The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, January 31, 2019

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, January 31, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 71:1-6

Prayer for Lifelong Protection and Help
1  In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
     let me never be put to shame.
2  In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
     incline your ear to me and save me.
3  Be to me a rock of refuge,
     a strong fortress, to save me,
     for you are my rock and my fortress.

4  Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
     from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
5  For you, O Lord, are my hope,
     my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
6  Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
     it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
   My praise is continually of you.

2 Chronicles 34:1-7

Reign of Josiah
34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still a boy, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the sacred poles, and the carved and the cast images. 4 In his presence they pulled down the altars of the Baals; he demolished the incense altars that stood above them. He broke down the sacred poles and the carved and the cast images; he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 5 He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem. 6 In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around, 7 he broke down the altars, beat the sacred poles and the images into powder, and demolished all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 10:44-48

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
10:44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

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
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, January 31, 2019

Thursday Morning Prayer

Marcella of Rome (325 – 410)

Marcella had an enviable life as the daughter of a prominent Roman family who married a wealthy man. But less than a year after her wedding, her husband died. She was given a chance to continue living in wealth when she was proposed to by the wealthy consul Cerealis. She chose instead to convert her mansion into one of the earliest communities of women, where she and other noblewomen used their riches to help the poor. Marcella said she preferred to “store her money in the stomachs of the needy than hide it in a purse.” In 410, when the Goths invaded Rome, they broke into Marcella’s home. When they demanded money, she calmly responded that she had no riches because she had given all to the poor. Though she was an elderly woman, they beat and tortured her mercilessly. Her attackers were eventually shamed by her piety and she was released, but she died within a short time.

Marcella of Rome wrote, “By heaven’s grace, captivity has found me a poor woman, not made me one. Now I shall go in want of daily bread, but I shall not feel hunger since I am full of Christ.”

Lord, some of us have found wealth in this world, while others of us are left wanting. But as we stand before you, we are all paupers save for your grace and love. Remind us that our true wealth is your gift of a sustainable way of life for all.

Lord on this day I remember that You go before me, so I pause to meditate on Your promises. Thank You Lord that You go with me, You lay a pathway, You watch over me like a shepherd. So I give You my fears, worries and anxieties. I lay all tension and stress at the foot of the cross. Thank You that You arose from the death, and that You bring life, freedom, hope and the promise of Heaven! Praise You that I am safe in Your presence. Amen.

May Thursday be a hope filled day,

That floods my fears with light,

A day that quiets all anxious thoughts

As I encounter Christ.

Let Thursday always prompt my heart

To stop and find Your peace,

And live upon the truth You give

My eyes to You I lift.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, January 31, 2019

Psalm 86:5 (NIV) You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Read all of Psalm 86

Listen to Psalm 86

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 libertad está en Dios

La libertad está en Dios

No amen al mundo ni nada de lo que hay en él [...] El mundo se acaba con sus malos deseos, pero el que hace la voluntad de Dios permanece para siempre.

~ 1 Juan 2:15, 17 (NVI)

¿Por qué le doy al pensamiento de hoy el nombre de «La libertad está en Dios»? Porque no solo es bíblico, sino que es real. Hace unos meses pude conocer a un oyente muy jovencito, de veintidós años. Su nombre es Víctor Huete y fue cabecilla de un grupo de las «Maras Salvatruchas». Mediante una carta que envió a nuestra radio, nos contó cómo llegó a formar parte de esa pandilla desde los catorce años de edad, cómo cometió una serie de actos para integrarse al grupo y los pactos que estableció directamente con Satanás. También contó que desde que llegó a la cárcel, después de caer preso en la ciudad de Miami, se reconcilia con Dios y le reconoce como su Salvador. En medio de la soledad y la frustración por estar en una cárcel, este joven comienza su andar con Jesús. Hoy en día, su vida está transformada. Así que, en la cárcel, les habla a otros de la Palabra y de sus experiencias, al decirles de dónde lo rescató el Señor. Ahora, con autoridad, evita que otros jóvenes caigan en ese mundo oscuro y cruel de las pandillas. No obstante, lo más hermoso es que en su cara hay paz. Su carita refleja el amor de Dios y, lo que es más importante, en medio de esa cárcel, de esa celda donde todavía permanece, ha encontrado lo que muchos no tienen a pesar de que viven en su propia casa: «LIBERTAD».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Por qué le doy al pensamiento de hoy el nombre de «La libertad está en Dios»? Porque no solo es bíblico, sino que es real.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE WINNER!

THE WINNER!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them.

After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn’t stop them. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him.

After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee. Then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted.

His father ran onto the field and said, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.”

“Daddy,” the boy sobbed, “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me.”

“Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. Go on, now.” The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.

