The Daily Bible Readings for SATURDAY, October 31, 2020

 

The Daily Readings
SATURDAY, October 31, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

1 Peter 5:8-9

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We must never forget that we are in a spiritual war—with an enemy who is looking for weaknesses. We should never give him a foothold. Regardless of how well things may seem to be going for us, we must always keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ—obedient to His commands and faithful to His purposes (Eph. 6:10–17).

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Thanks for a beautiful land

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

Commentary
In these verses, there is a reference to Egypt's deliverance, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstances of travelers in those countries are also noted. It is scarcely possible to conceive the horrors suffered by the hapless traveler when crossing the trackless sands, exposed to the burning rays of the sun. The words describe their case whom the Lord has redeemed from the bondage of Satan, who pass through the world as a dangerous and dreary wilderness, often ready to faint through troubles, fears, and temptations. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, and communion with him, shall be filled with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory.

What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea and other countries explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often, those filled with it, where they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.

Joshua 2:15-24
Rahab helps the scouts escape

2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.

17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.

18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.

20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.

21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.

23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:

24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

Commentary
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. God's goodness is often expressed by his kindness and truth, Psalm 117:2; in both these, we must be followers of him. Those who will be conscientious in keeping promises are cautious in making them. The spies make needful conditions. The scarlet cord, like the blood upon the doorpost at the passover, recalls to remembrance the sinner's security under the atoning blood of Christ; and that we are to flee to it for refuge from the wrath of a justly offended God. The same cord Rahab used to save these Israelites was to be used for her own safety. What we serve and honor God with, we may expect he will bless and make useful to us.

The report the spies brought was encouraging. All the people of the country faint because of Israel; they have neither wisdom to yield nor courage to fight. Those terrors of conscience, and that sense of Divine wrath, which dismay the ungodly, but bring not to repentance, are fearful forebodings of approaching destruction. But grace yet abounds to the chief of sinners. Let them, without delay, flee to Christ, and all shall be well.

Matthew 23:13-28
Woe to the scribes and Pharisees

23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Commentary
The scribes and Pharisees were enemies to the gospel of Christ, and therefore to the salvation of men's souls. It is bad to keep away from Christ ourselves, but worse also to keep others from him. Yet it is no new thing for the show and form of godliness to be made a cloak to the greatest enormities. But dissembled piety will be reckoned double iniquity. They were very busy to turn souls to be of their party. Not for the glory of God and the good of souls, but that they might have the credit and advantage of making converts. Gain being their godliness, by a thousand devices; they made religion give way to their worldly interests. They were very strict and precise in smaller matters of the law but careless and loose in weightier matters. It is not the scrupling a little sin that Christ here reproves; if it be a sin, though, but a gnat, it must be strained out, but the doing that, and then swallowing a camel, or, committing a greater sin. While they would seem to be godly, they were neither sober nor righteous. We are really what we are inwardly. Outward motives may keep the outside clean, while the inside is filthy, but if the heart and spirit be made new, there will be newness of life; here, we must begin with ourselves. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was like the ornaments of a grave or dressing up a dead body, only for show. The deceitfulness of sinners' hearts appears in that they go down the streams of the sins of their own day, while they fancy that they should have opposed the sins of former days. We sometimes think, if we had lived when Christ was upon earth, that we should not have despised and rejected him, as men then did; yet Christ in his Spirit, in his word, in his ministers, is still no better treated. And it is just with God to give those up to their hearts' lusts, who obstinately persist in gratifying them. Christ gives men their true characters.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

The Daily Bible Readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. 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 what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Readings for SATURDAY, October 31, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28 (KJV)

Prayer of the Day for SATURDAY, October 31, 2020

 

Prayer of the Day
SATURDAY, October 31, 2020

Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

— Psalm 118:4–6 (NIV)

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we thank you. How often you rescue us from all fear and distress! How often you hear and answer us! Grant that our hearts may always be eager and joyful because you answer us. There is nothing else for us in this world; you are our one hope, our only hope. You alone can help our times, help the nations, help each person. Nothing else matters to us. Lord our God, for the rest of our life on earth you alone are our help, our comfort, and our strength. Amen.

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, October 31, 2020

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We must never forget that we are in a spiritual war—with an enemy who is looking for weaknesses. We should never give him a foothold. Regardless of how well things may seem to be going for us, we must always keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ—obedient to His commands and faithful to His purposes (Eph. 6:10–17).

Read all of 1 Peter 5

Listen to 1 Peter 5

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — The Reason We Boast

 

The Reason We Boast

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong; God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things of the world to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Jesus Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God, that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption, therefore as it is written; "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!"

— 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

Reformation Day is a wonderful day! It's the day some 500 years ago when the German monk Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany. In so doing, he pointed to the power of real forgiveness in the Person and work of Jesus. Led by God's Holy Spirit, Luther came to understand that the Good News of salvation for everyone is not wishful thinking; it's not based in works that we can do, or imagine we can do. Rather, it's the grace-filled work of God in the flesh for the sake of every sinner in the world.

The spirit of the Reformation is centered on Jesus, and how He—not the institutional church, not the purchase of indulgences for bogus pardons, not performed rituals for special favors—but Jesus provides for our salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. Concerning this divine truth, Luther was willing to boast about his Savior and His message of grace alone, through faith alone, based on Scripture alone—no matter what it cost him. Why? Because he wanted people like you and me to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The passage in 1 Corinthians is clear. When it comes to us, there's no boasting possible. Our science, our technology, our engineering, our cumulative wisdom is always tainted by our sin, our pride, our selfish ambition. When God comes to remedy that, He is even willing to come as a Servant, through a manger, on a cross, because that's the power of God for salvation to all who believe (see Romans 1:16). And that's worth boasting about because it blesses not just the proclaimer but the listener as well.

