The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, February 21, 2020

Psalm 2; Exodus 19:9b-25; Hebrews 11:23-28

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, February 21, 2020

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 2

The one begotten of God

1  Why do the nations conspire
     and the peoples plot in vain?
2  The kings of the earth rise up
     and the rulers band together
     against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3  “Let us break their chains
     and throw off their shackles.”

4  The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
     the Lord scoffs at them.
5  He rebukes them in his anger
     and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6  “I have installed my king
     on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

   He said to me, “You are my son;
     today I have become your father.
8  Ask me,
     and I will make the nations your inheritance,
     the ends of the earth your possession.
9  You will break them with a rod of iron;
     you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
     be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
     and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
     and your way will lead to your destruction,
   for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
     Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Exodus 19:9b-25

Israel consecrated at Sinai

19:9b Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”

14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.”

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”

23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’”

24 The Lord replied, “Go down and bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must not force their way through to come up to the Lord, or he will break out against them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

Hebrews 11:23-28

The faith of Moses

11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

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 FRIDAY, February 21, 2020
Psalm 2; Exodus 19:9b-25; Hebrews 11:23-28

The Daily Prayer for FRIDAY, February 21, 2020

The Daily Prayer

FRIDAY, February 21, 2020

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated while delivering a speech in Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom. Malcolm X became a well-known advocate for civil rights after joining the Nation of Islam while in prison. A brilliant, self-educated leader, Malcolm experienced multiple conversions, eventually leaving the Nation of Islam after a pilgrimage to Mecca and committing to overcome racism through an international solidarity movement. Though he was not a Christian, Malcolm X spoke prophetically about the church’s complicity in Western culture’s sin of racism.

Thomas Aquinas, a thirteenth-century Dominican and doctor of the church, said, “Every truth without exception—and whoever may utter it—is from the Holy Spirit.”

Lord, we pray you will keep us humble enough to learn from those whom we least expect to be our teachers. Help us to listen for your truth, even in the words of our enemies. Amen.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, February 21, 2020

Romans 13:9-10

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Read all of Romans 13

Listen to Romans 13

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 - Viernes 21 de febrero de 2020

Vístete siempre de amor

Cuando estéis orando, perdonad, si tenéis algo contra alguno, para que también vuestro Padre que está en los cielos os perdone a vosotros vuestras ofensas.

—Marcos 11:25-26 (RVR1960)

¿Amar a nuestros enemigos? ¿Orar por ellos? ¿Tener pensa-mientos de bienestar para el que te ha hecho mal? Parece muy raro, ¿verdad? No obstante, las Escrituras nos enseñan todo lo contrario. Mira lo diferente que piensa Dios:

Ora por tus enemigos. Si alguien te da una bofetada, pon la otra mejilla. Si te piden algo, sírvele y bendice su vida. Si pecan contra ti, perdona hasta setenta veces siete. Quizá me digas: «¡Increíble, Claudia! ¿Cómo voy a hacer todo esto con el que me maltrató, me robó, me mintió, me engañó, me explotó y me maldijo? ¡Imposible!».

Hoy quiero que puedas, con la ayuda siempre de Dios, cambiar esa manera de pensar y ser obediente a lo que Él espera de nosotros.

La Biblia dice que debemos arreglar las cuentas con los que estamos mal. La Palabra también nos advierte que si no perdonamos, Dios no nos podrá perdonar, y nos hace ver en varias oportunidades que el mejor ejemplo de humildad, de misericordia y de perdón nos lo da Dios al perdonar nuestros pecados, nuestras faltas.

¿Te imaginas que Dios nos dijera: «De ninguna manera, como hiciste esto, no te puedo perdonar, así que te condeno»? ¡Qué triste sería!

En mi caso, he experimentado la libertad que se siente cuando perdonamos. Es una sensación de independencia cuando liberas a esa persona que has tenido atada con tu rencor y con tu odio. Entonces, de inmediato, te liberas tú también.

Vistámonos siempre de amor y, recuerda, Dios no se desilusionó de nadie porque nunca se ilusionó con nadie.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Amar a nuestros enemigos? ¿Orar por ellos? ¿Tener pensa-mientos de bienestar para el que te ha hecho mal? Parece muy raro, ¿verdad?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Friday, February 21, 2020

FEAR OF DEATH

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

—1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Satan uses and plays on one of the basic elements and instincts of our nature—fear. It is natural for finite man to fear—especially the fear of the unknown, the fear of being hurt and the fear of death. There is nothing more Satan would like than to see us paralyzed with fear just like King Saul when facing the Philistines and Goliath.

Why do we allow fear to be so controlling? On the one hand, we have past experiences that we don’t want to relive and on the other hand, we are very hesitant about what might lay ahead. But often the events and situations creating most fear in people have no basis in reality.

