The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017 - Holy Cross Day

Opening Sentence

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

~ Isaiah 60:3

Confession of Sin

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Morning Prayer

Holy God, in the daily journey from sunrise to sunset, remind me always of your holy presence hovering near, both within me to guide me, and surrounding me to protect me. Free me from shame and self-doubt; and help me, and all of my fellow believers, to see the myriad opportunities to walk our path in the courage, honesty, and wisdom inspired by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today's Readings

The Old Testament Readings are taken from the Books of Isaiah and Psalms

Isaiah 45:21-25
Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: "To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.

Psalm 98 Cantate Domino
1  O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
2  The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3  He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5  Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6  With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
7  Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
8  Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
9  at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

The Reading of the Epistle is taken from The Book of Galatians

Galatians 6:14-18
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule-- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

The Holy Gospel is written in The Book of John

John 12:31-36
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
[The Unbelief of the People] After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

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

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Prayer For Increase in Wisdom

Dear God, I pray that I may proceed with boldness in the few things I know as a certainty, especially that my eternal salvation can come only from Christ Jesus; that He is my Lord and Savior; and that through my repentance of sin and my faith in Him, I will be saved. May I never shrink from your Great Commission, oh Lord, to share the Gospel with the world, so that those with ears to hear it might join me in salvation; for this is your express command to me, and to all Christians.

But also, I pray that my mind might be open and that I may always have an attitude of seeking and learning, for I realize that on many matters I might be wrong and not know it; or there may be wisdom that I do not even realize exists, awaiting discovery, as I live and grow in my walk with you. Give me grace through your Holy Spirit always to seek wisdom, to admit where I have been mistaken, even in attitudes I have held my entire life. Make me fresh every day in your word, Holy God; and let the light of your wisdom shine throughout the world, that we all might grow in our knowledge and love of you, throughout our lives. Amen.

A Prayer for Mission

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Highway To Heaven
Jessy Dixon & Gaither Homecoming Friends

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

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are people praying with me, right now, whom I will never meet. I don't know their names, or what country they live in, or what they may look like, but I will know their souls, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that we might be united in the Holy Spirit, and that I will know and feel the kinship and love, in my spirit, of those who share these prayers with me. 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.

Feast of the Cross (Holy Cross Day)

Today the church remembers Holy Cross Day.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself ” (John 12:32). It seemed in the fourth century that these words of Jesus were swiftly being fulfilled. Christianity had swept over the known civilized world. A Christian emperor now reigned from the throne of the Caesars and it was he, Constantine the Great, who, on this day in 335, dedicated the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as a monument to the triumph of the Lord over the grave. This day was celebrated throughout Christendom as the feast of the lifting-up of the Cross of Christ over all the world.

The hope that the time was at hand when all humanity would acknowledge the Lordship of the Savior was premature. But this dream has never been forgotten. Christian people still work and pray for the time when everyone everywhere will return to their Creator, the Crucified and Risen Lord. This is a day for rejoicing in that hope, as Abraham rejoiced in looking forward to Christ’s coming, though he had only the most vague notion of what it would be like. We look forward with joyful anticipation to the day when all people shall find their Lord, and we work toward making him known in every corner of his creation.

O God, who by the passion of your blessed Son has made his shameful death to be unto us the sign of life and peace: Grant us so to glory in the Cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Prayer of the Day for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017 - Holy Cross Day

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017

Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV) [Imitating Christ’s Humility] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Read all of Philippians 2

Listen to Philippians 2

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 - Clear Or Foggy

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things...”

~ Psalm 119:18a (ESV)

A common metaphor is: “The eyes are the windows to the soul”. Many people believe it is an expression that means when you look into the eyes of a person it can give you a glance into their soul. In other words the eyes are a glimpse of whether they are happy, sad, loving, etc.

A person's vision is very important because it allows them to connect with their surroundings. In our world that we live in, our eyes see a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. We are able to notice if something shines or sparkles. For example, gems when in the sunlight often reflect colorful rays.

Having spiritual vision is another subject. Spiritual vision is a person's capability to discernibly see the brilliant promises and wondrous things in the Word of God, and also see the world from God's viewpoint. A person cannot have clear spiritual vision without God's help.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus spoke about spiritual eyes, He stated: “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.”