Martin Luther knew that Jesus is the only One worthy of our boasting because He alone won the victory for each of us at Calvary. Luther boasted about that grace, and I will echo his words and boast about that grace in Jesus, too. Why? So that everyone—from the greatest to the least of us—might come to know true life and salvation in Him forever. I pray that His Gospel has been a blessing to you.

Keep the faith, and have a blessed Reformation Day.

Dear Lord Jesus, give us the confidence to trust in You, to boast in You, to live life boldly for You in all we do. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

Reflection Questions:

1. What accomplishments do you take pride in?

2. How has God shamed the strong by choosing the lowly things?

3. Is it bad to boast about yourself? About someone else? What's the difference?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Reformation Day is a wonderful day! It's the day some 500 years ago when the German monk Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany. In so doing, he pointed to the power of real forgiveness in the Person and work of Jesus.

Standing Strong Through the Storm — IN CHAINS FOR CHRIST

 

IN CHAINS FOR CHRIST

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

— Philippians 1:13

In Afghanistan, authorities arrested Said Musa on May 31, 2010, days after the local TV station broadcast images of Afghan Christians being baptized and worshiping the Lord. A Christian for eight years, he is married and the father of six. Before release from prison, he wrote:

Hello, my dear brothers and sisters, lovely and strong in faith. On Saturday, I went to court, but my session was not held. I met then two persons. I became very happy when they introduced themselves [as my] defense attorneys…I immediately felt joy in my heart, like somebody gave me comfort, like stars, like lights. I one hundred percent believe it was the Holy Spirit healing my heart.

On Thursday, some high officials came from the Attorney General’s office. They asked me, “What is your name?” I introduced myself to them. After that, they asked me, “Are you truly a Christian?” I replied to them, “I am one hundred percent Christian. I believe in the Son of God Almighty. He is my Savior and Lord. I told them the only way to come to God is to have faith in Jesus Christ, He’s the way, He’s eternal life, He’s truth, He’s love, He’s really God.”

After that, they asked me, “What is wrong with being a Muslim that you converted to the Christian religion?” I told them, “it’s the plan of God. God chose his people to complete his work on the earth. Muslim is not bad. The Christian people are never against any religion in the world. Our fight is just with Satan. We love our enemies, like ourselves.” They joked and mocked me. “You want to make us Christians now?”

Today a new person came. He asked me, “Why do you not accept Islam; why is this religion better?” I replied to him, “the golden thing is this; love your enemy as yourself. In which religion do you find this word? Just in Christianity.”

He told me, “You know your punishment. It’s death.” I told him, “I am one hundred percent ready for the sake of my faith. My Savior gave his life for me. I am not afraid of a human; he just kills my body, but does not hurt my soul. I am afraid of my Lord and Savior; He will be able to punish my soul too. I told him I am holding on to my faith. I will never betray my faith. Without Jesus, what does the life in this world or the afterlife mean? Nothing!”

RESPONSE: Today, I will pray for those like Said Musa, who are truly in prison for their faith.

PRAYER: Lord, may I have the strength and courage to confess You even under severe pressure.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
In Afghanistan, authorities arrested Said Musa on May 31, 2010, days after the local TV station broadcast images of Afghan Christians being baptized and worshiping the Lord.

The NIV Couples Devotional — Giving With Grace

 

Giving With Grace

Deuteronomy 15:1–11

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

— Deuteronomy 15:10

Years ago, I said something that still bothers me when I think about it. I had led a young couple to faith in Jesus. The husband earned a good living in his hairstyling salon. In the basement of their home, he kept the barber’s chair that his deceased father had once used in a shop in another town.

His father’s chair was more than an item of nostalgia, however. My friend used the chair in his basement two evenings and part of Saturday each week to seat customers who couldn’t afford to see him in his shop. In this homey room, my friend clipped and snipped the hair of the poor. Some, like me, he charged a nominal fee; others he waved out the door with a smile.

After one splendid haircut, I pulled out my wallet and handed him a note that was twice what he usually charged me. It was my smallest note, but he had no change. “Just keep it,” I said. “Next time, I won’t have to pay anything.”

Indeed, as I stepped out of the chair after my next grooming session and reached for my wallet, my friend said, “Wait! You’ve already paid for this one!”

It was then that I said some horrible words: “If you had remembered that earlier,” I teased, “you wouldn’t have done such a good job, would you?”

A slight grimace furrowed my friend’s brow before he caught himself and laughed. He was a generous man, and I had treated his kindness flippantly by joking that mercenary demons drove his heart.

It seems like materialism is all around us, and it is not uncommon for people to be driven by need and greed. During the lean years that many of us experience, we can become selfish and cheap. Those attitudes can stick, even when resources grow and demands diminish.

God built safeguards into Israelite society so that debt wouldn’t dehumanize those who became trapped in it. But God also knew that some people would try to manipulate handouts and bailouts and other kinds of welfare for their own cunning ends. So he asked his people to be generous to the poor, even if the poor appeared to be abusing the gifts.

