The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, April 1, 2019

The Rejoicing in Heaven

The Daily Lectionary

MONDAY, April 1, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 53

Denunciation of Godlessness
To the leader: according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David.
1  Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
     They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts;
     there is no one who does good.

2  God looks down from heaven on humankind
     to see if there are any who are wise,
     who seek after God.

3  They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse;
     there is no one who does good,
     no, not one.

4  Have they no knowledge, those evildoers,
     who eat up my people as they eat bread,
     and do not call upon God?

5  There they shall be in great terror,
     in terror such as has not been.
   For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly;
     they will be put to shame, for God has rejected them.

6  O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!
     When God restores the fortunes of his people,
     Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.

Leviticus 23:26-41

The Day of Atonement
23:26 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 27 Now, the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you: you shall deny yourselves and present the Lord’s offering by fire; 28 and you shall do no work during that entire day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the Lord your God. 29 For anyone who does not practice self-denial during that entire day shall be cut off from the people. 30 And anyone who does any work during that entire day, such a one I will destroy from the midst of the people. 31 You shall do no work: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your settlements. 32 It shall be to you a sabbath of complete rest, and you shall deny yourselves; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening you shall keep your sabbath.

The Festival of Booths
33 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 34 Speak to the people of Israel, saying: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, and lasting seven days, there shall be the festival of booths to the Lord. 35 The first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations. 36 Seven days you shall present the Lord’s offerings by fire; on the eighth day you shall observe a holy convocation and present the Lord’s offerings by fire; it is a solemn assembly; you shall not work at your occupations.

37 These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you shall celebrate as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the Lord offerings by fire—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day— 38 apart from the sabbaths of the Lord, and apart from your gifts, and apart from all your votive offerings, and apart from all your freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord.

39 Now, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall keep the festival of the Lord, lasting seven days; a complete rest on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day. 40 On the first day you shall take the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a festival to the Lord seven days in the year; you shall keep it in the seventh month as a statute forever throughout your generations.

Revelation 19:1-8

The Rejoicing in Heaven
19:1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying,

   “Hallelujah!
   Salvation and glory and power to our God,
2    for his judgments are true and just;
   he has judged the great whore
     who corrupted the earth with her fornication,
   and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

3 Once more they said,

   “Hallelujah!
   The smoke goes up from her forever and ever.”

4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying,

   “Amen. Hallelujah!”

5 And from the throne came a voice saying,

   “Praise our God,
     all you his servants,
   and all who fear him,
     small and great.”

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying out,

   “Hallelujah!
   For the Lord our God
     the Almighty reigns.
7  Let us rejoice and exult
     and give him the glory,
   for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
     and his bride has made herself ready;
8  to her it has been granted to be clothed
     with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

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

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

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying ...

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, April 1, 2019

Psalm 14:1 (NIV) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

Read all of Psalm 14

Listen to Psalm 14

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

Un dia a la Vez - La pildorita contra el estrés

La pildorita contra el estrés

Aun los jóvenes se cansan, se fatigan [...] pero los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas.

~ Isaías 40:30-31 (NVI)

Muchas veces a lo largo de tu vida, sin importar la edad que tengas, te sentirás con la sensación de que ya no puedes más con las cosas que estás viviendo. Incluso, ni siquiera te motivará la búsqueda de Dios.

Has intentado de todo para hallar la paz y la solución a tus problemas, y ya te has dado cuenta que las pastillas para la depresión no dan resultado. Que las visitas al que se supone que conoce tu futuro ya te desilusionó porque al fin comprendes que te han quitado tu dinero, pues nadie conoce tu futuro sino solo Dios.

Hoy te digo que Dios es el único que basta. Él es el que saca del hoyo tu vida. El que te viste con ropas nuevas y el Dios de las oportunidades.

Hace unos meses escuché una vez más que un joven de veintiún años se había quitado la vida porque no pudo soportar la muerte de su novia. Entró en depresión y, pasado un tiempo, se quitó la vida. ¡Qué dolor para la familia!

Ni tú, ni él, ni ninguno de nosotros se puede aferrar a la vida de otras personas, incluyendo las de nuestras parejas e hijos, nuestros pastores o líderes. No debemos convertir esos seres especiales en la razón para vivir. Es idolatría y Dios la detesta. Debes entender hoy que no puedes poner tu vida y tu confianza en el hombre porque lo más seguro es que te va a fallar.

