The Daily Lectionary for WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019

Luke 12:4-12

The Daily Lectionary

WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 122

Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1  I was glad when they said to me,
     “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2  Our feet are standing
     within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3  Jerusalem—built as a city
     that is bound firmly together.
4  To it the tribes go up,
     the tribes of the Lord,
   as was decreed for Israel,
     to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5  For there the thrones for judgment were set up,
     the thrones of the house of David.

6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
     “May they prosper who love you.
7  Peace be within your walls,
     and security within your towers.”
8  For the sake of my relatives and friends
     I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
     I will seek your good.

Esther 9:1-5, 18-23

Destruction of the Enemies of the Jews
9:1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, but which had been changed to a day when the Jews would gain power over their foes, 2 the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who had sought their ruin; and no one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. 3 All the officials of the provinces, the satraps and the governors, and the royal officials were supporting the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. 4 For Mordecai was powerful in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces as the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. 5 So the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them.

The Feast of Purim Inaugurated
18 But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, a holiday on which they send gifts of food to one another.

20 Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor. 23 So the Jews adopted as a custom what they had begun to do, as Mordecai had written to them.

Luke 12:4-12

Exhortation to Fearless Confession
12:4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. 7 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; 9 but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

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
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Read all of Hebrews 11

Listen to Hebrews 11

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 - Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Las viudas

Padre de los huérfanos y defensor de las viudas es Dios en su morada santa.

~ Salmo 68:5 (NVI)

Desde que comencé este libro para motivar, he tenido en mi mente a algunas oyentes que se me han acercado para contarme que quedaron viudas y me han dado una palabra especial a fin de valorar y disfrutar de nuestros cónyuges ahora que están vivos.

Sus palabras me conmovieron, pues estoy recién casada. Además, en varias oportunidades me dijeron lo mismo: «Disfruta a tu esposo, no pierdas el tiempo peleando por tonterías. Cuando se van, la soledad y la pérdida son demasiado duras».

Así que me quedé pensando y me dije: «¡Es cierto! ¿Para qué perder el tiempo en cosas que pueden arreglarse como amigos y más bien disfrutarse al máximo? A decir verdad, no sabemos los planes de Dios. Lo mejor sería envejecer y morir juntos. Sin embargo, la gran realidad es que siempre va a morir uno primero que el otro».

Lo que más me sorprendió es que estas mujeres perdieron a sus esposos de cuarenta y nueve años y cuarenta y cinco de un infarto, y quedaron viudas jóvenes y sus hijos sin padres.

Hoy doy reconocimiento a cada mujer que ha quedado solita y que se recupera de está perdida. Quizá ya lo sepas, pero no está de más que lo recordemos. Cuando se es viuda, eres más especial para Dios. En la Biblia hay catorce versículos donde Dios habla de los cuidados y el privilegio para estas mujeres.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Desde que comencé este libro para motivar, he tenido en mi mente a algunas oyentes que se me han acercado para contarme que quedaron viudas y me han dado una palabra especial a fin de valorar y disfrutar de nuestros cónyuges ahora que están vivos.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Wednesday, May 1, 2019

GOD USES PROBLEMS AND PERSECUTION TO PERFECT YOU

"We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.”

~  Romans 5:3-4 (TLB)

Here is the final of five ways God uses problems and persecution in your life: God uses problems and persecution to PERFECT you.

Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you are going to take with you into eternity.

Christian singer, Helen Berhane, wrote a song of victory while in the terrible conditions of an Eritrean shipping container cell for almost three years:

Christianity costs you your life
But at the end, its outcome is victory

The beating of the Hebrews with the whip was awful
The waves of the sea and the mighty wind
Crushed by the stone, suffering by day and night;
Paul’s faithfulness was tested by a sword.

Christianity costs you your life
But at the end, its outcome is victory

The journey of Ruth was a hope where there was no hope;
A sacrifice was paid even for a despised tribe.

Although there was nothing promised for Ruth
By faith she made her way toward Nazareth
And she entered into Jesus’ genealogy.

Christianity costs you your life
But at the end, its outcome is victory[1]

RESPONSE: God is at work in my life—even when I do not recognize it or understand it. It is much easier and more profitable when I cooperate with Him. This is the way to victory!

