The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, October 28, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

MONDAY, October 28, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 87

(Glorious things are spoken of Zion)

The Joy of Living in Zion
Of the Korahites. A Psalm. A Song.
1  On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2    the Lord loves the gates of Zion
     more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3  Glorious things are spoken of you,
     O city of God.   Selah

4  Among those who know me I mention Rahab
         and Babylon;
     Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia—
     “This one was born there,” they say.

5  And of Zion it shall be said,
     “This one and that one were born in it”;
     for the Most High himself will establish it.
6  The Lord records, as he registers the peoples,
     “This one was born there.”   Selah

7  Singers and dancers alike say,
     “All my springs are in you.”

Joel 3:1-8

(God will restore Israel and Judah)

3:1  For then, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat, and I will enter into judgment with them there, on account of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations. They have divided my land, 3 and cast lots for my people, and traded boys for prostitutes, and sold girls for wine, and drunk it down.

4 What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will turn your deeds back upon your own heads swiftly and speedily. 5 For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, removing them far from their own border. 7 But now I will rouse them to leave the places to which you have sold them, and I will turn your deeds back upon your own heads. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away; for the Lord has spoken.

1 Peter 4:12-19

(The suffering of the righteous)

Suffering as a Christian
4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

   “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
     what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?”

19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

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 87; Joel 3:1-8; 1 Peter 4:12-19

The Daily Prayer for MONDAY, October 28, 2019

The Daily Prayer

MONDAY, October 28, 2019

In his Rule for monastic communities, Benedict of Nursia wrote, “Such a follower of Christ lives in reverence of him and does not take the credit for a good life but, believing that all the good we do comes from the Lord, gives him the credit and thanksgiving for what his gift brings about in our hearts. In that spirit our prayer from the psalm should be: Not to us, O Lord, not to us give the glory but to your own name. That is St Paul’s example, for he took no credit to himself for his preaching when he said: It is by God’s grace that I am what I am. And again he says: Let anyone who wants to boast, boast in the Lord.”

You, who led Israel through the waters, plant us by streams of living water. Root us in your love and grow us up to bear the fruit of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, October 28, 2019

1 Peter 1:24-25 (NIV)

For,
   “All people are like grass,
     and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
   the grass withers and the flowers fall,
     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word that was preached to you.

Read all of 1 Peter 1:24

Listen to 1 Peter 1:24

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 28 de Octubre de 2019

Jesús y los juramentos

«Cuando ustedes digan “sí”, que sea realmente sí; y cuando digan “no”, que sea no. Cualquier cosa de más, proviene del maligno».

— Mateo 5:37 (NVI)

Desde siempre hemos escuchado que no debemos jurar, mucho menos usando el nombre de Dios en vano. Esto se debe a que Dios espera que digamos la verdad en todo momento.

En el Manual de Instrucciones también encontramos que el Señor espera que nuestra palabra sea sincera y que tengamos una sola respuesta. Cuando somos personas de una sola palabra, tenemos credibilidad y confiabilidad ante otros, mucho más al decir que somos cristianos. Si quedamos mal, también se afectará el nombre de Dios.

Cada vez que les prometamos algo a nuestros hijos, debemos cumplirlo. Les hacemos mucho daño si los ilusionamos con algo y no lo llevamos a cabo. Así que distingámonos y aprendamos a ser hombres y mujeres de carácter.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Cada vez que les prometamos algo a nuestros hijos, debemos cumplirlo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Monday, October 28, 2019

GOD FIRST

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

—Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Eighteen-year-old Nina lives in an Asian country where Buddhism is the faith of the majority. Since her mother is a devout Christian, she is constantly exposed to stories and lessons from God’s Word. At school, her faith in Jesus Christ is often tested. Because Nina showed great aptitude at school, she was selected to be part of a team that would compete in a high school annual science competition. On the day of the competition, however, the Vice Principal, a very strict disciplinarian, decided to take the team to the Buddhist temple first. Nina fidgeted anxiously in her seat while aboard the school bus with her teammates.

As she tried to figure out what to do upon arriving at the monastery, the first of the Lord’s Ten Commandments resonated in her mind—no other gods, except Him. I can’t disobey my God, after knowing who He is, she thought. Nina felt trapped and confused. Obeying God meant disobeying the Vice Principal. Nina uttered a silent prayer. “God, you changed the hearts of many kings before, surely you can do it again! Please Lord, speak to his heart!”