God's people do not let the world cloud their vision. When a person looks away from God, they lose their sight, and everything becomes foggy. George Mueller stated: “Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye. Faith is vision plus valor.”

Ask God to focus your vision so you will not stumble. Continue to stay alert, with your spiritual eyes wide open. In other words, do not shuffle along with your eyes constantly to the ground while being absorbed with the current challenge that is right in front of you. Look up to Jesus! It is then you are filled with His light and you will sparkle, shine, and reflect His colorful rays into the dark world.

Roy Lessin stated: “When the eyes of our faith are upon the Lord we can trust in Him to bring the light we need to take the next step, to give the wisdom we need to make the right decision, to give the strength we need to continue on in our service, to give the courage we need to stand against the enemy, and to bring the victory we need to overcome the world.”

Lord, we pray that the eyes of our heart will be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us. Amen.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Devotion shared by Ann Brock.
A common metaphor is: “The eyes are the windows to the soul”.

Un Dia a la Vez - ¿Por qué servir?

Servid a Jehová con alegría; Venid ante su presencia con regocijo.

~ Salmo 100:2, RV-60

El servicio es un privilegio. Es algo que podemos hacer y nos deja muchas satisfacciones. Es una manera muy especial de representar el corazón de Dios. En otros devocionales recordamos que el mejor ejemplo de servicio lo dejó Jesús cuando estuvo en la tierra sirviendo a los demás. Incluso les lavó los pies a sus discípulos. La Palabra dice que «hay más dicha en dar que en recibir» (Hechos 20:35).

Muchas personas se comunican conmigo para decirme que quieren servir a Dios, pero no saben cómo hacerlo ni en qué hacerlo. Lo importante es que tengas el deseo. No necesariamente tienes que servir en la iglesia. Puedes hacerlo en las cárceles, los hospitales, las casas de refugio para mujeres maltratadas, hogares de adopción, centros de rehabilitación de adicciones, etc. En realidad, la mies es mucha y los obreros son pocos.

El gran problema es que muchos no sirven porque no quieren compromisos. Creen que por servir tienen que dejar de hacer sus cosas o limitarse, pero no se imaginan que Dios restituye, premia y nos da todo lo que deseamos.

He escuchado en diferentes ocasiones esta frase: «El que no sirve, no sirve». Aunque no somos salvos por obras, «la fe sin obras está muerta» (Santiago 2:26). Tu salvación es posible cuando recibes a Jesús como tu Salvador, pero la fe se manifiesta con la acción.

Pídele a Dios que te muestre cuál es tu mejor campo de servicio y empieza a desarrollarlo.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”

~ Luke 9:24 (NIV)

One of the Anabaptists of the 16th Century who died in flames was Dirk Willem. His story is particularly touching, because he forfeited a real chance to escape prison and death when he turned back to help one of his pursuers.

Dirk was captured and imprisoned in his home town of Asperen in the Netherlands. Knowing that his fate would be death if he remained in prison, Dirk made a rope of strips of cloth and slipped down it over the prison wall. An alert guard began to chase him.

Frost had covered a nearby pond with a thin layer of ice. Dirk risked a dash across it. He made it to safety, but the ice broke under his pursuer who cried for help. Dirk believed the scripture that a man should help his enemies. He immediately turned back and pulled the floundering prison guard from the frigid water.

In gratitude for his life, the man would have let Dirk escape, but a Burgomaster (chief magistrate) standing on the shore sternly ordered him to arrest Dirk and bring him back, reminding him of the oath he had sworn as an officer of the peace.

Back to prison went Dirk. He was condemned to death for being re-baptized, allowing secret church services in his home and letting others be baptized as adults there.

The record of his sentencing concludes: “all of which is contrary to our holy Christian faith, and to the decrees of his royal majesty, and ought not to be tolerated, but severely punished, for an example to others; therefore, we the aforesaid judges, having, with mature deliberation of council, examined and considered all that was to be considered in this matter, have condemned and do condemn by these presents in the name; and in the behalf, of his royal majesty, as Count of Holland, the aforesaid Dirk Willems, prisoner, persisting obstinately in his opinion, that he shall be executed with fire, until death ensues; and declare all his property confiscated, for the benefit of his royal majesty.”

Dirk was burned to death on May 16, 1569. He showed love to his enemy and “saved” his life.

RESPONSE: Love for our enemies even surpasses the love of our own lives. This is the Jesus way of the cross!