Dios es el que te ayudará en todas tus necesidades y te dará nuevos comienzos.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Muchas veces a lo largo de tu vida, sin importar la edad que tengas, te sentirás con la sensación de que ya no puedes más con las cosas que estás viviendo. Incluso, ni siquiera te motivará la búsqueda de Dios.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - COMMISSIONING ASPECT OF COMMITMENT

COMMISSIONING ASPECT OF COMMITMENT

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

~ Luke 9:23 (NIV)

The personal and trusting relationship between God and His followers now leads the believer to the commissioning aspect of commitment—a task that is characteristic of being His true followers—“and follow me.” This commitment is not to a task but to a person. To be a follower of Jesus is to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is one who follows the teaching of another; one who is like another; one who models after another.

What is the task to which he has called us? The task is none other than the words of what we call “The Great Commission”:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)

The Christian’s task is nothing short of being a servant of Jesus Christ proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ and helping others become followers of Jesus. Our primary responsibility is neither overthrowing governments nor opposing ideologies but a proactive one of making disciples of all nations.

In the course of our obedience to God’s authority, we may come in conflict with the existing government. We have been called to be good citizens and history has proven that Christians are generally law-abiding and hard working. But when conflicts come, the Christian is ready to choose his commitment to Christ over his or her commitment to local authorities (Acts 4:19–20).

RESPONSE: Today I complete my commitment to follow Jesus in sharing His love with others.

PRAYER: As a true disciple, I give myself, Lord, to the task of world evangelization starting where You place me today.

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

Girlfriends in God - Generosity is a Privilege

Generosity is a Privilege

Arlene Pellicane

Today’s Truth

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

~ Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV)

Friend to Friend

It was a generous act that got my attention.

After I was done speaking at a conference, a teenage boy asked to speak with me at my book table.  “I know this may be strange,” he said.  “But I’d like to buy books for the next ten people at your table.”

He handed me $100.  I couldn’t believe that someone wanted to be so generous, and I couldn’t believe it was a 17-year-old boy!  The host church wasn’t in an affluent part of town and I later learned that boy did not come from a rich family.

I praised his generosity and motioned for him to stay close, so he could overhear my next conversation.  A kind looking woman in her fifties handed me a small stack of books to purchase.  I had the privilege of saying, “An anonymous donor has already bought those books for you.  Today, they are free!”

You should have seen the smile on her face and tears in her eyes.  It was almost as touching as the look on that young man’s face as he saw the joy generated by his sacrificial act.

He, the generous giver, was blessed!  Today’s truth says that “He who has generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”  How does one have a generous eye?  I believe it’s about looking around to notice the needs of others and to respond.  The opposite would be a selfish, me-centered eye.  Now that kind of eye is the one we’re born with and the kind social media breeds.  We need to cultivate a generous eye by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There was a saying posted at the host church, “Generosity is a privilege.”

It’s not a duty, burden, problem, or something to be avoided at all costs.  It’s a privilege to give money in an offering, pay for someone’s meal, serve children by volunteering, or buy books for someone else.  The Bible tells us what our attitude should be when giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

When you give generously to others, you are partnering with God in the profound work of ministry.  You are putting a spotlight on the abundant good works of God in our lives.  You may be generous with your money, and you can also be generous in these areas: 

Your time.  Spend unhurried time with your family members and best friends.  Be generous with your minutes with people and miserly with your screen time.  Take time out to volunteer for service projects, drive the van, or sit with a hurting friend.

Your talents.  Maybe you have the heart of a coach or teacher.  You can volunteer to tutor kids or coach basketball.  Do you sing or play an instrument?  Get involved in your church, join a band, or minister at your local nursing home.  Are you great with numbers?  You might offer to help out a non-profit with their accounting.

Your words.  Be lavish in your praise and encouraging words.  In Acts 20:2 (NIV) it says that Paul “traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”

Let’s be known for our generous acts and our generous eyes.  Generosity truly is a privilege and a blessing to everyone involved.

Let’s Pray

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate generosity in loving me. Change my heart from a selfish heart to a giving heart. May I speak words of encouragement to the people around me. Help me to give cheerfully of my money, time, and talents.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Do you usually give money grudgingly or cheerfully?

Think about your schedule this week. What is one generous thing you can do for someone?