Generosity and graciousness are learned qualities. They must be caught from the example of bighearted souls. Like God. Like the widow who gave two very small copper coins—all she had to live on (see Mark 12:41–44). Like the disciples who shared their lunch with a crowd (see Matthew 15:32–39). Like my barber.

We must practice giving so that generosity becomes an essential part of who we are. And when we give, we’ll find that our generosity is rewarded by God, who will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk

• In what ways has God blessed us? In what ways are we tight-fisted about sharing what we have? How can we make our spending and giving reflect our values?
• Who are some generous people who have helped us along the way? What have we learned from them? How are we becoming like them?
• What did we learn about money and generosity from our parents? Were these good or bad lessons? What will our children learn from us?

Years ago, I said something that still bothers me when I think about it.

John Piper Devotional — The Seminary of Suffering

 

The Seminary of Suffering

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

— 2 Corinthians 12:9

This is God’s universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in self and the world. I have never heard anyone say, “The really deep lessons of life have come through times of ease and comfort.”

But I have heard strong saints say, “Every significant advance I have ever made in grasping the depths of God’s love and growing deep with him has come through suffering.”

The pearl of greatest price is the glory of Christ.

Thus, Paul stresses that in our sufferings, the glory of Christ’s all-sufficient grace is magnified. If we rely on him in our calamity and he sustains our “rejoicing in hope,” then he is shown to be the all-satisfying God of grace and strength that he is.

If we hold fast to him, “when all around our soul gives way,” then we show that he is more to be desired than all we have lost.

Christ said to the suffering apostle, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responded to this: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

So suffering clearly is designed by God not only as a way to wean Christians off of self and onto grace but also as a way to spotlight that grace and make it shine. That is precisely what faith does; it magnifies Christ’s future grace.

The deep things of life in God are discovered in suffering.
This is God’s universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in self and the world.

Un dia a la Vez — Jesús y la limosna

 

Jesús y la limosna

Cuando ores, entra en tu aposento, y cerrada la puerta, ora a tu Padre que está en secreto; y tu Padre que ve en lo secreto te recompensará en público.

— Mateo 6:6, RV-60

Fíjense bien que lo que Dios nos ha exhortado durante estos últimos devocionales es a que todo lo que hagamos para Él sea en silencio, pues es un Dios de intimidad. Es evidente que le molesta la gente ruidosa y que les dicen a todos lo que diezman, lo que ofrendan y hoy, en este devocional, lo que oran.

Una vez más Jesús dice que si vas a orar, lo hagas solo, que no seas como los hipócritas que oran de pie en las sinagogas y en la calle para que los vean. ¡Cuánto le choca esto a nuestro Dios!

Ahora bien, esto no quiere decir que no podamos orar en grupo o en familia de una manera audible. Tampoco se trata de que no podamos ir a las misiones, pues a lo que Dios se refiere es a la intención de nuestro corazón.

También nos enseña que no seamos repetitivos en la oración como los loros, sino tengamos una conversación natural y sincera de nuestro corazón con Él.

Aprendemos, entonces, que todo lo que hagamos en secreto, Él nos lo recompensara en público. Y aun si no se nos reconociera, es bueno hacerlo en silencio.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Fíjense bien que lo que Dios nos ha exhortado durante estos últimos devocionales es a que todo lo que hagamos para Él sea en silencio, pues es un Dios de intimidad.

Хліб Наш Насущній — Бруски, цеглини і Бог

 

Бруски, цеглини і Бог

Читати: Йова 1:18-22 | Біблія за рік: Єремії 22–23 ; Тита 1

Завантажити MP3

Господь дав, – і Господь узяв… Нехай буде благословенне Господнє Ім’я!

— Йова 1:21

Після молитви про Боже покликання для подальшого життя, Марк і Ніна вирішили, що їм треба переїхати в центр міста. Вони придбали будинок і розпочали ремонт, але раптом налетів ураган. Марк написав мені текстове повідомлення: “Цього ранку в нас сталася несподіванка. Торнадо, який прийшов з Джефферсон-Сіті, знищив нашу будівлю. Залишилися лише бруски і цеглини. Бог щось готує для нас”.

Неконтрольовані бурі – не єдине, що нас дивує і бентежить. У нещасті важливо не втратити з поля зору Бога.

Природна буря, яка сталася в житті Йова і призвела до втрати майна та смерті його дітей (Йов 1:19), була лише однією з шокуючих несподіванок, яких він зазнав. Перед цим до нього прийшли три посланці з поганими новинами (вв. 13-17).

Одного дня ми можемо перейти від святкування до скорботи, від радіння життю до помирання або до інших життєвих труднощів. Наше життя може швидко зруйнуватися до “брусків та цеглин” у фінансовій, родинній, фізичній, емоційній або в духовній сферах. Однак Бог сильніший за будь-яку бурю. Щоб витримати життєві випробування, нам потрібна віра, зосереджена на Ньому, віра, яка допомагає нам разом з Йовом та іншими сказати: “Нехай буде благословенне Господнє Ім’я!” (в. 21).

Що допомогло вам прояснити бачення, коли ви втратили з поля зору Бога? Як історія Йова може вам допомогти впоратися з життєвими бурями?

Отче, прости, що під час життєвих труднощів я втрачав Тебе з поля зору. Допоможи подивитися на Тебе новим поглядом.