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to show love to those who are my enemies—even giving up my life.

NIV Devotions for Men - On Track

1 Chronicles 23:24–32
Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1–11; Matthew 6:5–15; Colossians 4:2–4

What if every driver decided to ignore the center yellow lines? Smash-ups would rival apocalyptic visions. Those colored splotches in the roadway keep us on track. They keep us safe.

In our spiritual journey, praise and thanksgiving are like a yellow line, keeping our hearts on track. But it doesn’t take much to veer off course, does it? Think about the Levites. They were set apart to offer thanks and praise to God every morning and every night, day in and day out, in a never-ending cycle (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). It was their job. Forced “thank yous.” Praise, praise, praise.

Imagine the temptations inherent in this routine. Did easy-to-repeat prayers take the place of petitions motivated by full hearts and genuine gratitude? Did their minds wander as the words bubbled out? “Hear me, O God. Here we go again.”

We’ve all heard of the doctor who’s in terrible physical condition or the plumber whose house has leaky pipes. When you do something for a living, as these people do, it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated to keep your own life in order. This is what it may have been like for the Levites as well.

Praise and thanks are key ingredients in a healthy relationship with God. We need them as much as we need fresh air. Praise isn’t just an outward gesture; it reveals what’s inside us—the attitude we have toward God. When we offer meaningful thanks, we acknowledge that God’s goodness deserves our recognition and awe. Every gift comes from his hand. Nothing we’ve done grants us the sun’s bright rising or peaceful slumber at night—it all comes from God’s good hand.

How do we make our delight in God genuine and true every day? Unlike the Levites, God doesn’t demand that we follow certain daily requirements. Maybe that makes the routine more difficult. We are responsible for taking the time to bow before him and offer our praise and thanks.

When we skip this routine, we become like those drivers who disregard the center line—a potential accident waiting to happen. But when we take the time to regularly focus on and praise the God who loves us, he helps us to stay on track.

To Take Away

• Spiritually, would you describe yourself as “on track” or as “an accident waiting to happen”? Why?
• Why does God want you to praise him?
• List several things in your life for which you can praise and thank God. How can you keep your prayers of praise and thanksgiving fresh?

The Widow’s Mite and Mighty Faith

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

~ Mark 12:41-42 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Beatrice woke as the morning sun peeked through the closed shutters of her sparse bedroom. Every joint in her tired old body creaked like a grinding wheel in dire need of good oiling.

Her arthritic hands rubbed sleepy eyes and instinctively reached to the empty space where her husband slept so many years ago.

“Another Sabbath to worship Jehovah,” she smiled. “Oh LORD, thank you for the health and strength to travel to your house today. Thank you for all the many blessings that you have showered on this old woman.”

Beatrice slipped on her worn woolen garment, wound her grey streaked hair around her head and splashed yesterday’s water on her wrinkled face. Slipping her hand into her money pouch hidden behind a grouping of jars, she fumbled her fingers to gather an offering for the temple coffers.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips as her hand retrieved two small coins. She put her hand back in the pouch and ran her fingers from side to side. This time she came up empty.

Looking at the two small coins in her hand she continued her conversation with God. “I wish I had more to give you today. But LORD, this is all I have.” Not once did Beatrice wonder how she would buy wheat for her next meal. She knew God would provide. He always did.

Beatrice shuffled out the door and through the busy streets of Jerusalem. The population was more than doubled because of the Passover celebration. Jews from miles around gathered at the temple during the holy week.

People, people, everywhere people, Beatrice thought to herself. And not one notices an old worthless widow woman like me.

Beatrice kept her eyes down as she climbed the first set of steps to the Women’s Court in the temple. I’m glad I’m not a man or priest, she mused to herself. I don’t think I could climb all those stairs to get to the upper levels.

The widow made her way to the same offering receptacle she always used. When she raised her eyes to place the two small coins in the container, she noticed a man sitting right beside it. It was Jesus! It was too late to turn back or walk to another coffer. Color rose to her cheeks as she realized that the Teacher was watching her. Beatrice cringed with embarrassment as she dropped the two small coins into the large box. What must He think of me? She thought. Two copper coins.

When she looked up and met Jesus’ gaze, He grinned from ear to ear and nodded his approval. Every wrinkle in her face crinkled as she returned the smile. But what He said next made her feel like a spry young girl again.

