and by God's mighty hand, His people were delivered from slavery. The tale of Noah should have ended with the flood; the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego should have concluded with them being toasted in the fiery furnace; and the account of Daniel should have finished in the lions' den.

But in each of these cases, and in many more, there was a rest of the story. By God's hand, and often in a miraculous way, God spared His representatives, and they accomplished a divine purpose; they made a godly witness. God's grace brought about a rest of the story.

As I read through the Gospels, there are so many times when Jesus' story should have ended, when His life -- if it had been a movie -- would have concluded with the words, "The End." Herod tried to kill Him. He could have been murdered by the super-strong Gerasene demoniac or thrown off a cliff by the folks of Nazareth. The Pharisees hatched numerous plots to take His life. No, there should have never been a rest of the story for Jesus.

But there was. It was a story which had Him live a perfect life during which He fulfilled the Law and resisted every temptation. His rest of the story had Him fulfill prophecies and carry our sins to the cross where He died. Jesus' rest of the story even includes how He defeated death with His resurrection.

Yes, Jesus had a rest of the story and because He did, so do we. For all who believe on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because of Jesus, I am living a story of faith that will never end. For my eternity in heaven I give thanks, doing so in the Savior's Name. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
You don't have to be a genius to know, quite often, there is a rest of the story.

Devocional del CPTLN de 26 de Abril de 2018 - Límites

ALIMENTO DIARIO

"Límites"

26 de Abril de 2018

Entonces el diablo lo llevó a la santa ciudad, lo puso sobre la parte más alta del templo, 6 y le dijo: «Si eres Hijo de Dios, lánzate hacia abajo; porque escrito está: »"A sus ángeles mandará alrededor de ti", y también: "En sus manos te sostendrán, Para que no tropieces con piedra alguna."» 7 Jesús le dijo: «También está escrito: "No tentarás al Señor tu Dios.

~ Mateo 4:5-7 (RVC)

Un grupo luterano del estado de Florida me pidió si les podía donar un jarro para una subasta que iban a hacer para juntar dinero para una beneficencia. Como no tenía ningún jarro extra, les envié uno "con asa": un jarro para cerveza de Munich. Y lo hice con mucha alegría.

En otra oportunidad en el estado de Nebraska subastamos uno de mis sermones. También lo hice con alegría.

Una vez en una de mis iglesias me tiraron a la cara tres pasteles con crema, con lo cual recaudaron varios miles de dólares... (y quienes ganaron la subasta dejaron que mi esposa fuera quien me tirara uno de esos pasteles). Lo hice con alegría... bueno, en realidad, no tanta.

Pero llega un momento en que tenemos que poner límites, y decir "basta".

Por ejemplo, la semana pasada, el Arzobispo de York hizo un salto en paracaídas para recaudar fondos para una beneficencia. Saltó a 12.500 pies de altura, y abrió su paracaídas a los 5.000 pies. Hablando sobre el salto, dijo: "Mientras estaba allá arriba estuve rezando como nunca antes".

Espero que nadie piense que saltar de un avión es un pecado, porque no lo es. Pero aún así, yo jamás voy a hacerlo. Ni siquiera para recaudar $100.000, como fue la intención del Arzobispo.

Todos, en algún momento, tenemos que poner límites. Hasta el mismo Jesús puso límites cuando el diablo lo tentó a que se tirara de la parte más alta del templo, asegurándole que era por una buena causa... y que los mismos ángeles lo protegerían. En respuesta, Jesús dijo: "No pongas a prueba al Señor tu Dios".

Jesús siempre puso límites y dijo "no" a las artimañas del diablo, porque sabía que una sola caída en pecado haría que todos nosotros nos perdiéramos para siempre.

De la misma forma nosotros, como pueblo de Dios, necesitamos poner límites a las tentaciones, para no flirtear con las sugerencias escandalosas del diablo y pecar. Es mucho mejor y más saludable que el pueblo de Dios responda a las tentaciones de Satanás diciendo: "Aquí pongo mis límites. No te voy a escuchar, ni a hacer caso de lo que estás sugiriendo. No haré nada que ponga a prueba a mi Dios."

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, te doy gracias por haber puesto límites y rechazado toda tentación. Gracias a tu obediencia, sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección, yo soy salvo. Ayúdame para que yo también sea capaz de poner límites contra Satanás. En tu nombre. Amén.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Un grupo luterano del estado de Florida me pidió si les podía donar un jarro para una subasta que iban a hacer para juntar dinero para una beneficencia.

Хлеб наш насущный - Вера вдовы

Вера вдовы

Читать сейчас: 4 Царств 4:1-7 | Библия за год: 2 Царств 23-24; Луки 19:1-27

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Не заботьтесь... потому что всего этого ищут язычники и потому что Отец ваш Небесный знает, что вы имеете нужду во всем этом. — Матфея 6:31-32

Ай-пи встает, когда на улице еще темно. Другие жители деревни встанут немного позже. Им предстоит работа на каучуковой плантации. Каучук – основной источник дохода для жителей китайской деревни Хончуань. Наибольшее количество каучука можно собрать, если надрезать дерево до восхода солнца. Ай-пи будет работать вместе с другими. Но вначале она проведет время с Богом.

Отец Ай-пи, ее муж и единственный сын умерли. Вместе с невесткой она заботится о престарелой матери и двух маленьких внуках. История ее жизни напоминает мне о другой доверявшей Богу вдове, о которой рассказывается в Библии. Ее муж тоже умер и оставил ее в долгах (4 Цар. 4:1). В отчаянии она стала искать помощи у Бога и обратилась к Его пророку Елисею. Она верила, что Бог может позаботиться о ней и изменить положение. И Бог действительно позаботился! Он удивительным образом восполнил ее нужду (4 Цар. 4:5-6). Тот же Бог теперь заботится об Ай-пи, пусть и не таким чудесным способом. Он укрепляет ее руки, посылает плоды земли и поддержку от верующих.

Жизнь иногда накладывает на нас тяжелые ноши, но мы всегда можем найти силу в Боге. Доверим Ему свои заботы, сделаем, что возможно с нашей стороны, и позволим Ему удивить нас Своей непостижимой любовью и удивительной добротой.

Небесный Отец, благодарю Тебя за терпение, когда я вначале надеюсь на себя и обращаюсь к Тебе, как к последнему средству. Научи меня прежде всего искать Твоей помощи.

Трудности жизни иногда превосходят наши способности, но им не превзойти Божьих возможностей.

автор: По Фанг Чиа

© 2018 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Каучук – основной источник дохода для жителей китайской деревни Хончуань.