The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, July 19, 2019

Prayer for the Readers
Ephesians 3:14-21

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, July 19, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 52

Judgment on the Deceitful
To the leader. A Maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came to Saul and said to him, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”
1  Why do you boast, O mighty one,
     of mischief done against the godly?
     All day long 2 you are plotting destruction.
   Your tongue is like a sharp razor,
     you worker of treachery.
3  You love evil more than good,
     and lying more than speaking the truth.   Selah
4  You love all words that devour,
     O deceitful tongue.

5  But God will break you down forever;
     he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
     he will uproot you from the land of the living.   Selah
6  The righteous will see, and fear,
     and will laugh at the evildoer, saying,
7  “See the one who would not take
     refuge in God,
   but trusted in abundant riches,
     and sought refuge in wealth!”

8  But I am like a green olive tree
     in the house of God.
   I trust in the steadfast love of God
     forever and ever.
9  I will thank you forever,
     because of what you have done.
   In the presence of the faithful
     I will proclaim your name, for it is good.

Amos 5:18-27

The Day of the Lord a Dark Day
5:18 Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
     Why do you want the day of the Lord?
   It is darkness, not light;
19   as if someone fled from a lion,
     and was met by a bear;
   or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
     and was bitten by a snake.
20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
     and gloom with no brightness in it?

21 I hate, I despise your festivals,
     and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
     I will not accept them;
   and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
     I will not look upon.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;
     I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
24 But let justice roll down like waters,
     and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

25 Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 26 You shall take up Sakkuth your king, and Kaiwan your star-god, your images, which you made for yourselves; 27 therefore I will take you into exile beyond Damascus, says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Prayer for the Readers
3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

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

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
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.

The Morning Prayer for FRIDAY, July 19, 2019

Friday Morning Prayer

Lord on this day I am aware of the troubles and darkness in our world. Please come and lead me in prayers for my community, my nation and the world. You are the light that shines in the bleakest times, let your Kingdom be built on earth. May those who suffer be comforted, may those who are at war search for peace, and may those who are in pain find healing. Amen.

May Friday be a thoughtful day

When Your Spirit leads my prayer.

I trust each trouble small and wide,

With faith into Your care.

Let Friday always prompt my heart

To stand upon the truth.

Darkness has been overcome

The Earth belongs to You.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, July 19, 2019

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read all of Isaiah 41

Listen to Isaiah 41

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 - Friday, July 19, 2019

En familia

Busquen al Señor mientras se deje encontrar, llámenlo mientras esté cercano.

~ Isaías 55:6 (NVI)

Es importante entender el valor que Dios le da a la familia. ¿Has pensado en cuántos sábados o fines de semana no has estado en casa? ¿Desde cuándo no complaces a tu familia con ir a algún parque o un restaurante? Debes saber que tu primera obligación es, y será siempre, tu familia. Dios instituyó la familia para que estuviéramos acompañados y para que pasáramos tiempo juntos.

Quizá sea la mañana de este sábado y te das cuenta que te identificas con mis palabras. A lo mejor ya tienes planeado el día con tus amigos y no has tenido en cuenta a tus hijos ni a tu pareja. Estás en tiempo de cambiar los planes y aprovechar la familia que te entregó Dios.

En caso de que al mirar a tu alrededor estés solo porque no tengas familia, tal vez digas: «Pero bueno, ¿y yo qué hago?». Quiero que sepas que Dios está contigo. Él es tu Padre, tu Amigo, tu Consejero.

Aprovecha esta oportunidad de tener un momento a solas con Dios. Reflexiona en las bendiciones que te ha dado Él y entonces dedica este día para ti. ¿Qué tal si vas a la playa, visitas un amigo, sales a caminar o haces lo que más te gusta?

Dale gracias a Dios por tu familia dondequiera que esté.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Es importante entender el valor que Dios le da a la familia. ¿Has pensado en cuántos sábados o fines de semana no has estado en casa?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Friday, July 19, 2019

THE PEACEMAKERS

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

~ Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

With the possession of a meek spirit, we are equipped to step into the midst of conflict and be ambassadors “waging peace” that passes all understanding. The richness of the New Testament word “peace” describes a condition of perfect and complete positive well-being. It also describes right relationships—intimate fellowship and goodwill between human beings. Peace comes not from avoiding issues but from facing them, making peace even when the way is through trouble.

Blessed are those peacemakers who produce right relationships in every sphere of life, for they are doing a God-like work.