“Peter. John. James. Friends, come over here,” Jesus called. “You’re looking around at all these people dropping their coins in the temple treasury and I’m sure you have noticed some of the wealthy made large donations. At least they are hoping you’ve noticed. But I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more in the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth. That was no sacrifice at all. It was just surplus. But this woman gave out of her poverty,” Jesus continued as he placed his hand on Beatrice’s shoulder. “She gave all she had to live on. Her gift is more precious to God than all the others combined.”

Beatrice gently bowed and turned to leave. Jesus laughed to himself thinking about what she would find in her money pouch the next day. Oh how God loved blessing His children.

Let’s Pray

Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given me. I know that I could never out give You! Help me to trust You more with my finances and give You more than I ever have before.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you have enjoyed my retelling of the story of the widow and her two small coins. It is easy to think of these stories as just stories. But this was a real woman, living in a real world of poverty. We don’t know her name, but I’ve given her one so you could better walk in her shoes.

Have you ever been in a situation like this widow? Have you ever given a sacrificial gift like she did?

Now here’s a tough one. Is God calling you to give more than you have been giving in the past? If so, what’s holding you back?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my book, How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free: A Woman’s Walk in Power and Purpose. In this book we study each woman Jesus encountered in the New Testament and see how her story is your story. Jesus came to set women free! In a day when they moved about as shadows in the culture, rarely seen and seldom heard, Jesus broke the cultural rules to heal them, save them, and then send them. He risked His reputation to save theirs…and yours. The book comes with a study guide and is perfect for women’s Bible study groups. But be prepared, you’ll fall in love with Jesus all over again. Click on the book to watch the book trailer. That is a blessing in itself! Right now, this book is on sale for 33% off.

Visit my website and sign up for my blog, and I’ll email you a link to download my new beautiful adult coloring book journal for free!

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Daily Devotion - September 14, 2017 "Heart Song"

Have you ever heard the heart songs sung by Christians under persecution...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"Heart Song"

September 14, 2017

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!

~ Psalm 57:7-8 (ESV)

Have you ever heard the heart songs sung by Christians under persecution and pain?

You need not go to foreign lands to do so. The date: September 11. The place: Tower 1 of the World Trade Center, just above where the terrorist plane hit. The scene: the smoke-filled offices of Cantor Fitzgerald. The future: none.

This building and those on this floor have been marked for death by terrorists. There is no hope.

But then, through the smoke, a song was sung. It had no melody. The words did not rhyme. But it was a Christian's song. Coworkers recognized the voice of Al Braca. Normally, he was a corporate bond trader. This day he was the Lord's singer. With death minutes away, Braca made a phone call to his family. He couldn't get through. He left a message with an MCI operator: "Tell them that I love them." It took a month to deliver that part of Braca's song.

In hurried emails, in final cell phone contacts, others on the floor told of the rest. They spoke of how Braca was praying with 50 of his coworkers, how he was sharing the love of Jesus, and how they could be saved. Braca's son, Christopher, best described that song when he said "The last thing my dad did involved the two things most important to him: God and his family."

Have you heard the song Christians sing to the Savior?

Governments, institutions, educators, philosophers, mad men, and a myriad of false religions have tried to silence the song of Christ's followers. Each year, about 150,000 believers have their earthly singing stifled. In Africa, a starving mother looks at her emaciated child; a soldier holds out food. He promises to give it to her little one if she will deny Jesus. In her reply, she sings the Savior's song of salvation. Her child may die, but her baby is Jesus' baby.

Have you heard the song Christians sing to the Savior?

I would not have you think these sufferers are exceptional, extraordinary people. That would cheapen the song. No, these are the chords of men and women who -- having seen their Lord live for them, suffer for them, and die for them -- were grateful for the opportunity to say, "Jesus has saved me. I cannot deny Him." These are mortal men and women who, having seen the resurrected Christ, proudly sang, "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (See 1 Corinthians 15: 55-56).

Have you heard the song Christians sing to the Savior?

Does your life have one such song of its own? Is your song one which says, "The Lord's grace is sufficient for me. His power is made perfect in my weakness"? Do you have a song whose chorus says, "I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives"? What are the lyrics of your heart song to the Christ who has given all for your salvation?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that my entire life may be a song of praise to You and a powerful witness to those who don't know the Redeemer or His saving sacrifice. In Jesus' Name may it be so. Amen.

