Tuesday, October 6, 2020

The Daily Bible Readings for WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020

https://classic.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/revised-common-lectionary-semicontinuous/2020/10/07?version=KJV

The Daily Readings
WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020
Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; John 11:45-57
The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
Early will I seek thee. The true Christian devotes to God the morning hour. He opens the eyes of his understanding with those of his body, and awakes each morning to righteousness. He arises with a thirst after those comforts which the world cannot give, and has immediate recourse by prayer to the Fountain of the water of life. The true believer is convinced, that nothing in this sinful world can satisfy the wants and desires of his immortal soul; he expects his happiness from God, as his portion. When faith and hope are most in exercise, the world appears a weary desert, and the believer longs for the joys of heaven, of which he has some foretastes in the ordinances of God upon earth.

Today’s Readings:
God’s commandments are my songs
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.

53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.

56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the meantime, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.

Keeping the commandments
6:10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers.

19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.

20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

22 And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
We must never be ashamed to own our religion, nor to own ourselves under its check and government. Here is a caution not to forget God in a day of prosperity and plenty. When they came easily by the gift, they would be apt to grow secure, and unmindful of the Giver. Therefore be careful, when thou liest safe and soft, lest thou forget the Lord. When the world smiles, we are apt to make court to it and expect our happiness in it, and so we forget Him who is our only portion and rest. There is a need for great care and caution at such a time. Then beware; being warned of your danger, stand upon your guard. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God; neither by despairing of his power and goodness, while we keep in the way of our duty; nor by presuming upon it, when we turn aside out of that way. Moses gives charge to keep God's commandments. Negligence will ruin us, but we cannot be saved without diligence. It is our interest, as well as our duty, to be religious. It will be our life. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is, as far as it is for God's glory. It will be our righteousness. It is only through the Mediator we can be righteous before God. The knowledge of the spirituality and excellency of the holy law of God is suited to show sinful man his need of a Savior and to prepare his heart to welcome a free salvation. The gospel honors the law, not only in the perfect obedience of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ; but in that it is a plan for bringing back apostate rebels and enemies, by repentance, faith, forgiveness, and renewing grace, to love God above all things, even in this world; and in the world above, to love him perfectly, even as angels love him.

Critics plan to silence Jesus
11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The conversion of souls is the gathering of them to Christ as their ruler and refuge; and he died to effect this. By dying he purchased them to himself, and the gift of the Holy Ghost for them: his love in dying for believers should unite them closely together. Before our gospel Passover, we must renew our repentance. Thus by a voluntary purification, and by religious exercises, many, more devout than their neighbors, spent some time before the Passover at Jerusalem. When we expect to meet God, we must solemnly prepare. No devices of man can alter the purposes of God: and while hypocrites amuse themselves with forms and disputes, and worldly men pursue their own plans, Jesus still orders all things for his own glory and the salvation of his people.

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

Commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.

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 WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020
Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; John 11:45-57 (KJV)

Prayer of the Day for WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020

Prayer of the Day
WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020


I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14–15 (NIV)


Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that your voice reaches our hearts and that we can say with joy, "We belong to you. We too are yours." We want to lead lives that show we belong to you, never allowing ourselves to be sidetracked, never again giving way to pettiness, always drawing strength from the power of Jesus Christ. Protect our household. Watch over each of us. Protect us all on our way. O mighty God, be with us in the many dangers that surround us, and grant that we may always be joyful because our names are recorded in heaven. Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020

https://classic.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/verse-of-the-day/2020/10/07?version=KJV

Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
Read all of Psalm 63

Listen to Psalm 63

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — The Lord Is at Hand

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20201007

The Lord Is at Hand

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul writes, "The Lord is at hand." I used to imagine what it would be like to have Jesus at hand as the disciples did, so obviously there to be seen and heard and touched. It seemed to me it would be hard to be afraid; after all, there He is, with all His power and compassion and wisdom. What if I got sick? I could ask Him for healing. What if I died? No matter, it would be temporary. As soon as Jesus had a moment, He could reach over and raise me from the dead, no problem! It felt like freedom, to have Jesus close at hand.