Автор Артур Джексон

© 2020 Хліб Наш Насущні
Після молитви про Боже покликання для подальшого життя, Марк і Ніна вирішили, що їм треба переїхати в центр міста. Вони придбали будинок і розпочали ремонт, але раптом налетів ураган.

The Daily Bible Readings for FRIDAY, October 30, 2020

 

The Daily Readings
THURSDAY, October 29, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3
The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

If our salvation were dependent upon our actions—if we could be redeemed by doing good works, keeping the commandments, and refraining from sin—we would always be in danger of losing it whenever we stumbled. However, because salvation is a gift given to us freely—and not in exchange for anything we can do—it is completely secure. Therefore, our salvation magnifies the awesome love and grace of God alone, since He blesses us not because of our merit but because of His goodness.

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Thanks for a beautiful land

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

Commentary
In these verses, there is a reference to Egypt's deliverance, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstances of travelers in those countries are also noted. It is scarcely possible to conceive the horrors suffered by the hapless traveler when crossing the trackless sands, exposed to the burning rays of the sun. The words describe their case whom the Lord has redeemed from the bondage of Satan, who pass through the world as a dangerous and dreary wilderness, often ready to faint through troubles, fears, and temptations. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, and communion with him, shall be filled with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory.

What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea and other countries explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often, those filled with it, where they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.

Joshua 2:1-14
Rahab shelters the scouts

2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.

3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.

4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:

5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.

6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

Commentary
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though they did not. Rahab appears to have been an innkeeper, and if she had formerly been one of evil life, which is doubtful, she had left her evil courses. That which seems to us most accidental is often overruled by the Divine providence to serve great ends. By faith, Rahab received those with peace, against whom her king and country had war. We are sure this was a good work; it is so spoken of by the apostle, James 2:25; and she did it by faith, such faith had set her above the fear of man. Those only are true believers, who find in their hearts to venture for God; they take his people for their people and cast in their lot among them. God's special providence led the spies, and Rahab entertained them out of regard to Israel and Israel's God, and not for lucre or for any evil purpose. Though excuses may be offered for Rahab's falsehood's guilt, it seems best to admit nothing, which tends to explain it away. Her views of the Divine law must have been very dim: a falsehood like this, told by those who enjoy the light of revelation, whatever the motive, would deserve heavy censure.

2 Peter 2:1-3
False prophets and their punishment

2:2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Commentary
Though the way of error is hurtful, many are always ready to walk therein. Let us take care we give no occasion to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name whereby we are called, or to speak evil of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. These seducers used feigned words; they deceived the hearts of their followers. Such are condemned already, and the wrath of God abides upon them. Examples show God's usual method of proceeding. Angels were cast down from all their glory and dignity for their disobedience. If creatures sin, even in heaven, they must suffer in hell.

Sin is the work of darkness, and darkness is the wages of sin. See how God dealt with the old world. The number of offenders no more procures favor than their quality. If the sin is universal, the punishment shall likewise extend to all. If the people abound in sin in a fruitful soil, God can at once turn a fruitful land into barrenness and a well-watered country into ashes. No plans or politics can keep off judgments from a sinful people. He who keeps fire and water from hurting his people, Isaiah 43:2, can make either destroy his enemies; they are never safe. When God sends destruction on the ungodly, he commands deliverance for the righteous. In bad company, we cannot but get either guilt or grief. Let the sins of others be troubles to us. Yet it is possible for the children of the Lord, living among the most profane, to retain their integrity; there being more power in the grace of Christ, and his dwelling in them, than in the temptations of Satan, or the example of the wicked, with all their terrors or allurements. In our intentions and inclinations to commit sin, we meet with strange hindrances, and if we mark them when we intend mischief, God sends many stops to hinder us, as if to say, Take heed what you do. His wisdom and power will surely affect his love's purposes and the engagements of his truth, while wicked men often escape suffering here because they are kept to the day of judgment, to be punished with the devil and his angels.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

The Daily Bible Readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. 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 what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, October 30, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV)

Prayer of the Day for FRIDAY, October 30, 2020

 

Prayer of the Day
FRIDAY, October 30, 2020

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

— Psalm 117 (NIV)

Lord our God, we thank you that we may come to you and that our spirits can reach out for your help and your comfort. May we draw strength from communion with you, our Father. May we realize more fully that we are your children, truly your children, who throughout our pilgrimage are allowed to know you as our refuge and our help. Remember our world, and grant that many hearts awaken and turn to you, looking to you in all the fear and need which sweep over many people in our time. Let your Spirit be revealed to our hearts in quiet, bringing many experiences from you, O Lord our God, and from your kingdom. Protect us every day in the many lands throughout the earth. For the nations are yours; they shall receive life and blessing from you, and at last your kingdom will be revealed in all the world, to the eternal glory of your name. Amen.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, October 30, 2020

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Read all of Ephesians 2

Listen to Ephesians 2

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — Give It to God

 

Give It to God

How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!

— Psalms 35:17

Recently, a friend related to me an incident where a man lost his entire family in a fire.

She told me how inconsolable the man had been, how he had become hysterical, even to the point he had to be sedated. Her comment was, "Everyone who watched the whole thing kept asking how God could allow such a thing to happen."

Indeed, she spoke for many. When we see bad things happen around us, we wonder how God could just look on and not do anything. When there is a great loss of life that often comes as a result of a natural disaster, we demand to know where God was—why He didn't intervene?

The psalmist wants to know the same thing from the Lord. Fearing for his personal safety, it seems as if his words are accusing God of complacency, while the enemy plots his destruction.