Such actions may involve laying down one’s life, like Jesus did, in order to reconcile men with God and break down barriers among men (Galatians 3:26-29). Are we willing to pay the price so that others might find peace with God? Are we willing to insist that all should hear the Gospel and believe? In some conflict areas of the world, Christians call this “waging peace.” 

Our brothers and sisters in Israel and the West Bank—where “peace” is sought but very evasive—remind us that Jesus’ high moral teaching is that we should not resist evil with evil (Matthew 5:39). Jesus is calling His followers not to respond in kind to the acts of injustice and dehumanization directed against them, but rather to respond with transforming initiatives. This unique perspective that He teaches contrasts with the “fight or flight” responses so deeply conditioned in human beings.

Dr. Salim Munayer is a wonderful example of such a peacemaker. The organization he founded takes groups of Christian Palestinians and Israelis on trips to the desert where they must work together in a situation that breaks down barriers and promotes trust relationships. Brother Andrew comments that this ministry doesn’t “just talk about the problem between Palestinians and Jews. It brings the two sides together and provides the means for them to reconcile.”

“Waging peace” involves: promoting love not hate; fostering unity among brethren; being a witness of a higher kingdom; and following the non-violence example of Jesus.

RESPONSE: Today I will be proactive and “wage peace” in my sphere of influence.

PRAYER: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. May I counter hatred with love and injury with forgiveness today.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Blessed are those peacemakers who produce right relationships in every sphere of life, for they are doing a God-like work.

Men of the Bible - Friday, July 19, 2019

Ezra

His name probably means: "Helps"

His work: A priest living in exile in Babylon.
His character: Courageous to face any foe, diligent in his study of the law, skilled in leadership, and humble before the Lord.
His sorrow: His own sinfulness and need of forgiveness and the sinfulness and disobedience of his people.
His triumph: Being the catalyst for genuine repentance among those Hebrews who returned from exile to their homeland.
Key Scriptures: The book of Ezra

A Look at the Man

Ezra was a student and a teacher of Scripture. His dedication to learning made him well versed in the substance and nuances of the law. He had a commanding knowledge of its truth. Is it any wonder why God selected him to initiate revival among the Hebrews?

Not much is said of Ezra's conversation with Artaxerxes that day, but God empowered Ezra and softened the king in a remarkable way. Of course, Artaxerxes was impressed with Ezra's understanding of his own religion and thoughtful preparation for this return to the homeland.

And although he would have been hard-pressed to explain it, the king knew that there was something else going on with this humble man who stood in his presence. Scripture tells us that "the hand of the LORD his God was on Ezra." God revealed himself through Ezra and moved the heart of a pagan monarch.

The king also must have observed Ezra's leadership skills. He knew that the task of moving thousands of Jews back to their homeland would need to be shouldered by a group of men who shared Ezra's vision and were loyal to him. In his letter, the king directs Ezra and his "brother Jews" to "do whatever seems best" with the vast provisions he sends along. This was not going to be a solo operation, and Artaxerxes was impressed with Ezra's ability to find other leaders to assist him.

Ezra was a man of vision demonstrated by his calling of the Levites to join the caravan to Jerusalem. He made it clear that this voyage was not simply a sightseeing tour of the rebuilt temple, but a spiritual pilgrimage.

Ezra's close relationship to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is undeniable. Ezra "was well versed in the law" and had devoted himself to studying and keeping the law, as well as teaching its commands.

But it was Ezra's humility before God that is the most telling part of the story. Nowhere was this more clearly demonstrated than when the report of Israel's sinfulness was brought to his attention.

You would think, after seeing how Ezra had prepared for this trip and how he had demonstrated his fidelity to God and his leadership skills, that Ezra would be outraged by the report. "Who do these Jews think they are?" Ezra could have thundered. "God will surely judge them for their sin."

Instead, Ezra fell on his knees lamenting the sins of God's people. Soon others gathered around the weeping priest, pouring out their own sins before the throne of God. What an amazing sight that must have been. Then Ezra, empowered by the Holy Spirit, made a declaration before the people that Israel's unfaithfulness had manifested itself in the Jewish men marrying foreign women. He told them to confess their sin and make a covenant to send away these wives and their children. "You are right!" the people responded. "We must do as you say."

Often the fires of revival are kindled in the souls of people like Ezra who come before the Lord on behalf of God's people.

Reflect On: Ezra 10:1
Praise God: For his faithfulness in Ezra’s life and his promise to be faithful in yours.
Offer Thanks: For the insurmountable challenges that force you into his presence.
Confess: Any propensity to be critical of others’ sins without confessing the gravity of your own.
Ask God: To fill you with his presence, to give you dreams and plans that honor him, and grant you wisdom.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
God selected Ezra to initiate revival among the Hebrews.