When the team reached the temple, everyone entered except Nina, who stood at the gate. As Nina’s teammates came out of the temple, the Vice Principal approached Nina with a stern look on his face. “Why did you not come in the temple with us?”

“Sir, I was born a Christian. When my mother gave birth to me, I was weak and at the point of death. Christians prayed for me and God heard their prayers,” shared Nina.

“You could have just entered with us and not participate in the ceremonies,” explained the Vice Principal, whose face and tone softened. Nina knew then that God had just answered her prayers.

“I did not have peace in my heart. I felt that I would be disobeying God if I entered the temple, sir,” Nina responded. The Vice Principal did not pursue the matter any further; neither did he chide Nina for it. The team placed third during the science competition.

Nina testified during a youth training program that Open Doors organized. “I was surprised to see how God suddenly changed his heart; he rarely speaks that way to students. He is often firm and strong…His wife has had many miscarriages. I’m praying for his wife to have a baby soon. I’m also praying for him to know Jesus Christ. I’m sure it will happen someday!”

RESPONSE: Today I will put God first in every situation I face.

PRAYER: Pray for all young Christians who face the cultural challenges against putting God first.

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 28, 2019

The Syrophoenician Woman

Her character: Though a Gentile, she addressed Jesus as "Lord, Son of David." Her great faith resulted in her daughter's deliverance.
Her sorrow: That her child was possessed by an evil spirit.
Her joy: That Jesus freed her daughter from spiritual bondage.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

Her Story

Her body jerked and twisted, arms thrashing the air. Wide-eyed, the little girl spoke to ghosts her mother could not see, her face changing as rapidly as clouds in a sudden storm. Fear, surprise, and then a crazy kind of laughter, as though someone had stolen her soul. Dark hair stuck in gummy strands against her cheeks.

Her mother wondered what had become of the sweet child who had followed her like a puppy wherever she went. How she missed those soft kisses and the button nose that had nuzzled her cheek. She had hardly slept these last few nights for fear of what her daughter might do to herself. Neither of them, she thought, could stand much more.

Just that morning she had caught wind of a Jewish healer who, friends said, had come to Tyre hoping for relief from the crowds that mobbed him in Galilee. It didn't matter that Jews seldom mingled with Gentiles. She would go to him, beg his help, throw a fit herself if necessary. She would do whatever it took to get him to listen. It didn't take long to find him.

She approached Jesus, pleading, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."

But Jesus ignored the woman, making no reply.

Finally, his disciples said to Jesus, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."

But Jesus knew it would not be that easy to get rid of her. The only way, in fact, would be to answer her prayer. He told them, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

Hearing him, the woman fell at his feet again, imploring, "Lord, help me!"

Then Jesus turned and said, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

But the woman would not give up. "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

"Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted," Jesus said.

So the Syrophoenician woman returned to her daughter, who was delivered from the evil spirit the very same hour that Jesus had spoken.

Scripture doesn't describe the little girl of this story in any detail; it says only that she was possessed by a demon. But judging from similar incidents, such as that of the Gerasene demoniac, whose story is told in Luke 8, or the little boy in Matthew 17, who kept throwing himself in the fire, the signs of demonic possession were probably both obvious and frightening.

But why did Jesus seem so rude to the poor woman, ignoring her request and then referring to her and her child as dogs?

His response may sound a little less harsh when you realize that the word he used for "dogs" was not the derisive one Jews ordinarily reserved for Gentiles. Instead, it was the term used for little dogs kept as pets. Jesus was also making it clear that his primary mission was to the Israelites. Had Jesus performed many healings and miracles in Tyre and Sidon, he would have risked the same kind of mob scenes he had just left behind in Galilee, thus inaugurating a ministry to the Gentiles in advance of his Father's timing.

The woman couldn't have known the reason for his silence, however, and it must have tested her faith. But rather than give up or take offense, she exercised her quick wit, revealing both a deep humility and a tenacious faith. It was a combination Jesus seemed unable to resist—fertile soil in which to grow a miracle. The Syrophoenician woman must have rejoiced that day to see the daughter she loved safe and sane, grateful for the life-giving bread that had fallen from the Master's table.

Her Promise

What possible promise can be found in a pagan woman whose little girl was possessed by an evil spirit? The Syrophoenician woman wouldn't have known what to do about her daughter had she not heard about Jesus. Somehow, she was given the faith to believe that he was capable of saving her child.