PRAYER: Thanks be to God who gives us the victory!

1. Ibid, p.106.

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 - Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The Me I Want To Be

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

~ Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Galatia during his second missionary journey. He was frustrated that many believers were wavering in their faith. Not good.

In Galatians 5, he reminded the believers that Christ died so that they could be free. And he was careful to distinguish that their freedom was not to sin but from sin.

He went on to tell them of the spiritual battle that was taking place between their fleshly desires and their holy desires. Between walking by the Spirit and walking by the flesh.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:16–18)

How can we be led by the Spirit and not by the flesh? Paul spelled it out in the next few verses by identifying what flesh-led living looks like. Here’s his list:

Sexual immorality
Impurity
Debauchery
Idolatry and witchcraft
Hatred
Discord
Jealousy
Fits of rage
Selfish ambition
Dissensions
Factions and envy
Drunkenness
Orgies and the like

“And the like” means this list is not exhaustive, but it should help us get the gist. All of these are ungodly choices that oppose the will of God.

My church-girl temptation is to look at this list and see how I measure up. Am I good enough, God? (Someone hit a game-show buzzer!) Not what I should do. This list should serve as a resource to me and as a reminder that while “orgies” and “witchcraft” might not be my biggest struggles, “fits of rage” and “selfish ambition” sure can sneak into my moments.

I walk in the flesh when I blow a gasket with my people, in traffic, in that email, or at my job. I walk in the Spirit when I ask the Lord to take away my anger and frustrations, help me sift through ungodly emotions, provide the grace He promises, and help me respond to my people in a way that brings Him honor and glory.

I walk in the flesh when I think more about myself than others. When I want to be first, be the best, have the most, be the boss, tell everyone else how they should behave, or demand to sit in a prominent position. I walk in the Spirit when I humble myself before Jesus, when I look out for the interests of others and esteem them as better than myself (Phil. 2:3–4), and when I serve others and give my life away for the sake of Jesus (Matt. 20:26–27).

Ultimately, when I walk in the Spirit, my life will echo the characteristics of Jesus. That’s the me I want to be. I will bear the fruit of His Spirit and choose responses, thoughts, and attitudes that exemplify the power of God at work in and through me.

Ready for one more list? Here’s the Vogue magazine cover of true beauty ... The fruit of walking in the Spirit are:

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

I want the beauty of God’s Spirit to be visible in my life. Don’t you?

Paul went on to sum up the fruit bearing this way: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:24–25).

There it is plain as day, one of the greatest challenges to humankind: the call to live out the love and freedom of Christ by laying aside all desires, thoughts, decisions, and responses that are against God’s will and, instead, putting on the humility of Jesus and yielding our hearts to His Spirit.

If I want all of the power God has for me, I need to rely on His Spirit and look to Him as my helper, comforter, advocate, and counselor who leads me in all truth. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

I pray this for you. I pray this for me.

Because I want to trust God for all of the joy and peace He will give me.

I want to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I want the Holy Spirit to consume my heart.

Completely.

Imagine what our lives, families, churches, and communities would look like if you and I invited the Spirit of God within us to connect our life dots and prepare us for spiritual battles each day. Surely the world would see a beautiful, vibrant, powerful faith picture.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Help me to live by Your Spirit today so that I am prepared to represent You well in each opportunity that comes my way.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Ephesians 5:8. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” What would it look like for you to walk in the Spirit as a child of light with your choices and responses today? How will that impact those around you?

More from the Girlfriends

Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends when you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, run errands or travel. Podcasts are also perfect to listen to as you do household chores! (Laundry anyone?) Each GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast episode is filled with fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations that will help you know and trust God more.

These discussions are going to encourage you in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the GRACE of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes, or visit GwenSmith.net/Graceologie for more information.

Today’s post is an excerpt from Gwen Smith’s book, I Want It All. SPECIAL OFFER: If this message is where you are and you need more practical help, Gwen is offering a 20% OFF discount on the I Want It ALL book from her site when you use the coupon code: 20OFF. Click here to get yours now.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

LHM Daily Devotions - Lion and Lamb

"Lion and Lamb"

May 1, 2019

And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals." And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain ... And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne.