And Paul reminds us that we are actually in that situation every day, right now. True, we don't have the advantage of being able to see Him or hear His voice with our ears, but the Lord is at hand, right now, no matter what is happening. Therefore Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

It's a good thing to practice.

I know that for me, it really makes a difference when I remember to hand over the things I worry about to Jesus as soon as they come to mind. Kind of like saying, "Here, Lord, would you please deal with this? Because I just can't." He knows that I can't, and He is ready to take those things and give me help and peace.

This is not an easy thing to write, or to do, in this time of pandemic. I am shut up at home right now as I write this, and I'm getting extra practice on taking my anxiety to the Lord. May the Lord bless you in your time of trouble, and make you strong in His love. He who suffered and died for you, who rose from the dead to give you life eternal—He will never leave you, and He will never forsake you. God keep you all.

Lord, when I am anxious, help me to depend on You. Amen.

Dr. Kari Vo

Reflection Questions:
1. When you worry, what kinds of things do you do for comfort?

2. If you could see Jesus visibly right now, what would you ask Him?

3. How can you form a habit of taking your anxieties to the Lord in prayer?
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
I used to imagine what it would be like to have Jesus at hand as the disciples did, so obviously there to be seen and heard and touched.

Standing Strong Through the Storm — CHOOSING NOT TO HATE

https://classic.biblegateway.com/devotionals/standing-strong-through-the-storm/2020//
CHOOSING NOT TO HATE

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Rami Ayyad was assassinated a few years ago on October 7th for his work as the head of the Bible Society in the Gaza Strip. His murder left his wife, Pauline, burdened with three young children and a heart full of hatred for his killers.

While Rami was locking up the bookstore owned by the Palestinian Bible Society in Gaza, a vehicle pulled alongside him, and several men forced him in the back seat. Rami, remaining calm and trusting in the Lord, was allowed to call his wife. “I’m going with some young men somewhere, but I’ll be home soon,” he tried to reassure her. That was the last time Pauline would hear her husband’s voice.

Hours later, his body was found. He had been brutally tortured and shot twice, a bullet in the chest, and one in the head. A spokesman for the Palestinian Bible Society said, “He’s a martyr for Christ.” Pauline recalls, “I was so broken after the death of my husband, and I hated the people who did it.”

There has been no progress in the hunt for Rami’s killers. A local Christian commented, “Many of the Muslims believe that Rami was evangelizing people so it was OK to kill him.”

In such an environment of hatred, Pauline’s resentment festered. However, the Holy Spirit in His gentle but insistent way kept whispering to her until she could carry the hatred no further. “It was then,” she recalls, “that the Lord poured over me forgiveness for those who killed Rami and those who I used to blame.” Her heart was set free and she heard the Lord say, “It’s not everybody who gets to be called a martyr’s wife.” Deep in thought, she reflected, “That’s a great honor.”

Brother King from International Christian Concern (ICC) writes, “Pauline’s experience reflects that of the persecuted church in general. Abused, spat upon, beaten, tortured, raped, and killed, these believers suffer as Jesus did. Sometimes they respond in very human ways, but when they listen to and follow the Holy Spirit, a great power comes into them and they possess what they could not have imagined previously–peace, love for their enemies, and forgiveness for those who delivered only pure evil to their lives…This is the gift of the persecuted church. In the furnace of affliction, the Spirit of God is set ablaze in their hearts. In turn, their hearts become a beacon to all they come in contact with.”

RESPONSE: Today I will thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit. I will listen to Him and follow Him.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the example of Pauline. Strengthen her as she raises her children.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Rami Ayyad was assassinated a few years ago on October 7th for his work as the head of the Bible Society in the Gaza Strip. His murder left his wife, Pauline, burdened with three young children and a heart full of hatred for his killers.