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

CPTLN Devocional de 14 de Setiembre de 2017

Alimento Diario

Sabiduría

14 de Setiembre 2017

¿Dónde estabas tú, cuando yo afirmé la tierra? Si en verdad sabes mucho, dímelo. Dime también, si lo sabes, ¿quién tomó sus medidas? ¿O quién la midió palmo a palmo?

~ Job 38:4-5, RVC

Lewis Wolpert, del University College de Londres, dice que los 80 millones de norteamericanos que creen que la tierra ha sido visitada por seres de otros planetas, junto con los millones que creen en fantasmas y en percepciones extra-sensoriales, están equivocados.

De acuerdo a una noticia de ABC, Wolpert, que es ateo, no condena estas creencias falsas, sino que las explica.

Según él, nuestros antepasados descubrieron que ciertas causas producen ciertos efectos, y de allí surgió la religión, que asumió que la vida tenía un propósito y una razón de ser en el universo.

Wolpert también dice que el deseo de comprender por qué a las personas buenas les pasan cosas malas, y otras cosas por el estilo, fue lo que generó en el cerebro la posibilidad de "creer". Y porque las personas quieren creer que las cosas tienen una explicación, están dispuestas a recibir cualquier explicación que se les ofrezca, por más disparatada que sea.

Por eso es que hay quienes creen en los fantasmas... y en Dios.

Personalmente, creo que hay otra explicación para las cosas religiosas y espirituales. Yo creo que el Señor creó este mundo y nos creó a nosotros. Creo que un Dios benevolente nos dio todo lo que necesitamos para mantener nuestros cuerpos y nuestras vidas. Creo que el Señor nos ha mostrado su presencia en la naturaleza, y se ha revelado en su santa Palabra. Creo que el Señor, viendo que estábamos perdidos, envió a su Hijo a rescatarnos. Creo que gracias a la vida y muerte sacrificial de Jesús, todos los que creen en él serán salvos.

Creo que, gracias a Jesús, mis chances de vivir eternamente junto a él han aumentado al 100%.

Y también creo lo que dice el Salmo 14:1: "Dentro de sí dicen los necios: 'Dios no existe'".

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, la sabiduría y el entendimiento son dones que vienen de ti. Te pido por quienes no creen en ti y no pueden ver tu presencia en la creación, ni tu amor demostrado en el sacrificio de tu Hijo. Envía tu Espíritu para que se vuelvan a ti y encuentren la alegría que viene a través de la fe en Jesús. En su 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 WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2017

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Opening Sentence

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.

~ Psalm 43:3

Confession of Sin

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image, through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.

Morning Prayer

I rise today with the power of God to pilot me,
God's strength to sustain me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look ahead for me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to protect me,
God's way before me,
God's shield to defend me,
God's host to deliver me,
from snares of devils,
from evil temptations,
from nature's failings,
from all who wish to harm me,
far or near,
alone and in a crowd.
Amen.

~ 8th century Irish prayer

Today's Readings

The First Reading is taken from 1 Kings 17:1-24

[Elijah Predicts a Drought] Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word." The word of the LORD came to him, saying, "Go from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Wadi Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the wadi, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." So he went and did according to the word of the LORD; he went and lived by the Wadi Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the wadi. But after a while the wadi dried up, because there was no rain in the land.
[The Widow of Zarephath] Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you." So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink." As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth." She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.
[Elijah Revives the Widow’s Son] After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. She then said to Elijah, "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" But he said to her, "Give me your son." He took him from her bosom, carried him up into the upper chamber where he was lodging, and laid him on his own bed. He cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?" Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again." The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper chamber into the house, and gave him to his mother; then Elijah said, "See, your son is alive." So the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."

The Second Reading is taken from Philippians 2:1-11

[Imitating Christ’s Humility] If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Holy Gospel is written in Matthew 2:1-12

[The Visit of the Wise Men] In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 119:49-56 Zayin Memor esto verbi tui
49   Remember your word to your servant, because you have given me hope.
50   This is my comfort in my trouble, that your promise gives me life.
51   The proud have derided me cruelly, but I have not turned from your law.
52   When I remember your judgments of old, O LORD, I take great comfort.
53   I am filled with a burning rage, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54   Your statutes have been like songs to me wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55   I remember your Name in the night, O LORD, and dwell upon your law.
56   This is how it has been with me, because I have kept your commandments.