More from the Girlfriends

How can you encourage children to be generous? Arlene’s book Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman) will show you how to teach children gratitude and generosity. It’s the opposite of today’s entitlement spirit.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

I couldn’t believe that someone wanted to be so generous, and I couldn’t believe it was a 17-year-old boy!

LHM Daily Devotions - WHAT SHALL I DO?

"WHAT SHALL I DO?"

Apr. 1, 2019

Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"

~ Matthew 27:22 (ESV)

"What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" That was the problem facing Pilate that whole Good Friday. Shall I set Him free, seeing He is an innocent man? Shall I send Him off to Herod, and get Him out of my jurisdiction so I don't have to deal with His case? Shall I hand Him over to the doubtful mercies of the crowd, in the hope that His old popularity will save Him? Shall I scourge Him to work up the sympathy vote? What shall I do with Jesus?

Pilate knew a political hot potato when he saw one. His career was already in trouble before Jesus arrived on his doorstep—Pilate's old mentor Sejanus had fallen from power, and anyone associated with him was at risk. The last thing Pilate needed was for the Jewish leaders to send bad reports of him to Rome.

But Pilate wasn't comfortable just condemning the innocent Jesus either. Some of the reason might have been a drive for justice. Some of it might have been an understandable desire to annoy the Jewish religious leaders, who had been a longstanding thorn in Pilate's side. But much of it seemed to be due to how Jesus handled Himself—how He spoke and what He said. It bothered Pilate. When the leaders said, "He claims to be the Son of God," Pilate was half-inclined to believe it. There was something very unusual about Jesus!

We all know what Pilate decided in the end. But what about us? What will we do with Jesus, this Man who claims to be the Son of God? We face this question every day, as we live our lives in a world hostile to Jesus, making choices in what we say and think and do.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith in Him who laid down His life for our sake. May He give us the joy of following Jesus faithfully and sharing His story with others.

THE PRAYER: Father, strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus our Savior, and let all our decisions, let all our words, let all our thoughts be made according to Your will. Amen.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

• What do you do when you're trying to avoid making a decision?

• What other "options" besides trusting in Jesus have you had in your life? These might be other faiths, or just other ways of trying to cope with the world.

• If you're willing, share about the last time you had to choose between Jesus and an easier way out of a hard situation.

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What do you do when you're trying to avoid making a decision?

Devocional de la CPTLN del 01 de Abril de 2019 -

ALIMENTO DIARIO

¿Qué debo hacer entonces?

01 de Abril de 2019

Pilato les preguntó: «¿Qué debo hacer entonces con Jesús, al que llaman el Cristo?»

~ Mateo 27:22a (RVC)

"¿Qué debo hacer entonces con Jesús, al que llaman el Cristo?" Ese fue el problema que enfrentó Pilato el Viernes Santo. ¿Lo libero porque es inocente? ¿Se lo envío a Herodes y así lo saco de mi jurisdicción? ¿Debo dejarlo a la misericordia dudosa de la multitud con la esperanza de que su antigua popularidad lo salve? ¿Lo azoto para ganar unos votos de simpatía? ¿Qué debo hacer con Jesús?

Pilato sabía cuando tenía un asunto difícil entre manos. Su carrera ya estaba en problemas antes de que Jesús llegara a su puerta: su viejo mentor había caído del poder, por lo que cualquier persona relacionada con él estaba en riesgo. Lo último que necesitaba era que los líderes judíos enviaran malos informes de él a Roma.

Pero tampoco se sentía cómodo condenando a Jesús. Quizás por un deseo de hacer justicia, quizás por molestar a los líderes religiosos judíos que habían sido un aguijón constante en su vida. Pero, más que nada, se debía a la manera en que Jesús se había comportado, la forma en que había hablado y lo que había dicho. A Pilato le molestaba. Cuando los líderes dijeron: "Dice ser el Hijo de Dios", Pilato estaba inclinado a creerlo. ¡Jesús tenía algo diferente!

Todos sabemos lo que Pilato terminó haciendo. Pero ¿y nosotros? ¿Qué vamos a hacer con Jesús, ese hombre que dice ser el Hijo de Dios? Esta pregunta la enfrentamos cada día que vivimos en este mundo hostil a Jesús y en el cual debemos tomar decisiones sobre lo que decimos, pensamos y hacemos.

Que el Espíritu Santo fortalezca nuestra fe en Aquel que dio su vida por nosotros, y que nos llene de gozo al seguir fielmente a Jesús y compartir su historia con otros.

