The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

MONDAY, October 21, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 129

(My attackers have not prevailed)

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of Ascents.
1  “Often have they attacked me from my youth”
     —let Israel now say—
2  “often have they attacked me from my youth,
     yet they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed on my back;
     they made their furrows long.”
4  The Lord is righteous;
     he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5  May all who hate Zion
     be put to shame and turned backward.
6  Let them be like the grass on the housetops
     that withers before it grows up,
7  with which reapers do not fill their hands
     or binders of sheaves their arms,
8  while those who pass by do not say,
     “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
     We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Jeremiah 38:14-28

(King and prophet consult)

Zedekiah Consults Jeremiah Again
38:14 King Zedekiah sent for the prophet Jeremiah and received him at the third entrance of the temple of the Lord. The king said to Jeremiah, “I have something to ask you; do not hide anything from me.” 15 Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will put me to death, will you not? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16 So King Zedekiah swore an oath in secret to Jeremiah, “As the Lord lives, who gave us our lives, I will not put you to death or hand you over to these men who seek your life.”

17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, If you will only surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then your life shall be spared, and this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. 18 But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city shall be handed over to the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you yourself shall not escape from their hand.” 19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for I might be handed over to them and they would abuse me.” 20 Jeremiah said, “That will not happen. Just obey the voice of the Lord in what I say to you, and it shall go well with you, and your life shall be spared. 21 But if you are determined not to surrender, this is what the Lord has shown me— 22 a vision of all the women remaining in the house of the king of Judah being led out to the officials of the king of Babylon and saying,

   ‘Your trusted friends have seduced you
     and have overcome you;
   Now that your feet are stuck in the mud,
     they desert you.’

23 All your wives and your children shall be led out to the Chaldeans, and you yourself shall not escape from their hand, but shall be seized by the king of Babylon; and this city shall be burned with fire.”

24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone else know of this conversation, or you will die. 25 If the officials should hear that I have spoken with you, and they should come and say to you, ‘Just tell us what you said to the king; do not conceal it from us, or we will put you to death. What did the king say to you?’ 26 then you shall say to them, ‘I was presenting my plea to the king not to send me back to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” 27 All the officials did come to Jeremiah and questioned him; and he answered them in the very words the king had commanded. So they stopped questioning him, for the conversation had not been overheard. 28 And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was taken.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

(You are washed and sanctified)

Lawsuits among Believers
6:1 When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters? 4 If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, 6 but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that?

7 In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and believers at that.

9 Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

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
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 129; Jeremiah 38:14-28; 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

The Daily Prayer for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

The Daily Prayer

MONDAY, October 21, 2019

Clement of Alexandria said, “One purchases immortality through generosity; and, by giving the perishing things of the world, receives in exchange for these an eternal mansion in the heavens! Rush to this market, if you are wise, O rich man! If need be, sail around the whole world.”

Lord, teach us the power of a generosity that interrupts the logic of scarcity with the extravagant self-giving of divine love. Amen.

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

Psalm 40:8 (NIV)

   I desire to do your will, my God;
     your law is within my heart.”

Read all of Psalm 40

Listen to Psalm 40

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 - Lunes 21 de Octubre de 2019

Los deseos de Dios

Ante ti, Señor, están todos mis deseos; no te son un secreto mis anhelos.

— Salmo 38:9 (NVI)

Dicen que en veintiún días algo que hacemos se convierte en hábito. Así que al buscar palabra que Dios pusiera en mi corazón para cada uno de nosotros este año, encontré veintiún deseos específicos, o principios de vida, que Dios espera de nosotros. Muchos de estos los hemos escuchado, repetido y practicado. Sin embargo, lo más importante es que cada uno de los que amamos a Dios queremos conocerle, agradarle y hacer su voluntad.

Durante los próximos veintiún días reflexionaremos en esos deseos y principios de vida y estoy segura que Dios abrirá nuestro entendimiento a fin de que logremos comprender mejor su Palabra y su corazón.

Dios mío, ayúdanos a comprender tu Palabra. Danos sabiduría y permite que cada uno de nosotros reciba la instrucción y la preparación de modo que seamos capaces de vivir como tú esperas. Que con palabras sencillas comprendamos la bendición de ser obedientes.

Señor Jesús, entregamos en tus manos estos próximos días que combinaremos con oración y ayuno.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Dicen que en veintiún días algo que hacemos se convierte en hábito. Así que al buscar palabra que Dios pusiera en mi corazón para cada uno de nosotros este año, encontré veintiún deseos específicos, o principios de vida, que Dios espera de nosotros.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Monday, October 21, 2019

FACING TRIALS

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

— James 1:2-4 (NIV)

James, in his letter to the early Christians, lists the qualities that many kinds of trials develop in us.