~ Revelation 5:1, 6a-7 (ESV)

There is a scene in the book of Revelation where God is winding up the history of creation. The world is ending, stage by stage, and each stage is symbolized by the opening of a scroll that has seven seals on it. Someone has to open each seal to begin each phase of the final judgment.

But who will do this? John sees nobody fit for the job. Then one of God's servants says to him, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals." Okay, so now John looks around—and what does he see? Not a lion, but a lamb—a Lamb "standing, as though it had been slain."

Now this is a strange contrast! Apparently, the Lion and the Lamb are the same person. And of course, we know who that Person is: our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Why is He called a lion? The image goes back to Jacob, the founding father of Israel. When he was blessing his sons right before he died, he said to Judah, "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?" (Genesis 49:9) The picture is of a lion who has succeeded in the hunt and caught his prey. He has finished eating and is now resting.

This is a very interesting picture of Jesus! Because from one angle, it's a great description of what He did through His death and resurrection. He hunted down His prey—the devil, and all the powers of evil. He caught them and destroyed them utterly. Now He is resting after His victory. Who would dare to rebel against Him again?

So that picture focuses on Jesus' triumph through the cross. But the picture of a lamb focuses on the other aspect—on what His victory cost Him. Jesus is the Lamb that looks like it has been slain. He is the sacrifice for human sin—the One who laid down His own body to atone for our evil, and to make us clean again in the eyes of God. And He still carries those scars, even in heaven before the throne of God.

Lion of Judah, Lamb of God—both are great pictures of our Lord Jesus, of His great victory and of the love that brought Him to save us.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your fierceness in defending us and Your mercy in giving Yourself to save us. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
There is a scene in the book of Revelation where God is winding up the history of creation. The world is ending, stage by stage, and each stage is symbolized by the opening of a scroll that has seven seals on it.

Devocional de la CPTLN del 01 de Mayo de 2019 - El León y el Cordero

ALIMENTO DIARIO

El León y el Cordero

01 de Mayo de 2019

Y uno de los ancianos me dijo: "No llores, pues el León de la tribu de Judá, la raíz de David, ha vencido y puede abrir el libro y quitarle sus siete sellos." En ese momento vi un Cordero en medio del trono y de los cuatro seres vivientes, y en medio de los ancianos. Estaba de pie, y parecía haber sido inmolado. ...El Cordero se acercó al que estaba sentado en el trono, y de su mano derecha tomó el libro.

~ Apocalipsis 5:5, 6a-7 (RVC)

Hay una escena en el libro de Apocalipsis donde Dios está terminando la historia de la creación. El mundo se está acabando paso a paso, y cada paso está simbolizado por la apertura de un libro que tiene siete sellos. Alguien tiene que abrir cada sello para comenzar cada fase del juicio final.

¿Pero quién hará esto? Juan no ve a nadie adecuado para el trabajo. Entonces uno de los siervos de Dios le dice: "No llores, pues el León de la tribu de Judá, la raíz de David, ha vencido y puede abrir el libro y quitarle sus siete sellos." Claro, y ahora Juan mira a su alrededor, ¿y qué es lo que ve? No un león, sino un cordero; un cordero que estaba "de pie, y parecía haber sido inmolado".

¡Qué extraño contraste! Aparentemente, el León y el Cordero son la misma persona. Y, por supuesto, sabemos quién es esa persona: nuestro Señor Jesucristo, nuestro Salvador.

¿Por qué se lo llama león? La imagen se remonta a Jacob, el padre fundador de Israel quien, cuando estaba bendiciendo a sus hijos justo antes de morir, le dijo a Judá: "Tú, Judá, eres un cachorro de león; tú, hijo mío, te apartaste de tu presa. Te encorvas, te echas como león; te asemejas a un león viejo" (Génesis 49:9). La imagen es de un león que ha tenido éxito en la caza y ha capturado a su presa. Ha terminado de comer y ahora está descansando.

¡Esta es una imagen muy interesante de Jesús! Por un lado, es una gran descripción de lo que Jesús hizo a través de su muerte y resurrección: cazó su presa, el diablo y todos los poderes del mal, los atrapó y los destruyó por completo. Y ahora, luego de su victoria, está descansando. ¿Quién se atrevería a rebelarse nuevamente contra él?