Psalm 119:57-64 Heth Portio mea, Domine
57   You only are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to keep your words.
58   I entreat you with all my heart, be merciful to me according to your promise.
59   I have considered my ways and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60   I hasten and do not tarry to keep your commandments.
61   Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, I do not forget your law.
62   At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, because of your righteous judgments.
63   I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your commandments.
64   The earth, O LORD, is full of your love; instruct me in your statutes.

Psalm 119:65-72 Teth Bonitatem fecisti
65   O LORD, you have dealt graciously with your servant, according to your word.
66   Teach me discernment and knowledge, for I have believed in your commandments.
67   Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68   You are good and you bring forth good; instruct me in your statutes.
69   The proud have smeared me with lies, but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70   Their heart is gross and fat, but my delight is in your law.
71   It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
72   The law of your mouth is dearer to me than thousands in gold and silver.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 49 Audite haec, omnes
1   Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all you who dwell in the world, you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.
2   My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.
3   I will incline my ear to a proverb and set forth my riddle upon the harp.
4   Why should I be afraid in evil days, when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,
5   The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods, and boast of their great riches?
6   We can never ransom ourselves, or deliver to God the price of our life;
7   For the ransom of our life is so great, that we should never have enough to pay it,
8   In order to live for ever and ever, and never see the grave.
9   For we see that the wise die also; like the dull and stupid they perish and leave their wealth to those who come after them.
10   Their graves shall be their homes for ever, their dwelling places from generation to generation, though they call the lands after their own names.
11   Even though honored, they cannot live for ever; they are like the beasts that perish.
12   Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, and the end of those who delight in their own words.
13   Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die; Death is their shepherd; they go down straightway to the grave.
14   Their form shall waste away, and the land of the dead shall be their home.
15   But God will ransom my life; he will snatch me from the grasp of death.
16   Do not be envious when some become rich, or when the grandeur of their house increases;
17   For they will carry nothing away at their death, nor will their grandeur follow them.
18   Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, and were praised for their success,
19   They shall join the company of their forebears, who will never see the light again.
20   Those who are honored, but have no understanding, are like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 53 Dixit insipiens
1   The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good.
2   God looks down from heaven upon us all, to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God.
3   Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; there is none who does good; no, not one.
4   Have they no knowledge, those evildoers who eat up my people like bread and do not call upon God?
5   See how greatly they tremble, such trembling as never was; for God has scattered the bones of the enemy; they are put to shame, because God has rejected them.
6   Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! when God restores the fortunes of his people Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

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

Dear Heavenly Father, I lower my head before you and confess that I have too often forgotten that I am yours. Sometimes I carry on my life as if there were no God, and I fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things I ask your forgiveness.

And I also ask for your strength. Give me a clear mind and an open heart so I may witness to You in my world. Remind me to be who You would have me to be regardless of what I am doing or who I am with. Hold me to You and build my relationship with You and with those You have brought into my life on earth. Amen.

A Collect for Grace

O Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through 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.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
The BYU Combined Choruses

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

Closing Prayer

Finally, may I go forth filled with the joy and confidence of your Spirit; and may everything I do this day, in word or deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 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 WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2017

Dear Heavenly Father, I lower my head before you and confess that I have too often forgotten that I am yours. Sometimes I carry on my life as if there were no God, and I fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things I ask your forgiveness.

And I also ask for your strength. Give me a clear mind and an open heart so I may witness to You in my world. Remind me to be who You would have me to be regardless of what I am doing or who I am with. Hold me to You and build my relationship with You and with those You have brought into my life on earth. Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2017

1 Peter 3:8 (NIV) [Suffering for Doing Good] Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Read all of 1 Peter 3

Listen to 1 Peter 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 - God on Earth

So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him.

~ John 7:43 (NASB)

“There are two kinds of people,” begins a standard quip, “Those who _____ and those who ______ .” I remember my first philosophy lecture in college, when the professor stood up in front of the class and said — he was something of a joker — “There are two kinds of people.” We looked to him with full attention, pencils poised to write down our first note on philosophy. He waited four full seconds. “Crumplers, and folders.”