She stood outside the doorway of the church intrigued by the love and joy displayed by those inside. The missionary had asked her to come in, but she had politely declined. This was a hostile area in the Philippines, and her father had strictly forbidden her to have anything to do with “those Christians.”

Unknown to the little Filipino girl, the missionary was praying fervently for her soul. Finally one Sunday morning, the little girl accepted the invitation to attend the Sunday school class. There she also opened her heart to Jesus and became a child of God. The missionary presented her with a beautiful white dress, representing the fact that Jesus had washed all her sins away.

The next Sunday the little girl was nowhere to be found. Concerned for the girl, the missionary traveled to her home village. Arriving at her home, she found the young, new believer lying in the dirt. Her white dress was torn, filthy, and soaked in blood. The girl’s father hadn’t shared the missionary’s joy in his daughter’s new-found faith. In a drunken rage he had beaten her, repeatedly kicked her, and left her to die.

The missionary gently lifted the fragile girl and carried her back to the church where a doctor rushed to help. But there was nothing he could do. He removed the ragged dress and cleaned her up, but her injuries were too severe. The missionary stayed with her, trying to comfort her during her final hour.

Upon regaining consciousness the little girl made an unusual request. She insisted on holding in her hand the white dress the missionary had given her. They explained that it was torn and soaked with blood and dirt. With the simple faith of a child she whispered, “I just want Jesus to know that I was willing to bleed for Him.”

RESPONSE: Today I acknowledge that struggles and trials are exactly what I need in my life. Without them, I would be crippled. I would never fly!

PRAYER: Lord, cause my suffering to make what I really believe to be evident to others.

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

Women of the Bible - Monday, October 21, 2019

Joanna

Her name means: "The Lord Gives Graciously"

Her character: A woman of high rank in Herod's court, she experienced healing at Jesus' hands. She responded by giving herself totally, supporting his ministry, and following him wherever he went. The story of her healing may have been known to Herod himself.
Her joy: To find the tomb empty except for the angels who proclaimed Jesus alive.
Key Scriptures: Luke 8:1-3; 24:10 (and Matthew 14:1-12 and Luke 23:7-12 for background on Herod and his court)

Her Story

Joanna was a wealthy woman, accustomed to an atmosphere of worldliness. One didn't live in Herod Antipas's courts without learning to navigate the powerful currents of intrigue that swirled continuously around his throne. But nothing had so troubled and sickened her as the death of the prophet John. A holy man murdered for speaking the plain truth, his head was carried to Herodias on a platter, like a tantalizing dish to satisfy her appetite for revenge. How sad she had been as she watched Jesus grieving his cousin's murder.

Joanna's own life had been so altered by Christ that she may have hoped to influence Herod on his behalf. Married to Cuza, the manager of Herod's vast estates, she was well-positioned for the task. How intently Herod would have listened as she recounted the details of her miraculous healing. But after John's death, Joanna must have wondered what would become of Jesus should he ever have the misfortune of falling into Herod's hands. And what, for that matter, would become of his followers?

Though Joanna would have realized the escalating risks that faith required, there is not the slightest evidence she flinched from them. Unlike Nicodemus, she made no effort to hide her admiration for Jesus. Along with other women, she provided for his needs from her own purse. Perhaps her gifts made it just a little easier on this teacher who had no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).

All we really know of Joanna, in addition to her status as Cuza's wife, is that Jesus cured her of some spiritual or physical malady, that she was among a group of women who traveled with Jesus and his disciples, that she supported his ministry out of her own means, and that she was present at Jesus' resurrection along with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James. Whether her faith cost her dearly or little in either her marriage or at court is a matter for speculation.

Joanna was probably among the women present at the crucifixion. And like the others who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body, she must have fallen on her face in awe of the angels who greeted her with astonishing news: "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

She would have run with the others to tell the disciples of the incredible discovery. Though Peter and the other disciples discounted the story as the ravings of hysterical women, Joanna would hardly have doubted herself. For she was a woman who lived in an atmosphere of power, and she had just witnessed a far greater power than Herod's. She would have recognized it as the same power that had healed her.

It didn't matter that her husband served a man opposed to Christ; Joanna knew where her allegiance belonged. A woman of high rank, she became part of the intimate circle of Christ's followers, casting her lot with fishermen and poor people rather than with the rich and the powerful. God honored her by making her one of the first witnesses of the resurrection.

Her Promise

Joy comes in the morning. Joanna discovered this in a miraculous way on Jesus' resurrection day. She went to his tomb expecting to minister to his dead body and to grieve. Instead, her sorrow turned to tremendous joy. Our joy may not come this morning or tomorrow morning or even the morning after that. We face too many hardships, too many difficult situations, too much sorrow here on earth to think joy will arrive with each morning. But it will come. He has promised. At the end of the day, at the end of this life, there will be a joyful morning for all who trust in him.