I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume with rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless. And my Father rushes right out on the field—right in front of the whole jeering, laughing world—and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says:

“Son, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son. And because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you - The Winner!”

RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in my Father’s love and support. I will not give up as the battle rages.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your love and for declaring me a winner!

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

NIV Devotionals for Men - Storms of Life

Storms of Life

Matthew 8:23–27
Recommended Reading: Psalm 27:1–14; Isaiah 41:10–11; Matthew 6:31–34; 14:30–31

Billy Tyne, a down-on-his-luck captain of a sword-fishing boat, set out with his crew in October, 1991, for one last try at a big catch. However, when a unique confluence of weather conditions combined in the North Atlantic to form what meteorologists later called “The Perfect Storm,” Tyne and the rest of the crew of the Andrea Gail perished.

According to locals, weather over the Sea of Galilee in Israel can be equally unpredictable. A squall can rise up at a moment’s notice, hitting with such a fury that fishermen in the area must be quick on their feet and ready for anything. At least four of Jesus’ disciples—Peter, Andrew, James and John—made their living as fishermen. Certainly they knew of Galilee’s infamous storms. Yet as Jesus slept in the ship’s bow, even these seasoned sailors panicked when the storm rose. After waking Jesus from his slumber, they pleaded, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25). Imagine a storm so intense that even hardened fishermen cowered in fear.

Jesus responded with a rebuke: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26). As the disciples faced the greatest storm Galilee had ever thrown at them, Jesus expected them to trust him first. And then he calmed the storm.

Life often seems to rise up against us when we least expect it. A dark spot shows up on an X-ray. A pink slip lands on our desk at work. A quarterly report reveals a serious downturn in revenues. Suddenly our deepest fears rise to the surface. So we look to the sky and plead, “Lord, save us!”

And Jesus responds, “Don’t be afraid. Trust me first.”

The next time the turbulence of life’s trials blows into your life, remember what Jesus asks. Trust him first, no matter how overwhelming the storm appears.

To Take Away

• What storms in life do you find most difficult to face?
• Why do most of us struggle with trusting God first?
• When you’ve trusted God during difficult times, what has resulted? How can those experiences help you place your trust in him during the next trial you face?

Billy Tyne, a down-on-his-luck captain of a sword-fishing boat, set out with his crew in October, 1991, for one last try at a big catch. However, when a unique confluence of weather conditions combined in the North Atlantic to form what meteorologists later called “The Perfect Storm,” Tyne and the rest of the crew of the Andrea Gail perished.

Girlfriends in God - The Other Prodigal

The Other Prodigal

Arlene Pellicane

Today’s Truth

Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.  When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.  So, he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.

~ Luke 15:25-26 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

My youngest daughter Lucy eats slowly.  One night at dinner as I finished up my salad, I looked over at 8-year-old Lucy and was shocked to see her plate was clean!  She had beaten me at dinnertime.  This was a big accomplishment because on most nights, she’s still eating her last bites while the rest of the family is doing dishes.

I exclaimed, “Lucy, you have beaten me at dinner tonight.  I am going to give you one dollar!”

Her older sister Noelle exclaimed, “What???  I beat you too, but you aren’t giving me a dollar.  I finish eating my dinner before Lucy every night and you’ve never once given me a dollar.”

Immediately, I recognized this dialogue as a modern-day twist on the parable of the prodigal son.  In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a man who had two sons.  The younger son asked for his portion of his inheritance, a scandalous and cold request that was akin to saying, “I wish you were dead, so I could have your inheritance to spend!”  The father granted his request and the prodigal son journeyed to a far country.  He wasted all his money on lavish living.  Starving and brought to the end of himself, he reasoned that even his father’s lowest servant lived better.

He decided to journey home.  His father was not only waiting for him, he restored him as a son.  He threw a lavish celebration for the wayward, rebellious, foolish son who had come home.

Enter the older sibling.  When he found out that the party was for his younger brother, he was furious.  He not only refused to attend the banquet when his father pleaded with him, he refused to call his brother by name.  He called him “this son of yours.”  He complained that he had been obeying him for years, but he never received a feast to eat with his friends to make merry.

“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:31-32, NIV).

The son was upset that his father had forgiven his wayward brother who had been living wild and wasting money, while he was left at home to pick up the slack and work.

If I was the older brother, I think I would struggle too.  It’s lavish and reckless grace which says, “Your past mistakes – no matter how grievous – are forgiven!  All is well.”  Wow, that’s how our Heavenly Father treats us.  This parable sheds light on what Father God is like.