ORACIÓN: Padre, fortalece nuestra fe y confianza en Jesús nuestro Salvador, y haz que todas nuestras obras estén de acuerdo con tu voluntad. Amén.

PREGUNTAS DE REFLEXIÓN:

• ¿Qué otras "opciones", además de confiar en Jesús, has tenido en tu vida?

• Comparte una vez que tuviste que elegir entre Jesús y una forma más fácil de salir de una situación difícil.

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Qué otras "opciones", además de confiar en Jesús, has tenido en tu vida?

Notre Pain Quotidien - Des bénédictions empruntées

Des bénédictions empruntées

Lisez : 1 Chroniques 29.6-16

La Bible en un an : Juges 13 – 15 ; Luc 6.27-49

À l’Éternel la terre et ce qu’elle renferme. Psaume 24.1

Alors que nous inclinions la tête avant le repas, mon ami Jeff a prié ainsi : « Père, merci de nous permettre de respirer ton air et de manger ta nourriture. » Jeff venait de vivre une douloureuse perte d’emploi, si bien que cette expression de sa confiance en Dieu et de sa reconnaissance envers celui à qui tout appartient m’a profondément ému et m’a donné à réfléchir : Est-ce que je comprends véritablement que même les choses les plus élémentaires de mon quotidien sont la propriété de Dieu et qu’il me laisse les utiliser ?

En recevant les offrandes du peuple d’Israël destinées à la construction du Temple de Jérusalem, le roi David a fait cette prière : « Car qui suis-je et qui est mon peuple, pour que nous puissions te faire volontairement ces offrandes ? Tout vient de toi, et nous recevons de ta main ce que nous t’offrons. […] Éternel, notre Dieu, c’est de ta main que viennent toutes ces richesses » (1 CH 29.14,16).

La Bible nous dit même que « c’est lui qui [nous donne] la force pour les acquérir » (DE 8.18). Le fait de savoir que tout ce que nous possédons nous est prêté nous encourage à délaisser les choses de ce monde afin d’ouvrir librement nos mains et notre cœur par gratitude pour les bontés que nous recevons chaque jour.

Comme Dieu est généreux et bienveillant au point de livrer son Fils « pour nous tous » (RO 8.32), montrons-nous reconnaissants pour ses bénédictions, petites et grandes.

Tout ce que nous possédons est la propriété de Dieu.

par James Banks

© 2019 Ministères NPQ
Alors que nous inclinions la tête avant le repas, mon ami Jeff a prié ainsi : « Père, merci de nous permettre de respirer ton air et de manger ta nourriture. »

The Sunday Lectionary Readings for SUNDAY, March 31, 2019 - Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

SUNDAY, March 31, 2019 - Fourth Sunday in Lent

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Opening Prayer

As we gather here in the harbor of your safety we thank you for fellowship and family.

We ask that you will strengthen us, restore us and inspire us with your love. Lord, would fill us with your peace so that as we journey onwards we would pour out your love and grace to others. We ask that our souls would catch the wind of your spirit so that we would take your promises to all the earth. Amen.

A Prayer for Lent

I Will Turn

Lord, I will turn,

Turn my face towards you.

I will lay before you the desert areas I hide

And turn to soak in your refreshing words of life.

I will cast aside the barren, selfish pursuits

And turn to rest in the tranquil warmth of your love.

I will draw back from the harsh pull of media

And turn to bathe in the gentle power of your Spirit.

Lord, today I turn my face towards you.

I will turn

To soak in your words of life,

To rest in the warmth of your love,

And to bathe in the power of your Spirit.

Prayer for Fasting

I shall lay aside the pressure I feel, and retreat into your space,

Away from distractions, I’ll seek you face to face.

I shall lean into you Lord, where the weight of the world

Falls away from my shoulders, let your freedom unfold.

I shall burrow so deeply, in you I’m covered and safe,

Lift my eyes up to linger on the love in you gaze.

I shall shelter, encircled by the depth of your care,

Where your majesty leads me, I await you in prayer.

I shall whisper my worries, here I’ll open my fears

And lay here unfolded, in a river of tears.

I shall rest my soul gently and nestle into your hope,

Seeking only to dwell here, in your peace I will soak.

