Tuesday, October 1, 2019

The Daily Lectionary for WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019


The Daily Lectionary
WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019
(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 119:49-56
49 Remember your word to your servant,
     in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my distress,
     that your promise gives me life.
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
     but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your ordinances from of old,
     I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
     those who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
     wherever I make my home.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
     and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
     for I have kept your precepts.

Jeremiah 33:1-13
Healing after Punishment
33:1 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: 2 Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. 4 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah that were torn down to make a defense against the siege ramps and before the sword: 5 The Chaldeans are coming in to fight and to fill them with the dead bodies of those whom I shall strike down in my anger and my wrath, for I have hidden my face from this city because of all their wickedness. 6 I am going to bring it recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. 7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first. 8 I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. 9 And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them; they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

10 Thus says the Lord: In this place of which you say, “It is a waste without human beings or animals,” in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without inhabitants, human or animal, there shall once more be heard 11 the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord:

   “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts,
     for the Lord is good,
     for his steadfast love endures forever!”

For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the Lord.

12 Thus says the Lord of hosts: In this place that is waste, without human beings or animals, and in all its towns there shall again be pasture for shepherds resting their flocks. 13 In the towns of the hill country, of the Shephelah, and of the Negeb, in the land of Benjamin, the places around Jerusalem, and in the towns of Judah, flocks shall again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the Lord.

Matthew 19:16-22
The Rich Young Man
19:16 Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 119:49-56; Jeremiah 33:1-13; Matthew 19:16-22

The Daily Prayer for WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019


The Daily Prayer
for WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019

Ignacio Ellacuría, a Jesuit martyr of San Salvador, asked, “What is it to be a companion of Jesus today? It is to engage, under the standard of the cross, in the crucial struggle of our time: the struggle for faith and that struggle for justice which it includes.”

Lord, enable us to live so that others can truly say, “They engaged in the crucial struggle of our time.” Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Proverbs%2029:25

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Read all of Proverbs 29

Listen to Proverbs 29

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

Un dia a la Vez - Miércoles 2 de Octubre de 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/un-dia-vez/2019/10/02

Dominio propio

Porque no nos ha dado Dios espíritu de cobardía, sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio.
~ 2 Timoteo 1:7 (RV-60)

Creo que lo más difícil para cualquier ser humano es el dominio propio. Es decir, controlar los deseos, las cosas nocivas y las que más nos gustan. Por diferentes razones, y debido a que somos débiles, no tenemos una razón por la cual renunciar a algo que no es bueno para nosotros.

También es posible que el problema esté en que no tengamos motivación para hacer cambios. Sin embargo, cuando tenemos temor de Dios, esa lucha se hace aun más difícil porque queremos cumplirle. Entonces, si le fallamos, nos sentimos muy mal con Él.

Déjame aclararte que el domino propio no necesariamente es útil para abandonar una falta grave. Puede ayudarnos en otras cosas como trabajar en exceso, comer sin control, fumar, beber y descuidar a la familia. Asimismo, es conveniente para la gente que va al gimnasio, pero no por salud ni por deporte, sino porque idolatra su cuerpo. En fin, el dominio propio les resulta provechoso también a los compradores compulsivos y los malos administradores del dinero.

Todos estos ejemplos que menciono quizá te identifiquen y no es que seas una mala persona, ni que te desprecie Dios. Todo lo contrario. Dios es tu Padre y te ama. A Él le interesa que seas feliz y una persona equilibrada en todo lo que haces.

Así que ahora quiero hacerte la pregunta del millón: «¿Cómo lo logras?». Depende de ti, pues si quieres ver un cambio, la oración es más que suficiente para respaldar tu decisión.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Creo que lo más difícil para cualquier ser humano es el dominio propio.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Wednesday, October 2, 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/standing-strong-through-the-storm/2019/10/02
FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
~ Mark 11:25 (NIV)

Hatred of her enemies is something Takoosh Hovsepian, the wife of an Iranian pastor murdered in 1994 no longer has. She says: “I’ve learned a lesson at God’s University about how to love your enemies.”

As a teenager, Takoosh prayed that she might be allowed to marry a pastor, so that she could spend her life in the service of God. Her wish was fulfilled, but the way would not be easy.

Her husband, Pastor Haik Hovsepian, was forty-eight years old when one day he did not come home. After twelve days, it became apparent that he had been killed at the behest of the Iranian government. About that time, four other Iranian pastors were also murdered in a cowardly way. They refused to sign an official declaration that they would not evangelize among Muslims.

In Iran, ninety-eight percent of the population is Muslim. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in particular, the problems for Christians became increasingly great.

Takoosh says, “During the revolution, hundreds of people threatened to set fire to the churches, which fortunately did not happen. The Islamic government does not want Muslims to go to church and evangelism among them is forbidden.”

Pastor Hovsepian held important positions in the Iranian Church. On various occasions, he stated that he was willing to go to the utmost for his faith and for the church. His wife reflects, “Haik repeatedly said, ‘We don’t have to be afraid. We must trust in God.’ But in my heart, I was afraid. Haik was full of love for people, even for his Muslim neighbors. They were welcome at the church; they knew that he would help them even in times of difficulty.”

