The Daily Devotional at First United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States with The Sermon theme: "The Pursuit" with the Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8 for Monday, 24 April 2017 through Sunday, 30 April 2017

The Daily Devotional at First United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States with The Sermon theme: "The Pursuit" with the Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8 for Monday, 24 April 2017 through Sunday, 30 April 2017
Scriptures:
1 Kings 11:1 King Shlomo loved many foreign women besides the daughter of Pharaoh. There were women from the Mo’avi, ‘Amoni, Edomi, Tzidoni and Hitti — 2 nations about which Adonai had said to the people of Isra’el, “You are not to go among them or they among you, because they will turn your hearts away toward their gods.” But Shlomo was deeply attached to them by his love. 3 He had 700 wives, all princesses, and 300 concubines; and his wives turned his heart away. 4 For when Shlomo became old, his wives turned his heart away toward other gods; so that he was not wholehearted with Adonai his God, as David his father had been. 5 For Shlomo followed ‘Ashtoret the goddess of the Tzidoni and Milkom the abomination of the ‘Amoni. 6 Thus Shlomo did what was evil in Adonai’s view and did not fully follow Adonai, as David his father had done. 7 Shlomo built a high place for K’mosh the abomination of Mo’av on the hill on front of Yerushalayim, and another for Molekh the abomination of the people of ‘Amon. 8 This is what he did for all his foreign wives, who then offered and sacrificed to their gods.
John Wesley's Notes-Conference:
1 Kings 11:1-8
Verse 3
[3] And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
Seven hundred wives, … — God had particularly forbidden the kings to multiply either horses or wives, Deuteronomy 17:16,17, we saw chap. 1 Kings 10:29, how he broke the former law, multiplying horses: and here we see, how he broke the latter, multiplying wives. David set the example. One ill act of a good man may do more mischief than twenty of a wicked man. Besides, they were strange women, of the nations which God had expressly forbidden them to marry with. And to compleat the mischief, he clave unto these in love; was extravagantly fond of them, Solomon had much knowledge. But to what purpose, when he knew not how to govern his appetites?
Verse 4
[4] For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Was old — As having now reigned nigh thirty years. When it might have been expected that experience would have made him wiser: then God permitted him to fall so shamefully, that he might be to all succeeding generations an example of the folly, and weakness of the wisest and the best men, when left to themselves.
Turned his heart — Not that they changed his mind about the true God, and idols, which is not credible; but they obtained from him a publick indulgence for their worship, and possibly persuaded him to join with them in the outward act of idol-worship; or, at least, in their feasts upon their sacrifices, which was a participation of their idolatry.
Verse 5
[5] For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
Milcom — Called also Moloch.
Verse 6
[6] And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
Did evil — That is, did not worship God wholly, but joined idols with him.
Verse 7
[7] Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
An high place — That is, an altar upon the high place, as the manner of the Heathens was.
The hill — In the mount of olives, which was nigh unto Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 15:30, and from this act was called the mount of corruption, 2 Kings 23:13. As it were, to confront the temple.
Verse 8
[8] And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
And sacrificed, … — See what need those have to stand upon their guard, who have been eminent for religion. The devil will set upon them most violently: and if they miscarry, the reproach is the greater. It is the evening that commends the day. Let us therefore fear, lest having run well, we come short.
Daily Devotions:
Daily Devotional
Monday, April 24, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• Read this text from 1 Kings 11.
• How does this happen today?

Daily Devotional
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• Read 1 Kings 2.
• How does Solomon honor his father’s dying wishes?

Daily Devotional
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• What makes good boundaries hard for us in life? 
• Why do we compromise them? 

Daily Devotional 

Thursday, April 27, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• Read the text in 1 Kings 11 again.
• Who is to blame?
• Is there someone to blame?
• Why?

Daily Devotional
Friday, April 28, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• How are followers of Jesus called to exhibit healthy boundaries?

Daily Devotional 
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8

• What place in your life needs stronger boundaries with others?

Daily Devotional 

Sunday, April 30, 2017
Sermon theme: "The Pursuit"
Text to read: 1 Kings 11:1-8
Pray for those unable to set boundaries.

-------

First United Methodist Church
2111 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, California, 92108. United States
-------

May 2017 eShmooze Letter from Word of Messiah in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Sunday, 30 April 2017

May 2017 eShmooze Letter from Word of Messiah in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Sunday, 30 April 2017
About WMM | Bookstore | Contact Us | Give

May 2017
The History and Mystery of Zionism (Ezekiel 37)(Ezekiel 37:1 With the hand of Adonai upon me, Adonai carried me out by his Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. 2 He had me pass by all around them — there were so many bones lying in the valley, and they were so dry! 3 He asked me, “Human being, can these bones live?” I answered, “Adonai Elohim! Only you know that!” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones! Say to them, ‘Dry bones! Hear what Adonai has to say! 5 To these bones Adonai Elohim says, “I will make breath enter you, and you will live. 6 I will attach ligaments to you, make flesh grow on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you. You will live, and you will know that I am Adonai.”’”
7 So I prophesied as ordered; and while I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound; it was the bones coming together, each bone in its proper place. 8 As I watched, ligaments grew on them, flesh appeared and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Next he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath! Prophesy, human being! Say to the breath that Adonai Elohim says, ‘Come from the four winds, breath; and breathe on these slain, so that they can live.’”
10 So I prophesied as ordered, and the breath came into them, and they were alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army! 11 Then he said to me, “Human being! These bones are the whole house of Isra’el; and they are saying, ‘Our bones have dried up, our hope is gone, and we are completely cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy; say to them that Adonai Elohim says, ‘My people! I will open your graves and make you get up out of your graves, and I will bring you into the land of Isra’el. 13 Then you will know that I am Adonai — when I have opened your graves and made you get up out of your graves, my people! 14 I will put my Spirit in you; and you will be alive. Then I will place you in your own land; and you will know that I, Adonai, have spoken, and that I have done it,’ says Adonai.”
15 The word of Adonai came to me: 16 “You, human being, take one stick and write on it, ‘For Y’hudah and those joined with him [among] the people of Isra’el.’ Next, take another stick and write on it, ‘For Yosef, the stick of Efrayim, and all the house of Isra’el who are joined with him.’ 17 Finally, bring them together into a single stick, so that they become one in your hand. 18 When your people ask you what all this means, 19 tell them that Adonai Elohim says this: ‘I will take the stick of Yosef, which is in the hand of Efrayim, together with the tribes of Isra’el who are joined with him, and put them together with the stick of Y’hudah and make them a single stick, so that they become one in my hand.’ 20 The sticks on which you write are to be in your hand as they watch. 21 Then say to them that Adonai Elohim says: ‘I will take the people of Isra’el from among the nations where they have gone and gather them from every side and bring them back to their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Isra’el; and one king will be king for all of them. They will no longer be two nations, and they will never again be divided into two kingdoms.
23 “‘They will never again defile themselves with their idols, their detestable things, or any of their transgressions; but I will save them from all the places where they have been living and sinning; and I will cleanse them, so that they will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 My servant David will be king over them, and all of them will have one shepherd; they will live by my rulings and keep and observe my regulations. 25 They will live in the land I gave to Ya‘akov my servant, where your ancestors lived; they will live there — they, their children, and their grandchildren, forever; and David my servant will be their leader forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give to them, increase their numbers, and set my sanctuary among them forever. 27 My home will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am Adonai, who sets Isra’el apart as holy, when my sanctuary is with them forever.’”)