Yet, when we see grace extended to a man or woman who has done something very hurtful and wrong, we may act like that older brother.  We may be slow to rejoice and cautious to accept.  Jesus directed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes because they were complaining that Jesus received sinners and ate with them.  Like the older brother in the parable, they were focused on keeping the letter of the law, but they didn’t understand the spirit of the law.  They were into rules, but not relationship.

Going back to my dinner table, when I realized that my older daughter was disgruntled because I was throwing a dollar party for her younger sister who had finally finished her dinner on time, I decided to make a joke.

“My child,” I said grandly to my daughter Noelle.  “You have always eaten quickly, and I will always be with you, providing you food for dinner.  Your sister who has always been slow, was finally fast.  She was lost, and now she’s found.  I will kill the fatted calf and serve her a hamburger to celebrate!”

We all had a good laugh about it.  My husband James and I high fived each other across the table.

That night we got a glimpse of what it was like to be that older brother, wondering why in the world his lazy, wayward brother was deserving of a celebration.  But if God is going to be lavish in His love for people, we can be too.

Let’s Pray

Thank You for being my loving, generous, forgiving, lavish Heavenly Father!  I rejoice because Your arms are always open towards me.  Help me to rejoice when others get right with You, instead of being judgmental or upset like the older brother in the parable.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Have you struggled with self-righteousness or feeling sorry for yourself?

Take a moment to rest in the fact that God fully accepts and loves you and others. He is abounding in mercy. He runs towards you. Nothing can separate you from His love.

More from the Girlfriends

Sibling rivalry isn’t just found in the pages of Scriptures. Many times, you witness it firsthand in your home! If you could use some encouragement in the parenting arena, check out Arlene’s book and video series, Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

My youngest daughter Lucy eats slowly.  One night at dinner as I finished up my salad, I looked over at 8-year-old Lucy and was shocked to see her plate was clean!

LHM Daily Devotions - Priority Number One?

"Priority Number One?"

Jan. 31, 2019

Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him (Jesus), and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" ... And when it was day, He departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought Him and came to Him, and would have kept Him from leaving them, but He said to them, "I must preach the Good News of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose." And He was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

~ Luke 4:40-41a, 42-44 (ESV)

In the passage for today it says, "the people sought (Jesus) and came to Him, and would have kept Him from leaving them." That resonates with me. I'd love to keep Jesus permanently around, always on tap, always available to do miracles of healing and casting out demons. I can totally see why the crowd wanted to stop Him from going anywhere else.

If we're honest, we'd like to do the same, wouldn't we? It's natural for us to put a high value on health. We may be ill ourselves, and that is very difficult to bear—especially if it involves pain or the inability to do things we really need to do. We may have people we love who are seriously ill, either in body or mind. Where else should we take them but to the Lord our healer?

And yet. And yet ... when the people of Capernaum tried to keep Jesus permanently, so He could go on with His healing ministry, Jesus said no. He said, "I must preach the Good News of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose." And so Jesus went on His way, teaching and preaching about God's kingdom and how God had prepared a way for people to be forgiven and saved from their sin.

Jesus is putting the Good News first. Though healing is clearly important to Jesus, the Good News comes even before healing. And why? Because that Good News offers us a deeper kind of healing that goes beyond the great miracles they saw Jesus do in their villages—beyond healing fevers, beyond healing cancer, beyond casting out demons. Whoever trusts in Jesus as Savior receives a healing that goes beyond anything else: the healing of their relationship with God, and the restoration of their human nature.

It is Jesus who has healed our relationship with God by offering Himself on the cross to take away our evil. He is the One who has risen from the dead so that we might share in His everlasting life. And He is the One who re-creates everyone who trusts in Him so that now we become God's children. Here in this life we have already the beginnings of that eternal healing, and it will be complete on the day when Jesus returns to us in glory.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to treasure Your Good News and share it with others around me. 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).
In the passage for today it says, "the people sought (Jesus) and came to Him, and would have kept Him from leaving them." That resonates with me.

Devocional del CPTLN de 31 de Enero de 2019 - ¿Prioridad número uno?

ALIMENTO DIARIO

¿Prioridad número uno?

31 de Enero de 2019

Al ponerse el sol, todos los que tenían enfermos de diversas enfermedades se los llevaban, y él ponía sus manos sobre cada uno de ellos y los sanaba. También de muchos salían demonios, los cuales gritaban: «¡Tú eres el Hijo de Dios!»... Al llegar el día, Jesús salió y se fue a un lugar apartado. La gente lo buscaba, y cuando lo encontraron intentaron retenerlo para que no se alejara de ellos; pero él les dijo: «También es necesario que yo anuncie en otras ciudades las buenas noticias del reino de Dios, porque para esto he sido enviado.» Y siguió predicando en las sinagogas de esa región.