The day that Haik left to collect a friend from the airport and never came back is deeply engraved on the memory of the widow and her children. At the police station, the eldest son, Joseph, was only shown a photo of his father. According to the police, the body of Pastor Hovsepian had been found in an alleyway in Teheran.

Takoosh says, “I only had hatred in my heart, hatred for my enemies who had murdered Haik. I was not able to forgive them. I prayed with my lips, ‘God, give me the strength to forgive,’ but before I prayed, in my imagination I saw myself throwing mud at them. But one day a miracle happened. God taught me how I could forgive my enemies. I was asking for something which on the deepest level I did not want to ask for. But gradually, in a process of ups and downs which took months, God gave me the strength to pray more and more with my heart for those who had murdered my husband. God answered this prayer.

“Then I was no longer praying only with my lips, but from the depths of my heart. I had learned not only to trust in God and to lean on Him, but also how I can forgive my enemies.”

RESPONSE: Today I will forgive offenses against me so God will forgive my sins.

PRAYER: Pray for many Christian brothers and sisters of the persecuted church who have difficulty forgiving those who hurt them or their family.

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

LHM Daily Devotions - October 2, 2019 - Households of Faith

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20191002

"Households of Faith"

Oct. 2, 2019

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:4-5 (ESV)

The Bible tells us the apostle Paul met Timothy when traveling through the towns of Derbe and Lystra in Asia Minor. When they first met, Timothy "was a believer," and the young man's reputation preceded him: "He was well spoken of by the brothers (and sisters) at Lystra and Iconium." On account of this, "Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him." As the traveled together, they shared with churches along the way "the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem" (see Acts 16:1-4).

Over the course of their partnership in sharing the Gospel, Paul and Timothy forged a strong spiritual and emotional bond. Referring to Timothy as "my beloved child" (2 Timothy 1:2b), Paul reflected on the faithful household he was brought up in (both his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice are commended for their faith), and Paul is convinced the same sincere faith dwells in Timothy.

The power of faith in the household! That's where Timothy not only heard the Scriptures, it's where he saw their truths born out in the lives of his mother and grandmother. It's where he was steeped in the Old Testament narrative, hearing the fantastic accounts of battles and conquests, listening intently to the prophets and their foretelling of a "Man of sorrows" who was "despised and rejected by men" (see Isaiah 53:3-5) and who, Timothy came to understand, was Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah.

It's easy to skirt having spiritual conversations at home. After all, talking about God and faith and life and Jesus isn't always easy. It is, however, one of the marks of a vibrant spiritual household, and studies indicate that talking about our faith is not only rewarding, but it brings joy to those who do it. Children learn from their parents and siblings (and grandparents in Timothy's case) how to talk about these topics more naturally. And while today's households show many different resident combinations (step-parents, roommates, friends, in-laws, and the like), the potential for fruitful conversations is as ripe as ever.

Making our homes hospitable places where faith conversations are encouraged also makes them oases of light for others. If Timothy's upbringing in the faith was so apparent to Paul, it seems likely the young disciple's home was a place where others were welcome, where needs were met, and where spiritual discussions took place—discussions like "Who is this Jesus we've been hearing about?" and "What's this thing called 'faith'?"

How mighty are the works God can do through ordinary means, and how wonderfully He can prepare His servants for their walks of faith! And to think, so much of this begins right at home.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, open our lives to those around us. Make our homes places where others hear the truth of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In His Name we pray this. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
  • Is there anyone in your life who has been a believer for as long as you can remember? How does this person most typically share his or her faith with others?
  • How important in the nurturing and development of your faith were your parents?—your grandparents?—your brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, or cousins?
  • What sort of household routines do you do in your home to promote the study and discussion of Scripture?

This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is there anyone in your life who has been a believer for as long as you can remember?

CPTLN devocional del 02 de Octubre de 2019 - Familias devotas


ALIMENTO DIARIO

Familias devotas

02 de Octubre de 2019

Al acordarme de tus lágrimas siento deseos de verte, para llenarme de gozo; pues me viene a la memoria la fe sincera que hay en ti, la cual habitó primero en tu abuela Loida, y en tu madre Eunice, y estoy seguro que habita en ti también.
2 Timoteo 1:4-5 (RVC)

La Biblia nos dice que el apóstol Pablo conoció a Timoteo cuando viajaba por las ciudades de Derbe y Listra en Asia Menor. Cuando se conocieron, Timoteo "era creyente", y la reputación del joven lo precedía: "Los hermanos (y hermanas) que estaban en Listra y en Iconio hablaban muy bien de él. Así que Pablo quiso que Timoteo lo acompañara". Mientras viajaban juntos, compartieron con las iglesias en el camino "las reglas que los apóstoles y los ancianos en Jerusalén habían acordado que se pusieran en práctica" (ver Hechos 16:1-4).