John Piper Devotional — We Wait, He Works

https://classic.biblegateway.com/devotionals/john-piper-devotional/2020/10/07
We Wait, He Works

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

Only a few things have gripped me with greater joy than the truth that God loves to show his God-ness by working for me, and that his working for me is always before and under and in any working I do for him.

At first it may sound arrogant of us, and belittling to God, to say that he works for us. But that’s only because of the connotation that I am an employer and God needs a job. That’s not the connotation when the Bible talks about God’s working for us. As in: “God works for those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).

The proper connotation of saying God works for me is that I am bankrupt and need a bailout. I am weak and need someone strong. I am endangered and need a protector. I am foolish and need someone wise. I am lost and need a Rescuer.

“God works for me” means I can’t do the work.

And this glorifies him not me. The Giver gets the glory. The Powerful One gets the praise.

Read and be freed from the burden of bearing your own load. Let him do that work.
  1. “No eye has seen a God besides you, who works for those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).
  2. “God is not served by human hands as though he needed anything, but he himself gives life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25).
  3. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
  4. “The eyes of the LORD run through the earth, to show himself strong for those who trust him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
  5. “If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you. Call on me, I will deliver you. You will glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).
  6. “To old age I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Isaiah 46:4).
  7. “I worked harder than any, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
  8. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
  9. “Whoever serves, let him serve by the strength God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:11).
  10. “Work out your own salvation, for it is God who works in you, to will and to work” (Philippians 2:12–13).
  11. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

Only a few things have gripped me with greater joy than the truth that God loves to show his God-ness by working for me, and that his working for me is always before and under and in any working I do for him.

Un dia a la Vez — ¿Qué declaras sobre los tuyos?

https://classic.biblegateway.com/devotionals/un-dia-vez/2020/10/07
¿Qué declaras sobre los tuyos?

Cada uno cosecha lo que siembra [...] Por lo tanto, siempre que tengamos la oportunidad, hagamos bien a todos.

Si leíste el devocional anterior, sabes que hablamos de la importancia de declarar cosas positivas sobre nuestra vida y tomar como nuestras las promesas que Dios nos dejó en el Manual de Instrucciones.

No obstante, así como es importante para nosotros, también es importante hacerlo para los nuestros. ¿Qué cosas dices de tu cónyuge, tus hijos y tu familia?

Un gravísimo error es lo que declaramos sobre la vida de nuestros hijos. Con nuestras palabras necias atamos a los hijos con cosas terribles como estas: «Eres un tonto. No sabes hacer nada. Eres un inútil y un bruto». No tienes idea del daño y el efecto que esas palabras traerán sobre su vida. Llega a un punto que hasta se lo creen. Y lo estarás atando con esas declaraciones de por vida.

¿Cómo eres con tu esposa? ¿La humillas, la insultas o la maltratas de palabras? Hoy Dios te dice que el que toca a uno de sus hijos toca a la niña de sus ojos (véase Zacarías 2:8). Cuando se daña a un hijo de Dios, es como si se lo hicieran a Él. ¿Te imaginas?

También, mujeres, ¿qué estamos declarando sobre los esposos? ¿Los humillamos, los insultamos, los maldecimos? Recordemos que nuestros esposos son la cabeza de la casa.

Por favor, pensemos antes de hablar y reconozcamos que todo lo que sembramos eso mismo cosecharemos.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Un gravísimo error es lo que declaramos sobre la vida de nuestros hijos.

Devocional CPTLN — El Señor está cerca


El Señor está cerca

Regocíjense en el Señor siempre. Y otra vez les digo, ¡regocíjense! Que la gentileza de ustedes sea conocida de todos los hombres. El Señor está cerca. No se preocupen por nada. Que sus peticiones sean conocidas delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias, Y que la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guarde sus corazones y sus pensamientos en Cristo Jesús. Por lo demás, hermanos, piensen en todo lo que es verdadero, en todo lo honesto, en todo lo justo, en todo lo puro, en todo lo amable, en todo lo que es digno de alabanza; si hay en ello alguna virtud, si hay algo que admirar, piensen en ello. Lo que ustedes aprendieron y recibieron de mí; lo que de mí vieron y oyeron, pónganlo por obra, y el Dios de paz estará con ustedes.

