The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, June 1, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

MONDAY, June 1, 2020

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Joel 2:18-29; Romans 8:18-24

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Renewing the face of the earth

24 How many are your works, Lord!
     In wisdom you made them all;
     the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
     teeming with creatures beyond number—
     living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
     and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 All creatures look to you
     to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them,
     they gather it up;
   when you open your hand,
     they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face,
     they are terrified;
   when you take away their breath,
     they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit,
     they are created,
     and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
     may the Lord rejoice in his works—
32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
     who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;
     I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
     as I rejoice in the Lord.

35b Praise the Lord, my soul.

   Praise the Lord.

Joel 2:18-29

The promised spirit of God

18 Then the Lord was jealous for his land
     and took pity on his people.

19 The Lord replied to them:

   “I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,
     enough to satisfy you fully;
   never again will I make you
     an object of scorn to the nations.

20 “I will drive the northern horde far from you,
     pushing it into a parched and barren land;
   its eastern ranks will drown in the Dead Sea
     and its western ranks in the Mediterranean Sea.
   And its stench will go up;
     its smell will rise.”

   Surely he has done great things!
21   Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
     be glad and rejoice.
   Surely the Lord has done great things!
22   Do not be afraid, you wild animals,
     for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.
   The trees are bearing their fruit;
     the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
23 Be glad, people of Zion,
     rejoice in the Lord your God,
   for he has given you the autumn rains
     because he is faithful.
   He sends you abundant showers,
     both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
     the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
     the great locust and the young locust,
     the other locusts and the locust swarm—
   my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
     and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
     who has worked wonders for you;
   never again will my people be shamed.
27 Then you will know that I am in Israel,
     that I am the Lord your God,
     and that there is no other;
   never again will my people be shamed.

28 “And afterward,
     I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
   Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
     your old men will dream dreams,
     your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
     I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Romans 8:18-24

We have the first fruits of the Spirit

8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?

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 Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Daily Lectionary is a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. 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 what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, June 1, 2020
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Joel 2:18-29; Romans 8:18-24

The Daily Prayer for MONDAY, June 1, 2020

The Daily Prayer

MONDAY, June 1, 2020

Desert father Abba Anthony said, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”

Grow us slowly, persistently, and deeply, Lord, to be people who watch without distraction, listen without interruption, and stay put without inclination to flee. Amen.

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, June 1, 2020

Revelation 21:2-4

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Read all of Revelation 21

Listen to Revelation 21

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, 01 de junio de 2020

La tormenta

Me invocará, y yo le responderé; con él estaré yo en la angustia; lo libraré y le glorificaré.

— Salmo 91:15 (RV-60)

Este tiempo del año se conoce en la Florida como la época de los huracanes, las tormentas y los tornados. Y cada vez que se forma uno de estos fenómenos de la naturaleza, nos preparamos, bueno, al menos con los huracanes y las tormentas, pues los tornados se forman de repente.

Siempre que hay amenazas de huracanes, o cuando vamos a recibir el impacto de fuertes lluvias, nos avisan que debemos comprar agua, linternas, baterías, comida enlatada y muchas cosas necesarias para pasar esos días. Asimismo, debemos prepararnos para los tiempos difíciles.

Sabemos que hay, como dice la Biblia, tiempos de vacas flacas y tiempos de vacas gordas en cuanto a la economía. También nos dice que habrá tiempos para llorar, morir, sembrar y así muchas otras cosas que se nos presentarán en la vida. De ahí que nuestra preparación debe ser como si en verdad nos avisaran que viene una prueba.

Por lo tanto, nuestro equipo debe tener oración, comunión con Dios y lectura de la Palabra. Lo que es más importante, debemos creer en las promesas de Dios de modo que, cuando vengan tiempos difíciles, estemos fortalecidos y confiados en que Él tiene el control.

Recuerda: En la temporada de huracanes… ¡prepara tu kit! En la temporada de pruebas… ¡prepara también tu kit!