The Collect (Book of Common Prayers)

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Confession and Forgiveness

Trusting God's promise of forgiveness, let us confess our sins against God and one another.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Words of Reassurance

In spite of our individual inadequacies, God has called us together to be Christ’s Body, and each one of us is indispensable. God remembers us, giving each of us distinct gifts, equipping each of us to provide guidance and accountability for one another, that we all may become more faithful followers of Christ. We are all greater as one Body than any single member of us could be on our own.

The Lessons

First Reading
Joshua 5:9-12

5:9 The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.

The Passover at Gilgal
10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

Psalm 32

The Joy of Forgiveness
Of David. A Maskil.
1  Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
     whose sin is covered.
2  Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
     and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3  While I kept silence, my body wasted away
     through my groaning all day long.
4  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
     my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.    Selah

5  Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
     and I did not hide my iniquity;
   I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
     and you forgave the guilt of my sin.    Selah

6  Therefore let all who are faithful
     offer prayer to you;
   at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
     shall not reach them.
7  You are a hiding place for me;
     you preserve me from trouble;
     you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.    Selah

8  I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
     I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9  Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
     whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
     else it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the torments of the wicked,
     but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
     and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

5:16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The Gospel
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable:

The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
11b “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Here ends the Lessons

Click HERE to read today's Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you that we are a family in Christ. Help us to share his love and legacy with everyone that we encounter this week. May we lavish Christ’s abounding goodness upon our families, friends and colleagues. Holy Spirit, come and equip us in our workplace, guide us in our school life, and inspire us in our neighborhood. May we be your hands and feet to the needy, your words of affirmation to the oppressed and your arms of comfort to the lonely.

Thank you for choosing to use us to bring your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

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

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property ...

“Dinner With Sinners” The Sermon for SUNDAY, March 31, 2019 - Forth Sunday in Lent

Our Gospel message comes to us today from Luke the 15th chapter, beginning at the 1st verse.

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, NRSV)

All mighty God, we thank you for your word and the way that you in it revealed to us who you are and what you've done for us in Christ. Now as we open that word we pray that your spirit may be present, that all thoughts of worry or distraction may be removed and that the Spirit will allow us to hear your voice. And so, oh God, fill us with your spirit through the reading and proclamation of your word this day. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.

“Dinner With Sinners”

What is the “job” of the Christian? Is it to serve on boards of the church? Is it to regularly attend the worship service? Is it to tithe and support the local church financially? Is it to read the Bible and pray? To all of these: YES!

All of these are true. But, they are the outgrowth of the central and core principal of the Christian life. Our job is to love people we don’t have to love.

We don’t have to love one another! Many people live in isolation; not loving other people. Many people live in seclusion; not knowing how or who to love.

Others live so completely unto self that the only love they have is the love of self, the love of pleasure, the love of money, or some other idolatry. We were made to love. It is central to our created humanity.

We were made to live in connection: in covenant with God and one another!

A true Christian is a sign of contradiction—a living symbol of the Cross. He or she is a person who believes the unbelievable, bears the unbearable, forgives the unforgivable, loves the unlovable, is perfectly happy not to be perfect, is willing to give up his or her will, becomes weak to be strong... and finds love be giving it away.

This morning our focus will be on the way that Jesus loves the unlovely and commands – invites – us to do the same. The key sentence in today’s Scripture reading? “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them...”

In Luke chapter 15 there are 3 parables strung tightly together; the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and of the prodigal son. This chapter has one constant theme that Jesus is driving home to his audience, to us; God’s love for outcasts and sinners. God’s love is not contingent upon our goodness.

If anything, the New Testament presents Jesus loving the unlovely and rejecting the pious, the self-righteous, the upright; because of their pride and conceit. The central thesis: God loves outcasts and sinners. So should we!

Upon examining this passage of Scripture, some key principals about the love of God jump off of the pages of the Bible. The story of the prodigal son is one which is familiar, even to non-Christians. It is interesting that many of the major biblical themes are commonplace in American society.

The Church has had such a wide and far reaching influence on this society since its inception that many biblical stories are a part of the fabric of mainstream idiom, literature, and thought. Stories like the prodigal son, Noah’s Ark, Adam & Eve, the betrayal of Judas, and a host of other biblical accounts are at least familiar, even if many don’t know fully of their origins, to most people.

It is for this very reason that great care must be given to the consideration of any such passage. Our familiarity may, and often does I would suggest, leave us wanting for application and genuine meaning. Familiarity, in this case, fails to cause great understanding; it easily leads to blind obscurity.