LHM Daily Devotions - Battered but Not Beaten

"Battered but Not Beaten"

Jul. 19, 2019

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven.

~ Psalm 107:28-30 (ESV)

I remember going to the beach as a kid. I was in the water playing all day long, riding the long, rolling waves, dipping my face below the surface. It was great fun until ... the tide rolled in. The little waves I had just body-surfed had turned menacing and, before I knew it, they were pounding into the shore, one after another.

When the first one hit, it came crashing down on me, driving me below the surface. I got my head above water, gasping, only to be thrust back down beneath the water again. It seemed like an eternity of being pummeled by the waves before I finally made it to shore—bruised, exhausted, breathless—but safe.

These days the "waves" come in other forms: project deadlines loom; bills are due; my wife's complaining that we're not spending any time together; and the kids—precious as they are—have turned into little monsters.

When I express my situation to a friend, he quickly checks my concerns with a litany of his own. Another tells me, "It'll be okay." To that I mutter, "Thanks. I'm better now." A third—someone I look to for advice on occasion—says she'll pray for me. Finally, the guy on the radio tells me it's a faith issue: I'm not trusting God enough with my life. (God, have mercy on us radio preachers.)

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's going through this. Life can be overwhelming sometimes—a lot of times. When the moment finally comes when you think you can breathe, another wave comes crashing down. I've tried holding on to things for a sense of security, but my job, possessions, money, and relationships have not been the answer.

Then one day, tired of desperately groping for worldly answers, I looked to the One who faced more than I'll ever know, Jesus, and I saw how my sin was forever in the way. My spiritual brokenness became a reality, and I knew that God did not leave us stranded, condemned under the Law. Instead, "God has done what the Law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:3-4).

My hope now is in the promise of new life available to those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation. And the funny thing (though I didn't feel it was at the time) is that God used the waves, the battering surf, to break down my defenses and false hopes, to bring me to a point where there was no hope left but to trust in Him.

And to think, He'd been there all along.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when our lives are tossed about by this world's stormy seas, remind us that You are there—ready to pull us from life's turbulent waters. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Describe a time when life overwhelmed you?
• Have you ever pleaded to God for help? When and why?
• Is there truth in the phrase, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger"?

This Daily Devotion was written by a contributing writer from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is there truth in the phrase, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger"?

Devocional de la CPTLN del 19 de Julio de 2019 - Aguas turbulentas

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Aguas turbulentas

19 de Julio de 2019

Pero en su angustia clamaron al Señor, y él los libró de su aflicción: convirtió la tempestad en bonanza, y apaciguó las amenazantes olas. Ante esa calma, sonrieron felices porque él los lleva a puerto seguro.

~ Salmo 107:28-30 (RVC)

Recuerdo cuánto disfrutaba la playa cuando era niño. Jugaba todo el día en el agua montando las largas y onduladas olas. Era muy divertido ... hasta que subía la marea. Las pequeñas olas en las que acababa de hacer surf se volvían amenazantes y, antes de darme cuenta, golpeaban la orilla una tras otra.

Cuando la primera se estrelló contra mí, me llevó debajo de la superficie. Saqué la cabeza del agua, jadeando, solo para ser empujado otra vez bajo el agua. Me pareció una eternidad hasta que finalmente llegué a la orilla magullado, exhausto, sin aliento, pero seguro.

Estos días, las "olas" vienen en otras formas: proyectos que tienen que ser terminados; facturas que se vencen; mi esposa que se queja de que no pasamos suficiente tiempo juntos; y los niños, que por más que son preciosos, se han convertido en pequeños monstruos.

Cuando le cuento esto a un amigo, rápidamente me responde con una letanía propia. Otro me dice: "Todo va a estar bien", a lo que respondo: "Gracias. Estoy mejor." Y otra, alguien a quien le pido consejos de vez en cuando, dice que va a orar por mí. Finalmente, el locutor de la radio dice que es un asunto de fe: no estoy confiando lo suficiente a Dios con mi vida.

Estoy seguro de que no soy el único que está pasando por esto. La vida puede ser abrumadora a veces, muchas veces. Cuando por fin llega el momento en que crees que puedes respirar, aparece otra ola y te golpea. He intentado aferrarme a las cosas para tener seguridad, pero mi trabajo, mis posesiones, mi dinero y mis relaciones no han sido la respuesta.