Esa imagen se enfoca en el triunfo de Jesús en la cruz. Pero la imagen de un Cordero se enfoca en otro aspecto: en lo que le costó su victoria. Jesús es el Cordero que había sido inmolado. Él es el sacrificio por el pecado humano, quien entregó su propio cuerpo para expiar nuestro mal y dejarnos limpios nuevamente ante los ojos de Dios, y quien todavía lleva esas cicatrices, incluso en el cielo ante el trono de Dios.

León de Judá, Cordero de Dios, ambas son grandes imágenes de nuestro Señor Jesús. Que ellas nos recuerden su gran victoria y el amor que lo llevó a salvarnos.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, gracias por defendernos con tenacidad, y por darte a ti mismo misericordiosamente para salvarnos. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Hay una escena en el libro de Apocalipsis donde Dios está terminando la historia de la creación. El mundo se está acabando paso a paso, y cada paso está simbolizado por la apertura de un libro que tiene siete sellos.

Ministérios Pão Diário - Perguntas para Deus

Perguntas para Deus


Leia: Juízes 6:11-16,24
 | A Bíblia em um ano: 1 Reis 10–11; Lucas 21:20-38

Baixe a versão MP3

Vai nessa tua força […] já que eu estou contigo… vv.14,16


O que você faria se o Senhor aparecesse no meio de seu expediente com uma mensagem? Isto aconteceu com Gideão: “…o Anjo do Senhor lhe apareceu e lhe disse: o Senhor é contigo, homem valente!” Gideão poderia ter respondido com um aceno e engolido em seco, mas disse: “…Se o Senhor é conosco, por que nos sobreveio tudo isto?…” (vv.12,13). Gideão queria entender o porquê parecia que Deus tinha abandonado o Seu povo.

Deus não lhe deu a resposta. Depois que Gideão suportou por 7 anos os ataques dos inimigos, a fome e o esconder-se em cavernas, Deus não explicou por que Ele nunca interveio. O Senhor poderia ter revelado que o motivo era o pecado passado de Israel, mas em vez disso deu-lhe esperança para o futuro, dizendo: “…Vai nessa tua força… eu o ajudarei. Você esmagará todos os midianitas” (vv.14,16).

Você já se questionou por que Deus permitiu o sofrimento em sua vida? Em vez de responder-lhe, Deus pode satisfazê-lo com a Sua presença hoje e lembrá-lo de que você pode confiar na força dele quando se sentir fraco. Quando Gideão finalmente acreditou que Deus estava com ele e o ajudaria, construiu-lhe um altar e o chamou de “O Senhor é paz” (v.24).

Há paz em saber que em tudo o que fizermos e onde formos, iremos com Deus, que prometeu nunca nos deixar e nem abandonar os Seus seguidores.

O que poderia ser melhor do que obter respostas 
para os nossos por quês? Confiar em Deus.

por Jennifer Benson Schuldt

© 2019 Ministérios Pão Diário
Você já se questionou por que Deus permitiu o sofrimento em sua vida?

The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, April 30, 2019

Revelation 2:8-11

The Daily Lectionary

TUESDAY, April 30, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 122

Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1  I was glad when they said to me,
     “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2  Our feet are standing
     within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3  Jerusalem—built as a city
     that is bound firmly together.
4  To it the tribes go up,
     the tribes of the Lord,
   as was decreed for Israel,
     to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5  For there the thrones for judgment were set up,
     the thrones of the house of David.

6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
     “May they prosper who love you.
7  Peace be within your walls,
     and security within your towers.”
8  For the sake of my relatives and friends
     I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
     I will seek your good.

Esther 8:1-17

Esther Saves the Jews
8:1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews; and Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 Then the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. So Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king; she fell at his feet, weeping and pleading with him to avert the evil design of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 The king held out the golden scepter to Esther, 5 and Esther rose and stood before the king. She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have won his favor, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I have his approval, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote giving orders to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming on my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to the Jew Mordecai, “See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he plotted to lay hands on the Jews. 8 You may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king’s ring; for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s ring cannot be revoked.”

