The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, July 2, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

TUESDAY, July 2, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 75

Thanksgiving for God’s Wondrous Deeds
To the leader: Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
1  We give thanks to you, O God;
     we give thanks; your name is near.
   People tell of your wondrous deeds.

2  At the set time that I appoint
     I will judge with equity.
3  When the earth totters, with all its inhabitants,
     it is I who keep its pillars steady.   Selah
4  I say to the boastful, “Do not boast,”
     and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horn;
5  do not lift up your horn on high,
     or speak with insolent neck.”

6  For not from the east or from the west
     and not from the wilderness comes lifting up;
7  but it is God who executes judgment,
     putting down one and lifting up another.
8  For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
     with foaming wine, well mixed;
   he will pour a draught from it,
     and all the wicked of the earth
     shall drain it down to the dregs.
9  But I will rejoice forever;
     I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
     but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

2 Kings 3:4-20

War with Moab
3:4 Now King Mesha of Moab was a sheep breeder, who used to deliver to the king of Israel one hundred thousand lambs, and the wool of one hundred thousand rams. 5 But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 So King Jehoram marched out of Samaria at that time and mustered all Israel. 7 As he went he sent word to King Jehoshaphat of Judah, “The king of Moab has rebelled against me; will you go with me to battle against Moab?” He answered, “I will; I am with you, my people are your people, my horses are your horses.” 8 Then he asked, “By which way shall we march?” Jehoram answered, “By the way of the wilderness of Edom.”

9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out; and when they had made a roundabout march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that were with them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The Lord has summoned us, three kings, only to be handed over to Moab.” 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah, is here.” 12 Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

13 Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to your father’s prophets or to your mother’s.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has summoned us, three kings, only to be handed over to Moab.” 14 Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, whom I serve, were it not that I have regard for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would give you neither a look nor a glance. 15 But get me a musician.” And then, while the musician was playing, the power of the Lord came on him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this wadi full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall see neither wind nor rain, but the wadi shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your cattle, and your animals.’ 18 This is only a trifle in the sight of the Lord, for he will also hand Moab over to you. 19 You shall conquer every fortified city and every choice city; every good tree you shall fell, all springs of water you shall stop up, and every good piece of land you shall ruin with stones.” 20 The next day, about the time of the morning offering, suddenly water began to flow from the direction of Edom, until the country was filled with water.

Ephesians 5:6-20

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be associated with them. 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

   “Sleeper, awake!
     Rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time.

The Morning Prayer for TUESDAY, July 2, 2019

Tuesday morning prayer

Lord, on this day I chose to put You first. Thank You that when You are at the center of our family, our lives are rich with love and goodness. Lord, be the running stream, springing up at the very heart of our household. Might we drink daily from the water of life, that our days would be filled with kindness, forgiveness, trust and love. Amen.

May this day be a gentle time

Of love and kindness shown,

To all my friends and family

A love that helps us grow.

Let Tuesday always prompt my heart

To place my life in You.

To see Your holy will be done

I give my life anew.

Verse of the Day TUESDAY, July 2, 2019

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Read all of Jeremiah 17

Listen to Jeremiah 17

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, July 2, 2019

Todos podemos ser instrumentos

En lo que requiere diligencia, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor.

~ Romanos 12:11, RV-60

Para ser un buen instrumento, solo debemos tener el deseo de ser útiles en las manos de Dios y estar siempre con un corazón dispuesto al servicio. Si lo analizamos, vemos que podemos ser instrumentos de diversas maneras: Como voluntarios en alguna organización o en la iglesia, donde quizá lo podamos desempeñar en uno de los departamentos de servicio al necesitado.

Ahora bien, si tu llamado es más específico como el de ser líder o pastor, sabemos que Dios capacita al que llama y de inmediato te darás cuenta de eso. También en tu trabajo puedes servir siendo un instrumento del amor de Dios y reflejando a Jesucristo.

Por último, tal vez tu don sea como músico, cantante o compositor que, con sus talentos, nos ministran en la vida y son una bendición.

En general, la gran misión de cada uno de nosotros es amar al prójimo, pues así somos instrumentos útiles al servicio del Señor.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Para ser un buen instrumento, solo debemos tener el deseo de ser útiles en las manos de Dios y estar siempre con un corazón dispuesto al servicio.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, July 2, 2019

OUR SACRIFICES, NOT OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

…now God is building you, as living stones into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.

~ 1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

Our Open Doors colleague, Ron Boyd-MacMillan, shares the following insight from his teaching, “Why I Need to Encounter the Persecuted Church.”

When I lived in Los Angeles, I was always stressed about one key question—am I fulfilling my potential? Everywhere I drove, I was surrounded by advertisements telling me that I was not earning enough, that I needed to have an “attitude transplant.” I worried about whether I should take more courses in the elusive search for more success. My friends were actors and actresses desperate to attract the attention of some film producer, and working a couple of part-time jobs in the vain hope that someday, they will be discovered. I too always felt unfulfilled.