Learn to see this parable differently. In our constant focus on self, we usually consider only the prodigal son. This passage is most often taught as the premier text which tells sinners that it is never too late to repent; never too late to return to God, our Heavenly Father, who waits longingly to forgive.

“For if while we were enemies (of God), we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

This aspect is completely accurate, but it is not the whole story. God’s primary concern in the universe is not our temporal or earthly comfort. His primary concerns are not the myriad of things with which we distract ourselves in this material, physical, life.

God’s primary concern in this world is not even the salvation of sinners. Jesus did not die on the cross solely or even ultimately so that you and I could be forgiven of sins or that we could spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

All of these aspects of the Christian message are true! There is more to the story! The Gospel secures our happiness and peace but that is not its ultimate aim.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, according to the Grace of the Father, by the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating our souls, we do find forgiveness of sin and life eternal. This is true but it is not the end, nor the foundation of the Gospel.

This may sound strange to you. If it does it is because in the modern era preaching has become far too saturated with notions of human happiness to the exclusion of God’s holiness. Modern pulpits are filled with the power of positive thinking to the exclusion of the glory of God!

We have traded the glory of God for the goodness of my emotional status.

The parable of the prodigal son is about the son, yes, but not primarily. What of the other brother, the one who stayed? Why do we so seldom consider this man?

Why do we so often portray him as evil? If we are honest, we have to admit that there is a little bit of the other brother in all of us who are religious. The other brother in the parable represents the Pharisees of Jesus day.

Earlier in the passage the Pharisees are gossiping and accusing Jesus of wrong doing because He “eats with sinners and tax collectors.” In effect, they were saying that He is not trustworthy because rather than being religiously pious and judgmental, like them, He took the substance of His relationship with God to mean that He ought to love radically.

In eating with sinners, the unchurched, the idolatrous, the traitor co-conspirators with the Romans who were the tax collectors, Jesus got His “hands dirty.” Upon seeing the return of his brother, the prodigal, the son who stayed was outraged!

His anger was in some ways justified, wasn’t it? Why do you lavish him with gifts and have a banquet in his honor? What about me? I have been faithful? When did you ever get so excited about my never having left?

These are good questions. The Pharisees asked similar questions, wrapped up in their accusations. “Look at the supposed Rabbi who eats with sinners! His friends are not holy or even religious. His friends are prostitutes; sinners; traitors.”

The Church is sometimes rather Pharisaic as well, isn’t it?

When I lived in Hawaii, there were a group of street preachers of a particular local ultra fundamentalist church. Routinely they would rail away at passersby; accusing them of being sinners in need of repentance, on their way to hell. They were somewhat of a local regularity and most people knew of their antics. I recall a local minster in town telling the story of how he once asked one of them what they would say to a prostitute. The reply from the street preacher was that if she did not repent she would be cast into hell. His reply to her was that if Jesus, the master were here, He would more likely take her into a restaurant, eat with the sinner, and offer to her a better way; the way of repentance, eternal life, hope, love, and healing from the brokenness of her life.

While it is easy for us to point fingers at such misguided, condemnatory, judgmental, and ineffective methods of evangelism, what about us?

It’s easy to point the finger at the other brother, at the Pharisee, who rather than rejoicing in the repentance of a lost sinner and at the love of the Father who facilitated the restoration of the son, cast judgment.

What about us? How do we respond in similar situations? When we see someone at church who has not been in a long time, do we rejoice at their presence? When we hear of someone turning their life over to Christ, do we celebrate with the Angels in Heaven at the wonder of their salvation?

Or, do we take pleasure out of saying, “it’s about time they got their life together... like me.” At the end of the day, though, the parable of the prodigal son is not ultimately about the prodigal son or the other brother.

It is not ultimately about the sinner who was lost or the Pharisee who judged. It is chiefly about the father who dared to love radically! It is about the father who abandoned pride, the hurt of his son’s disobedience and lack of appreciation, and ran to meet his son, to welcome him home, to shower him with love and grace!

The Scripture says that “while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

Repentance is not the primary theme of the Gospel. God’s grace is primary. Our happiness is not central in the universe; the Glory of God; His love is central. The story of the prodigal son is primarily about Father!

It is He who has ran to meet us! It is He who has showered us with grace and mercy; ran to meet us; forgiven us; prepared a feast for us. Why?

Because the primary aim of God is to glorify Him and He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. God has set His affection upon us and loved us unconditionally, according to His sovereign will and sovereign purposes! It is not we, who by our coming, secure forgiveness.