9 The king’s secretaries were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews and to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 He wrote letters in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed them with the king’s ring, and sent them by mounted couriers riding on fast steeds bred from the royal herd. 11 By these letters the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to assemble and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, with their children and women, and to plunder their goods 12 on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the writ was to be issued as a decree in every province and published to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take revenge on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their swift royal steeds, hurried out, urged by the king’s command. The decree was issued in the citadel of Susa.

15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.

Revelation 2:8-11

The Message to Smyrna
2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life:

9 “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.

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
These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life:

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, April 30, 2019

Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Read all of Ephesians 4

Listen to Ephesians 4

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 - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Oración para hacer su voluntad

Enséñame a hacer tu voluntad, porque tú eres mi Dios. Que tu buen Espíritu me guíe por un terreno sin obstáculos.

~ Salmo 143:10 (NVI)

Señor, en estos días me has hablado acerca de mantener mi mirada en ti, sin importar las situaciones que pueda estar viviendo.

Hoy estoy reconociendo que te he juzgado, que me he enojado contigo y te he culpado por todo lo que estoy pasando y por todo lo que viví en el pasado.

Te pido perdón y te suplico que me ayudes a hacer tu voluntad y morir a mis caprichos.

También te pido que me ayudes a andar en tus caminos y a hacer tu voluntad para mi vida.

Límpiame y purifica mi mente, Jesús.

Enséñame a entender que tú has estado en cada adversidad, aunque no te haya visto.

Quiero confiar en ti y serte fiel.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Señor, en estos días me has hablado acerca de mantener mi mirada en ti, sin importar las situaciones que pueda estar viviendo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

GOD USES PROBLEMS AND PERSECUTION TO PROTECT YOU

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

~ Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

Here is another of five ways God uses problems and persecution in your life: God uses problems and persecution to PROTECT you.

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem—but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered.

Eritrean Christian singer, Helen Berhane, testifies that God helped her at every turn during her almost three years of imprisonment in the infamous shipping containers. She saw God repeatedly turn evil plans into good:

One day they [the guards] brought two girls to my container. Their names were Rahel and Elsa. They were both in the army before they were arrested. They were supposed to spy on me and report back, because the authorities could not understand how, despite their treatment of me, I was still defiant. However, things backfired because the girls really liked me. Very soon we had become good friends and they even told me, “We were supposed to spy on you. But we like you, and so we won’t!”

…Since the girls were not spying as they had been told to, Rahel was released, but they left Elsa in the container with me for a while. Rahel left all her spare clothes for me. This was a blessing, as for a long time I had not been allowed any more clothes, even when the old ones were worn out. I felt that this was God’s provision for me, like the ravens he sent to Elijah. It was my experience that no matter what hardship I was in, God always sent someone to help me. So, although these girls were sent to spy on me, God used them to bless me.[1] (emphasis mine)

RESPONSE: God is at work in my life—even when I do not recognize it or understand it. It is much easier and more profitable when I cooperate with Him. This is the way to victory!

PRAYER: God help me to trust You to bring good from the challenges, difficulties and persecutions I might be subjected to today.

1. Helen Berhane, The Song of the Nightingale (Colorado Springs: Authentic Media, 2009), pp. 57-58.

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 - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Who Me? I Did Nothing Wrong

Kelly Balarie

Today’s Truth

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet He did not sin.

~ Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

"I didn't mean it that way."

"You misunderstood me."

"You've got things wrong."

For a long time, I've endlessly defended myself to my husband.

Why? Because I hate being exposed. I hate the fact I'm trying really hard to be a great wife and yet, I get distracted when my husband shares important things. I hate that I want to be a good mom, but I feel pushed-over when my kids ask me for something more than five times. I hate that I accidentally tell my husband what to do when I know he has a plan he’s thought through.

I make mistakes. Then, I hate myself for it.

Like Eve, it is much easier to hide than to admit the truth. It is much easier to cover my actions with all the reasons I didn't mean to do what I just did. It is much easier to deny than to have to fess up to being -- imperfect.

I feel a lot of shame about how I act. I want to be better than I am. Seeing that I am not that good hurts sometimes.

One day when I was in a small group prayer setting, a friend turned to me and said, "Kelly, your prayers are just as powerful when you sound weak as when you sound strong."

Something in her words hit a nerve in me. Weakness, need, and longing are not things God detests. They don't make me any less Christian than the next girl.