He successfully broke the anxiety of a room full of freshmen; he was a terrific professor. But as we know, there really is one and only one important division among human beings: Those who believe that God made Himself manifest on earth as a human being, 2000 years ago, and those who do not. This is a division for all eternity, for those who realize the truth of the Bible will live with God for all eternity, and those who do not, will not.

Here is the five-dollar word for today: theophany. “Theophany” is a generic term that means the appearance of God, or a god, to humanity. There are many recounted in the Bible: The three men who visit Abraham; the burning bush speaking to Moses; the flash of light and voice that converted Paul on the road to Damascus. But there is one so important that all others dim in comparison, which we celebrate today: the coming of God to walk among us a human being, emptied of much of His divine power so that He might live and suffer, and ultimately die, just like one of us.

Let us take a minute just to think about how extraordinary the theophany of God as Christ was. We tend to take the event for granted, as a starting point — something that we grow towards and struggle with, but something that is a “given” in our lives. Our attitude towards Christ is like a child to his or her parents, taking their existence for granted. It is not until we mature that we consider how wonderful it was, that they existed and loved us so much; we are not mature until we understand that they did not have to exist, that they did not have to give us all the attention and effort and time they spent on us.

So let us remember, today, that Christ came to us to suffer as a volunteer, out of love. Let us not take Him for granted. He was the greatest gift of all time; a gift without parallel. And no greater love can any person or being have than this: to give His life for those He loves. (John 15:13)

Lord Christ, let me never take your life and sacrifice for grants, but always appreciate fully your love in coming to us. Amen.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Devotion by Mason Barge, Editor, Daily Prayer
There are two kinds of people.

Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por sueños hechos realidad

Camino, Señor, en torno a tu altar, proclamando en voz alta tu alabanza y contando todas tus maravillas.

~ Salmo 26:6-7, NVI

Dios mío, hoy acudo a ti en oración junto a los que como yo hemos visto cumplidos nuestros anhelos más profundos. Levanto mi mirada a ti y no me queda más que decirte… ¡Gracias!

Gracias porque me acompañaste en momentos de angustia. Gracias porque de esta prueba pude aprender muchas cosas. Gracias porque puedo contárselas a otras personas a través de mi ministerio y testificarles que el Dios que sirvo me salvó, me sanó y me trajo de vuelta a una vida nueva con un esposo y un hogar para mis princesas.

Señor, mientras tenga vida te serviré de manera incondicional y no me cansaré de hablar de tus maravillas.

Permite, Jesús, que este libro les sirva de ayuda a las personas que aún dudan de tu poder y que logren conocerte mejor y cambiar el rumbo de sus vidas.

Te lo pido en el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE REAL ENEMY

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, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

~ 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Joshua Sauñe had not planned to speak at his brothers’ funeral. Had he planned a speech, it certainly would not have been the one he delivered on that remarkable September day in 1992.

“Shining Path is not my enemy, Satan is my enemy,” he told the mourners who packed the Presbyterian Church in Ayacucho, Peru. “The people who killed my brothers need Christ just as you and I do.”

The funeral of Quechua evangelist and Bible translator Rómulo Sauñe, his brother Ruben and their cousins Josué and Marco Antonio, was one of the largest Ayacucho witnessed during the decade that the communist guerrilla army known as Shining Path terrorized the city. Nearly 5,000 people, the vast majority of them Quechua-speaking native Americans like the Sauñes, turned out to grieve the fallen Christians, murdered September 5.

God was there that day, too, performing silent miracles in the lives of several of the mourners.

Joshua was Rómulo’s only surviving brother and had come immediately from his home in the United States when he heard of the murders. All during the long flight to Peru, Joshua seethed with anger. He later told a friend that, in the very moment he rose to address the crowd, God took away the hatred he felt for the Shining Path terrorists that had caused his family so much suffering. In its place, God gave Joshua a burning desire to carry on the evangelistic work that his brothers, parents and grandparents had faithfully performed.

“I suddenly saw (that) if I was going to fight Shining Path, I should fight with the Bible,” Joshua said. “It was the first time I understood that.”

Not long afterward, Joshua abandoned his successful art career in Arizona and moved back to Peru with his family to work with Runa Simi, the indigenous ministry founded by Rómulo and his wife, the former Donna Jackson. Between evangelistic campaigns in the Andes, Joshua and Missy Sauñe have worked to establish community self-help projects and schools for the widows and orphans of Shining Path violence.