Evil spirits, unfortunately, are not creatures of a former age. We, too, must fight the evil powers in own lives. The difference now is that Jesus has won the ultimate victory on the cross. As believers, we share in his victory. He has given us authority over the evil forces that threaten us. We may still be fighting the battle, but, strange as it might sound, the victory is already won!

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.
Her body jerked and twisted, arms thrashing the air. Wide-eyed, the little girl spoke to ghosts her mother could not see, her face changing as rapidly as clouds in a sudden storm.

LHM Daily Devotions - October 28, 2019 - Sing for Joy

"Sing for Joy"

Oct. 28, 2019

Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples.

—Psalm 149:5-7 (ESV)

The psalm begins on a high note; it is the kind of psalm with which we are familiar, the kind of psalm we love to say and sing: "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song!" (Psalm 149:1). Israel is summoned to be glad in the God who created them, and we are happy to join them. God's Name is praised with dancing and music, and for a reason we know well: "The LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation" (Psalm 149:4). God has adorned us with salvation. In Baptism we are clothed with Christ, dressed in the bright robes of His righteousness. This astounding good news moves us to praise God not only throughout the day, but to sing for joy on our beds at night, secure in His forgiveness and love.

"Let the high praises of God be in their throats." To that we joyfully agree. But then the psalm takes a more disturbing turn. God's people have high praise in their throats "and two-edged swords in their hands." These swords are not for self-defense; these are weapons of judgment, "to execute vengeance on the nations ... to execute on them the judgment written" (Psalm 149:7-9).

These vengeful statements are very different from the words of the apostle Paul, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19b). Vengeance does belong to the Lord, and although we may not often think about it, the Day of the Lord's vengeance is coming. When Jesus our Lord returns in glory on the Last Day, the evil that darkens God's good creation will finally be destroyed—forever. As Scripture tells us, Christ, our risen and ascended Lord, reigns now "until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). On the Last Day, the great Day of resurrection, all who trust in Christ will be bodily raised from death to live in His presence forever. All mourning, crying, and pain will cease, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

For now, we rejoice in the Lord who "takes pleasure in His people." We hold in our hands and in our hearts the two-edged sword that is the living and active Word of God. We wield it by the Spirit's power, calling the nations to repentance and proclaiming the forgiveness won by Jesus' death and resurrection. Witnesses to our Savior's love, we wait for His judgment and glory. It's enough to make us sing for joy on our beds! Come, Lord Jesus!

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we look forward with joy to Your return. Until then, teach us to wield the mighty sword of Your Word and proclaim repentance and forgiveness in Your Name to all nations. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

• When things are going well for you are you apt to praise God for your circumstances?
• How does God as a God of vengeance figure into your conception of Him?
• When you share your faith with others, do you mention this aspect of God—His righteous judgment and His loathing of sin and evil?

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).
When things are going well for you are you apt to praise God for your circumstances?

CPTLN devocional del 28 de Octubre de 2019 - Canto de alegría

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Canto de alegría

28 de Octubre de 2019

¡Que se alegren sus fieles por su triunfo! ¡Que salten de alegría allí, en su lecho! ¡Que exalten a Dios a voz en cuello mientras agitan en sus manos las espadas! ¡Que se venguen de todas las naciones! ¡Que castiguen a todos los pueblos!

—Salmo 149:5-7 (RVC)

Este salmo comienza con una nota alegre; es el tipo de salmo con el que estamos familiarizados, el que nos gusta recitar: "¡Canten al Señor un cántico nuevo! ¡Alábenlo en la comunidad de los justos!" (Salmo 149:1). En él se invita a Israel a alegrarse en su Dios Creador, y nosotros con gusto nos unimos a su celebración. El nombre de Dios es alabado con baile y música porque: "El Señor se complace en su pueblo, y bendice a los humildes con su salvación" (Salmo 149:4).

Dios nos ha adornado con salvación. En nuestro bautismo somos revestidos de Cristo, con la ropa brillante de su justicia. Tan buenas noticias no solo nos llevan a alabar a Dios durante el día, sino que también nos llevan hasta a cantar de alegría en nuestra cama por la noche porque nos sentimos seguros en su perdón y en su amor.

"¡Que exalten a Dios a voz en cuello!" Con esto también estamos alegremente de acuerdo. Pero de pronto el salmo da un giro algo inquietante. El pueblo exalta a Dios a voz en cuello "mientras agitan en sus manos las espadas". Esas espadas no son para defensa propia; son armas de juicio "para vengarse de las naciones ... para ejecutar en ellas la sentencia escrita" (Salmo 149:7-9).