In Ezekiel 37:3, God asks the prophet Ezekiel a strange question: "Can these bones live?” For God to ask a man anything is strange, since God is omniscient. So when God asks a question, it isn't to gain information, but to direct our attention to God's priorities and interests (see Gen. 3:9; Ex. 4:2; Mt. 16: 13).
The "bones" in Ezekiel 37 refer to "the whole house of Israel" (37:11), who because of their sins, would be exiled into the “graves" of the nations (37:12; Lev. 26:38). This has happened twice in Israel’s past history:
The first exile occurred because of Israel’s national defiance toward God's messengers, bringing about the Babylonian captivity in 586 BCE (2 Chr. 36:11-21, Jer. 29:10);
The second exile occurred because of Israel’s national unbelief in Messiah (see Luke 19:41-44), bringing about the last dispersion in 70 CE by the Roman Empire.
Would Israel live once again? Could the Jewish people come back to the land as a nation? Ezekiel answers honestly, humbly, "O Lord God, You alone know” (37:3). Exactly right! It would take a miracle to raise the 'dead bones of Israel' back to life. This would depend on God’s power alone.

(Continue to read more...)
The History and Mystery of Zionism
by Sam Nadler
In Ezekiel 37:3, God asks the prophet Ezekiel a strange question: “Can these bones live?” For God to ask a man anything is strange, since God is omniscient. So when God asks a question, it isn’t to gain information, but to direct our attention to God’s priorities and interests (see Gen. 3:9; Ex. 4:2; Mt. 16: 13).
Oh, Them Dry Bones
The “bones” in Ezekiel 37 refer to “the whole house of Israel” (37:11), who because of their sins, would be exiled into the “graves” of the nations (37:12; Lev. 26:38). This has happened twice in Israel’s past history:
-The first exile occurred because of Israel’s national defiance toward God’s messengers, bringing about the Babylonian captivity in 586 BCE (2 Chr. 36:11-21, Jer. 29:10);
-The second exile occurred because of Israel’s national unbelief in Messiah (see Luke 19:41-44), bringing about the last dispersion in 70 CE by the Roman Empire.
Would Israel live once again? Could the Jewish people come back to the land as a nation? Ezekiel answers honestly, humbly, “O Lord God, You alone know” (37:3). Exactly right! It would take a miracle to raise the ‘dead bones of Israel’ back to life. This would depend on God’s power alone.
God responds to the prophet by stating He will not only bring Ezekiel’s generation back to the land of Israel, but that there would be a future and greater regathering of Israel from all the nations (37:12). Why does He promise to do this? Three times God states, “that Israel might know that I am the LORD” (vv. 6, 13, 14). Israel’s return from exile was to be a testimony of God’s existence, and His priorities. Therefore since May 14, 1948, it is evident to the world that God is still at work among the Jewish people. And where God is at work, we should be at work as well.
Israel’s Restoration: In Stages
Perhaps the strangest verses of this section are found in Ezekiel 37:7-8: “So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there ·was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together; bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath [spirit or ruach] in them.”
When we read these verses, it is important to understand that God speaks of Israel’s restoration occurring in stages. Therefore, they cannot refer to the “rapture of the saints” or the resurrection of dead saints spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:5. The Bible tells us these events will occur in the “twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:51-52). Rather than referring to the Body of Messiah, these bones refer to the Jewish people who are “the whole of the House of Israel” (vs. 11). This is a picture of God’s historical regathering of the nation of Israel from the nations, and as we shall see, predicts the future birth and progression of Zionism. God has worked throughout secular history to accomplish His will, even through pagan kings such as Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus (Dan. 4:34, Isa. 45:1). However, this portion of Scripture demonstrates how He has worked through history to bring about the modern state of Israel.
An Amazing History!
Let’s take a look at the elements of Israel’s restoration outlined in Ezekiel 37 and put them in historical context:
“The Noise” 1840-1860 – During this period, a realistic discussion for a Jewish Homeland began. Worldwide Anti-Semitism brought prayer, and thus recognized the Jewish need for a homeland.
-During this time the Damascus Affair took place (1840), in which a monk accused the Jews of ritual murder.
-Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Kalisher and other rabbis’ preaching gave vision for resettlement of the Land.
-Moses Montefiore and Charles Netter started making the first attempts to colonize the Land.
“The Rattling” 1860s-1890 – Small movements among the Jewish people toward colonization.
-1862: Moses Hess urged the establishment of a Jewish state in his book, Rome and Jerusalem.
-1881-82: The First Russian Jewish Aliyah (‘going up to the Land’) commenced, along with the founding of the first pioneer town in Israel, Rishon Le Zion, meaning “First in Zion.”
-This period ended with the “Dreyfus Affair” in France in 1895. A French Jew named Alfred Dreyfus was falsely accused of treason, but was later acquitted. This event demonstrated to Jews everywhere that even in ‘civilized’ Europe, there was little hope of Jewish acceptance.
-From 1860-1890, the Jewish population in the land reached 25,000.
“Bone to Bone” In the 1890’s-1914, the ‘skeletal’ structure for a Jewish Homeland was formed.
-1896, Theodor Hertzl, the visionary father of modern Zionism, wrote The Jewish State. This set the focus for both his generation and the next several generations to follow.