Y mientras compartían juntos el Evangelio, Pablo y Timoteo forjaron un fuerte vínculo espiritual y emocional, tanto, que Pablo se refiere a Timoteo como "mi hijo amado" (2 Timoteo 1:2b) cuando escribe acerca de la familia devota en la que se crio Timoteo (tanto su abuela Loida como su madre Eunice son elogiadas por su fe). Pablo está convencido que la misma fe de ellas habita en Timoteo.

¡Ese es el poder de una familia devota! Fue en su hogar donde Timoteo no solo escuchó las Escrituras, sino que las vio hechas realidad en las vidas de su madre y su abuela. Allí fue donde estuvo inmerso en la narrativa del Antiguo Testamento al escuchar las historias fantásticas de batallas y conquistas, escuchando atentamente a los profetas y sus predicciones sobre "el Hombre más sufrido" que fue "despreciado y desechado por la humanidad entera" (véase Isaías 53:3-5) que Timoteo llegó a comprender que era Jesús de Nazaret, el Mesías prometido.

Es fácil evitar tener conversaciones espirituales en casa. Después de todo, hablar de Dios, de la fe, de la vida y de Jesús no siempre es fácil. Sin embargo, ésta es una de las marcas de un hogar devoto y espiritual. Hay estudios que indican que hablar sobre nuestra fe no solo es gratificante, sino que trae alegría a quienes lo hacen. Los niños aprenden de sus padres y hermanos (y abuelos en el caso de Timoteo) a hablar sobre estos temas de forma natural. Y aunque los hogares de hoy en día están compuestos por diferentes combinaciones de miembros (padrastros, compañeros de cuarto, amigos, suegros, etc.), el potencial para conversaciones fructíferas es mayor que nunca.

Hacer de nuestros hogares lugares donde se fomentan las conversaciones acerca de la fe, los convierte en un oasis de luz para los demás. Si la educación de Timoteo en la fe fue tan evidente para Pablo, es probable que el hogar del joven discípulo fuera un lugar donde otros eran bienvenidos, donde se satisfacían las necesidades y donde se llevaban a cabo discusiones espirituales, discusiones como: "¿Quién es este Jesús del que se oye por allí?" y "¿Qué es eso que llaman 'fe'? "

¡Cuán poderosas son las obras que Dios puede hacer por medios ordinarios, y cuán maravillosamente puede preparar a sus siervos para su jornada de fe! Y pensar que gran parte de esto comienza en casa.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, abre nuestras vidas para quienes nos rodean. Haz de nuestros hogares lugares donde otros escuchen la verdad de Jesús como Señor y Salvador. En su Nombre oramos. Amén.

Paul Schreiber

Para reflexionar:
  • ¿Quiénes contribuyeron al desarrollo y cuidado de tu fe? ¿De qué manera lo hicieron?
  • ¿Qué costumbres practicas en tu hogar para promover el estudio y la discusión de las Escrituras?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Quiénes contribuyeron al desarrollo y cuidado de tu fe?

Ministérios Pão Diário - O parceiro perfeito da oração


https://paodiario.org/2019/10/02/o-parceiro-perfeito-da-ora%c3%a7%c3%a3o%e2%80%a9/

O parceiro perfeito da oração



É Cristo Jesus quem morreu […] o qual está à direita de Deus e também intercede por nós. v.34


Poucos sons são tão belos como o de alguém que o ama orando por você. Ao ouvir a oração de um amigo com a compaixão e discernimento dado por Deus, é como se um pouco do Céu estivesse tocando a Terra.

É bom saber que, pela bondade de Deus para conosco, nossas orações também podem tocar o Céu. Às vezes, quando oramos, podemos lutar com palavras e sentimentos de inadequação, mas Jesus ensinou Seus seguidores que devemos “orar sempre e nunca esmorecer” (Lucas 18:1). A Palavra de Deus nos mostra que uma das razões pelas quais podemos fazer isso é que o próprio Jesus “está à direita de Deus e também intercede por nós” (v.34).

Jamais oramos sozinhos, porque Jesus está orando por nós. Ele nos ouve quando oramos, e fala ao Pai em nosso favor. Não precisamos nos preocupar com a eloquência de nossas palavras, porque ninguém nos entende melhor do que Jesus. Ele nos ajuda em todos os sentidos, apresentando as nossas necessidades diante de Deus. Ele também sabe quando as respostas que pedimos não serão boas para nós, tratando cada pedido ou preocupação com perfeita sabedoria e amor.

Jesus é o perfeito parceiro de oração — o amigo que intercede por nós com imensurável bondade. Suas orações por nós são belas, além das palavras, e devem nos encorajar a orar sempre com gratidão.

Não há maior privilégio do que orar com Jesus.


© 2019 Ministérios Pão Diário
Poucos sons são tão belos como o de alguém que o ama orando por você. Ao ouvir a oração de um amigo com a compaixão e discernimento dado por Deus, é como se um pouco do Céu estivesse tocando a Terra.