Similarly, in our distress, we sometimes accuse God of being complacent—not caring or aloof—when we encounter unpleasant situations. Reading this devotion, you may be asking the same question.

Perhaps your entire world is coming apart at the seams, and you are demanding to know how God could allow this to happen. You are, after all, His child; you were baptized in the Name of the Triune God, and you partake of the blessed meal, Holy Communion. So why does God allow such bad things to happen to you?

I don't know what has happened, is happening, or why. I don't know the amount of pain and hurt you are experiencing, but I do know this: during times when I have faced rough situations, I have always found God's comfort in the book of Psalms.

And I would like to draw your attention to Psalm 42. Here the author laments the bad that has happened to him. He says people are asking him where is his God. Their criticism and comments indicate they believe if God loved him, then all these bad things would not be happening.

In spite of all this, the psalmist refused to focus on the bad that has happened or even why it happened. Psalm 42:11 says, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God."

Of course, we can't turn a blind eye to our suffering or pretend it's not happening. Instead, we can find help and strength from God to carry on. He does care—so much so that Jesus suffered and died to give us hope eternal. Standing at the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb, we know—beyond any doubt—our God loves us and will always do what is best for us.

Dear Lord, lift me up in those times when life is painful and I am full of doubt. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Tshepo G. Kutumela, South Africa

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever dealt with a catastrophic disaster?

2. When you're in difficult and trying times, what are your prayers to God like?

3. Do you have a favorite episode in the Bible that speaks to you when you need strength in difficult times?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Recently, a friend related to me an incident where a man lost his entire family in a fire.

Standing Strong Through the Storm — ADVANCING THE GOSPEL

 

ADVANCING THE GOSPEL

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

— Philippians 1:12

The Apostle Paul writes these words from prison, but he assures his readers that prison in no way hindered the spread of the gospel but actually advanced it. Then he states in the following verses that he is chained only because of Christ, and because of his imprisonment, others have become bolder and fearless in sharing their faith. And the gospel advances!

A Vietnamese brother, we’ll call Daniel, was led by the Lord to the minister in the north, where he soon found himself amid a revival. The inevitable soon happened, and Daniel was sent to prison, his “training school,” for three years. He shares his experience in prison:

After my arrest, I was put in solitary confinement and chained to the ground for six months. This was a very hard time for me. The cell was only 2 x 3 meters, there were no lights in the cell, and I only had one bowl of rice and salt a day. A piece of bamboo was stuck between my crossed legs and chained to the ground. My hands were chained to the ground behind my back, and whenever I had to go to the toilet, I was offered only a plastic bag.

I felt totally deserted. I asked the Lord to take my life. It was too much for me. I prayed a lot, but thankfully the Lord did not do what I asked.

One night in my prison cell, chained to the ground, I saw a vision of the Lord. He did not speak a word. He just placed his hand on me, and I felt how new strength filled my body. I cried and repented before the Lord. Then I knew the Lord was saying to me that He would not allow me to leave this world defeated, that when He takes me “home,” it would be victoriously. The next day the police came and took me to another cell, but I could not walk. After one year, I could walk again.

Today I can see why God allowed this difficult time. After three years in prison, there is a church in every area where I spent time, and more than 200 inmates came to know the Lord. Three other prisoners who came to know the Lord also started churches in prison.

When I was released, I found that my village church had grown to 500. I know that God has a good plan. He sent me to prison to preach the gospel and so that I may become a strong warrior for Him.

RESPONSE: Today, I will pray differently for brothers and sisters in prison for their faith.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to always trust Your plan – even when it seems difficult and overwhelming.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
The Apostle Paul writes these words from prison, but he assures his readers that prison in no way hindered the spread of the gospel but actually advanced it.

Men of the Bible — Peter

 

Peter

His name means: "Rock"

His work: A career fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.
His character: Peter was a determined and impetuous man who became bold in his witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
His sorrow: Like many impulsive people, Peter's greatest enemy was his mouth—speaking without thinking. This landed him in all kinds of trouble.
His triumph: The leadership of the disciples, the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, and his martyrdom for the Savior he loved.
Key Scriptures: Luke 9

A Look at the Man

Simon Peter had heard about Jesus. Living close to the Sea of Galilee, as Peter did, it would have been hard to miss him. But Peter's career kept him busy. Being distracted by the Teacher wouldn't be good for business.

Then one morning, as Jesus walked along the shore with the usual crowd of people surrounding him, he stopped and, without warning or permission, stepped into Peter's boat. Imagine the fisherman's shock when Jesus said to him, "Push out into the deep and drop your nets."

"But, Master," Peter protested, surprised that Jesus knew his name. "We've been up all night fishing and haven't caught anything."

Jesus turned to look at Peter with a glance that for the next three years would become familiar.

"Okay," Peter sighed. "Because it's you, I'll do it."

The moment the nets drifted below the water's surface, they filled with fish. Peter called for a second boat. But the nets were so full of fish that both boats nearly sank. Suddenly Peter made the connection between the miracle and his own wickedness. "Go away, Lord," he pleaded as he fell to his knees. "I'm a sinful man."

The Master must have instantly bonded to this rough but tenderhearted fisherman. "Don't be afraid, my friend," Jesus said to him. This may have been the first time anyone had ever said these words to this brave man. Then Jesus added, "Follow me."