-1897, the Zionist Congress met in Basle, Switzerland. Here the vision of a homeland was developed as an international Jewish perspective and hope. Zionism now referred to the political movement for a Jewish Homeland.
-1900-1914: In The Second Russian Jewish Aliyah which was depicted in the closing scenes of the movie, Fiddler on the Roof, the Jews were forced out of Czarist Russia. Many went to ‘Palestine,’ as well as to the US (the Nadler family was one!)
-Jewish population in the Land grew to 90,000+.
“Sinews” 1917-1920’s – Sinews began to attach muscle to bones of the developing body, and political events further developed the infrastructure.
-November 2, 1917: British Foreign Secretary Lord Arthur James Balfour , wrote The Balfour Declaration to Lord Rothschild, President of the British Zionist Federation and, and endorsed “the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people” in what was then known as ‘Palestine.’
-1922: The League of Nations ratified the British Mandate over the ‘Palestine’ area, and incorporated some provisions in the Balfour declaration for “the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people.”
-1917-1920’s, the Jewish population reached 180,000.
“Flesh & Muscle” 1929-1940’s – During this time, power and strength applied to this developing entity.
-1929: The Jewish Agency coordinated the international affairs of the Jewish people inside and outside of what was then known as the ‘Palestine’ area.
-1930-1946: Jewish military units of Haganah, Irgum, Lochamei were developed to protect the Jewish settlers and kibbutz residents from Arab aggression. The 1960 movie Exodus, starring Paul Newman, depicted the struggles of the Jewish people during this time.
-Jewish population growth: 1929-1946: In 1935 – 300,000; in 1937: 430,000; in 1945: 500,000.
“Skin”: 1946-47: The appearance of national identification emerges.
-After the holocaust, worldwide sympathy for the Jewish People (sadly temporary) triggered international recognition of the need for a Jewish Homeland.
-11/9/47: In what seemed like a miracle in the eyes of many Jews and Bible-believing Christians, The UN passed the Partition Plan dividing “Palestine between Arabs and Jews.
-5/14/48: David Ben Gurion proclaimed the establishment of Israel. Surrounding Arab/Islamic nations (Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon & Syria) immediately declared war, and attacked Israel in overwhelming numbers. However, they were miraculously defeated.
-1947-48: population reached approx. 650,000. Today there are 6,450,000 Jews living in the Land, and the number keeps growing! (http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/latest-population-statistics-for-israel).
An amazing Mystery!
Though it may seem outlandish to imagine a people returning to a land nineteen centuries after their dispersion, God means what He says. This national return to the Land brings us to the Mystery of Zionism, for Ezekiel states that even with Israel’s national existence in the Land (“skin”), “there is no Spirit” (37:8b). Physical restoration to the Land is preparatory for a spiritual restoration to the Lord, and Ezekiel actually prophesies a two-fold return of Israel.
First, Israel would return to the land in unbelief in Messiah (37:6). That is why in the future, Israel will make a 7-year covenant with the evil ruler, the Anti-Messiah (Dan. 9:27, Rev. 11, 13). This seven-year period is what Scripture calls “The Great Tribulation” and “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7). At the end of that time, national Israel will trust in Messiah and will receive the Spirit of God (Ez. 37:14).Second (and unfortunately), it will take the Tribulation to bring Israel to true faith, to cease from trusting in themselves and cry out to the Lord: “and they will look upon Me whom they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10). It is clear to any visitor in modern Israel that as a nation, they are still in unbelief regarding Yeshua as Messiah. God wants Israel to have “life,” 37:6), real life, spiritual life (“I will put my Spirit in you“, 37:14). Life is found in the Lord, not in the Land, and until they are secure in the Lord, Israel will not be secure in the Land. There is no true peace without the Prince of Peace.
Now is the Time
Like Ezekiel, in our ministry to Jewish people we’re commanded to “speak to the bones” (37:4). We’re not to just speak about the bones, but we’re to speak to them. We are to bring God’s word of life to the Jewish people. Don’t be discouraged by the spiritual dryness of “the bones”, because God can still bring life and victory! That is why we must share the Good News of Messiah now, while we have the opportunity. And like Israel, regardless of all you may have attained, you’re simply ‘dry bones’ without the Spirit. So “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).
Israel Independence Day is celebrated this year beginning at sundown on May 1, 2017 (Iyyar 6 on the Jewish calendar). May this be a time to remember the Lord, who fulfills His promises, and may we be encouraged to work where He is at work, even among our Jewish people.
READ MORE
Upcoming Events
17th Annual Messianic Women's Retreat

May 26-28, 2017
1818 Goforth Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Click Here to register | call at 704-544-1948
REGISTER HERE
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations Conference
June 11-12, 2017
4950 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43230
Click Here to register | call at 704-544-1948
REGISTER HERE

Sam Nadler
Sam's Speaking Events
May 7, 9:15 am: Groton Heights Bapt. Ch., Groton, CT
May 14, 10:00 am: Gethsemane Bapt. Ch., Concord, NC
May 21, 6:00 pm: Austin Grove Bapt. Ch., Marshville, NC
May 28, 10:00 am: Crestview Bapt. Ch., Lenoir, NC
SCHEDULE A SPEAKER
From the BOOKSTORE