All fear is based on perception. Thus fear has been described in the English language as an acronym for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” If we could consciously remember this, it would help us to allay many fears. But that false evidence sometimes is so convincing! However, we must always realize that dread and fear—like other tactics of the enemy—are based on a lie. This is why throughout the scriptures we are repeatedly commanded—366 times—to “fear not.” It is intensely liberating for our witness when we personally overcome the fear of death. This allows us to focus on Christ and His kingdom.

Living as a Christian under Romania’s dictatorship posed extreme difficulties and dangers. Even though Rev. Joseph Tson had counted the cost and served the Lord and His flock faithfully, he feared the day that he would be called in by security. He knew the possibility of facing death was inevitable.

The day that Joseph feared arrived. Security officers arrived at his home one day and took him to their headquarters. He was instructed to sit on a chair and a gun was put to his head. “The choice is easy,” came the commander’s voice. “Deny Jesus or we pull the trigger.”

This was indeed the moment that Joseph feared all through his ministry. But suddenly the Spirit of the Lord filled his whole being. “If you kill me today you will do me a great favor. All my sermons that were recorded will be in great demand because I will be a martyr for Christ. You will help me greatly to share my messages. You will also help me to go to my Lord quickly!” Joseph fearlessly replied.

The officer dropped the gun. “You Christians are crazy,” he shouted and then commanded the officers to take Joseph back home.

Joseph’s life was spared but in a sense, he lost it that day. “Never again did I fear what man can do to me. Never again did I fear to lose my life,” Joseph concluded.

RESPONSE: Today I will not allow Satan’s favorite tactic of fear and intimidation to conquer me in any way.

PRAYER: Lord, enable me to overcome the fear of physical death as I realize that I am already dead to myself in You. May this be true today too for believers in conflict zones of our world.

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

Men of the Bible - Friday, February 21, 2020

Joseph

His name means: "May He [the Lord] Add"

His work: As governor of Egypt he saved many lives, including those of his own family, thus preserving God's people during a time of famine.
His character: Other than committing the youthful indiscretion of sharing dreams that made his brothers jealous, it is hard to find fault with Jacob's favorite son, Joseph. A dreamer and an interpreter of dreams, he overcame great adversity to rise to a place of prominence and power in the land of Egypt. A great-hearted man, God blessed him with wisdom and success.
His sorrow: To have been sold into slavery by brothers who hated him and to have been imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
His triumph: To be reconciled with his brothers and reunited with his father and then to be used by God to preserve their lives and the lives of many others.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 37, 39-50

A Look at the Man

After suffering so much misfortune, Joseph prospered in remarkable ways, governing the land he had entered as a slave and being reunited with his family. It's almost a storybook ending, in which the hero lives happily ever after. God's hand of blessing was so firmly on Joseph that nothing could keep him down—not the jealousy of his brothers, not slavery, not false accusations, not imprisonment. He was like the bar of soap that keeps rising to the top no matter how many times it's shoved beneath the water.

Was there something about Joseph that made it easy for God to bless him? Consider his position in Potiphar's house and his response to Potiphar's wife's attempt to seduce him: "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

Now consider the first temptation of the first man, Adam: "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die'" (Genesis 2:15-17). Like Joseph, Adam was put in charge of everything. His master, God, had withheld nothing from him, except one thing—fruit from a tree in Eden. But, unlike Joseph, it was the one thing Adam could not refuse himself. And his disobedience ruined him for paradise.

It seems clear that obedience is a key to experiencing God's blessing. A life of obedience, coupled with God's power, is what enabled Joseph to provide deliverance for so many people. A life of obedience is what enabled Jesus to restore our relationship with God and open the gates of paradise. Like Jesus and like Joseph, we all are called to counter Adam's sin by living our life in loving obedience to God, realizing that his blessings are a taste of the paradise that awaits us.

Reflect On: Genesis 45:1–13
Praise God: Because he can use what others intend for evil to accomplish great good.
Offer Thanks: For his persistent blessings.
Confess: Any tendency to doubt God’s love because you equate blessing with ease.
Ask God: To make you a person whose life will bless many others.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
After suffering so much misfortune, Joseph prospered in remarkable ways.

LHM Daily Devotions February 21, 2020 - Guarding Your Faith

"Guarding Your Faith"

Feb. 21, 2020

(Jesus said) "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 5:16 (ESV)

The son of an English ship's captain had been confirmed on a Palm Sunday morning.

That evening, the father and son sat in the captain's quarters and reviewed the events of the day. Wishing to underscore and deepen the conviction of his son's confirmation vows, the father said, "My boy, light this candle. Go out onto the deck, and return to me with the candle still burning."

"But, Father," the boy replied, "if I go up on the deck, the wind will surely blow out the flame."

