Monday, October 21, 2019

The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/revised-common-lectionary-semicontinuous/2019/10/22?version=NRSV

The Daily Lectionary
TUESDAY, October 22, 2019
(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

(My attackers have not prevailed)
Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of Ascents.
1  “Often have they attacked me from my youth”
     —let Israel now say—
2  “often have they attacked me from my youth,
     yet they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed on my back;
     they made their furrows long.”
4  The Lord is righteous;
     he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5  May all who hate Zion
     be put to shame and turned backward.
6  Let them be like the grass on the housetops
     that withers before it grows up,
7  with which reapers do not fill their hands
     or binders of sheaves their arms,
8  while those who pass by do not say,
     “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
     We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

(Jerusalem falls)
The Fall of Jerusalem
39:1 In the ninth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, in the tenth month, King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it; 2 in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city. 3 When Jerusalem was taken, all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, with all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. 4 When King Zedekiah of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled, going out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and they went toward the Arabah. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and when they had taken him, they brought him up to King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, at Riblah, in the land of Hamath; and he passed sentence on him. 6 The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah at Riblah before his eyes; also the king of Babylon slaughtered all the nobles of Judah. 7 He put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters to take him to Babylon. 8 The Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the houses of the people, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard exiled to Babylon the rest of the people who were left in the city, those who had deserted to him, and the people who remained. 10 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Jeremiah, Set Free, Remembers Ebed-melech
11 King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, 12 “Take him, look after him well and do him no harm, but deal with him as he may ask you.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon sent 14 and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard. They entrusted him to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan to be brought home. So he stayed with his own people.

15 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guard: 16 Go and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am going to fulfill my words against this city for evil and not for good, and they shall be accomplished in your presence on that day. 17 But I will save you on that day, says the Lord, and you shall not be handed over to those whom you dread. 18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have trusted in me, says the Lord.

(The Judge standing at the doors)
Patience in Suffering
5:7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

12 Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

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 129; Jeremiah 39:1-18; James 5:7-12

The Daily Prayer for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019


The Daily Prayer
TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

Twentieth-century martyrs Felipe and Mary Barreda wrote, “We discovered that faith is not expecting that the Lord will miraculously give us whatever we ask, or feeling the security that we will not be killed and that everything will turn out as we want. We learned that faith is putting ourselves in His hands, whatever happens, good or bad. He will help us somehow.”

Lord, our lives are in your hands. Do not let our enemies triumph over us. Teach us how to love even those who intend us harm. Amen.

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/verse-of-the-day/2019/10/22?version=NIV

Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)
   A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
     and how good is a timely word!
Read all of Psalm 15

Listen to Psalm 15

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 - Martes 22 de Octubre de 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/un-dia-vez/2019/10/22

La sal de la tierra

Ustedes son la sal de la tierra. Pero si la sal se vuelve insípida, ¿cómo recobrará su sabor? Ya no sirve para nada.
Mateo 5:13 (NVI)

La frase «la sal de la tierra» siempre me pareció un tanto extraña. Incluso, cuando llegué a los caminos de Dios, no entendía por qué en su Palabra se decía que somos la sal de la tierra. Más tarde, Dios mismo me dio la manera más sencilla y fácil de entenderla y practicarla.

La sal es un ingrediente clave para darle sabor a la comida, pero tiene un especial cuidado: Debe tener un término ideal para sazonar y no para salar. ¿Quién resiste la comida salada?

La Palabra dice que en los tiempos de Jesús la sal venía del Mar Muerto y estaba llena de impurezas, de modo que perdía algo de su sabor. Es posible que digas: «¿Qué tiene que ver esto con mi vida espiritual?».

Pues bien, Dios nos compara con la sal en la tierra porque tenemos esa preciosa labor de darles sabor con su Palabra a los que no conocen a Jesús. Por otro lado, a nosotros nos sucede lo mismo que a la sal con impurezas que se utilizaba en Israel. Por eso necesitamos ser puros para darles ejemplo a otros. Además, si nos enfriamos en la Palabra y nos volvemos insípidos, ¿cómo daremos sabor?

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
La frase «la sal de la tierra» siempre me pareció un tanto extraña.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, October 22, 2019

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/standing-strong-through-the-storm/2019/10/22
THE GLORY OF HEAVEN

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)

Suffering and persecution turn our hearts and minds to the glory that will be ours in heaven. Jesus promises a great reward in heaven to those who suffer (Matthew 5:12). Paul says above that the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with the glory of the future, and Peter agreed (I Peter 1:6, 7; 4:13; 5:1-10). A Christian song when I was growing up says, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.” Those that are living today as spiritual “refugees” look longingly toward the eternal home.

