The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, February 6, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, February 6, 2020

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 112:1-9 [10]

Light shines in the darkness

1  Praise the Lord.

   Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
     who find great delight in his commands.

2  Their children will be mighty in the land;
     the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3  Wealth and riches are in their houses,
     and their righteousness endures forever.
4  Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
     for those who are gracious and compassionate and
         righteous.
5  Good will come to those who are generous and lend
         freely,
     who conduct their affairs with justice.

6  Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
     they will be remembered forever.
7  They will have no fear of bad news;
     their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8  Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
     in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9  They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
     their righteousness endures forever;
     their horn will be lifted high in honor.

[10 The wicked will see and be vexed,
     they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
     the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.]

Deuteronomy 4:1-14

The discipline of faith

4:1 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

3 You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, 4 but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today.

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” 11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. 12 Then the Lord spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 And the Lord directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

1 John 5:1-5

God’s children obey God’s commandments

5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of 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 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 THURSDAY, February 6, 2020
Psalm 112:1-9 [10]; Deuteronomy 4:1-14; 1 John 5:1-5

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, February 6, 2020

The Daily Prayer

THURSDAY, February 6, 2020

Second-century Bible scholar Origen of Alexandria wrote, “We do not arm ourselves against any nation; we do not learn the art of war; because, through Jesus Christ, we have become the children of peace.”

Lord, this work of peacemaking is difficult business. But we cannot expect peace by any other way than nonviolence. Keep us even from violent thoughts and from threatening your peace with impatience. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, February 6, 2020

Proverbs 21:21

Whoever pursues righteousness and love
  finds life, prosperity and honor.

Read all of Proverbs 21

Listen to Proverbs 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 - Jueves 6 de febrero de 2020

Tiempos de angustia

Bueno es el Señor; es refugio en el día de la angustia, y protector de los que en él confían.

—Nahúm 1:7 (NVI)

Si nos tocara escoger entre el dolor y la angustia, creo que no sabríamos qué responder.

La angustia es esa agonía que se puede prolongar y te puede destruir poco a poco.

Creo que no hay nada más extraño que sentir ese vacío en nuestro estómago. Esos pensamientos que se deslizan por nuestra mente y nos hacen palpitar más fuerte el corazón y hasta sudar sin control.

Dios nos dice en su Palabra varias veces que no debemos vivir angustiados; y que si lo estamos, Él nos libra y nos ayuda. No obstante, solo hay un requisito para poder ver actuar a Dios a favor de nosotros en momentos de angustia y es buscar de Él. Otra manera de lograrlo es siendo obedientes a su Palabra, a sus mandamientos, y saber que Él escucha nuestra oración.

Pon tu mirada en Dios y no te desenfoques buscando amparo en otras cosas que no te ayudarán.

Reta a Dios en este día y dile que aunque no entiendes lo que estás viviendo, vas a confiar en Él. Y que si llegan pensamientos contrarios, tú permanecerás en su Palabra.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Si nos tocara escoger entre el dolor y la angustia, creo que no sabríamos qué responder.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, February 6, 2020

CONQUERING THE FEAR OF DEATH

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

—Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Fear of dying is the number one universal fear for human beings. Virtually every fear has a relationship to death and a connection to dying. For example, why are we afraid of flying? The plane may crash and we may die. Here are seven scriptural principles that enable us to conquer our fear of death:

1. God is in control. Read Psalm 91. (Mark 4:35-41; Phil 4:6-7)

2. Focus on fearing God and dying to self. (Acts 5:29; Galatians 2:20)

3. We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. (Hebrews 10:32+)

4. God always brings good from evil. (Genesis 50:20)

5. The enemy can only harm our body, not our soul. (Matthew 10:28)

6. Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:11-12)

7. There is a crown of life for the faithful to death. (Revelation 2:10)

Co-workers had just finished an SSTS seminar on the island of Timor when a young pastor suddenly jumped up and proclaimed before all his colleagues “Now I am ready to die for Jesus!” These were no idle words. Every single pastor attending the seminar was directly or indirectly impacted by the massacres on the island of Ambon. Many of their churches had been burned and several had lost loved ones in the attacks on Christians.

As the meeting concluded, our colleague saw the young pastor making his way towards him. “Your being here has inspired me to go out and share the gospel in other areas,” he announced.

“I am happy to hear that brother. Where has the Lord called you to?” he inquired.

“To Ambon!”

“My brother, are you sure. This is like signing your own death certificate. You know that most Christians are fleeing the massacre and you want to return?”

His response was simple and without pretense. “If I don’t go back to tell the people about Jesus, who will do it? I am willing to give my life for Jesus!”