On Sale for $11.99

+ Shipping & Handling
Messianic Foundations
Whether Jewish or Gentile, you are called to represent God's character and faithfulness in the world. Why are Messianic congregations necessary? Why must the Good News be "to the Jew first?" What does the "fullness of the Gentiles" mean?... This book explores foundational matters which clarify what it means to be faithful to the God of Israel.
VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE
TODAH! (Thank you!)
Your prayers and support are invaluable as we share the Good News, establish healthy Messianic congregations, and equip the Body of Messiah around the world in our shared calling to bring the Good News of Yeshua "to the Jew 1st and also to the Gentile."
GIVE ONE-TIME GIFT
Follow us on:

Word of Messiah Ministries

P.O Box 79238

Charlotte, North Carolina 28271, United States 
http://www.wordofmessiah.org
-------

My Utmost for His Highest - "Insight Not Emotion" by Oswald Chambers for Monday, 1 May 2017

My Utmost for His Highest - "Insight Not Emotion" by Oswald Chambers for Monday, 1 May 2017

Donate
"Insight Not Emotion" by Oswald Chambers

I have to lead my life in faith, without seeing Him.[2 Corinthians 5:7 (moffatt)]
For a time we are conscious of God’s attentions, then, when God begins to use us in His enterprises, we take on a pathetic look and talk of the trials and the difficulties, and all the time God is trying to make us do our duty as obscure people. None of us would be obscure spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our duty when God has shut up heaven? Some of us always want to be illuminated saints with golden babes and the flush of inspiration, and to have the saints of God dealing with us all the time. A gilt-edged saint is no good, he is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and altogether unlike God. We are here as men and women, not as half-fledged angels, to do the work of the world, and to do it with an infinitely greater power to stand the turmoil because we have been born from above (rv mg).
If we try to re-introduce the rare moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are making a fetish of the moments when God did come and speak, and insisting that He must do it again; whereas what God wants us to do is to walk by faith. How many of us have laid ourselves by, as it were, and said — “I cannot do any more until God appears to me.” He never will, and without any inspiration, without any sudden touch of God, we will have to get up. Then comes the surprise — “Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!” Never live for the rare moments, they are surprises. God will give us touches of inspiration when He sees we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty.

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS

The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success.[My Utmost for His Highest, March 19, 761 L]