At the continued urging of his father, the son did as he was told.

With much shielding and maneuvering, the lad succeeded in keeping the flame burning. With a sense of accomplishment, he returned the burning candle to his father.

It was only then the father explained: "My son, your faith is like this candle. You were confirmed today. Your faith is small and frail right now. From here on out, you will be going into a big, tempting world. Without attending to your faith, the world can quickly snuff it out. And it will most certainly succeed ... if you don't take pains to shield it."

The father gave good advice. Most people don't put much thought into their confirmation or, more importantly, their Baptism.

They often view the promises and covenants which were made as things which happened a long time ago, things which really have no meaning for today. People feel that way because they have received adoption into the family of faith by God's grace and not by their own works.

That's an important thing for us to remember.

Even though we didn't have anything to do with the benefits and blessings which Baptism brings, those blessings are still real. In Baptism the Father comes to us; in Baptism the forgiveness Christ won upon the cross is given to us. In Baptism we are adopted into the family of faith, and in Baptism we have the assurance—no matter what happens to us—that our salvation is secure.

Truly, such blessings are worth protecting and shielding.

THE PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank You for adopting me through the cross of Christ. Help me to remember my Baptism each day, so I may be given strength to stand against the gale-force winds of life. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is yours a flickering faith, or does it burn hot and bright?
2. Do you think shining our faith strengthens our faith? Is there a connection between sharing our faith and our faith becoming stronger?
3. Did you receive a special confirmation verse? Which one is it?

This Daily Devotion was written by Stephen Klinck, former director of Lutheran Hour Ministers—Canada. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is yours a flickering faith, or does it burn hot and bright?

CPTLN devocional del 21 de febrero de 2020 - Cuida tu fe

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Cuida tu fe

21 de Febrero de 2020

[Jesús dijo] 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 5:16 (RVC)

El hijo del capitán de un barco inglés había sido confirmado un Domingo de Ramos por la mañana.

Esa noche, el padre y el hijo se sentaron en las habitaciones del capitán y revisaron los eventos del día. Deseando subrayar y profundizar la importancia de los votos de confirmación de su hijo, el padre dijo: "Hijo mío, enciende esta vela. Sal a cubierta y regresa a mí con la vela aún encendida".

"Pero, padre", respondió el niño, "si subo a la cubierta, el viento seguramente apagará la llama".

Ante el continuo impulso de su padre, el hijo hizo como lo que el padre le dijo.

Con mucha protección y maniobras, el muchacho logró mantener encendida la llama. Con una sensación de logro, le devolvió la vela encendida a su padre.

Entonces, el padre le explicó: "Hijo mío, en estos momentos tu fe es como esta vela: pequeña y frágil. De ahora en adelante, entrarás en un mundo grande y tentador. Si no cuidas tu fe, el mundo la va a apagar rápidamente. Y seguramente tendrá éxito ... si no te esfuerzas por protegerla".

La mayoría de las personas no piensan mucho en su confirmación o, lo que es más importante, en su bautismo. A menudo ven las promesas que hicieron como cosas que sucedieron hace mucho tiempo y que realmente no tienen sentido para hoy. Las personas se sienten así porque han recibido la adopción en la familia de la fe por la gracia de Dios y no por sus propias obras.

Aun cuando no tuvimos nada que ver con las bendiciones que trae el bautismo —las recibimos por la gracia de Dios a través de la fe— esas bendiciones siguen siendo reales. En el bautismo el Padre viene a nosotros y nos da el perdón que Cristo ganó en la cruz. En el bautismo somos adoptados en la familia de la fe y, gracias al bautismo, tenemos la seguridad de nuestra salvación, sin importar lo que nos pase.

En verdad vale la pena proteger tales bendiciones.

ORACIÓN: Querido Padre, te agradezco por adoptarme a través de la cruz de Cristo. Ayúdame a recordar mi bautismo todos los días, para que me de fuerzas para enfrentar los vientos huracanados de la vida. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Stephen Klinck, ex director de LHM Canadá

Para reflexionar:

1. ¿Cómo es tu fe: una llama ardiente y viva, o una tenue luz intermitente?
2. ¿Crees que tu fe se fortalece cuando la compartes con otra persona?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Cómo es tu fe: una llama ardiente y viva, o una tenue luz intermitente?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Nơi Tôi Thuộc Về

Nơi Tôi Thuộc Về

Đọc: Ê-phê-sô 3:14–21 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Dân số ký 1–3; Mác 3

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Và bởi đức tin, Đấng Christ ngự trong lòng anh em.