But is the purpose of my life really to maximize my potential? A visit to the persecuted soon cured me of that idea. This fact becomes clear—fulfilling one’s potential cannot possibly be the purpose to life because so few actually get the opportunity to do so!

Look at the millions of Christians in China’s house churches. All of them live lives in which—for want of a better term—they are trapped. They do not have choices. Because of their Christianity, many are denied access to education, or are barred from developing promising careers. I sat in a house church of seventy peasant Christians, and wondered, how many great scientists, violin players, or philosophers could be in here, but they and the world will never know, because they never had the chance to study, learn algebra, or hold a musical instrument.

Would God really make a world where only a tiny minority could fulfill their life’s purpose, and doom the rest of us to a lifetime of frustration?

We were studying 1st Peter one night, and suddenly I had an insight while reading chapter 2 verse 5. It struck me: God makes each life that is yielded to him a living stone in building his temple. That’s why we are alive. That’s the purpose of it all. We are all made to become a stone in his spiritual temple, his eternal kingdom. And everybody gets the opportunity to become a “living stone” just by virtue of giving our lives to him. We are priests because we offer a sacrifice. That sacrifice is the only one we can make—that of our lives. And so we find the purpose for which God made the world—to build a kingdom of worshipers for Himself. That old man in the house church whose back is bent double from a life in the rice paddies is a living stone. That woman whose baby was taken away during the Cultural Revolution because she was a Christian is also a living stone. No one wastes their life who gives it to Jesus. They are placed into an eternal structure—the kingdom of God, and will rejoice forever in that status.

No one goes unfulfilled because God builds his kingdom on our sacrifices, not on our achievements.

RESPONSE: Today I will be fulfilled as a “living stone” for God and offer Him the sacrifice of my life.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord that I don’t need to spend my life seeking fulfillment other than in You!

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, July 2, 2019

God’s Perfect Provision Part 2

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

I will provide for their needs before they ask, and I will help them while they are still asking for help.

~ Isaiah 65:24 (NCV)

Friend to Friend

Despite a very shaky start, the weekend could not have gone any better! (If you have not read yesterday’s devotion, stop where you are. Go back and read it … now!)

Dan and I finally made it to Greensburg for my speaking event and checked into our hotel only to discover that the air conditioning in our room did not work.

I. Did. Not. Care.

I was so tired that I literally climbed into bed and pleaded with my sweet husband to just deal with it. He did. I vaguely remember the maintenance man kicking the air conditioning unit in our room, and the unit coming to life. Go God!

And God was all over the event from beginning to end. I totally forgot about my hurting back the minute I began to speak. Every time I gave an invitation, women flooded the aisles. I talked and prayed with woman after woman … all seeking God and His power to redeem, heal, and restore. It was an amazing day!

I even managed to forget about the fact that this “free” event had gouged an unexpected hole in our finances. I shakily chose to trust God.

The next day I spoke for the church where my friend and her husband are the pastors. I noticed her look of concern when I hobbled in and assured her that I would be fine. I then turned to Dan and quietly pleaded, “Do you have a sermon in your pocket?” He smiled and said, “You’ve got this, honey.” I did not care for his faith in me at that moment. But when I got up to speak, God did indeed come through again. It was a precious service and a time of eternal business with God.

On the way home, Dan and I talked and laughed about the whole weekend … from the minute we stepped up to the airport counter … to the air going out in his truck and that funny little auto parts store. We then celebrated all that God had done in the lives of the people who came to hear His Word and were forever changed through His power.

“Oh, did you check your money pouch?” Dan asked. I had honestly not even thought about it. I had only brought a minimum number of books and CDs to sell and really did not expect much.

And that was my problem - my pitiful expectations - my meager faith.

We serve a God who can do a whole lot when we expect Him to. When I counted the money, I could not believe it. We had just enough to cover all of our expenses for the whole weekend! We partied all the way home!

But there is more.

When we got home, pulled in our driveway, and opened the garage door, Dan said, “Uh, honey, I think you need to go in the garage.”

Now that was strange. Dan had just told me to stay put while he unloaded the truck and opened the door. Yes … I had a frozen bag of peas that still had a little life left in it. But I got out of the truck and went in the garage and promptly started screaming!

There sat a 2004 silver Honda Pilot. The car was in mint condition. The dealership papers said it had new tires, a new transmission, and a new timing belt. The car was a lease and had been perfectly maintained. And it had a third row … big enough for all of our grandchildren!

The note on the windshield said it was a gift from the men in Dan’s fireside group. Three months earlier, they had noticed the absence of my old car and asked Dan about it. That’s all.