Estas declaraciones vengativas son muy diferentes a las palabras del apóstol Pablo: "No busquemos vengarnos, amados míos. Mejor dejemos que actúe la ira de Dios, porque está escrito: «Mía es la venganza, yo pagaré, dice el Señor»" (Romanos 12:19b). La venganza pertenece al Señor, y aunque no lo pensemos muy a menudo, la venganza del Día del Señor está cerca. Cuando Jesús nuestro Señor regrese en gloria en el día final, el mal que oscurece la buena creación de Dios finalmente será destruido, para siempre. Como nos dicen las Escrituras: "Porque es necesario que él (Cristo, nuestro Señor resucitado y ascendido) reine hasta que haya puesto a todos sus enemigos debajo de sus pies, y el último enemigo que será destruido es la muerte" (1 Corintios 15:25-26).

En el día final, el gran día de la resurrección, todos los que confían en Cristo serán resucitados corporalmente de la muerte para vivir en la presencia de Dios para siempre. Todo el luto, el llanto y el dolor se acabarán y Dios limpiará cada lágrima de nuestros ojos.

Mientras tanto nos alegramos en el Señor, pues él "se complace en su pueblo". Tenemos en nuestras manos y en nuestro corazón la espada de dos filos que es la Palabra viva y activa de Dios. La usamos con el poder del Espíritu, llamando a las naciones al arrepentimiento y proclamando el perdón ganado con la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Como testigos del amor de nuestro Salvador esperamos su juicio y su gloria. ¡Esto es suficiente para hacernos cantar de alegría antes de dormir: ven, Señor Jesús!

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, esperamos con alegría tu regreso. Hasta entonces, enséñanos a manejar bien la poderosa espada de tu Palabra y proclamar el arrepentimiento y el perdón en tu Nombre a todas las naciones. Ven Señor Jesús. Amén.

Dra. Carol Geisler

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Recuerdas alguna vez en que hayas alabado a Dios aun cuando no hayas entendido la razón de lo que te estaba sucediendo?
• Cuando compartes tu fe con otros, ¿qué aspectos de Dios mencionas?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Recuerdas alguna vez en que hayas alabado a Dios aun cuando no hayas entendido la razón de lo que te estaba sucediendo?

Notre Pain Quotidien - Marcher au pas du héros

Marcher au pas du héros

Lisez : Juges 6.1,11-16

La Bible en un an : Jérémie 15 – 17 ; 2 Timothée 2

L’ange de l’Éternel lui apparut, et lui dit : L’Éternel est avec toi, vaillant héros ! V. 12

Emma, dix-huit ans, parle fidèlement de Jésus sur les médias sociaux, même si des petites brutes critiquent son amour pour Christ empreint de joie et d’enthousiasme. Certains s’en sont pris à elle en dénigrant son apparence physique. D’autres ont suggéré que sa consécration à Dieu prouvait son manque d’intelligence. Or, même si ces propos la blessent profondément, Emma continue d’annoncer la Bonne Nouvelle avec foi, amour et courage envers Jésus et les autres. Elle est tout de même parfois tentée de croire que ce sont ses détracteurs qui déterminent son identité et sa valeur. Quand cela se produit, elle demande l’aide de Dieu, elle prie pour ses persécuteurs, elle médite la Parole et elle persévère grâce au courage et à l’assurance que lui procure l’Esprit.

Gédéon a dû affronter de terribles persécuteurs, les Madianites (JUG 6.1-10). Bien que Dieu l’ait qualifié de « vaillant héros », Gédéon a eu du mal à laisser aller ses incertitudes, son autolimitation et ses insécurités (V. 11-15). À plus d’une occasion, il a douté de la présence du Seigneur et de ses propres qualifications, mais il a fini par se soumettre à Dieu avec foi.

Si nous avons confiance en Dieu, nous pouvons avoir foi en ses paroles. Même lorsque la persécution nous incite à douter de notre identité, notre Père aimant nous confirme sa présence et combat pour nous. Il soutient que nous pouvons marcher comme de vaillants héros armés de son amour absolu, protégés par sa grâce infinie et en sécurité au creux de sa vérité fiable.

En Dieu, nous pouvons répondre à la persécution avec grâce.

par Xochitl Dixon

© 2019 Ministères NPQ
Certains s’en sont pris à elle en dénigrant son apparence physique.