This devotional is drawn from Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. Used with permission.
Joanna was a wealthy woman, accustomed to an atmosphere of worldliness.

LHM Daily Devotions - October 21, 2019 - Be Still!

"Be Still!"

Oct. 21, 2019

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

— Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)

Often in Scripture, when "the earth gives way," it is a sign of God's presence—or of His wrath. When God gave the Ten Commandments at Sinai, He descended on the mountain in fire and "the whole mountain trembled greatly" (Exodus 19:18b). When the Lord was angry, David said, "the earth reeled and rocked" (2 Samuel 22:8a).

The earth beneath our feet is not supposed to move, but sometimes it does, with terrifying results. Earthquakes are not the only life-shattering events we experience. Events in the world around us such as war, terrors, natural disasters, and economic crises threaten the foundations on which we build. When we or our loved ones are struck down by illness, financial hardship, loss, or grief, we feel shattered and unsettled, without a safe place to stand.

When "the earth gives way," the God who made His presence known with earthquakes is the one sure and certain place of safety. He is a refuge, a place to hide, the strong foundation on which to stand. He is the One who is present to help and sustain us. The psalmist repeats the refrain, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalm 46:10). God is the Lord of hosts, the Lord of the armies of heaven. Though we may rightly fear raging nations and tottering kingdoms, the Lord of hosts thunders at earth-bound, warring nations: "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:11).

In Jesus "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19b). The mighty God who shook Sinai with His presence took on our human flesh. The Sea of Galilee once roared and foamed around Jesus' frightened disciples, threatening to overwhelm them. They called on Jesus to save them and the Lord of hosts commanded the wind and water, "Be still!" (Mark 4:39b). Then, for the sake of our salvation, the mighty Lord allowed the world's roaring, foaming evil to overcome Him. He was nailed to a cross, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He suffered, died, and was buried. But on the third day after His death, an earthquake shattered the first Easter, as an angel rolled away the stone to reveal Jesus' empty tomb. Jesus has risen from the dead! Sin, death, and the devil lie crushed beneath the nail-scarred feet of the Lord of hosts.

To the fear, guilt, and shame that rise up to "roar and foam" in our lives, the crucified and risen Lord speaks His powerful, commanding Word: "Be still!" We have a safe place to stand. Securely sheltered by His love and power, "we will not fear though the earth gives way."

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, during life-shattering events, and at all times, be our refuge and strength, our present help in every trouble. Say to the things that alarm us, "Be still!" Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever witnessed a notable display of the earth's forces?
• Do you ever think, really, about the earth coming apart, giving way?
• Does God's power to physically impact the earth—and by extension the universe-come to bear in the way you approach Him or relate to Him?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever witnessed a notable display of the earth's forces?

CPTLN devocional del 21 de Octubre de 2019 - ¡Silencio! ¡A callar!

ALIMENTO DIARIO

¡Silencio! ¡A callar!

21 de Octubre de 2019

Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza, nuestro pronto auxilio en todos los problemas. Por eso no tenemos ningún temor. Aunque la tierra se estremezca, y los montes se hundan en el fondo del mar; aunque sus aguas bramen y se agiten, y los montes tiemblen ante su furia.

— Salmos 46:1-3 (RVC)

A menudo en las Escrituras, cuando "la tierra se estremece" es una señal de la presencia de Dios o de su ira. Cuando Dios nos dio los Diez Mandamientos en el Sinaí, descendió sobre la montaña encendida en llamas y "todo el monte se estremecía en extremo" (Éxodo 19:18b). Por su parte, David nos dice que "la tierra tembló y se estremeció" (2 Samuel 22:8a) cuando el Señor se había enojado.

Se supone que la tierra que está debajo de nuestros pies nunca se mueva, pero a veces lo hace y los resultados son aterradores. Pero los terremotos no son los únicos eventos devastadores que experimentamos. Lo que pasa en el mundo a nuestro al rededor, como las guerras, los terrores, los desastres naturales y las crisis económicas, amenazan los cimientos sobre los que construimos nuestras vidas. Cuando somos golpeados por una enfermedad, por dificultades financieras, por pérdida o dolor, nos sentimos destrozados e inquietos, sin estabilidad.