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Este tiempo del año se conoce en la Florida como la época de los huracanes, las tormentas y los tornados.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Monday, June 1, 2020

WHERE IS YOUR HOUSE?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

— Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

This scripture is best illustrated by the testimony of a nameless (for security) Arab Christian woman:

“My grandfather was born in one village, grew up, got married, and died in the same village. I was born in one city, and by the age of ten, I already had lived in three different countries and moved five times because my parents were looking for better job opportunities. After marriage, and by the age of thirty-five, I had already moved fifteen times mainly because of three different war situations in my home country!

Is there some kind of prize for people moving so often? Some of the changes were done willingly but for most of them, I had no choice! I lived in stone houses, brick houses, and even in a prefabricated one (with thin walls like cardboard) and that was at a time when Beirut was being bombarded! I have to admit that I had fears not because of the bombardment but because of not being able to find a place we could afford to pay rent!

One day, I was so worried that I couldn’t sleep; so, I sat down to figure out how I would overcome this fear. I thought to myself, What is the worst thing that can happen to me? If I cannot afford to sleep in a building, I will go and sleep under a tree; no one would charge me money for doing that and no one has died because of sleeping under a tree!

Then, I looked back into the past years and saw how God had taken good care of me, helping me not only to survive during wartime but also to be productive and render services to my community. If, by faith I am God’s child, according to His promises in the Bible, He will continue to take care of me. So, having these thoughts, I began singing, “You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance, Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you!” That was it, my fears were gone! I still do not own my own place to live, but I carry the same song in my heart and on my laptop, to listen to whenever I change the places I sleep!

I discovered that the best thing to do is not to get attached to material things or even people, because they will be there for some time and will be gone soon. The best thing is to get my heart attached to God, because He will go with me everywhere, will provide for me what I need and in the end take me to live in the heavenly city where my eternal house is! So, where is your house?”

RESPONSE: Today I will seriously evaluate where my “treasure” and “house” are because that’s where Jesus says my heart will also be.

PRAYER: Help me Father to accumulate treasures in heaven and not on earth.

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, June 1, 2020

Tamar, Daughter of King David

Her name means: "Date Tree" or "Palm Tree"

Her character: Tamar shared her father's, David's, good looks. Young and innocent, she was naive to the danger that threatened from her own family.
Her sorrow: That her half brother saw her only as an object for his lust, destroying her future as a result, and that her father, the king, did nothing to protect her.
Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 13:1-22

Her Story

David's daughter Tamar was a knockout. No doubt she was destined for a marriage that would strengthen the king's political alliances. Though not under lock and key, she probably lived a rather protected life. But all the precautions in the world couldn't save her from the danger that threatened from David's inner circle.

Amnon was David's heir. As the king's eldest son, he was used to getting his way. But lately he'd grown despondent. Something was bothering him, chasing away his sleep, gnawing at his heart.

One day, Jonadab, Amnon's cousin, asked him: "Why do you, the king's son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won't you tell me?"

Amnon confided in his friend, saying, "I'm in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."

"Go to bed and pretend to be ill," Jonadab shrewdly advised. "When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.'"

So David, concerned for his son, unwittingly sent his daughter into a trap that would ruin her life.

After Tamar had prepared a meal for Amnon, he asked her to enter his bedroom and feed him. But as soon as Tamar did, he grabbed her, begging, "Come to bed with me, my sister."

"Don't, my brother!" she said to him. "Don't force me. Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing. What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you." But despite her pleas, Amnon forced himself on her.

As soon as the storm of his passion died down, Amnon's infatuation turned to hatred. He threw Tamar out of his house, bolting the door against her, as though she, not he, were the guilty one. Desolate, the young girl tore her robes, throwing ashes on her head and weeping loudly as she wandered the streets. When her brother Absalom found her, he hushed her, saying, "Be quiet now, my sister, he is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart." But Absalom himself took it to heart, hating his half brother Amnon for what he had done.

Though David was furious when he heard the news, he did nothing to punish Amnon. Did he favor his son over his daughter, thinking her hurt a small matter? Or had his moral authority been so compromised by his lust for Bathsheba that he simply could not bring himself to confront his eldest son? Whatever the case, Absalom did not share his father's hesitation. Instead, he bided his time, waiting for an opportunity for vengeance. Two years later he murdered Amnon.