And now the note read, “It is unacceptable for our pastor’s wife to not have a car. We want you to know how much we love you.” And there were no names except for the one man who had to title the car. I had no idea who to thank.

Oh, but I did.

My Father had worked through the willing hearts of some precious men to meet a need in my life. So I named the car Gracie. And every time I get behind the wheel of Gracie, I am reminded that no matter how hard we try, we simply cannot out-give God.

I want to live my life with open hands, dusty feet, calloused knees, and rolled-up sleeves. I want to be a generous giver. I may not have much money, but I can give what I have. I can give my time and energy … my love and concern … a listening ear and a caring heart. I can give my life.

Let’s Pray

Father, Giver of every good and perfect gift, teach me how to give. Help me see those in need and be quick to meet their needs. I choose to crucify myself in order to give in such a way that pleases and honors You. Thank You for the privilege of giving.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Choose now to become a generous giver. Ask God to show you a person in need … and then show you how to meet that need. I would love to hear your “Giving Story” this week. Email me: mary@marysoutherland.com

More from the Girlfriends

Do you want to grow in your ability to trust God? Get Mary’s E-Book 10-Day Trust Adventure. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Dan and I finally made it to Greensburg for my speaking event and checked into our hotel only to discover that the air conditioning in our room did not work.

LHM Daily Devotions - Comforted in Jerusalem

"Comforted in Jerusalem"

Jul. 2, 2019

(The Lord said) "Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance." For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."

~ Isaiah 66:10-13 (ESV)

Jerusalem meant many things to the people of Isaiah's day. Besides being the national capital and the seat of their king, Jerusalem was the place where God had placed His temple—the place where all Israel was required to come for worship yearly. That gave Jerusalem a special place in the minds and hearts of the people. It stood for the kingdom of God: that place where God came close to His people and met with them in peace.

Unfortunately, that wasn't all Jerusalem meant, as most of the Old Testament makes clear. It was also a place notorious for sin—a place where idolatry went on, sometimes in the very temple of God itself. It was a place where people oppressed the poor and took bribes to pervert justice. It was a place where horrors like cannibalism happened during the days when it was under siege. Jesus Himself referred to her as "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!" (Luke 13:34a).

Small wonder that the prophets of God seem to have a love/hate relationship with Jerusalem! She was a symbol of the very best; she could also be the very worst.

Does this sound familiar? It does to me. Jerusalem in many ways resembles the Christian church as she exists on earth—a place that is both good and bad, simultaneously the best and the worst. There we meet with God in worship and in Communion; there we serve God's people together; there we show concern and love for one another. But there, also, we find power struggles and coldness of heart and even historical evils like the Crusades and the Inquisition. As James writes, "My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?" (James 3:10b-11)

Those of us who love the church can fall into despair. We see the glory that God has called us to as members of the body of Christ, Jesus' own ambassadors in this world. And then we see ... what? our sin, bringing shame to the Name we bear. Who can help us?

Only God can truly cleanse and make right the earthly manifestation of His kingdom. Only Jesus can purify us, God's people, and make us "blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of life" (Philippians 2:15-16a). He can do this, and He will do it. How can He not? He has already given His life for us, to make us His own.

THE PRAYER: Dear Father, cleanse Your church and help the world to see Your Son Jesus through us. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever been swept up in a big victory like a sports championship or a political election? What was that experience like?
• How is it that Jerusalem was the place of godly honor and the city that killed the prophets of God?
• What part do you play in making your church stand out as a place of hospitality and service in your community?

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).
Have you ever been swept up in a big victory like a sports championship or a political election?

Devocional de la CPTLN del 02 de Julio de 2019 - Consolados en Jerusalén

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Consolados en Jerusalén

02 de Julio de 2019

Todos ustedes, los que aman a Jerusalén, ¡alégrense y regocíjense con ella! ¡Llénense de regocijo por ella, todos los que por ella se han entristecido! Porque ella los amamantará en sus pechos, y los consolará y dejará satisfechos; ustedes serán amamantados, y disfrutarán de las delicias de su gloria. Ciertamente, el Señor ha dicho: «¡Miren! Voy a extender sobre ella la paz y la riqueza de las naciones, como si fueran un río desbordado. Ustedes serán amamantados y llevados en brazos, y mimados en el regazo. Yo los consolaré a ustedes como consuela una madre a sus hijos, y en Jerusalén hallarán consuelo.»

~ Isaías 66:10-13 (RVC)

Jerusalén significó muchas cosas para el pueblo en los días de Isaías. Además de ser la capital nacional y la sede de su rey, Jerusalén era el lugar donde Dios había colocado Su templo, el lugar donde todo Israel debía ir a adorar cada año. Eso le dio a Jerusalén un lugar especial en la mente y el corazón del pueblo: simbolizaba el reino de Dios, el lugar donde Dios se acerca a su pueblo y se reunía con ellos en paz.