Entonces, un día, cansado de buscar desesperadamente respuestas mundanas, miré a Aquel que se enfrentó a más de lo que nunca sabré, Jesús, y vi cómo mi pecado siempre se interponía. Mi quebrantamiento espiritual era una realidad, pero sabía que Dios no nos había dejado varados, condenados por la ley. Al contrario: "Dios ha hecho lo que para la ley era imposible hacer, debido a que era débil por su naturaleza pecaminosa: por causa del pecado envió a su Hijo en una condición semejante a la del hombre pecador, y de esa manera condenó al pecado en la carne, para que la justicia de la ley se cumpliera en nosotros, que no seguimos los pasos de nuestra carne, sino los del Espíritu" (Romanos 8:3-4).

Mi esperanza ahora está en la promesa de una nueva vida disponible para quienes confían en el Señor Jesucristo para su salvación. Y lo más gracioso (aunque no lo sentí en ese momento) es que Dios usó esas olas para quebrar mis defensas y falsas esperanzas y llevarme a un punto en el que no me quedaba más esperanza sino solo confiar en Él.

Y pensar que Él había estado allí todo el tiempo.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, cuando las tormentas de este mundo sacudan nuestra vida, recuérdanos que tú estás allí listo para sacarnos de las turbulentas aguas de la vida. En el Nombre de Jesús oramos. Amén.

De The Lutheran Layman

Para reflexionar:

• Si alguna vez te has sentido abrumado por la vida, ¿qué hiciste para superarlo?
• ¿Crees que es cierto que las adversidades nos hacen más fuertes? ¿De qué manera?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Crees que es cierto que las adversidades nos hacen más fuertes? ¿De qué manera?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Ngài Là Ai?

Ngài Là Ai?

Đọc: Thi thiên 24 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Thi thiên 23–25; Công vụ 21:18–40

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Vua vinh hiển nầy là ai? Đó là Đức Giê-hô-va vạn quân, chính Ngài là Vua vinh hiển. Thi Thiên 24:10

Trên đường về nhà sau tuần trăng mật, vợ chồng tôi đứng chờ làm thủ tục tại sân bay. Tôi thúc chồng và chỉ một người đàn ông đứng cách đó vài bước. Chồng tôi liếc nhìn và hỏi: “Anh ấy là ai?”

Tôi hào hứng huyên thuyên về những vai diễn đáng chú ý nhất của anh diễn viên này, rồi chúng tôi bước tới xin chụp ảnh chung với anh. Hai mươi bốn năm sau, tôi vẫn thích kể câu chuyện về ngày tôi gặp ngôi sao điện ảnh.

Nhận ra diễn viên nổi tiếng là một chuyện, nhưng có một Đấng quan trọng hơn mà tôi rất biết ơn khi được biết Ngài cách cá nhân. “Vua vinh hiển nầy là ai?” (Thi. 24:8). Tác giả thi thiên là Đa-vít cho thấy Chúa Toàn Năng là Đấng Tạo Hóa, Đấng duy trì sự sống và là Đấng cai trị vạn vật. Ông nói: “Đất và muôn vật trên đất, thế giới và những người ở trong đó đều thuộc về Đức Giê-hô-va. Vì Ngài lập trái đất trên biển cả, và đặt nền nó trên các dòng nước” (c.1-2). Với lòng kinh sợ, Đa-vít tuyên bố Đức Chúa Trời trổi hơn tất cả, nhưng chúng ta có thể đến với Ngài trong mối quan hệ mật thiết (c.3-4). Chúng ta có thể biết Ngài, được Ngài ban năng lực và tin cậy rằng Ngài sẽ chiến đấu thay cho chúng ta khi chúng ta sống cho Ngài (c.8).

Chúa ban cho chúng ta cơ hội để công bố Ngài là Đấng Diệu Kỳ Duy Nhất đáng để chúng ta chia sẻ với mọi người. Khi chúng ta sống phản chiếu bản tính của Chúa, những người không biết Chúa sẽ thắc mắc: “Ngài là ai?” Giống như Đa-vít, chúng ta có thể bày tỏ Chúa với lòng kinh sợ và kể về câu chuyện của Ngài!

Chúa đã bày tỏ cho bạn điều gì về chính Ngài? Bạn sẽ chia sẻ điều đó với người khác thế nào?

Lạy Chúa, cảm ơn Ngài đã ban phước cho chúng con với niềm vui và đặc ân được tìm kiếm Ngài, cũng như cho chúng con cơ hội để chia sẻ về Ngài với người khác mỗi ngày.

bởi Xochitl E. Dixon

© 2019 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Tôi vẫn thích kể câu chuyện về ngày tôi gặp ngôi sao điện ảnh.