First rape, then murder. David's household was devastated not by barbarians outside the gate but by those inside his own family. After Amnon's death, David must have been haunted by Nathan's earlier prophecy after David's own adultery with Bathsheba: "Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house…. Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you" (2 Samuel 12:10-11). The father's lust was mirrored by the son's; the father's violence, by one son's murder of the other.

Tamar, unprotected by her father, betrayed by her own brother, lived in Absalom's house, a desolate woman, without the possibility of marriage or children because she was no longer a virgin. Thus a chain of sin wove its way through David's family, enslaving the innocent along with the guilty.

Her Promise

The horrifying facts of Tamar's experience—not only the rape itself but the effect it had on her future and her emotional well-being—are not too far from the experiences of many women today. Statistics reveal a staggering number of women who have been violated by family members when they were very young. The effects of those experiences can haunt a woman's existence, influencing her relationships with her husband, with male and female friends, and with her children. Help is available to those who seek it, but the ultimate hope and help can only be found in the love and acceptance God so willingly offers. His forgiving spirit can help recovery begin. His comforting spirit can bring a soothing balm to the hurt of the past. His constant presence can bring healing for the loneliness and detachment many feel.

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.
David's daughter Tamar was a knockout.

LHM Daily Devotions - June 1, 2020 - "Crowned with Glory"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Crowned with Glory"

June 1, 2020

When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

— Psalm 8:3-5 (ESV)

If you have ever looked up into a clear night sky, you know that the sight of the vast, glittering expanse of stars can make you feel very small. David the psalmist must have had a similar experience, perhaps often, during lonely nights as a shepherd. He examined the night sky, amazed at the moon and stars that reflected the majesty of their Creator. David may have felt small and insignificant as he spoke in prayer and awestruck praise, "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?"

In the vastness of space, among the countless stars, does God even notice the people He created? Does He care for those—comparatively—tiny beings? Scripture assures us that the God who knows when even a little sparrow falls, who keeps count of the hairs on our heads, knows us and cares for us. God has placed the people He created in His own image only "a little lower than the heavenly beings" and has crowned them—men and women—with glory and honor as His image-bearers, giving them dominion over His created works.

But the Spirit-inspired words of this psalm reach beyond the thoughts of a shepherd entranced by the night sky. The writer to the Hebrews uses the words of the psalm to turn our attention to one particular Man, God in human flesh, our Savior Jesus Christ. In the prophetic words of the psalm we are reminded that Jesus, the Son of Man, was made "for a little while lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:7b). Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His divine majesty, to be born of a virgin, to be wrapped in swaddling cloths in a manger bed in Bethlehem. Jesus humbled Himself, suffering betrayal and arrest. No legions of heavenly beings came to His aid. For our sake He was nailed to a cross and crowned, not with glory, but with thorns.

But the Son of Man, a descendant of the star-gazing shepherd David, was raised from death. Jesus is now crowned with glory and honor, and God has put "everything in subjection under His feet (Hebrews 2:8b). When we look at the heavens, the moon and stars that God has created, or when we are lost in a place of darkness and sorrow far from the sight of such things, we may still ask in prayer, "Are You, O God, mindful of me? Do You care for me?" The answer in Christ Jesus is always "Yes!" Christ Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead that you might be His own. You are God's precious child. "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4).

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself to save us. Watch over us and keep us in Your care, today and always. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What strikes you most when you look at a nighttime sky full of stars?

2. What does it mean that God has crowned mankind with "glory and honor"?

3. Do you feel any particular obligation to the natural world around you?

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).
What strikes you most when you look at a nighttime sky full of stars?

Devocional CPTLN del 01 de junio de 2020 - Coronado de gloria

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Coronado de gloria

01 de Junio de 2020

Cuando contemplo el cielo, obra de tus dedos, y la luna y las estrellas que has creado, me pregunto: ¿Qué es el ser humano, para que en él pienses? ¿Qué es la humanidad, para que la tomes en cuenta? Hiciste al hombre poco menor que un dios, y lo colmaste de gloria y de honra.