Jesus is able to empathize with weakness.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet He did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NIV)

Jesus understands. He had feelings. He walked hard roads. He felt hurt. He never sinned.

Jesus can handle our truth. He will also bring about the truth we need as we run to Him. He has our way out of any difficult thing we may face. With this, we can run to His throne of mercy in our time of need, without embarrassment or fear. Jesus is always only a heart-cry away. He wants to help us, to lead us, to guide us and to equip us. He is "merciful and faithful" (Heb. 2:17).

Knowing this, will help me to:

1. Fess up to my truth.
2. More easily say, “I am sorry.”
3. Ask God for help to change.
4. Consider new ways of acting.
5. Accept grace in my time of need.

When God is my greatest defense, I no longer need to tirelessly defend myself.

Let’s Pray

Father, I am so grateful for grace. Thank You for the price Jesus paid.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Where do you tend to defend yourself? Deny? Rationalize? Excuse? Evaluate, why do you do it?

More from the Girlfriends

Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of the new book “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

For a long time, I've endlessly defended myself to my husband.

LHM Daily Devotions - Simple Obedience

"Simple Obedience"

Apr. 30, 2019

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.

~ Acts 9:10-19 (ESV)

I really like Ananias. He's such an ordinary Christian to get pulled into the spotlight for a short time. Imagine it—here is Ananias going about his ordinary life, perhaps a little worried because he's heard that Saul is coming to town to arrest Christians. And then God tells him to go visit Saul and heal him! It must have been like being told to go and lay hands on a hungry lion. Ananias is taken aback, and he says so. "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done ...." Are You sure You've got the right man in mind? Are You sure You want to send me?

But God confirms it. "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine ... I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name." So Ananias stops arguing. He gets up, goes to the address God has been so practical as to give him and, sure enough, there's Saul. Ananias doesn't hold back. He lays his hands on Saul and even calls him "brother"! And God uses his obedience to heal Saul's blindness immediately.

Ananias had a small role, but look at what a difference his obedience made! He was there when it counted—afraid, no doubt, but still there. And God blessed that.

Very few of us will ever be famous—certainly not as famous as Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. We are like Ananias instead. And that's okay. Because known or unknown, all Christians live with the real, everlasting life that Jesus has earned for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead. Our eyes are on Jesus. He is the One we love and care about, and it's His opinion of us that matters. And when we have the honor of serving Him, whether in a big way or a small way—how wonderful is that?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to keep focused on loving and serving You. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
I really like Ananias. He's such an ordinary Christian to get pulled into the spotlight for a short time.

Devocional de la CPTLN del 30 de Abril de 2019 - Obediencia simple

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Obediencia simple

30 de Abril de 2019

En Damasco había un discípulo llamado Ananías, que había tenido una visión en la que el Señor lo llamaba por su nombre. Ananías había respondido: "Aquí me tienes, Señor." El Señor le dijo: "Levántate y ve a la calle llamada 'Derecha'; allí, en la casa de Judas, busca a un hombre llamado Saulo, que es de Tarso y está orando. Saulo ha tenido una visión, en la que vio que un varón llamado Ananías entraba y le imponía las manos, con lo que le hacía recobrar la vista." Ananías respondió: "Pero, Señor, he sabido que este hombre ha tratado muy mal a tus santos en Jerusalén. También sé que los principales sacerdotes le han dado autoridad para aprehender a todos los que invocan tu nombre." Y el Señor le dijo: "Ve allá, porque él es para mí un instrumento escogido. Él va a llevar mi nombre a las naciones, a los reyes y a los hijos de Israel. Yo le voy a mostrar todo lo que tiene que sufrir por causa de mi nombre." Ananías fue y, una vez dentro de la casa, le impuso las manos y le dijo: "Hermano Saulo, el Señor Jesús, que se te apareció en el camino por donde venías, me ha enviado para que recobres la vista y seas lleno del Espíritu Santo." Al momento, de los ojos de Saulo cayó algo que parecían escamas, y éste recibió la vista. Luego que se levantó, fue bautizado; y después de comer recobró las fuerzas y durante algunos días se quedó con los discípulos que estaban en Damasco.