~ Lucas 4:40-41a, 42-44 (RVC)

En el pasaje de hoy dice: "La gente lo buscaba [a Jesús], y cuando lo encontraron intentaron retenerlo para que no se alejara de ellos". Yo haría lo mismo: me encantaría mantener a Jesús permanentemente cerca, siempre a mano, siempre disponible para hacer milagros de sanación y expulsar demonios. Entiendo perfectamente por qué la multitud quería impedir que se fuera a otro lugar.

Si somos honestos, nos gustaría hacer lo mismo, ¿no es cierto? Es natural que valoremos mucho la salud. Quizás estamos enfermos, y eso es muy difícil de soportar, especialmente si la enfermedad implica dolor o nos impide hacer las cosas que necesitamos hacer. Quizás algún ser querido está gravemente enfermo, ya sea en cuerpo o en mente. ¿A dónde más habríamos de llevarlo, sino al Señor nuestro sanador?

Y sin embargo. Sin embargo ... cuando las personas de Capernaúm trataron de retener permanentemente a Jesús para que pudiera continuar con su ministerio de sanación, Jesús dijo: "También es necesario que yo anuncie en otras ciudades las buenas noticias del reino de Dios, porque para esto he sido enviado". Y luego siguió su camino, enseñando y predicando sobre el reino de Dios y sobre cómo Dios había preparado un camino para que las personas sean perdonadas y salvas de su pecado.

Jesús pone las Buenas Nuevas en primer lugar. Si bien la sanación es claramente importante para Jesús, las Buenas Nuevas son aún más importantes. ¿Y por qué? Porque esas Buenas Nuevas nos ofrecen una sanación más profunda que va más allá de los grandes milagros que le vieron hacer en sus aldeas; una sanación que va más allá de la curación de la fiebre, más allá de la curación del cáncer, más allá de expulsar demonios. Quien confía en Jesús como Salvador, recibe una sanación que va más allá de cualquier otra cosa: la sanación de su relación con Dios y la restauración de su naturaleza humana.

Al ofrecerse en la cruz para quitar nuestro mal, Jesús sanó nuestra relación con Dios. Al resucitar de entre los muertos, nos abrió la puerta a la vida eterna. Y al recrearnos a través de la fe en él, nos ha hecho hijos de Dios. Ya en esta vida tenemos el comienzo de esa sanación eterna que se completará el día en que Jesús regrese a nosotros en gloria.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, ayúdame a atesorar tus Buenas Nuevas y a compartirlas con otras personas a mi alrededor. Amén.

Dr. Kari Vo

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
En el pasaje de hoy dice: "La gente lo buscaba [a Jesús], y cuando lo encontraron intentaron retenerlo para que no se alejara de ellos".

Хлеб наш насущный - Усыновление

Усыновление

Читать сейчас: Галатам 4:1-7 | Библия за год: Исход 25-26; Матфея 20:17-34

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Бог послал Сына Своего... дабы нам получить усыновление. — Галатам 4:4-5

Я радуюсь, когда богатый филантроп строит приют для бездомных детей. Но я прихожу в восторг, когда такой человек делает больше и усыновляет одного из сирот. Большинство этих детей были бы рады иметь опекуна. Но узнать, что спонсор не просто помогает, а выбирает и ценит меня!.. Каково это?

Если вы Божие дитя, то знаете, каково это, потому что такое чудо уже произошло с вами. Нам было бы не на что жаловаться, если бы Бог возлюбил нас, послал Своего Сына, «дабы всякий, верующий в Него, не погиб, но имел жизнь вечную» (Ин. 3:16), и на этом остановился. Но «Бог послал Сына Своего… чтобы искупить подзаконных, дабы нам получить усыновление» (Гал. 4:4-5).

Апостол Павел называет нас сынами, потому что в те времена сыновья, как правило, наследовали богатство отца. Так он подчеркивает, что теперь каждый, кто поверил в Иисуса Христа (и мужчина, и женщина), становится «сыном», то есть наследником Бога на полных и равных правах наследования (Гал. 4:7).

Бог не просто хочет вас спасти. Вы дороги Ему! Он усыновил вас, принял в Свою семью, дал вам Свое имя (см. Откр. 3:12) и назвал Своим чадом. Большей любви и высшего звания просто не может быть. Вы не просто получили благословение. Вы теперь – Божье дитя. Отец любит вас.

Небесный Отец, какая честь называть Тебя этими словами! Благодарю Тебя за мое спасение и за то, что я дорог в Твоих глазах.

Вы не просто спасены. Вы любимы!

автор: Майк Уитмер

© 2019 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Я радуюсь, когда богатый филантроп строит приют для бездомных детей. Но я прихожу в восторг, когда такой человек делает больше и усыновляет одного из сирот.