— Salmo 8:3-5 (RVC)

Si alguna vez has mirado un cielo nocturno despejado, sabes que la vista de la vasta extensión de estrellas puede hacerte sentir muy pequeño. David el salmista debe haber tenido una experiencia similar durante las noches solitarias cuando cuidaba las ovejas de su familia. Ante tanta inmensidad, seguramente David se habrá sentido pequeño e insignificante: "¿Qué es el ser humano, para que en él pienses? ¿Qué es la humanidad, para que la tomes en cuenta?"

En tal inmensidad del espacio y entre las innumerables estrellas, ¿será que Dios se da cuenta y se preocupará de las personas que creó, seres comparativamente pequeños? Las Escrituras nos aseguran que el Dios que sabe incluso hasta cuando un pequeño gorrión cae, que lleva la cuenta de los cabellos en nuestras cabezas, nos conoce y se preocupa por nosotros. Dios nos ha hecho "un poco menor que un dios" y nos ha colmado a todos con gloria y honor como portadores de su imagen, dándonos dominio sobre su creación.

Pero las palabras de este salmo, inspiradas por el Espíritu, van más allá de los pensamientos de un pastor cautivado por el cielo nocturno. El escritor de Hebreos usa las palabras del salmo para dirigir nuestra atención a un Hombre en particular, Dios en carne humana, nuestro Salvador Jesucristo. En las palabras proféticas del salmo se nos recuerda que Jesús, el Hijo del Hombre, fue hecho "un poco menor que los ángeles" (Hebreos 2:7b). Jesús se humilló a sí mismo, dejando a un lado su majestad divina, para nacer de una virgen, para dormir envuelto en pañales en un pesebre en Belén. Jesús se humilló a sí mismo, sufriendo traición y arresto. Ninguna legión de seres celestiales acudió en su ayuda. Por nuestro bien fue clavado en una cruz y coronado no con gloria, sino con espinas.

Pero el Hijo del Hombre, descendiente de ese pastor David que contemplaba las estrellas, resucitó de la muerte y está ahora coronado de gloria y honor, y Dios ha puesto "todas las cosas debajo de sus pies (Hebreos 2:8b). Cuando miramos los cielos, la luna y las estrellas que Dios ha creado, o cuando estamos perdidos en un lugar de oscuridad y tristeza, podemos preguntar en oración: ¿Te acuerdas y preocupas por mí, Señor? La respuesta en Cristo Jesús es siempre "¡Sí!". Cristo Jesús sufrió, murió y resucitó de entre los muertos para que pudieras ser suyo. Eres el hijo precioso de Dios. "Así, cuando se manifieste el Príncipe de los pastores, ustedes recibirán la corona incorruptible de gloria" (1 Pedro 5:4).

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, que te humillaste para salvarnos, te pedimos que nos cuides y mantengas bajo tu cuidado hoy y siempre. Amén.

Dra. Carol Geisler

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Qué te sorprende más cuando miras un cielo lleno de estrellas?

* ¿Qué significa para ti que Dios ha coronado a la humanidad con "gloria y honor"?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Qué te sorprende más cuando miras un cielo lleno de estrellas?

Notre Pain Quotidien - Besoin de sa direction

Besoin de sa direction

Lisez : Psaume 61
La Bible en un an : 2 Chroniques 17 – 18 ; Jean 13.1-20

Du bout de la terre je crie à toi.

—  Psaume 61.3

L’oncle Zaki était plus qu’un ami pour l’érudit Kenneth Bailey. Il lui servait aussi de bon guide durant ses excursions périlleuses dans le vaste Sahara. Bailey a dit que son équipe et lui suivaient l’oncle Zaki en toute confiance. En gros, ils affirmaient : « Nous ignorons le chemin jusqu’à notre destination, et si tu nous perds, nous mourrons tous. Nous mettons notre pleine confiance dans ton leadership. »

À une époque angoissante, David a voulu suivre le Dieu qu’il servait pour guide. La Bible nous dit : « Du bout de la terre je crie à toi, le cœur abattu ; conduis-moi sur le rocher que je ne puis atteindre ! » (PS 61.3.) Il aspirait à entrer en présence de Dieu pour y trouver sécurité et soulagement (V. 4,5).

Les brebis que la Bible dit être errantes (ÉS 53.6) ont désespérément besoin que Dieu les guide. Laissés à nous-mêmes, nous serions irrémédiablement perdus dans le désert d’un monde brisé.