Hebrews chapter eleven helps us to understand the history of this. In the first part of the chapter which is the “hall of faith” we see faith examples of power, life and vitality. Then in verse thirty-five the list changes to those who lost their lives—some through horrendous persecution. Yet all were commended for their faith.

In his book The Barbarian Way, Erwin McManus comments about this:

All of them chose and walked the barbarian way, and they were blessed because they did not fall away on account of Jesus. They trusted Jesus with their lives, and they lost their lives on the journey. If you could interview any one of them, however, each would insist that even in the midst of suffering and hardship, he was most fully alive. They were not disappointed in God because they did not misunderstand who He was. They understood His call, and they chose it willingly. John the Baptist would join their number. Some barbarians survive the night in the lion’s den; others experience their darkest night and wake in eternity.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in the glory of heaven that awaits and makes my suffering insignificant.

PRAYER: Help me Lord to remember during the challenges I face here, that eternity with You is infinitely better. 

1. Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005), p. 41.

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 22, 2019 - Fearing the Right Things

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20191022

"Fearing the Right Things"

Oct. 22, 2019

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

I hate nightmares, don't you? I think I hate them most because nothing is what it seems. Outlines vanish into the shadows. You think you're dealing with one situation, and suddenly it morphs into something else. It's like holding a handful of fog—and it sends my anxiety right through the roof.

When I wake after a dream like that, it's pure heaven. Here is the bed, oh blessed lumpy rectangle. There is the door, and here is the alarm clock, and while that may be a horror in itself, at least it's a dependable horror, and will never strike thirteen on me. Now that I am awake, I am seeing clearly, and I can be happy and comfortable again. The fear is gone.

The angel in this passage from Revelation says something about fear. He says, "Fear God and give Him glory ... worship Him who made heaven and earth." That doesn't sound very comforting, does it? But actually it is. The angel is talking to a world full of people who have been terrorized and persecuted by evil powers. They are basically afraid of everybody and everything!

What they don't know is the right Person to fear: the God who has all power but will never, ever misuse it, the One who is perfectly holy but nevertheless "who is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6b). It is only fitting to treat Someone so powerful with the utmost respect and awe, and to tremble at His Word (see Isaiah 66:2). But this is not the kind of fear we feel for cruel or abusive people, or for the dreadful terrors the devil sends into our lives. Instead, this is the respectful, loving fear of a child for a parent he looks up to—one he trusts with all his heart.

When the Holy Spirit plants that kind of good fear and awe in our hearts, we can get free from the fear of evil people and powers. We may still suffer, but their emotional power over us is gone.

The psalmist describes it this way: "Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. ... I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation ... I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD ... I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation" (Psalm 118:5-7, 13-14, 17, 21).

Conquering the world, Jesus saves us through His shed blood, death, and resurrection. Everyone who trusts in Him will be saved, and free, forever.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me trust You when I am afraid. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
  • When was the last time you were afraid?
  • What do you do when you are afraid in order to feel better?
  • How does God help you against your fears?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
When was the last time you were afraid?

CPTLN devocional del 22 de Octubre de 2019 - Temiéndole a lo correcto


ALIMENTO DIARIO

Temiéndole a lo correcto

22 de Octubre de 2019

Luego vi otro ángel, el cual volaba en medio del cielo. Tenía el evangelio eterno, para predicarlo a los habitantes de la tierra, es decir, a toda nación, raza, lengua y pueblo. Ese ángel decía con fuerte voz: «Teman a Dios, y denle gloria, porque la hora de su juicio ha llegado. Adoren al que hizo el cielo y la tierra, el mar y los manantiales de agua.»

Odio las pesadillas, ¿y tú? Creo que las odio más porque nada es lo que parece ser. Todo se desvanece en sombras. Crees que estás lidiando con una situación y de repente se transforma en otra. Es como sostener un puñado de niebla, y esto lleva mi ansiedad por las nubes.

Cuando me despierto después de un sueño así, me siento como en el cielo. Veo mi bendito rectángulo de cama, la puerta y el despertador y, aunque el despertador puede ser una pesadilla en sí mismo, al menos es una pesadilla confiable que nunca me despierta a las trece. Cuando me despierto, puedo ver claramente y puedo volver a estar feliz y a sentirme cómoda. El miedo se ha ido.