~ Hechos 9:10-19 (RVC)

Realmente me gusta Ananías. Es un cristiano común y corriente llamado a escena por solo un momento. Imagínalo: allí está Ananías, en la rutina diaria, quizás un poco preocupado porque ha escuchado que Saulo está llegando a la ciudad para arrestar a los cristianos. ¡Y de pronto Dios le dice que vaya a visitar a Saulo y lo sane! Debe haber sido como que le dijeran que fuera y pusiera las manos sobre un león hambriento. Sorprendido, Ananías dice: "Pero, Señor, he sabido que este hombre ha tratado muy mal a tus santos en Jerusalén...", ¿estás seguro que tienes en mente al hombre correcto? ¿Estás seguro que quieres enviarme a mí?

Y Dios lo confirma: "Ve allá, porque él es para mí un instrumento escogido... Yo le voy a mostrar todo lo que tiene que sufrir por causa de mi nombre." Entonces Ananías deja de discutir. Se levanta, se dirige a la dirección que Dios tan claramente le indica y, efectivamente, allí está Saulo. Ananías no se detiene. ¡Pone sus manos sobre Saulo e incluso lo llama "hermano"! Y Dios usa su obediencia para sanar de inmediato la ceguera de Saulo.

Que yo sepa, nunca volvemos a escuchar algo más sobre Ananías. Pero, ¡mira qué diferencia hizo su obediencia! Estuvo disponible cuando hizo falta; temeroso, sin duda, pero estuvo. Y Dios bendijo eso.

Muy pocos de nosotros seremos famosos; ciertamente no tan famosos como Saulo, quien más tarde llegó a ser el apóstol Pablo. Más bien somos como Ananías. Y eso está bien. Porque, conocidos o desconocidos, todos los cristianos vivimos la vida real y eterna que Jesús ganó para nosotros a través de su sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección de entre los muertos. Nuestros ojos están en Jesús. A él es el a quien amamos y a quien nos dedicamos, y lo que importa es su opinión sobre nosotros. ¿No es maravilloso cuando tenemos el honor de servirle, ya sea de manera grande o pequeña?

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, ayúdame a concentrarme en amarte y servirte solo a ti. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Realmente me gusta Ananías. Es un cristiano común y corriente llamado a escena por solo un momento.

Nuestro Pan Diario - De santos y pecadores

De santos y pecadores

Leer: Lucas 22:54-62 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Reyes 8–9 Lucas 21:1-19

Descargar MP3

Le dijo [Jesús] la tercera vez: Simón, hijo de Jonás, ¿me amas? Pedro […] respondió: Señor, tú lo sabes todo; tú sabes que te amo… (Juan 21:17).

Antes de seguir los pasos de Juan el Bautista de vivir en el desierto, María de Egipto (c 344-421 d.C.) pasó su juventud en placeres ilícitos. En el clímax de su sórdida carrera, viajó a Jerusalén para tratar de corromper a los peregrinos, pero allí sintió la profunda convicción de su pecado, y después, vivió en arrepentimiento y soledad en el desierto. Su transformación radical ilustra la magnitud de la gracia de Dios y el poder restaurador de la cruz de Cristo.

Pedro, el discípulo, negó a Jesús tres veces. Horas antes, había declarado su disposición a morir por Él (Lucas 22:33), por lo que tomar conciencia de su fracaso fue un golpe aplastante (vv. 61-62). Después de la resurrección de Jesús, Pedro estaba pescando cuando el Señor apareció y le dio a su discípulo una oportunidad de declararle su amor tres veces; una por cada negación (Juan 21:1-3). Luego, le encargó que se ocupara de su pueblo (vv. 15-17). El resultado de esta asombrosa demostración de gracia fue que Pedro desempeñara un papel clave en la edificación de la iglesia. Y al final, entregó su vida por Cristo.

Nuestras biografías podrían empezar con una lista de fracasos y derrotas, pero la gracia de Dios siempre ofrece un final distinto, ya que Él nos redime y nos transforma.

¿Cómo puedes mostrar la gracia de Dios a los demás?

La gracia de Dios nos transforma de pecadores en santos.

Por Roo

© 2019 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Antes de seguir los pasos de Juan el Bautista de vivir en el desierto, María de Egipto pasó su juventud en placeres ilícitos.