The most outspoken and visible of Jesus' disciples, Simon Peter was a remarkably complex man. He was impulsive, brash, thickheaded, courageous, tough—and fearful. But there was a special place among Jesus' closest followers for this man. We have no record of there being an election of officers, but the gospel writers put Peter's name first when they list the disciples. He was their designated leader.

And there was a special place in Jesus' heart for Peter as well. He was the only disciple who received a new name—a nickname. "Blessed are you, Simon son of John," Jesus announced to him one day. "Now you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. And against my church, the gates of hell don't have a chance."

But like the man who carried the name, the word rock had many faces. Certainly, there was the kind of rock that provided stability—bedrock on which the church was to be built. But there was the rock that represented shallowness—an impediment for the seed to grow. There was the rock that got in the way of progress—the stumbling stone of offense. And there was the rock that was many Jews' weapon of choice. And in a contemporary setting, rock sometimes refers to a precious gem. Jesus couldn't have given Simon a more appropriate moniker.

But any instability that marked the man before Jesus' resurrection was permanently erased once he touched the risen Savior and heard his call once more: "Follow me!" It was Peter who stood at Pentecost and preached a radical conversion message. It was Peter who, like his Lord, healed the sick—even his shadow had healing power! It was Peter who confidently stood before the antagonists in the Sanhedrin, the same men who later murdered Stephen. "Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus," he declared. "There's no other name under heaven by which we must be saved!"

It was Peter who was singled out for an extremely unpopular assignment—to take the message of salvation to non-Jews. Peter, whom King Herod imprisoned for his refusal to stop preaching the Good News, was miraculously set free by an angel. And it was Peter whose death, Jesus said, would "glorify God."

While ministering in Rome, Peter was arrested by Nero and was later tried and crucified. However, unwilling to be killed in the same sacred way his Master had died, Peter requested that he be crucified upside down. His wish was granted, and God was glorified.

Reflect On: 1 Peter 4:12–13

Praise God: For his love.
Offer Thanks: For the wonder of a Savior who meets us where we are and transforms us by his Spirit.
Confess: Your inconsistency in wanting to follow him but so often neglecting to be his unfailing and faithful ambassador.
Ask God: For the will to be in his presence daily and to find in that encounter his redeeming power.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
Living close to the Sea of Galilee, as Peter did, it would have been hard to miss him. But Peter's career kept him busy. Being distracted by the Teacher wouldn't be good for business.

John Piper Devotional — The Danger of Drifting

 

The Danger of Drifting

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

— Hebrews 2:1

We all know people that this has happened to. There is no urgency. No vigilance. No focused listening or considering or fixing of their eyes on Jesus. And the result has not been standing still but drifting away.

That is the point here: there is no standing still. The life of this world is not a lake. It is a river. And it is flowing downward to destruction. If you do not listen earnestly to Jesus and consider him daily and fix your eyes on him hourly, then you will not stand still. You will go backward. You will float by.

Drifting is a deadly thing in the Christian life. And the remedy to it, according to Hebrews 2:1, is, “Pay close attention to what you have heard.” That is, consider what God is saying in his Son Jesus. Fix your eyes on what God is saying and doing in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

This is not a hard stroke to learn so that we can swim against the stream of sin and indifference. The only thing that keeps us from swimming like this is our sinful desire to float with other interests.

But let us not complain that God has given us a hard job. Listen, consider, fix the eyes—this is not what you would call a hard job description. It is not a job description. It is a solemn invitation to be satisfied in Jesus so that we do not get lured downstream by deceitful desires.

If you are drifting today, one of the signs of hope that you are born again is that you feel pricked for this, and there is a rising desire in your heart to turn your eyes on Jesus and consider him and listen to him in the days and months and years to come.
We all know people that this has happened to.

Un dia a la Vez — Jesús y la limosna

 

Jesús y la limosna

Que sea tu limosna en secreto; y tu Padre que ve en lo secreto te recompensará en público.

— Mateo 6:4, RV-60

En este día veremos principios que Dios dejó establecidos a fin de que se cumplan al pie de la letra. Y juntos vamos a pedirle a nuestro Jesús que nos ilumine y nos permita entender, con palabras muy sencillas, lo que nos dejó en la Biblia. Lo que es más importante, una vez que los entendamos, que seamos capaces de aplicarlos para tener una vida en victoria.

La limosna o la ofrenda, como se le conoce en otras partes, debe ser algo que se entregue con mucha prudencia y no de una manera ruidosa y llamativa, pues Jesús mismo llama hipócritas a quienes lo hacen así. En realidad, esta clase de persona es la que se hace pasar por piadosa sin serlo. Por eso recuerda que la ofrenda es algo entre tú y Dios.

Tampoco llamemos la atención con nuestros actos de humanidad, porque lo que hacemos es como para Dios y no para los hombres. Nadie necesita saber lo que haces por los demás y menos en cuestión de dinero.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
En este día veremos principios que Dios dejó establecidos a fin de que se cumplan al pie de la letra.

Devocional CPTLN — Dáselo a Dios

 

Dáselo a Dios

Señor, ¿cuánto más seguirás viendo esto? ¡Salva mi vida de las garras de estos leones! ¡Es la única vida que tengo!

— Salmo 35:17

Recientemente, un amigo me relató un incidente en el que un hombre perdió a toda su familia en un incendio. Me contó que se puso tan mal, que tuvo que ser sedado. El comentario de mi amigo fue: "Todos se preguntaban cómo Dios podía permitir que sucediera algo así".