RESPONSE: Today I will live prepared to die, and die prepared to live!

PRAYER: When I fear you, Lord, I fear nothing else—even death. Today I pray for those who do not fear You and thus fear everything else—especially death.

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

Men's Devotional Bible - Thursday, February 6, 2020

Make the Most of Today

Matthew 24:36–51
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 25:14–30; John 9:4; Philippians 1:20–26

Carpe diem.

This Latin phrase means “seize the day,” and it certainly echoes a valid objective. We do need to seize each day because we don’t know whether tomorrow will come or just how much of this life remains for us.

But what if we did? Imagine if a clock on the bottom of one foot digitally displayed how many days remained before we died. Theologian Francis Schaeffer put it another way: “Life is like a clock with no hands. It’s ticking but you never know when it’s going to strike midnight.”

What a sobering thought—for those living in the 1st century or the 21st century. Despite all of our advances in safety measures, in both industry and transportation, and all of our progress in the medical field, life still maintains a measure of unpredictability for us today. Accidents still happen, and people still suffer from strokes and coronary artery disease, often seemingly out of the blue. Nearly everyone has a story to tell regarding a friend, family member or coworker who has experienced something like this.

The 1st-century disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). In the midst of his teaching, Jesus replied, “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).

In a way, Jesus urges his followers to “seize the day” because no one knows when he will return. But we do know that each of us will come face-to-face with Jesus and give an account of how we have lived for him. Each of us in large measures determines how that encounter will go.

Jesus wants us to be ready no matter when he returns—to be “faithful and wise” servants (Matthew 24:45). Who are the faithful and wise servants? Those who are ready—those whom the Master finds doing his will when he returns.

Are you ready?

To Take Away

• How would your life be different if you knew you had just a year left to live? A month? A day?
• God gives each of us gifts with which to serve him. Can you identify the ways in which God wants you to serve him?
• Do you think God sees you as a “faithful and wise servant”? Why or why not?

This Latin phrase means “seize the day,” and it certainly echoes a valid objective.

LHM Daily Devotions February 6, 2020 - Indispensable

"Indispensable"

Feb. 6, 2020

(Jesus said) "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

—Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

It's good to know we can make a difference. We may wonder sometimes if what we do matters if our words and actions really carry any weight in this world. Jesus' words above tell us they do.

To say, "You are the salt of the earth," is to place a unique value on your life. You're essential. Salt was a treasured mineral for thousands of years well before Jesus hit the scene. Used by the Egyptians and traded throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, it's an essential ingredient in the diets of both humans and animals.

And it's what we are to be in the lives of others. As followers of Jesus, we can and should be vital, necessary, and beneficial to those in our orbit. But like salt, our impact may not always be immediately obvious. It's the little things that can make a big difference—the patience we show a child or the time we take to listen to a friend who's got a problem.

Our words, as the apostle Paul says, should be warm and inviting toward others. We can learn to speak in ways that bless and edify. We can point toward God's grace in our conversations as the Holy Spirit uses us to open doors for the Gospel. "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:6).

And light—what could be more crucial than being the light for someone else? That's what Jesus says we are to be: "the light of the world," beaming brightly, giving "light to all in the house." The responsibility is awesome, and God has entrusted it to us. Furthermore, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, inspire us, and keep us essential in the lives of others.

What a tremendous role to have in God's kingdom on earth. As He has saved us by grace through faith in Christ's triumphant victory over the powers of darkness, He now empowers us to freely share His Gospel. He knows this commission is a challenge, but He gives us the grace to be indispensable—salty and bright for Christ.

May we rise to the occasion, keeping our eyes on the cross, as we tell the world about Jesus.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give us the grace necessary to be Your people in the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you feel like you make a difference in people's lives?
2. We've been given an awesome responsibility as God's salt and light. Does knowing this affect the way you live?
3. What one thing (for starters) might you do to make yourself more vital in the life of someone else?

This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Minh Chau Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Do you feel like you make a difference in people's lives?

CPTLN devocional del 06 de febrero de 2020 - Indispensable

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Indispensable

06 de Febrero de 2020

Ustedes son la sal de la tierra, pero si la sal pierde su sabor, ¿cómo volverá a ser salada? Ya no servirá para nada, sino para ser arrojada a la calle y pisoteada por la gente. Ustedes son la luz del mundo. Una ciudad asentada sobre un monte no se puede esconder. Tampoco se enciende una lámpara y se pone debajo de un cajón, sino sobre el candelero, para que alumbre a todos los que están en casa. De la misma manera, que la luz de ustedes alumbre delante de todos, para que todos vean sus buenas obras y glorifiquen a su Padre, que está en los cielos.