—Ê-phê-sô 3:17

Vài năm sau khi người phối ngẫu của mình qua đời, Robbie và Sabrina đã yêu nhau, kết hôn và kết hợp hai gia đình. Họ xây dựng một gia đình mới và đặt tên là Havilah (tiếng Hê-bơ-rơ có nghĩa là “chiến đấu trong đau đớn” và “đem lại”). Điều này có nghĩa là tạo nên điều tốt đẹp từ nỗi đau. Cặp đôi này nói rằng họ không xây dựng gia đình để quên đi quá khứ, nhưng “để đem lại sự sống từ đống tro tàn, để hy vọng”. Đối với họ, “đây là nơi để thuộc về, nơi để vui sống và nơi chúng tôi bám víu vào lời hứa về tương lai”.

Đó là bức tranh đẹp đẽ về đời sống trong Chúa Jêsus. Ngài kéo chúng ta ra khỏi đống tro tàn và trở nên nơi chúng ta thuộc về. Khi chúng ta tin nhận Ngài, Ngài ngự trong tấm lòng chúng ta (Êph. 3:17). Đức Chúa Trời tiếp nhận chúng ta vào gia đình của Ngài qua Chúa Jêsus để chúng ta thuộc về Ngài (1:5-6). Mặc dù trải qua những lúc đau đớn, Chúa sẽ sử dụng chúng để thực hiện mục đích tốt đẹp trong đời sống chúng ta.

Mỗi ngày chúng ta đều có cơ hội để lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết Chúa khi chúng ta tận hưởng tình yêu của Ngài và vui thỏa vì những điều Ngài ban cho. Trong Chúa, chúng ta có cuộc sống đầy trọn mà không thể có được ngoài Ngài (3:19). Và chúng ta có lời hứa rằng mối liên hệ này sẽ tồn tại mãi mãi. Chúa Jêsus là nơi chúng ta thuộc về, là lý do chúng ta vui sống và là niềm hy vọng của chúng ta bây giờ và mãi mãi.

Chúa Jêsus đã thay đổi đời sống bạn như thế nào? Việc thuộc về Chúa Jêsus có ý nghĩa gì đối với bạn?

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, con thật biết ơn Ngài vì được thuộc về Ngài. Cảm tạ Chúa vì cuộc sống tràn đầy hy vọng bây giờ và mãi mãi.Và bởi đức tin, Đấng Christ ngự trong lòng anh em. Ê-phê-sô 3:17

Vài năm sau khi người phối ngẫu của mình qua đời, Robbie và Sabrina đã yêu nhau, kết hôn và kết hợp hai gia đình. Họ xây dựng một gia đình mới và đặt tên là Havilah (tiếng Hê-bơ-rơ có nghĩa là “chiến đấu trong đau đớn” và “đem lại”). Điều này có nghĩa là tạo nên điều tốt đẹp từ nỗi đau. Cặp đôi này nói rằng họ không xây dựng gia đình để quên đi quá khứ, nhưng “để đem lại sự sống từ đống tro tàn, để hy vọng”. Đối với họ, “đây là nơi để thuộc về, nơi để vui sống và nơi chúng tôi bám víu vào lời hứa về tương lai”.

Đó là bức tranh đẹp đẽ về đời sống trong Chúa Jêsus. Ngài kéo chúng ta ra khỏi đống tro tàn và trở nên nơi chúng ta thuộc về. Khi chúng ta tin nhận Ngài, Ngài ngự trong tấm lòng chúng ta (Êph. 3:17). Đức Chúa Trời tiếp nhận chúng ta vào gia đình của Ngài qua Chúa Jêsus để chúng ta thuộc về Ngài (1:5-6). Mặc dù trải qua những lúc đau đớn, Chúa sẽ sử dụng chúng để thực hiện mục đích tốt đẹp trong đời sống chúng ta.

Mỗi ngày chúng ta đều có cơ hội để lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết Chúa khi chúng ta tận hưởng tình yêu của Ngài và vui thỏa vì những điều Ngài ban cho. Trong Chúa, chúng ta có cuộc sống đầy trọn mà không thể có được ngoài Ngài (3:19). Và chúng ta có lời hứa rằng mối liên hệ này sẽ tồn tại mãi mãi. Chúa Jêsus là nơi chúng ta thuộc về, là lý do chúng ta vui sống và là niềm hy vọng của chúng ta bây giờ và mãi mãi.

Chúa Jêsus đã thay đổi đời sống bạn như thế nào? Việc thuộc về Chúa Jêsus có ý nghĩa gì đối với bạn?

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, con thật biết ơn Ngài vì được thuộc về Ngài. Cảm tạ Chúa vì cuộc sống tràn đầy hy vọng bây giờ và mãi mãi.

bởi Anne Cetas

© 2020 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Mỗi ngày chúng ta đều có cơ hội để lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết Chúa khi chúng ta tận hưởng tình yêu của Ngài và vui thỏa vì những điều Ngài ban cho.