Cuando "la tierra se estremece", el Dios que se dio a conocer por medio de los terremotos es el único lugar seguro y estable. Es un refugio, un escondite, la base sólida sobre la cual podemos pararnos seguros. Él está presente para ayudarnos y sostenernos. El salmista nos dice: "¡Con nosotros está el Señor de los ejércitos! ¡Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob!" (Salmo 46:11). Dios es el Señor de los ejércitos, el Señor de los ejércitos del cielo. Aunque tenemos razón para temerles a las naciones embravecidas y a los reinos tambaleantes, el Señor de los ejércitos reina sobre las naciones en guerra: "«¡Alto! ¡Reconozcan que yo soy Dios! ¡Las naciones me exaltan! ¡La tierra me enaltece!»" (Salmo 46:10).

En Jesús "toda la plenitud de Dios se complace en habitar" (Colosenses 1:19b). El poderoso Dios, que sacudió al Sinaí con Su presencia, tomó forma humana. El Mar de Galilea una vez bramó y se agitó amenazando con ahogar a los discípulos de Jesús, quienes estaban muy asustados. Pero ellos le pidieron a Jesús que los salvara y el Señor de los ejércitos dio la orden al viento y al agua diciéndoles: "¡Silencio! ¡A callar!" (Marcos 4:39b). Pero tiempo después, para salvarnos, el poderoso Señor permitió que el mal rugiente y embravecido de este mundo lo venciera. Fue clavado en una cruz, ofreciéndose como el sacrificio perfecto por nuestros pecados, sufrió, murió y fue sepultado. Pero al tercer día después de su muerte, un terremoto destrozó la primera Pascua cuando un ángel retiró la piedra para revelar la tumba vacía de Jesús. ¡Jesús resucitó de la muerte! El pecado, la muerte y el diablo yacen aplastados bajo los pies con cicatrices de clavos del Señor de los ejércitos.

El Señor crucificado y resucitado les da la orden con su poderosa y dominante Palabra al miedo, la culpa y la vergüenza que se levantan "bramando y agitando" nuestras vidas. Les dice: "¡Silencio! ¡A callar!". Tenemos un lugar seguro donde estar. Estamos protegidos con la seguridad de su amor y poder: "por eso no tenemos ningún temor. Aunque la tierra se estremezca".

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, en medio de situaciones que destrozan nuestra vida, y en todo momento, te pedimos que seas nuestro refugio y fortaleza, nuestra ayuda presente en cada problema. Ordénales a las cosas que nos asustan: "¡Silencio! ¡A callar!" Amén.

Dra. Carol Geisler

Para reflexionar:

• ¿En qué situaciones has presenciado la fuerza imponente de la naturaleza?
• ¿Cómo influye en tu relación con Dios el hecho de que él tiene poder para impactar físicamente la tierra y el universo?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿En qué situaciones has presenciado la fuerza imponente de la naturaleza?

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un festin d’amour

Un festin d’amour

Lisez : Jean 6.47-59

La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 62 – 64 ; 1 Timothée 1

Je suis le pain vivant qui est descendu du ciel. V. 51

Dans le film danois Le festin de Babette, une réfugiée française apparaît dans un village côtier. Deux sœurs âgées, leaders de la vie religieuse de la collectivité, recueillent Babette, qui leur servira de femme de ménage pendant quatorze ans. Quand Babette entre en possession d’une grande somme d’argent, elle invite l’assemblée de douze chrétiens à se joindre à elle pour déguster un repas extravagant de plats français à base de caviar, de feuilletés aux cailles, etc.

Les convives se détendent au fil des services. Certains trouvent le pardon, d’autres trouvent un amour ravivé et d’autres encore se mettent à relater des miracles dont ils ont été les témoins et des vérités qu’on leur avait enseignées durant leur enfance. « Vous rappelez-vous ce que l’on nous a appris ? ont-ils dit. Petits enfants, aimez-vous les uns les autres. » À la fin du repas, Babette révèle aux sœurs qu’elle a dépensé tout ce qu’elle avait en nourriture. Elle avait tout donné – y compris la chance de retourner à son ancienne vie de chef renommée à Paris – afin que ses amis, en mangeant, puissent sentir leur cœur s’ouvrir.

Jésus est apparu sur la terre en tant qu’étranger et serviteur, et il a tout donné afin que nous soyons spirituellement rassasiés. Dans l’Évangile selon Jean, Jésus rappelle à ses auditeurs que, lorsque leurs ancêtres avaient erré dans le désert, en proie à la faim, Dieu leur avait procuré des cailles et de la manne (EX 16). Or, cette nourriture les a satisfaits pendant un certain temps, mais Jésus promet que celui qui croit en lui comme « le pain de vie […] vivra éternellement » (JN 6.48,51). Son sacrifice satisfait notre faim spirituelle.

Le corps de Jésus nous procure une vie nouvelle et éternelle en lui.

par Amy Peterson

© 2019 Ministères NPQ
Dans le film danois Le festin de Babette, une réfugiée française apparaît dans un village côtier.