—Mateo 5:13-16 (RVC)

Es bueno saber que podemos hacer una diferencia. A veces nos preguntamos si lo que hacemos importa, si nuestras palabras y acciones realmente tienen algún peso en este mundo. Las palabras de Jesús nos dicen que sí.

Decir: "Tú eres la sal de la tierra" es poner un valor único en tu vida, pues te convierte en esencial. La sal fue un mineral preciado ya miles de años antes de que Jesús entrara en escena. Utilizado por los egipcios y comercializado en todo el antiguo mundo mediterráneo, es un ingrediente esencial en las dietas de humanos y animales.

Y es lo que debemos ser en la vida de los demás. Como seguidores de Jesús, podemos y debemos ser vitales, necesarios y beneficiosos para quienes nos rodean. Pero como la sal, nuestro impacto puede no ser siempre obvio de inmediato. Son las pequeñas cosas las que pueden hacer una gran diferencia: la paciencia que le mostramos a un niño o el tiempo que tomamos para escuchar a un amigo que tiene un problema.

Nuestras palabras, como dice el apóstol Pablo, deben ser cálidas y atractivas para con los demás. Podemos aprender a hablar de manera que bendigan y edifiquen. Podemos señalar la gracia de Dios en nuestras conversaciones cuando el Espíritu Santo nos usa para abrir puertas para el Evangelio. "Procuren que su conversación siempre sea agradable y de buen gusto, para que den a cada uno la respuesta debida" (Colosenses 4:6).

Y la luz: ¿qué podría ser más crucial que ser luz para otra persona? Eso es lo que Jesús dice que debemos ser: "la luz del mundo", brillando intensamente, dando "luz a todos en la casa". La responsabilidad es asombrosa, y Dios nos la ha confiado. Además, nos ha dado el Espíritu Santo para guiarnos, inspirarnos y mantenernos esenciales en la vida de los demás. Como Él nos ha salvado por gracia a través de la fe en la victoria triunfante de Cristo sobre los poderes de las tinieblas, ahora nos da el poder para compartir libremente Su Evangelio. Él sabe que esta comisión es un desafío, pero nos da la gracia de ser indispensables, salados y brillantes para Cristo.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, danos la gracia necesaria para ser tu pueblo en el mundo. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Paul Schreiber

Para reflexionar:

1. ¿Sientes que haces una diferencia en la vida de quienes te rodean?
2. ¿Qué podrías hacer para hacerte más vital en la vida de otra persona?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Sientes que haces una diferencia en la vida de quienes te rodean?

Хлеб наш насущный - Плач Мерси

Плач Мерси

Читать сейчас: Плач Иеремии 2:10-13, 18-19 | Библия за год: Исход 39-40; Матфея 23:23-39

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Изливается на землю печень моя... когда дети и грудные младенцы умирают от голода среди городских улиц.

—Плач Иеремии 2:11

Ее отец считал, что болеет из-за колдовства. У него был СПИД. Когда он умер, десятилетняя Мерси стала еще ближе к матери. Но мать тоже была больна и спустя три года умерла. С того времени сестра Мерси воспитывала пятерых сирот. Тогда Мерси начала вести дневник, в котором описывала свою боль.

Пророк Иеремия тоже вел записи своих тяжелых переживаний. В своей скорбной книге он писал о зверствах, совершенных в Иудее вавилонской армией. Сердце Иеремии особенно болело о самых юных жертвах. «Изливается на землю печень моя от гибели дочери народа моего, когда дети и грудные младенцы умирают от голода среди городских улиц», – сетовал он (Плач 2:11). У иудейского народа была долгая история отвержения Бога, но теперь и дети платили горькую цену. Они умирали, «изливая души свои в лоно матерей своих» (ст. 12).

Казалось бы, перед лицом таких страданий Иеремия должен отвернуться от Бога. Но вместо этого он убеждал выживших: «Вставай, взывай ночью, при начале каждой стражи; изливай, как воду, сердце твое пред лицом Господа; простирай к Нему руки твои о душе детей твоих» (ст. 19).

Иеремия и Мерси поступили правильно, изливая перед Богом свои сердца. Плач – важная часть человеческого естества. Даже когда Бог допускает подобную боль, Он скорбит с нами. Он тоже плачет.

Как вы справляетесь с трудными ситуациями в своей жизни? Как вам может помочь ведение дневника и откровенная беседа с другом?

Боже, я страдаю из-за ____________________. Ты видишь мою печаль. Прошу: яви сегодня в моей жизни Свою силу.

автор: Тим Густафсон

© 2020 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Ее отец считал, что болеет из-за колдовства. У него был СПИД.