Dieu ne nous abandonne toutefois pas ! Nous avons un Berger qui nous dirige « près des eaux paisibles ». Il restaure notre âme et nous guide (PS 23.2,3). 

Dans quelle sphère de votre vie avez-vous besoin de sa direction aujourd’hui ? Criez à lui. Il ne vous délaissera jamais.

Bon Père, merci d’être mon Berger et mon Guide. Aide-moi à te faire confiance et à puiser dans ta sagesse.

Lorsque nous mettons notre foi et notre confiance en Dieu, il nous promet de toujours nous conduire dans la bonne direction.

par Bill Crowder

© 2020 Ministères NPQ
L’oncle Zaki était plus qu’un ami pour l’érudit Kenneth Bailey. Il lui servait aussi de bon guide durant ses excursions périlleuses dans le vaste Sahara.

The Sunday Lectionary Readings for SUNDAY, May 31, 2020 — Day of Pentecost

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

SUNDAY, May 31, 2020

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 7:37-39

The Story of Pentecost

Opening Statement

Wind, fire, surprise, cacophony of languages, promises fulfilled, dreams, visions, gifts given and received, and most of all the Spirit—these are all parts of what make up the Pentecost experience, not only for the first-century church, but for us as well. We need to help folks experience these feelings with an intensity that may have been lost through familiarity. Let the rush of the mighty wind be felt, the flames seen, and the visions and dreams happen as we celebrate the gift of the Spirit in our midst.

Pentecost is one of the most exciting days in our Christian Year. It is the birthday of the church; a time when disciples no longer feared but were energized to proclaim the good news of God’s love through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Opening Prayer

Spirit of wind and fire, come to us this day, freeing us from our fears. Lift us up when we have fallen. Dust us off and set us squarely on the path to hope you have set before us. Remind us that we are never far from your presence. Get us ready for the great adventure and opportunities that lie before us. Help us to be good and willing workers for you. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen

Prayer of Confession

Lord of patience and persistence, we live in a broken and shattered world. All around us we see great evidence of hatred and alienation. We cannot help but observe the alienation of your people from each other. We create devices to separate rather than unite; to divide rather than come together in hope. Forgive us for our sins. These sins cause such division and hurt. Remind us today that the disciples, too, lived in a fearful world and that one day you came to them, as they sat huddled in fear, and you empowered them. You gave them hearts of courage and faith. Please bring to us the same hearts that we may serve you well, bringing peace and hope to our world. In the name of Christ, we offer this prayer. Amen

Words of Assurance

Dear ones, fear no more! The power of God’s Holy Spirit has set us free from the prison of doubt and fear! Now is the time to shine with the light of God’s love, given to you by Jesus Christ.

The Collect

(from the Book of Common Prayers)

 Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer of the Day

O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Acts 2:1-21

Filled with the Spirit

2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
     I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
   Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
     your young men will see visions,
     your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
     I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
     and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
     and signs on the earth below,
     blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
     and the moon to blood
     before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
     on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Renewing the face of the earth

24 How many are your works, Lord!
     In wisdom you made them all;
     the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
     teeming with creatures beyond number—
     living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
     and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 All creatures look to you
     to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them,
     they gather it up;
   when you open your hand,
     they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face,
     they are terrified;
   when you take away their breath,
     they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit,
     they are created,
     and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
     may the Lord rejoice in his works—
32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
     who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;
     I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
     as I rejoice in the Lord.

35b Praise the Lord, my soul.

   Praise the Lord.

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

Varieties of gifts the same Spirit

12:3b No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, And kindle in us the fire of your love.

Alleluia.

The Gospel

John 7:37-39

Jesus the true living water

7:37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Apostles’ Creed

• I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

• I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

• I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Many churches around the world are working hard to adapt to online worship, and one challenge is how our members can celebrate communion from home. Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present.