De hecho, habló por muchos. Cuando vemos que suceden cosas malas a nuestro alrededor, nos preguntamos cómo Dios no hizo nada. Cuando un desastre natural produce una gran pérdida de vidas, exigimos saber dónde estaba Dios: ¿por qué no intervino?

El salmista quiere saber lo mismo del Señor. Temiendo por su seguridad personal, parece que sus palabras acusan a Dios de complacencia mientras el enemigo trama su destrucción.

De manera similar a veces, cuando nos encontramos con situaciones desagradables, en nuestra angustia acusamos a Dios de ser complaciente, despreocupado y distante. Quizás en estos momentos te estés haciendo esa misma pregunta. Quizás tu mundo se está desmoronando y estás exigiendo saber cómo Dios puede permitir que esto suceda. Después de todo, eres su hijo: fuiste bautizado en el Nombre del Dios Trino y participas de la Santa Comunión. Entonces, ¿por qué Dios permite que te sucedan cosas tan malas? No sé qué te ha pasado por qué y tampoco sé cuánto dolor estás experimentando. Pero sí sé esto: en los momentos en que me he enfrentado a situaciones difíciles, siempre he encontrado el consuelo de Dios en el libro de los Salmos.

Es por ello que me gustaría llamar tu atención sobre el Salmo 42, donde su autor lamenta lo malo que le ha sucedido y dice que la gente le pregunta dónde está su Dios. Sus críticas y comentarios indican que creen que si Dios lo amara, todas esas cosas malas no le estarían sucediendo. Sin embargo, y a pesar de todo eso, el salmista se niega a enfocarse en lo malo. En cambio, dice: "¿Por qué te desanimas, alma mía? ¿Por qué te inquietas dentro de mí? Espera en Dios, porque aún debo alabarlo. ¡Él es mi Dios! ¡Él es mi salvador!" (Salmo 42:11).

Por supuesto que no podemos hacer la vista gorda ante el sufrimiento o fingir que no es real. Pero sí podemos encontrar la ayuda y la fuerza de Dios para seguir adelante. A Él le importamos tanto, que envió a su hijo Jesús a sufrir y morir para darnos esperanza eterna. Parados ante el pesebre, la cruz y la tumba vacía sabemos, sin lugar a dudas, que nuestro Dios nos ama y siempre hará lo mejor para nosotros.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, cuando la vida es dolorosa y estoy lleno de dudas ayúdame a recordar que puedo contar contigo. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Tshepo G. Kutumela, LHM Sudáfrica

Para reflexionar:

* Cuando estás pasando por tiempos difíciles, ¿a qué o a quién recurres en busca de ayuda?

* ¿Cuál es tu pasaje favorito de la Biblia cuando necesitas ser fortalecido y consolado?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Recientemente, un amigo me relató un incidente en el que un hombre perdió a toda su familia en un incendio.

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày — Ai Cũng Cần Người Cố Vấn

 

Ai Cũng Cần Người Cố Vấn

Đọc: Tít 2:1–8 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Giê-rê-mi 20–21; II Ti-mô-thê 4

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Mến gửi Tít, con thật của ta trong đức tin chung.

— Tít 1:4

Khi bước vào văn phòng của người quản lý mới, tôi cảm thấy dè dặt và không chút cảm xúc. Người quản lý cũ đã điều hành bộ phận của chúng tôi với sự khắt khe và trịch thượng, thường khiến tôi (và những người khác) rơi nước mắt. Bây giờ tôi tự hỏi: Sếp mới của mình sẽ như thế nào? Ngay sau khi bước vào văn phòng của sếp mới, tôi cảm thấy nỗi sợ tan biến khi sếp chào đón tôi nồng nhiệt và bảo tôi chia sẻ về bản thân cũng như sự bức xúc của mình. Ông chăm chú lắng nghe, và tôi biết rằng biểu hiện tử tế và lời nói nhã nhặn cho thấy ông ấy thực sự quan tâm. Là Cơ Đốc nhân, ông ấy đã trở thành cố vấn, người khích lệ và là người bạn của tôi.

Sứ đồ Phao-lô là cố vấn thuộc linh của Tít, “con thật [của ông] trong đức tin chung” (Tít 1:4). Trong bức thư gửi Tít, Phao-lô đưa ra những hướng dẫn hữu ích cho vai trò của Tít trong hội thánh. Ông không chỉ dạy mà còn làm gương cách “dạy những điều phù hợp với giáo lý chân chính” (2:1), “gương mẫu qua các việc lành” và “tỏ ra trung thực, nghiêm trang khi dạy dỗ; lời nói phải đúng đắn” (c.7-8). Kết quả là Tít trở thành người cộng sự, anh em, người đồng công với ông (II Cô. 2:13; 8:23) – và là người cố vấn cho người khác.

Nhiều người trong chúng ta nhận được ích lợi từ người cố vấn – giáo viên, huấn luyện viên, ông bà, đặc trách giới trẻ, hay mục sư – họ hướng dẫn chúng ta bằng kiến thức, sự khôn ngoan, lời khích lệ và đức tin nơi Chúa. Ai đã nhận được ích lợi từ những bài học thuộc linh mà bạn học được trong hành trình với Chúa Jêsus?

Ai là người cố vấn thuộc linh của bạn? Bạn từng dìu dắt ai? Và bạn sẽ dìu dắt ai?