RESPONSE: Today I will publicly affirm that my only enemy is Satan and I will be alert to his tactics.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the work you are doing in Peru as a result of Romulo’s martyrdom and in the face of opposition from the enemy.

Girlfriends in God - September 13, 2017

God Can Redeem Anything

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

~ Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

God is faithful. He can use all circumstances for His glory. Let’s take a brief look at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37–50). Joseph was a man of integrity who did right in the eyes of the Lord, yet he faced hardship, betrayal, and temptation. As a young man, he was less than humble a few times with his ten older brothers. Okay. Straight up, he actually came across as a puffed up little braggart. His bragging fed the jealously of Joseph’s brothers because he was clearly their father’s favorite child.

Now granted, Joseph threw gasoline on the fire of this jealousy when he told his brothers about the dreams God had given him. He may have deserved a good smack upside his head for being so insensitive, but imagine how he must have felt to be thrown into a cistern and sold into slavery by his very own brothers!

Through it all, however, “the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered” (Genesis 39:2).

He found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh in Egypt, and gained great position, privilege, and prestige. Not so bad for a guy who had been sold into slavery, huh? God was surely with him through it all. Joseph was trusted and placed over all that Potiphar owned.

His circumstances had taken quite a turn for the better…until our man Joseph was wronged again, this time by Potiphar’s lying, lustful wife. Although he nobly resisted her sexual advances, Joseph was imprisoned when she falsely accused him of attempted rape. In the darkness of a dungeon, Joseph again experienced the lavish light of God’s faithfulness as he was granted, “favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21). He quickly rose to a position of power and responsibility amongst his prisoner peers and was trusted by the warden.

While imprisoned, Joseph met a cupbearer and a baker who had been in Pharaoh’s service, and when each of these two men had a disturbing dream the same night, God allowed Joseph to interpret their dreams. Joseph told the cupbearer that in three days he would be freed from prison and restored to his position in Pharoah’s court (the interpretation wasn’t quite so favorable for the baker). Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him to Pharaoh, but on the third day, at Pharaoh’s birthday feast, the cupbearer was reinstated and Joseph was forgotten. How frustrating would that be?

Two years later, while Joseph was still in the dungeon for doing the right thing, Pharaoh had two dreams that troubled him greatly. “So he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him” (Genesis 41:8b). Finally, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh of his ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who—with God’s enabling—interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh rewarded Joseph by placing him in charge of his palace and his people.

After Joseph was placed in charge of the whole land of Egypt, he worked with integrity and fervor. He collected and stored all the excess food from the land in preparation for the famine that God had revealed, through Pharaoh’s dream, would come. There were seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. The years of famine were severe, and during the famine, Joseph sold grain to both the Egyptians and to people of other lands.

Ultimately, the famine brought Joseph’s brothers and father from the land of Canaan to Egypt for a God-reunion and restoration that only our amazing El-Shaddai could have arranged. In spite of all the pain he endured at the hands of others, Joseph was able to exclaim to his brothers in kindness, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”

Joseph really got it.

He saw the big picture.

Though we’ve had to rush through this story, the take-away is clear. Joseph paid a high price for sins that had been committed against him, but through the trials, he was blessed richly as God eventually used each circumstance for His good.

My dear sister, our God is able to redeem anything and everything that we face or endure.

Anything.

No matter what you’ve been through, not matter the secrets you’ve been hiding or accusations you’ve been listening to, God is able to redeem you.

Do you believe that?

He is waiting to show you the big picture. If you’ve been holding something back from God or resisting His healing, then it’s time you take your faith and trust to another level. No more safe living.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, Help me to see the big picture today. I surrender my pain of __________ to your greater purpose. You know what I’ve been through...and I know that you are faithful, compassionate, and able to redeem anything. Please turn my hurt into something that can be used for Your good!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Write in a journal about what’s been redeemed in your life... or about what you would like God to redeem.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Write this on the tablet of your heart today. Commit it to memory!

More from the Girlfriends




Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen’s book Broken Into Beautiful. Every step of healing begins with the heart of God. If you’d like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God’s beauty, get your copy today. To order the book go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen’s web store.

Get 20% OFF Gwen’s BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL book today when you order from her website and use the code: 20OFF

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com