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 21:20-381 Kings 10:1 When the queen of Sh’va heard what was being said about Shlomo because of the name of Adonai, she came to test him with difficult questions. 2 She arrived in Yerushalayim accompanied by a very great retinue, including camels bearing spices and gold in great abundance, and precious stones. When she appeared before Shlomo she spoke with him about everything on her heart, 3 and Shlomo answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 After the queen of Sh’va had seen all Shlomo’s wisdom, the palace he had built, 5 the food at his table, the manner of seating his officials, the manner in which his staff served him, how they were dressed, his personal servants and his burnt offering which he offered in the house of Adonai, it left her breathless. 6 She said to the king, “What I heard in my own country about your deeds and your wisdom is true, 7 but I couldn’t believe the report until I came and saw for myself. Actually, they didn’t tell me even the half of it — your wisdom and prosperity surpass the reports I heard. 8 How happy your people must be, how happy these servants of yours who are always here attending you and get to hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be Adonai your God, who took pleasure in you to put you on the throne of Isra’el. Because of Adonai’s eternal love for Isra’el, he has made you king, to administer judgment and justice fairly.” 10 Then she gave the king four tons of gold, a huge amount of spices, and precious stones; never again did there arrive such an abundance of spices as those the queen of Sh’va gave to King Shlomo.
11 Hiram’s fleet which had brought gold from Ofir now brought in from Ofir a large quantity of sandalwood and precious stones. 12 The king used the sandalwood to make columns for the house of Adonai and for the royal palace, and also lyres and lutes for the singers. No sandalwood like it has come or been seen to this day.
13 King Shlomo gave the queen of Sh’va everything she wanted, whatever she asked, in addition to the presents he gave her on his own initiative. After this, she returned and went back to her own country, she and her servants.
14 The weight of the gold Shlomo received annually came to twenty-two tons of gold, 15 besides that which came from sales taxes, customs duties and assessments collected by all the kings of the mixed peoples and by the district governors. 16 King Shlomo made 200 large shields of hammered gold; fifteen pounds of gold went into one shield. 17 He made 300 more shields of hammered gold, with three-and-three-quarters pounds going into one shield; the king put these in the House of the L’vanon Forest.
18 The king also made a large throne of ivory and overlaid it with the finest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, a back with a rounded top, arms on either side of the seat, two lions standing beside the arms, 20 and twelve more lions standing on each side of the six steps. Nothing like it had ever been made in any kingdom.
21 All King Shlomo’s drinking vessels were of gold; and all the utensils in the House of the L’vanon Forest were of pure gold; none was of silver, for in Shlomo’s time it was regarded as having little value. 22 The king had a fleet of large “Tarshish” ships along with Hiram’s fleet; once every three years the “Tarshish” fleet came in, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks.
23 So King Shlomo surpassed all the kings on earth in both wealth and wisdom. 24 All the earth sought to have an audience with Shlomo, in order to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 25 Each one brought his present — articles of silver, articles of gold, clothing, armor, spices, horses and mules; and this continued year after year.
26 Shlomo amassed chariots and horsemen; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen; he assigned them to the chariot cities and to the king in Yerushalayim. 27 The king made silver in Yerushalayim as common as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as sycamore-fig trees are in the Sh’felah. 28 Shlomo’s horses had been brought from Egypt and from Keveh, with the king’s agents having bought them from the dealers in Keveh at the going price. 29 A chariot from Egypt cost fifteen pounds of silver shekels and a horse three-and-three quarters pounds [of shekels]; all the kings of the Hittim and the kings of Aram purchased them at these prices through Shlomo’s agents.
11:1 King Shlomo loved many foreign women besides the daughter of Pharaoh. There were women from the Mo’avi, ‘Amoni, Edomi, Tzidoni and Hitti — 2 nations about which Adonai had said to the people of Isra’el, “You are not to go among them or they among you, because they will turn your hearts away toward their gods.” But Shlomo was deeply attached to them by his love. 3 He had 700 wives, all princesses, and 300 concubines; and his wives turned his heart away. 4 For when Shlomo became old, his wives turned his heart away toward other gods; so that he was not wholehearted with Adonai his God, as David his father had been. 5 For Shlomo followed ‘Ashtoret the goddess of the Tzidoni and Milkom the abomination of the ‘Amoni. 6 Thus Shlomo did what was evil in Adonai’s view and did not fully follow Adonai, as David his father had done. 7 Shlomo built a high place for K’mosh the abomination of Mo’av on the hill on front of Yerushalayim, and another for Molekh the abomination of the people of ‘Amon. 8 This is what he did for all his foreign wives, who then offered and sacrificed to their gods. 9 So Adonai grew angry with Shlomo, because his heart had turned away from Adonai the God of Isra’el, who had appeared to him twice 10 and given him orders concerning this matter that he should not follow other gods. But he didn’t obey Adonai’s orders.
11 So Adonai said to Shlomo, “Since this is what has been in your mind, and you haven’t kept my covenant and my regulations which I ordered you to obey, I will tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. 12 However, for David your father’s sake I won’t do it while you are alive, but I will tear it away from your son. 13 Even then, I won’t tear away all the kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Yerushalayim, which I have chosen.”
14 Then Adonai raised up an adversary against Shlomo, Hadad the Edomi, of the royal line of Edom. 15 Back when David had been in Edom, and Yo’av the commander of the army had gone up to bury the dead, having killed every male in Edom 16 (for Yo’av and all Isra’el had stayed there six months, until he had eliminated every male in Edom), 17 Hadad had fled, he and a number of Edomi servants of his father’s with him, and gone into Egypt; at the time Hadad had been but a small boy. 18 On their way, they passed through Midyan and arrived in Pa’ran, took with them men from Pa’ran, and went on into Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt. He gave Hadad a house, saw to it that he had food and gave him land. 19 Hadad became a great favorite of Pharaoh, so that he gave him his own wife’s sister in marriage, that is, the sister of Tachp’neis the queen. 20 The sister of Tachp’neis bore him G’nuvat his son, and Tachp’neis brought him up in Pharaoh’s own house, so that G’nuvat was in Pharaoh’s house along with Pharaoh’s sons. 21 When Hadad in Egypt heard that David slept with his ancestors and Yo’av the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me leave, so that I can return to my own country.” 22 Pharaoh asked him, “But what have you lacked with me that makes you want just now to go to your own country?” “Nothing in particular,” he replied, “but let me leave, anyway.”
23 God raised up another adversary against Shlomo, Rezon the son of Elyada, who had fled from his lord Hadad‘ezer king of Tzovah 24 when David killed the men from Tzovah. Rezon rallied men to himself and became the leader of a band of marauders; they went to Dammesek and settled there, while he became king of Dammesek. 25 He remained an adversary as long as Shlomo lived, causing difficulties in addition to those of Hadad. He detested Isra’el and ruled Aram.
26 Also Yarov‘am the son of N’vat, an Efrati from Tz’redah, whose mother’s name was Tz’ru‘ah, one of Shlomo’s servants, rebelled against the king. 27 Here is the reason he rebelled against the king: Shlomo was building the Millo and closing the breach in [the wall of] the City of David his father. 28 Now this Yarov‘am was a strong, energetic man; and Shlomo, seeing how serious the young man was, made him supervisor over all the work being done by the tribe of Yosef. 29 Once, during this period, when Yarov‘am had gone out of Yerushalayim, the prophet Achiyah from Shiloh spotted him traveling. Achiyah was wearing a new cloak, and the two of them were alone in open country. 30 Achiyah took hold of his new cloak that he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 Then he said to Yarov‘am, “Take ten pieces for yourself! For here is what Adonai the God of Isra’el says: ‘I am going to tear the kingdom out of Shlomo’s hand, and I will give ten tribes to you. 32 But he will keep one tribe for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Yerushalayim, the city I have chosen from all the tribes of Isra’el. 33 I will do this because they have abandoned me and worshipped ‘Ashtoret the goddess of the Tzidoni, K’mosh the god of Mo’av and Milkom the god of the people of ‘Amon. They haven’t lived according to my ways, so that they could do what was right in my view and obey my regulations and rulings, as did David his father. 34 Nevertheless, I will not take the entire kingdom away from him; but I will make him prince as long as he lives, for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose, because he obeyed my mitzvot and regulations. 35 However, I will take the kingdom away from his son and give ten tribes of it to you. 36 To his son I will give one tribe, so that David my servant will always have a light burning before me in Yerushalayim, the city I chose for myself as the place to put my name. 37 I will take you, and you will rule over everything you want; you will be king over Isra’el. 38 Now if you will listen to all that I order you, live according to my ways and do what is right in my view, so that you observe my regulations and mitzvot, as David my servant did; then I will be with you, and I will build you a lasting dynasty, as I built for David; and I will give Isra’el to you. 39 For this [offense] I will trouble David’s descendants, but not forever.” 40 Because of this Shlomo tried to kill Yarov‘am; but Yarov‘am roused himself, fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and stayed in Egypt until the death of Shlomo.
41 Other activities of Shlomo, all he accomplished and his wisdom are recorded in the Annals of Shlomo. 42 The length of Shlomo’s reign in Yerushalayim over all Isra’el was forty years. 43 Then Shlomo slept with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David his father, and Rechav‘am his son became king in his place.
Luke 21:20 “However, when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed. 21 Those in Y’hudah must escape to the hills, those inside the city must get out, and those in the country must not enter it. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, when everything that has been written in the Tanakh will come true. 23 What a terrible time it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress in the Land and judgment on the people. 24 Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run its course.
25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14]28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
37 Yeshua spent his days at the Temple, teaching; while at night he went out and stayed on the hill called the Mount of Olives. 38 All the people would rise with the dawn to come and hear him at the Temple courts.-------
My Utmost for His Highest © 1927 in the U.K. by Oswald Chambers Publications Association, Ltd. © 1935 by Dodd, Mead & Company, Inc. Copyright renewed 1963 by Oswald Chambers Publications Association, Ltd. All rights reserved. United States publication rights are held by Discovery House, which is affiliated with Our Daily Bread Ministries.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Special offers are valid only for orders placed online and may not be combined with any other offers or coupons.
-------

Daily Devotion from by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Ministry in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States for Monday, May 1, 2017 "What Fires You Up?"