Benediction

God, out of God’s great love, has created you. Jesus Christ, out of his great love, has redeemed you. The Holy Spirit, out of great love, has lifted and inspired you to go in peace and service throughout God’s world, proclaiming the good news of peace, love, hope, and joy to all. Go in peace. 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 Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Daily Lectionary for SUNDAY, May 31, 2020
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 7:37-39

“The Reality of Pentecost”

Our message comes to us today from the 2nd chapter of the book of Acts, beginning with the 1st verse, “Filled with the Spirit.”

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
  I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
  your young men will see visions,
  your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
  I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
  and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above
  and signs on the earth below,
  blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
  and the moon to blood
  before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
  on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:1-21)

O God, open our hearts and minds and souls to hear your word as if for the first time. Help us experience anew the surprise and joy that your presence in the word can bring us. Amen

“The Reality of Pentecost”

We’ve been living in liturgical limbo during the last ten days of the Church year, existing between two realities. We’ve celebrated our Lord’s ascension into heaven. But since the Ascension, we’ve been waiting. We’ve been waiting for this day. Like the Apostles of old, we’ve been listening to our Lord’s instructions to “stay [wait] in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

So the Apostles waited. They waited because the Lord Jesus told them to wait. But there was more to this waiting than that, much more. Something powerful was to happen to them when their wait was finally over on Pentecost day. The Holy Spirit would change them. Fear would be turned into a martyr’s boldness, fishers would become the world’s teachers, and doubt would be replaced by mountain-moving faith—all because of Pentecost!

Sometimes we don’t realize how much we need Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of the New Testament Church. Pentecost is God giving His Holy Spirit to all believers, not just a few. No longer was the Holy Spirit to dwell in a building, the Temple, like in the Old Testament. There, God, in the form of His Shekinah, the cloud, revealed Himself to His people above the Ark of Covenant in the Holy of Holies. No longer was the Holy Spirit only given to leadership positions to do the tasks God had given them to do. Because of Pentecost, all Christians have been brought into the Royal Priesthood, and each Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost also shows that Christianity isn’t some human-created religion. If Christianity were merely of human design, even if it were the best and most beautiful religion, the disciples wouldn’t have needed to wait in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Why would they need to?

Jesus’ disciples had lived with Him for several years, the most intense and personal seminary training. They could’ve begun writing, teaching, and passing on what they had learned without a Pentecost. Jesus had fully trained them. Now it was time for them to start teaching others, right? That’s how it is with other religions.

Not so with Christianity. Christianity isn’t just about ideas, moral guidance, or ethical norms. Christianity has these things, but that’s not what the Christian faith is about. If it were, Christianity would be but another form of Phariseeism. No, Christianity is about the Holy Spirit, calling someone through the Gospel, enlightening him with His gifts, and sanctifying and keeping him in the true faith. There is no New Testament Christianity without Pentecost.

Pentecost is what Jesus promised when He said He would send another Helper, a Counselor, a Guide, a Comforter, an Advocate. As God breathed into Adam and he became a living being, so Christ breathes the Holy Spirit of life into His people, and His people come alive. That’s what Pentecost is all about. The Spirit gives living breath. And filled with the Spirit, God’s people become alive, unable to be silent, confessing, and proclaiming Jesus Christ.

But sadly, so sadly, many Christians live as if they are stuck between Ascension and Pentecost as if Pentecost never happened. We live our lives as if the Christian faith were only a set of ideas. We think we are Christian because we intellectually agree to certain facts in our heads, which many of you studied long ago and haven’t looked at since.

If the Apostles had remained in that state of limbo, the state they were in between Ascension and Pentecost would’ve never brought the Gospel to the world. They would’ve never lived out the faith as they did. They would’ve never died for the faith as they did. And they indeed would’ve never preached as they did. Their faith-life was what it was because God the Holy Spirit was blowing, moving, and breathing within them.

Sometimes we show little proof that we are living as post-Pentecost Christians (and I don’t mean all the ridiculous nonsense that today passes for being filled with the Spirit). I mean that our faith is weak, and that’s acceptable. I mean that sin still controls our lives, and that’s acceptable. I mean that we have little Christian joy, and that’s acceptable.

Today, we are often more like the fearful and doubting disciples before Pentecost. Christianity without Pentecost is but an empty form! If the Holy Spirit doesn’t permeate our lives with His presence, then our faith-life is but meaningless motion! If God’s Word does not have its way with us, then our Christian life is one without power!