El ángel en este pasaje de Apocalipsis habla acerca del miedo. Él dice: "Teman a Dios, y denle gloria... Adoren al que hizo el cielo y la tierra". Esto no suena muy reconfortante, ¿verdad? Pero en realidad lo es. El ángel está hablando con un mundo lleno de personas que han sido aterrorizadas y perseguidas por poderes malvados. ¡Básicamente, le tienen miedo a todos y a todo!

Es porque no saben quién es la Persona adecuada a quién temer: el Dios que tiene todo el poder pero que nunca lo usará mal, el que es perfectamente santo pero que, sin embargo, es "¡lento para la ira, y grande en misericordia y verdad!" (Éxodo 34:6b). Es apropiado tratar a Alguien tan poderoso con el mayor respeto y asombro y "temblar ante Su Palabra" (Isaías 66:2). Pero este no es el tipo de miedo que sentimos por las personas crueles o abusivas, o por los terrores que el diablo envía a nuestras vidas. Al contrario, este es el temor respetuoso y amoroso que le tiene un niño a su padre a quien admira y en quién confía con todo su corazón.

Cuando el Espíritu Santo siembra ese tipo de temor en nuestros corazones, podemos liberarnos del temor a las personas y a los poderes del mal. Aunque todavía podamos sufrir a costa de ellos, su poder emocional sobre nosotros ya no existe.

El salmista lo describe de esta manera: "En medio de la angustia clamé al Señor, y él me respondió y me dio libertad. El Señor está conmigo; no tengo miedo de lo que simples mortales me puedan hacer. El Señor está conmigo y me brinda su ayuda; ¡he de ver derrotados a los que me odian!... Me empujan con violencia, para hacerme caer, pero el Señor me sostendrá. El Señor es mi fuerza, y a él dedico mi canto porque en él he hallado salvación...Te alabo, Señor, porque me escuchas, y porque me das tu salvación" (Salmo 118:5-7, 13-14, 21).

Jesús nos salva conquistando el mundo a través de Su sangre derramada, muerte y resurrección. Todos los que confíen en Él serán salvos y libres para siempre.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, ayúdame a confiar en ti siempre, pero especialmente cuando tengo miedo. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:
  • ¿Qué cosas te producen miedo? ¿Por qué?
  • ¿Qué haces para sentirte mejor cuando tienes miedo?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Qué cosas te producen miedo? ¿Por qué?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Buena noticia para los pies

https://nuestropandiario.org/2019/10/22/buena-noticia-para-los-pies

Buena noticia para los pies

La escritura de hoy: Juan 5:1-9
La Biblia en un año: Isaías 65–66 1 Timoteo 2

… tú has librado mi alma de la muerte […]. Andaré delante del Señor en la tierra de los vivientes (Salmo 116:8-9).

La publicidad me hizo sonreír: «Los calcetines más cómodos en la historia de los pies». Luego, ampliando la afirmación sobre la buena noticia para los pies, el anunciante decía que como las medias siguen siendo el artículo más requerido en los refugios para personas sin techo, por cada par comprado, la compañía donaría otro par a alguien que lo necesitara.

Imagina la sonrisa cuando Jesús le sanó los pies a un hombre que no había podido caminar por 38 años (Juan 5:2-8). Imagina ahora la cara de los funcionarios del templo a quienes no les importó el interés de Jesús en los pies y el corazón de alguien a quien nadie había ayudado durante tanto tiempo. Acusaron al hombre y a Jesús de quebrantar una ley religiosa que prohibía trabajar el día de reposo (vv. 9-10, 16-17). Ellos vieron reglas donde Jesús vio una necesidad de misericordia.

Hasta allí, aquel hombre ni siquiera sabía quién le había dado pies nuevos. Solamente después, pudo decir que Jesús fue el que lo había sanado (vv. 13-15); el mismo Jesús que dejaría que sus propios pies fueran clavados a una cruz para ofrecerle a ese hombre —y a nosotros— la mejor noticia de la historia para cuerpos, mentes y corazones rotos.

Reflexiona y ora
¿Qué necesidades ves en quienes te rodean? ¿Cómo has visto a Jesús suplir tus necesidades?
Cuéntale a alguien cuánto bien te ha hecho el Señor Jesús.

© 2019 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
La publicidad me hizo sonreír: «Los calcetines más cómodos en la historia de los pies».