Daily Devotion from by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Ministry in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States for Monday, May 1, 2017 "What Fires You Up?"

DONATE


Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour "What Fires You Up?" for Monday, May 1, 2017
Luke 24:30-35 - When He (Jesus) was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They got up and they returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and He has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.
This event in the Bible still amazes me. How about you? It's right after the resurrection of Jesus and He starts making appearances to various disciples around Jerusalem. In this case, He comes along two people walking on the road. They're downcast; they're disappointed; they're heartbroken concerning what happened to their Savior and Friend on Good Friday, as He was crucified on the cross. Their sorrow was so all-encompassing that they couldn't -- or maybe wouldn't -- recognize Jesus, even as He came alongside of them.
Listen to what they said about His word: "Didn't our hearts burned within us as He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" That's a fire. That's a burning that you and I need in the midst of our struggles and griefs, too. When I thought about what fires us up, what burns us up, most of the things that do that for us, they eventually fade away. People are fired up at sporting events, cheering for their team, but that fades quickly, even if they win. People are fired up for their hobbies and leisure. But even burning in your heart for those things fades if there's not something more substantial in your life, above and beyond that. And of course there's all kind of fires burning in our hearts that are up to no good for us either.
So here's a thought for today: there are fires that burn things up, destroy; there are fires that motivate and give joy. Think of the fire that devours a forest or one that levels a house; it leaves nothing behind, or think of the fire at a campfire that draws you into its heat and glow and transforms the night from darkness to light, joy, and camaraderie. Pray today that you know the difference in your life between the fires that destroy (and I'm not talking about literal flames here; I'm talking about what burns in our hearts) -- pray that you know the difference such fires. But even more importantly, immerse yourself in the Words of Jesus, the Words of God, in the Scripture. It's a fire, it's a glow that will draw you close to His love and grace, and empower your life right through death itself.
Just listen to the ones who walked with the risen Savior on the road that day. God bless.
THE PRAYER: Please pray with me. Dear Lord Jesus, there are a lot of things in this world that fire us up for the moment. Give me and all listening in hearts that are fire up by You, Your Word, because that fire doesn't devour; it empowers, and it never, ever goes out. Bless us today with such a fired-up faith. Amen.