Consider how the life of the Church depends on the Holy Spirit. Baptism saves us because we aren’t born only of water, but of water and Spirit (John 3:3-5). Without the Holy Spirit, there would be no forgiveness in absolution. That’s why our Lord gathered His Apostles together and breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:23).

Think of the Mystery of Mysteries: the core of Christ’s New Covenant with His people, His Supper. The existence of Christ’s body and blood in His Supper depends on the Holy Spirit working through the Word. It’s the Holy Spirit working through the words that are spoken over the bread and wine, which makes the Lord’s Supper the Lord’s Supper.

Everything Christ has commanded His Church to do would be but an empty form without the Holy Spirit. And we can say that is true in all matters of faith and practice. There is no prayer without the Holy Spirit praying in us. Fasting is merely dieting if it is not done in a way to help curb the sinful flesh. It’s no coincidence that our Lord went into the wilderness to fast for 40 days, “led by the Spirit” (Luke 4:1). We can’t overcome sin in our life without the Holy Spirit. He is One who enables us to “put to death the misdeeds of the body” (Romans 8:13).

Now some of you might be thinking, “How do I experience this Pentecost Christianity? I feel as if I’m stuck between Ascension and Pentecost!” Perhaps you are, or maybe you aren’t.

Ask yourself this: “Can God raise the dead? Can He breathe life into the lifeless? Can He revive, renew, and recreate His people, His saints on earth?” Of course He can! Of course He can, and He does, and He will by His Spirit, His breath, and His words.

The danger is that we try to recreate Pentecost for ourselves as if we can create within us what only God the Holy Spirit can do. This is one of the great sins of our age: we think we can by our own work and effort do what the Holy Spirit does—individually and as a congregation by manipulating external factors.

But what would happen after a few months of trying to manufacture a Holy Spirit-like effect in your life? Your life would again become ordinary, mundane, and even boring—the same-old wind, the same-old fire, and the same-old speaking in tongues. And then you’d be looking for something new to replace the old. You can’t create a Pentecost in your life—only God the Holy Spirit can do that!

But thanks be to God that Christ is living and breathing from the right hand of God the Father. And He sends the Spirit like a fresh wind across the face of His people, igniting Pentecost when and where He chooses. For the Holy Spirit produces faith when and where He wills, in those who hear the Gospel.

The danger about letting Pentecost enchant us for the wrong reasons is that we take our eyes off Jesus. That’s where the Spirit wants us to look, to Jesus, instead of being bedazzled by all the Pentecostal pyrotechnics. For the Holy Spirit wants to bring glory to Jesus, not Himself. The Holy Spirit is like a spotlight shining on Christ. And as with all spotlights, you focus on where the beam is shining, not on the beam itself. So it is with the Spirit.

Our confidence in the Spirit’s presence and working is not in the wind, the fire, or the tongues. No, it’s in the preaching of Jesus, in the hearing of His forgiveness, in holy baptism, in His body and blood, and in the Word. That’s where the Spirit is active, that’s where Pentecost is happening today, here and now, for you. And that’s where you go looking for it!

Your baptism is your Pentecost day. Every time you hear the Word of Christ coming to you in your own language, that’s also your Pentecost. Whenever you eat of the bread that is Christ’s body, whenever drink of the cup that is His blood, and whenever you proclaim the Lord’s death, that is Pentecost for you. Getting more Spirit into you is to be where the Holy Spirit is doing His work—and that work is done through Word and Sacrament.

The continuing work and life of Pentecost are not in the fire and the flaming tongues—even as enthralling as that is. The continuing work and life of Pentecost are in the Word that brings repentance and faith in Jesus.

The true miracle of Pentecost was the 3,000 brought to faith that day. The speaking in tongues was the way God the Holy Spirit enabled the proclaimed Word to be understood by all that day. And there hasn’t been a day since then when the Holy Spirit hasn’t been doing His work.

Today, the Spirit of God still breathes life into His people. The Spirit of God puts breath into your lungs and words into your mouth and ears. The Spirit of God opens your lips that your mouth may declare the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. The Spirit of God continues to call you through the Gospel, enlightening you with His gifts, and sanctifying and keeping you in the true faith.