Pablo escribe: "El Señor está cerca". Solía imaginar cómo sería tener a Jesús cerca como lo tenían los discípulos, pudiendo verlo, oírlo y tocarlo. Se me ocurre que sería difícil tener miedo; después de todo, él estaría presente con todo su poder, compasión y sabiduría. ¿Y si me enfermo? Podría pedirle que me sanara. ¿Y si me muero? No importa, solo será temporal. Jesús me levantará de entre los muertos, ¡sin problemas! Tener a Jesús cerca es sentirse en libertad.

Y Pablo nos recuerda que, en realidad, así es como estamos ahora mismo y todos los días. Es cierto que no tenemos la ventaja de poder verlo, tocarlo o escucharlo con nuestros oídos, pero el Señor está cerca ahora mismo, sin importar lo que esté sucediendo. Por eso Pablo dice: "No se preocupen por nada. Que sus peticiones sean conocidas delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias, Y que la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guarde sus corazones y sus pensamientos en Cristo Jesús".

Es bueno practicar. Sé que para mí realmente hace una diferencia cuando recuerdo entregar las cosas que me preocupan a Jesús tan pronto como suceden. Es como decir: "Señor, ¿podrías lidiar tú con esto? Porque yo simplemente no puedo". Él sabe que no puedo y está listo para ayudarme y darme paz.

Que el Señor te bendiga en tu momento de angustia y te fortalezca en su amor. El que sufrió y murió por ti y que resucitó de entre los muertos para darte la vida eterna, nunca te dejará ni te desamparará. Dios te guarde siempre.

ORACIÓN: Señor, cuando esté ansioso, ayúdame a depender de ti. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:
* Si pudieras ver a Jesús en persona ahora mismo, ¿qué le preguntarías?

* ¿Cómo puedes adquirir el hábito de llevar tus ansiedades al Señor en oración?
© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Solía imaginar cómo sería tener a Jesús cerca como lo tenían los discípulos, pudiendo verlo, oírlo y tocarlo.

Ministérios Pão Diário — Acolhimento caloroso a todos

https://paodiario.org/2020/10/07/acolhimento-caloroso-a-todos

Acolhimento caloroso a todos

Escritura de hoje: Hebreus 13:1-3

Bíblia em um ano: Isaías 28–29; Filipenses 3

…façamos o bem a todos, especialmente aos da família da fé.

Em férias recentes, minha esposa e eu visitamos um famoso complexo esportivo. Os portões estavam abertos e parecia que éramos muito bem-vindos. Entramos e admiramos os campos tão bem cuidados. Ao sairmos, alguém nos deteve e disse secamente que não deveríamos estar ali. Fomos lembrados de que éramos intrusos e nos sentimos desconfortáveis.

Naquelas férias, também visitamos uma igreja. De novo, as portas estavam abertas, e entramos. Que diferença! Muita gente nos cumprimentou e nos fez sentir em casa. Saímos do culto sentindo-nos bem-vindos e aceitos.

Infelizmente, é comum que quando estranhos visitam uma igreja sejam recebidos com a mensagem subliminar de que não deveriam estar ali. As Escrituras nos orientam a sermos hospitaleiros com todos. Jesus disse que devemos amar o próximo como a nós mesmos, o que significa acolhê-lo em nossa vida e igreja (Mateus 22:39). Em Hebreus, somos lembrados a demonstrar hospitalidade (13:2). Lucas e Paulo nos instruem a demonstrar o amor, na prática, a pessoas com necessidades físicas e sociais (Lucas 14:13,14; Romanos 12:13). E, na família da fé, temos a responsabilidade específica de demonstrar amor (v.10).

Quando acolhemos as pessoas com amor cristão, refletimos o amor e a compaixão de nosso Salvador.

Por:  Dave Branon

© 2020 Ministérios Pão Diário
Muita gente nos cumprimentou e nos fez sentir em casa.