In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible in a Year Readings: 1 Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Luke 21:20-381 Samuel 20:1 David fled from the prophets’ dormitory in Ramah, returned to Y’honatan and said, “What have I done? Where have I gone wrong? What sin have I committed that makes your father want to take my life?” 2 Y’honatan replied, “Heaven forbid! You’re not going to die! Look, my father does nothing important or unimportant without telling me first; so why should my father hide this from me? It just won’t happen!” 3 In response David swore, “Your father knows very well that you have made me your friend. This is why he will say, ‘Y’honatan must not know this, or he will be unhappy.’ As truly as Adonai lives, and as truly as you are alive, there is only a step between me and death.” 4 Y’honatan said to David, “Anything you want me to do for you, I’ll do.” 5 David answered Y’honatan, “Look, tomorrow is Rosh-Hodesh, and I ought to be dining with the king. Instead, let me go and hide myself in the countryside until evening of the third day. 6 If your father misses me at all, say, ‘David begged me to let him hurry to Beit-Lechem, his city; because it’s the annual sacrifice there for his whole family.’ 7 If he says, ‘Very good,’ then your servant will be all right. But if he gets angry, you will know that he has planned something bad. 8 Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you bound your servant to yourself by a covenant before Adonai. But if I have done something wrong, kill me yourself! Why turn me over to your father?” 9 Y’honatan said, “Heaven forbid! If I ever were to learn that my father had definitely decided to do you harm, wouldn’t I tell you?” 10 Then David asked Y’honatan, “Who will tell me in the event your father gives you a harsh answer?” 11 Y’honatan said to David, “Come, let’s go out in the countryside.”
They went out, both of them, to the countryside. 12 Y’honatan said to David, “Adonai, the God of Isra’el [is witness]: after I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, then, if things look good for David, I will send and let you know. 13 But if my father intends to do you harm, may Adonai do as much and more to me if I don’t let you know and send you away, so that you can go in peace. And may Adonai be with you, just as he used to be with my father. 14 However, you are to show me Adonai’s kindness not only while I am alive, so that I do not die; 15 but also, after Adonai has eliminated every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth, you are to continue showing kindness to my family forever.” 16 Thus Y’honatan made a covenant with the family of David, adding, “May Adonai seek its fulfillment even through David’s enemies.” 17 Y’honatan had David swear it again, because of the love he had for him — he loved him as he loved himself. 18 Y’honatan said to him, “Tomorrow is Rosh-Hodesh, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 19 The third day, hide yourself well in the same place as you did before; stay by the Departure Stone. 20 I will shoot three arrows to one side, as if I were shooting at a target. 21 Then I will send my boy to recover them. If I tell the boy, ‘They’re here on this side of you, take them,’ then come — it means that everything is peaceful for you; as Adonai lives, there’s nothing wrong. 22 But if I tell the boy, ‘The arrows are out there, beyond you,’ then get going, because Adonai is sending you away. 23 As for the matter we discussed earlier, Adonai is between you and me forever.”
24 So David hid himself in the countryside. When Rosh-Hodesh came, the king sat down to eat his meal. 25 The king sat at his usual place by the wall. Y’honatan stood up, and Avner sat next to Sha’ul, but David’s place was empty. 26 However, Sha’ul didn’t say anything that day; because he thought, “Something has happened to him, he is unclean. Yes, that’s it, he isn’t clean.” 27 The day after Rosh-Hodesh, the second day, David’s place was empty; and Sha’ul said to Y’honatan his son, “Why hasn’t Yishai’s son come to the meal either yesterday or today?” 28 Y’honatan answered Sha’ul, “David begged me to let him go to Beit-Lechem. 29 He said, ‘Please let me go, because our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother demanded that I come. So now, if you look on me favorably, please let me get away and see my brothers.’ That’s why he hasn’t come to the king’s table.” 30 At that Sha’ul flew into a rage at Y’honatan and said, “You crooked rebel! Don’t I know that you’ve made this son of Yishai your best friend? You don’t care that you’re shaming yourself and dishonoring your mother, do you? 31 Because as long as the son of Yishai lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be secure. Now send and bring him here to me — he deserves to die.” 32 Y’honatan answered Sha’ul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 33 But Sha’ul threw his spear at him, aiming to kill; Y’honatan could no longer doubt that his father was determined to put David to death. 34 Y’honatan got up from the table in a fury, and he ate no food the second day of the month, both because he was upset over David and because his father had put him to shame.
35 The next morning Y’honatan went out into the country at the time he had arranged with David, taking with him a young boy. 36 He told the boy, “Now run and find the arrows I’m about to shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy reached the place where the arrow was that Y’honatan had shot, Y’honatan shouted at the boy, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” 38 Y’honatan continued shouting after the boy, “Quick! Hurry! Don’t just stand there!” Y’honatan’s boy gathered the arrows and returned to his master, 39 but the boy didn’t understand anything about the matter — only Y’honatan and David understood. 40 Y’honatan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go, carry them to the city.”
41 As soon as the boy had gone, David got up from a place south of the stone, fell face down on the ground and prostrated himself three times; and they kissed one another and wept each with the other until it became too much for David. 42 Y’honatan said to David, “Go in peace; because we have sworn, both of us, in the name of Adonai, that Adonai will be between me and you, and between my descendants and yours, forever.”
21:1 (20:42b) So David got up and left, and Y’honatan went back to the city.
2 (1) David went to see Achimelekh the cohen in Nov. Achimelekh came trembling to meet David and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” 3 (2) David said to Achimelekh the cohen, “The king has sent me on a mission and told me not to let anyone know its purpose or what I’ve been ordered to do. I’ve arranged a place where the guards are to meet me. 4 (3) Now, what do you have on hand? If you can spare five loaves of bread, give them to me, or whatever there is.” 5 (4) The cohen answered David, “I don’t have any regular bread; however, there is consecrated bread — but only if the guards have abstained from women. 6 (5) David answered the cohen, “Of course women have been kept away from us, as on previous campaigns. Whenever I go out on campaign, the men’s gear is clean, even if it’s an ordinary trip. How much more, then, today, when they will be putting something consecrated in their packs!” 7 (6) So the cohen gave him consecrated bread, because there was no bread there other than the showbread that had been removed from before Adonai to be replaced by freshly baked bread on the day the old bread was removed.
8 (7) One of the servants of Sha’ul happened to be there that day, detained before Adonai. His name was Do’eg the Edomi, the head of Sha’ul’s shepherds. 9 (8) David said to Achimelekh, “Perhaps you have here with you a spear or a sword? I brought neither my sword nor my other weapons, because the king’s mission was urgent.” 10 (9) The cohen said, “The sword of Golyat the P’lishti you killed in the Elah Valley, is over there behind the ritual vest, wrapped in a cloth. If you want it, take it; it’s the only one here.” David said, “There’s nothing like it; give it to me.”
11 (10) The same day, David took flight from Sha’ul and went to Akhish king of Gat. 12 (11) The servants of Akhish said to him, “Isn’t this David, king of the land? Weren’t they dancing and singing to each other,
‘Sha’ul has killed his thousands,
but David his tens of thousands’?”
13 (12) These remarks were not lost on David, and he became very much afraid of Akhish king of Gat. 14 (13) So, as they were watching, he changed his behavior and acted like a madman when they had hold of him, scratching marks on the doors of the city gate and drooling down his beard. 15 (14) Akhish said to his servants, “Here, you see that the man is meshugga; why bring him to me? 16 (15) Am I short of meshugga‘im? Is that why you’ve brought this one to go crazy on me? Must I have this one in my house?”
Psalm 34: (0) By David, when he pretended to be insane before Avimelekh, who then drove him away; so he left:
2 (1) I will bless Adonai at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
3 (2) When I boast, it will be about Adonai;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
4 (3) Proclaim with me the greatness of Adonai;
let us exalt his name together.
5 (4) I sought Adonai, and he answered me;
he rescued me from everything I feared.
6 (5) They looked to him and grew radiant;
their faces will never blush for shame.
7 (6) This poor man cried; Adonai heard
and saved him from all his troubles.
8 (7) The angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.
9 (8) Taste, and see that Adonai is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him!
10 (9) Fear Adonai, you holy ones of his,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
11 (10) Young lions can be needy, they can go hungry,
but those who seek Adonai lack nothing good.
12 (11) Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of Adonai.
13 (12) Which of you takes pleasure in living?
Who wants a long life to see good things?
14 (13) [If you do,] keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceiving talk;
15 (14) turn from evil, and do good;
seek peace, go after it!
16 (15) The eyes of Adonai watch over the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry.
17 (16) But the face of Adonai opposes those who do evil,
to cut off all memory of them from the earth.
18 (17) [The righteous] cried out, and Adonai heard,
and he saved them from all their troubles.
19 (18) Adonai is near those with broken hearts;
he saves those whose spirit is crushed.
20 (19) The righteous person suffers many evils,
but Adonai rescues him out of them all.
21 (20) He protects all his bones;
not one of them gets broken.
22 (21) Evil will kill the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
23 (22) But Adonai redeems his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Luke 21:20 “However, when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed. 21 Those in Y’hudah must escape to the hills, those inside the city must get out, and those in the country must not enter it. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, when everything that has been written in the Tanakh will come true. 23 What a terrible time it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress in the Land and judgment on the people. 24 Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run its course.
25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14]28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
37 Yeshua spent his days at the Temple, teaching; while at night he went out and stayed on the hill called the Mount of Olives. 38 All the people would rise with the dawn to come and hear him at the Temple courts.-------
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
CHANGE THEIR WORLD. CHANGE YOURS.
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Share this email:

660 Mason Ridge Center Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141, United States
-------

The Upper Room Daily Reflections in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Easter Is a Song of Hope" for Sunday, 30 April 2017

The Upper Room Daily Reflections in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Easter Is a Song of Hope" for Sunday, 30 April 2017

Today’s Reflection:

A Song of Hope
SPRINGTIME SINGS a song of hope
that whispers everywhere.
It’s heard by every tiny seed
carried in the air.
It’s sung by every butterfly
in chrysalis as they sleep.
It’s heard by every tulip bulb
buried in earth’s deep.
It’s sung by every acorn
that will one day be a tree.
It’s heard in every tiny egg
by birds who will be free.
The song of hope is whispered
as Jesus lives anew.
Easter is a song of hope
sung for me and you![Glenys Nellist, Pockets, April 2015]
This poem is from page 27 of Pockets, April 2015, a daily devotional magazine for children. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Enjoy today’s poem. A Song of Hope
SPRINGTIME SINGS a song of hope
that whispers everywhere.
It’s heard by every tiny seed
carried in the air.
It’s sung by every butterfly
in chrysalis as they sleep.
It’s heard by every tulip bulb
buried in earth’s deep.
It’s sung by every acorn
that will one day be a tree.
It’s heard in every tiny egg
by birds who will be free.
The song of hope is whispered
as Jesus lives anew.
Easter is a song of hope
sung for me and you!
Today’s Scripture:
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.[Luke 24:31, NRSV]
This Week: pray for people those who are experiencing divorce.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Mark the Evangelist (April 25).

Mark the Evangelist

April 25
It is widely accepted that this saint, the writer of the first gospel, is John Mark, cousin of Barnabas, and companion of Paul and Barnabas in the book of Acts (Acts 12:12 and 25). Many scholars believe that Mark was also the "young man" who followed Jesus after his arrest:
"A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked."[Mark 14:15-16, NRSV]
The gospel of Mark dates to about A.D. 70. Mark's is the shortest gospel, telling Jesus' story simply and directly. It begins with John the Baptist and ends with the women visiting Jesus' empty tomb.
If St. Mark had taken the Spiritual Types Test he probably would have been a Lover. Mark's feast day is April 25.
(This image of Mark is detail from a statue by Donatello in Florence, 1411.)

Lectionary Readings
Sunday, 30 April 2017
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Lectionary Scriptures
Acts 2:14 Then Kefa stood up with the Eleven and raised his voice to address them: “You Judeans, and all of you staying here in Yerushalayim! Let me tell you what this means! Listen carefully to me!
36 Therefore, let the whole house of Isra’el know beyond doubt that God has made him both Lord and Messiah — this Yeshua, whom you executed on a stake!”
37 On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Kefa answered them, “Turn from sin, return to God, and each of you be immersed on the authority of Yeshua the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh! 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away — as many as Adonai our God may call!”
40 He pressed his case with many other arguments and kept pleading with them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
41 So those who accepted what he said were immersed, and there were added to the group that day about three thousand people.
Psalm 116:1 I love that Adonai heard
my voice when I prayed;
2 because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death were all around me,
Sh’ol’s constrictions held me fast;
I was finding only distress and anguish.
4 But I called on the name of Adonai:
“Please, Adonai! Save me!”
12 How can I repay Adonai
for all his generous dealings with me?
13 I will raise the cup of salvation
and call on the name of Adonai.
14 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people.
15 From Adonai’s point of view,
the death of those faithful to him is costly.
16 Oh, Adonai! I am your slave;
I am your slave, the son of your slave-girl;
you have removed my fetters.
17 I will offer a sacrifice of thanks to you
and will call on the name of Adonai.
18 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courtyards of Adonai’s house,
there in your very heart, Yerushalayim.
Halleluyah!
1 Peter 1:17 Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear. 18 You should be aware that the ransom paid to free you from the worthless way of life which your fathers passed on to you did not consist of anything perishable like silver or gold; 19 on the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot. 20 God knew him before the founding of the universe, but revealed him in the acharit-hayamim for your sakes. 21 Through him you trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory; so that your trust and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love each other deeply, with all your heart. 23 You have been born again not from some seed that will decay, but from one that cannot decay, through the living Word of God that lasts forever.
Luke 24:13 That same day, two of them were going toward a village about seven miles from Yerushalayim called Amma’us, 14 and they were talking with each other about all the things that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed, Yeshua himself came up and walked along with them, 16 but something kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you talking about with each other as you walk along?” They stopped short, their faces downcast; 18 and one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only person staying in Yerushalayim that doesn’t know the things that have been going on there the last few days?” 19 “What things?” he asked them. They said to him, “The things about Yeshua from Natzeret. He was a prophet and proved it by the things he did and said before God and all the people. 20 Our head cohanim and our leaders handed him over, so that he could be sentenced to death and executed on a stake as a criminal. 21 And we had hoped that he would be the one to liberate Isra’el! Besides all that, today is the third day since these things happened; 22 and this morning, some of the women astounded us. They were at the tomb early 23 and couldn’t find his body, so they came back; but they also reported that they had seen a vision of angels who say he’s alive! 24 Some of our friends went to the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25 He said to them, “Foolish people! So unwilling to put your trust in everything the prophets spoke! 26 Didn’t the Messiah have to die like this before entering his glory?” 27 Then, starting with Moshe and all the prophets, he explained to them the things that can be found throughout the Tanakh concerning himself.
28 They approached the village where they were going. He made as if he were going on farther; 29 but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us, for it’s almost evening, and it’s getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 As he was reclining with them at the table, he took the matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it and handed it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But he became invisible to them. 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn inside us as he spoke to us on the road, opening up the Tanakh to us?”
33 They got up at once, returned to Yerushalayim and found the Eleven gathered together with their friends, 34 saying, “It’s true! The Lord has risen! Shim‘on saw him!” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah.The Upper Room Ministries ®.

Copyright © 2017

PO Box 340004

Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States

-------