It is He, by His grace, which covers us, adopts us, loves us; showers us with mercy!

There is a kind of crystal called Labrador Spar. At first sight, it is dull and without luster; but if it is turned round and round, it will suddenly come into a position where the light strikes it in a certain way, and it will sparkle with flashing beauty.

People are like that. They may seem to be unlovely, but that is because we do not know the whole person. Everyone has something good in him or her.

We don’t get to choose who comes into our church doors. We open our hearts to Christ and His plans for us. We open our church doors to the masses and pray that God will draw in who He desires, according to His purpose for us. He sends whom He will send because it is He who draws them, as He has drawn us, by His prevenient love.

Then we, like Christ, can be accused by the Pharisee, of dining with sinners; fellow sinners, likewise in need of grace; mercy; love. The greatest way to experience the love of God is to become a conduit of it. What is the job of the Christian? It is supremely to look like Christ. Let us continue to be a people who welcome fellow sinners to the table of grace; to the glory of God!

Let us pray: Father, your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. Sermon contributed by Rev. Chris Surber.
Jesus ate with sinners. We have likewise been called to dine with sinners!

Verse of the Day for SUNDAY, March 31, 2019

Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Read all of Isaiah 53

Listen to Isaiah 53

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

Un dia a la Vez - Oración por la unión de la familia

Oración por la unión de la familia

Dichosos todos los que temen al Señor [...] En el seno de tu hogar, tu esposa será como vid llena de uvas [...] tus hijos serán como vástagos de olivo.

~ Salmo 128:1, 3 (NVI)

¡Dios mío y Padre mío! Gracias por ser nuestro Padre. Gracias porque tú nunca nos dejarás ni nos abandonarás.

Te agradecemos porque de una manera sencilla puedo ver algunas de las cosas que esperas de mí como padre, como madre o como hijo.

Te pido perdón si no he desarrollado como es debido mi posición de hijo y de padre.

Te suplico que me des una nueva oportunidad para buscar más de ti y así obtener la sabiduría de cuidar a los míos de manera que sea un buen ejemplo para ellos.

Hoy, como familia, te rogamos que nos des un manto de unión y de protección. Que de una manera milagrosa sanes los corazones de cada uno de los que en este día se acogen a tu misericordia.

Te necesitamos y ponemos delante de ti todo hogar representado por cada persona que hoy hace esta oración.

Gracias, mi Dios, por la bendición de tener una familia.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Oración por la unión de la familia

Standing Strong Through the Storm - ENTRUSTING ASPECT OF COMMITMENT

ENTRUSTING ASPECT OF COMMITMENT

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

~ Luke 9:23 (NIV)

On the basis of certain facts, a relationship has been established between two parties. Now there must be actual evidence to prove that one has made that commitment. This is the aspect of entrusting oneself to that second party. In our Luke text, we see two phrases that reflect this entrusting aspect of commitment, “deny yourself” and “take up your cross daily.”

Deny Yourself: The word “deny” literally means “say no to oneself” or “renounce self—leave self behind.” The biblical concept of commitment calls the follower of Jesus to “deny oneself” not self-denial. This is not to deny something, but a more complete and total denial of oneself in which one no longer seeks for what pleases self.

This is in direct contrast to the normal way of life where everyone is out for himself or herself. The basic sinful nature of the world, whether communist, capitalist or revolutionary is the same. It desires the promotion of self at the expense of someone else. Jesus says his followers will be known as those who deny themselves.

Take Up Your Cross Daily: The second part is even more extreme. Commitment also calls for the taking up of the cross. In commitment to Jesus, you deny yourself even to the point of willingness to go to your own execution! We only commit ourselves to the point of willingness to die when we understand that the present life ends up in death anyway and the One who has promised us forgiveness and eternal life can really deliver.

In Jesus Christ, the believer has found real life. Therefore the denying of self and the way of the cross are only logical steps for him or her to take.

A young man who had recently become a Christian was returning home to a country where the punishment for conversion to Christ was death. He was asked whether or not he was afraid to go back. He replied, “I have already died in Christ!”

Jim Elliott, a missionary who was martyred in Ecuador, said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

RESPONSE: Today I will commit to entrust myself to Jesus by denying self and taking up my cross.

PRAYER: Lord, I entrust myself to You and purpose to live the rest of my life to the fullest in ways that only You decide.

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