Lạy Cha, con biết ơn Ngài vì tất cả những người đã dìu dắt con khi con cần họ nhất. Xin chỉ dẫn con đến với ai đó đang cần sự khích lệ của con hôm nay.

bởi Alyson Kieda

Chú Giải

Từ “tiết chế” được sử dụng trong phân đoạn Kinh Thánh hôm nay (Tít 2:1-8) được dịch từ sṓphrōn trong tiếng Hy Lạp, có nghĩa là “biết suy xét”. Sự tự chủ – phán đoán chín chắn, kiềm chế phù hợp – là điều được nhắc đến. Phao-lô sử dụng một dạng của từ này năm lần trong Tít. Những người chăm sóc đời sống tâm linh của con dân Chúa phải biết “tự chủ” (1:8). Và trong một nền văn hóa nơi con người được biết đến là “kẻ nói dối, những con thú dữ, những kẻ ham ăn mà lười biếng” (c.12), những người nam và người nữ tin kính (2:2, 5-6) phải trở thành tấm gương cho những người được chọn bởi ân điển của Đức Chúa Trời để “từ bỏ sự không tin kính và dục vọng trần gian” và thay vào đó “sống một cách tiết độ, công chính và tin kính trong đời nầy” (c.12).

Arthur Jackson

© 2020 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Khi bước vào văn phòng của người quản lý mới, tôi cảm thấy dè dặt và không chút cảm xúc. Người quản lý cũ đã điều hành bộ phận của chúng tôi với sự khắt khe và trịch thượng, thường khiến tôi (và những người khác) rơi nước mắt. Bây giờ tôi tự hỏi: Sếp mới của mình sẽ như thế nào?

The Daily Bible Readings for THURSDAY, October 29, 2020

 

The Daily Readings
THURSDAY, October 29, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29
The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Many people accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and never learn how to live a life that honors Him. But Paul encourages us to turn ourselves over to God each day, lay our wills on the altar before Him, and ask Him to use us for His glory and the good of His people. In full trust and worship, we commit to obeying Him, knowing that the Lord knows how best to lead us—no matter what happens.

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Thanks for a beautiful land

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

Commentary
In these verses, there is a reference to Egypt's deliverance, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstances of travelers in those countries are also noted. It is scarcely possible to conceive the horrors suffered by the hapless traveler when crossing the trackless sands, exposed to the burning rays of the sun. The words describe their case whom the Lord has redeemed from the bondage of Satan, who pass through the world as a dangerous and dreary wilderness, often ready to faint through troubles, fears, and temptations. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, and communion with him, shall be filled with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory.

What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea and other countries explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often, those filled with it, where they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.

Joshua 1:1-11
God commissions Joshua

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it.

Commentary
Joshua had attended upon Moses. He, who was called to honor, had been long used to business. Our Lord Jesus took upon him the form of a servant. Joshua was trained up under command. Those are fittest to rule, who have learned to obey. The removal of useful men should quicken survivors to be more diligent in doing good. Arise, go over Jordan. At this place and at this time, the banks were overflowed. Joshua had no bridge or boats, yet he must believe that God, having ordered the people over, would open a way.

Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. Whatever affairs of this world we have to mind, we must not neglect the one thing needful. All his orders to the people, and his judgments, must be according to the law of God. Joshua must himself be under command; no man's dignity or dominion sets him above the law of God. He is to encourage himself with the promise and presence of God. Let not the sense of thine own infirmities dishearten thee; God is all-sufficient. I have commanded, called, and commissioned thee to do it, and will be sure to bear thee out in it. When we are in the way of duty, we have reason to be strong and very bold. As Joshua here, our Lord Jesus was borne up under his sufferings by a regard to the will of God and the commandment from his Father.

Joshua says to the people, Ye shall pass over Jordan, and shall possess the land; because God had said so to him. We honor the truth of God when we stagger not at the promise of God. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by his providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren.

Romans 2:17-29
Real circumcision a matter of the heart

2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Commentary
The apostle directs his discourse to the Jews and shows their sins, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions. A believing, humble, thankful glorying in God is the root and sum of all religions. But proud, vain-glorious boasting in God, and in the outward profession of his name, is the root and sum of all hypocrisy. Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all kinds of pride. A great evil of the sins professors is the dishonor done to God and religion by their not living according to their profession. Many despise their more ignorant neighbors who rest in a deadly form of godliness. Yet, they trust in the way of knowledge, equally void of life and power, while some glory in the gospel, whose unholy lives dishonor God and cause his name to be blasphemed.

No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking an interest in the righteousness of God by faith. For he is no more a Christian now than he was really a Jew of old, who is only one outwardly: neither is that baptism, which is outward in the flesh: but he is the real Christian, who is inwardly a true believer, with an obedient faith. And the true baptism is that of the heart, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Ghost, bringing a spiritual frame of mind and a willing following of truth in its holy ways. Let us pray that we may be made real Christians, not outwardly, but inwardly; in the heart and spirit, not in the letter; baptized, not with water only, but with the Holy Ghost; and let our praise be, not of men, but of God.

Whether we realize it or not, unbelievers are watching us—how we conduct ourselves and how we treat others. God intends for what they see in us to attract them to Himself (Matt. 5:16). Unfortunately, when we foolishly disobey the Lord, the opposite often happens. How do others respond to God because of your example?

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

The Daily Bible Readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. 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 what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, October 29, 2020
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29 (KJV)