Yes, you are part of that great breath and wind of Pentecost. That’s why your spiritually lifeless body now lives. How do you know? Because you believe in Jesus—and you can only do that by the Holy Spirit working in your life. That’s why Jesus’ death is yours. That’s why His life is yours. That’s why His Spirit is yours. And whenever that is true, you are living in Pentecost.

Let us pray: Knock us off our seats, O Lord, with the wind of your Holy Spirit. Don’t let us just sit back and rest as though nothing important was happening. Remind us that you have come to bless and prepare us for your service. Now is the time of proclamation and celebration! Now is the birth of your church, not as an exercise in futility, but as a dynamic group of people who know you and love you as you know and love each of us. Flame up our hearts! Make us so joyful that we find it difficult to sit back and watch. We want to be part of your healing love and mercy. We want to be people who bear the word that your love for us is eternal; that Jesus Christ, our Savior, proclaimed and taught that love in all that he did and said, modeling for us a new way to live. Pick us up and propel us forward into your world. Help us to remember that you have given to us what we need to be your disciples. We just need to say a resounding "Yes!" to you. Thank you for all the wondrous patience and blessings you pour into our lives each and every day, as we offer our lives back to you in joy and hope. Amen

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Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Sermon contributed by Richard Futrell.
Sometimes we don’t realize how much we need Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of the New Testament Church. Pentecost is God giving His Holy Spirit to all believers, not just a few.

The Daily Prayer for SUNDAY, May 31, 2020

The Daily Prayer

SUNDAY, May 31, 2020

Feast of the Visitation

On May 31, the church celebrates Mary’s visit with her cousin Elizabeth, after she had learned from the angel Gabriel that she was carrying the creator of the universe in her womb. Elizabeth was herself pregnant with John the Baptist at the time, and the gospel account tells us that he leapt for joy inside his mother when she embraced Mary. The joy of these two hosts—Mary and Elizabeth—is a reminder to us of the delight that comes when we practice hospitality, inviting God to come right into our lives.

Jeanne de Chantal, seventeenth-century founder of the Order of the Visitation, said, “No matter what happens, be gentle with yourself.”

Lord, you have done great things for us, many of which we have hardly noticed. You are Lord over the past, sovereign in the present, and victorious in the future. Even in our trials, we celebrate you. Amen.

Verse of the Day SUNDAY, May 31, 2020

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 4

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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 - Domingo 31 de mayo de 2020

Semana de celebración: La oración

Ustedes me invocarán, y vendrán a suplicarme, y yo los escucharé. Me buscarán y me encontrarán, cuando me busquen de todo corazón.

— Jeremías 29:12-13 (NVI)

La oración no debe ser la repetición como loritos de las palabras que nos han enseñado. La oración va más allá, pues es un principio de vida. Es un recurso que nos dejó Dios a fin de interceder por los demás. Es una comunicación directa con Él.

En el momento de la oración debemos abrir nuestro corazón al Padre que está ahí pendiente de lo que estamos orando. Por eso, la oración no es una técnica, aunque debemos aprender a orar y ser precisos en la manera de orar. Es decir, debemos ser específicos cuando le estemos pidiendo algo a Dios.

La oración por las necesidades de los demás trae también tremendos beneficios. En el Manual de Instrucciones, Dios dice que cuando nos preocupamos por los problemas de los demás, Él se preocupa por los nuestros.

La oración es milagrosa. Además, la oración debe servir de protección. Por eso es tan importante cubrir con oración a nuestros hijos, cónyuges y hasta el trabajo y los compañeros. La oración es tan poderosa que Dios nos manda a orar hasta por nuestros enemigos.

La Palabra también nos dice que debemos orar sin cesar. Si no estás acostumbrado a hacerlo, no te preocupes. Empieza poco a poco cuando estés a solas con Dios. Habla con Él y hazlo todos los días hasta que llegue el momento en que, aun cuando estés es la calle, te encuentres en comunicación permanente con tu Padre.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
La oración no debe ser la repetición como loritos de las palabras que nos han enseñado. La oración va más allá, pues es un principio de vida.