Desafortunadamente, eso no era todo lo que Jerusalén significaba, como lo deja claro la mayoría del Antiguo Testamento. También era un lugar conocido por el pecado, un lugar donde la idolatría continuaba, a veces en el mismo templo de Dios. Era un lugar donde se oprimía a los pobres y se aceptaban sobornos para pervertir la justicia. Un lugar donde los horrores como el canibalismo ocurrieron durante los días en que estuvo sitiada. Jesús mismo se refirió a ella como "¡Jerusalén, Jerusalén, que matas a los profetas y apedreas a los que son enviados a ti!" (Lucas 13:34a).

¡No es de extrañar que los profetas de Dios parezcan tener una relación de amor-odio con Jerusalén! Era un símbolo de lo mejor... pero también podía ser un símbolo de lo peor.

¿Te suena familiar? A mí sí. Jerusalén, en muchos aspectos, se asemeja a la iglesia cristiana aquí en la tierra: un lugar bueno y malo a la vez. Un lugar donde nos reunimos en la adoración y comunión, donde servimos juntos al pueblo de Dios y mostramos preocupación y amor los unos por los otros. Pero también es un lugar donde hay luchas de poder y frialdad de corazón, e incluso maldades históricas como las Cruzadas y la Inquisición. Como escribe Santiago: "Hermanos míos, ¡esto no puede seguir así! ¿Acaso de una misma fuente puede brotar agua dulce y agua amarga?" (Santiago 3:10b-11). Quienes amamos a la iglesia podemos caer en la desesperación. Vemos la gloria a la que Dios nos ha llamado como miembros del cuerpo de Cristo, los embajadores de Jesús en este mundo. Y luego vemos ... ¿qué? Nuestro pecado, avergonzando el Nombre que llevamos. ¿Quién nos puede ayudar?

Solo Dios puede verdaderamente limpiar y enderezar la manifestación terrenal de su reino. Solo Jesús puede purificarnos a nosotros, el pueblo de Dios, y convertirnos en "irreprensibles y sencillos, e intachables hijos de Dios en medio de una generación maligna y perversa, en medio de la cual ustedes resplandecen como luminares en el mundo, aferrados a la palabra de vida" (Filipenses 2:15-16a). Él puede hacer esto, y lo hará. ¿Cómo no va a hacerlo si ya ha dado su vida por nosotros, para hacernos suyos?

ORACIÓN: Querido Padre, limpia tu iglesia y ayuda al mundo a ver a tu hijo Jesús a través de nosotros. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Por qué crees que Jerusalén pudo ser al mismo tiempo la ciudad de Dios y el lugar donde se mató a los profetas de Dios?
• ¿Qué haces para que tu iglesia sea un lugar abierto y de servicio a tu comunidad?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Por qué crees que Jerusalén pudo ser al mismo tiempo la ciudad de Dios y el lugar donde se mató a los profetas de Dios?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Cómo encontrar paz

Cómo encontrar paz

Leer: Colosenses 3:12-17 | La Biblia en un año: Job 22–24 Hechos 11

Y la paz de Dios gobierne en vuestros corazones, a la que asimismo fuisteis llamados en un solo cuerpo… (v. 15).

«¿Qué piensas sobre la paz?», me preguntó mi amiga mientras almorzábamos. «¿La paz? —dije sorprendida—. No estoy segura. ¿Por qué lo preguntas?». «Bueno, durante la reunión en la iglesia, vi que sacudías tu pie y me pregunté si te preocupaba algo. ¿Has pensado en la paz que Dios da a los que lo aman?».

En aquel momento, hace unos años, me dolió un poco su pregunta, pero me incentivó a que comenzara a explorar la Biblia para ver cómo experimentaban los hijos de Dios este regalo saludable de la paz en medio de las dificultades. Al leer la carta de Pablo a los colosenses, medité en el mandato del apóstol acerca de permitir que la paz de Dios gobernara en sus corazones (Colosenses 3:15).

Pablo no había visitado esa iglesia, pero había oído de ella a través de su amigo Epafras, y le preocupaba que estuvieran perdiendo la paz de Cristo como resultado de las falsas enseñanzas. Pero en lugar de reprenderlos, los alentó a confiar en Cristo, quien les daría seguridad y esperanza (v. 15).

Todos enfrentaremos situaciones en las que tendremos que decidir entre aceptar o rechazar que la paz de Cristo gobierne en nuestros corazones. A medida que descansemos en el Señor, Él, en su amor, irá quitando la ansiedad y las preocupaciones que nos agobian.

Señor, ayúdame a abrazar tu paz en todas las áreas de mi vida.

¿Qué situaciones o relaciones agobian tu mente y tu corazón? ¿Cómo puedes pedirle al Señor su paz?

Por Amy Boucher Pye

© 2019 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
¿Qué piensas sobre la paz?