The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, April 2, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 31:9-16

I commend my spirit

9  Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
     my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
     my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
     and my years by groaning;
   my strength fails because of my affliction,
     and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies,
     I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
   and an object of dread to my closest friends—
     those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
     I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear many whispering,
     “Terror on every side!”
   They conspire against me
     and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, Lord;
     I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
     deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
     from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
     save me in your unfailing love.

1 Samuel 16:11-13

Samuel anoints David

16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”

Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Philippians 1:1-11

Encouraged to follow Christ’s righteousness

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise 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. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

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, April 2, 2020
Psalm 31:9-16; 1 Samuel 16:11-13; Philippians 1:1-11

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, April 2, 2020

The Daily Prayer

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020

Fourth-century bishop Athanasius of Alexandria wrote, “That mystery the Jews traduce, the Greeks deride, but we adore. For it is a fact that the more unbelievers pour scorn on him, so much the more does he makes his Godhead evident. Thus by what seems his utter poverty and weakness on the cross he overturns the pomp and parade of idols, and quietly and hiddenly wins over the mockers and unbelievers to recognize him as God.”

God of power and might, you raised Jesus from the dead after you had raised Israel out of Egypt. As we arise in the light of this new day, raise us to live by your power the life that only you can give.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, April 2, 2020

Matthew 20:17-19

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

Read all of Matthew 20

Listen to Matthew 20

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

The Lenten Prayer for THURSDAY, April 2,2020 - Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

40 Days of Lenten Prayers

Day 32 - Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Lord,

all I want is to be faithful to you in my life,

but so often I fail.

Free me from my many sins

and guide me to the life I will share with you.

I wait for your promise to be fulfilled

with great hope in my heart

and your praise on my lips.

Amen.

Un dia a la Vez - Jueves 02 de abril de 2020

Tu futuro

No les hagan caso a sus [...] adivinos, intérpretes de sueños, astrólogos y hechiceros [...] Las mentiras que ellos les profetizan solo sirven para que ustedes [...] mueran.

— Jeremías 27:9-10, NVI

Muchas de nuestras familias, ya sea por tradición o por cultura, tienen la costumbre de visitar brujos, espiritistas, lectores de cartas y manos y santeros, por mencionar algunos. Su propósito es escuchar, según cabe suponer, lo que les deparará el destino. Lo hacen sin imaginarse siquiera que estas personas inescrupulosas les mienten para sacar verdades y, lo que es peor, para robarles su dinero.

Algunas personas buscan así su futuro, aun sabiendo lo que Dios dice al respecto en la Palabra. Y si no lo habías leído nunca, dice con claridad que ninguno de los que mencioné antes entrará en el reino de los cielos.

Dios dice en varias partes de la Palabra que no debemos consultar «ni practicar adivinación, brujería o hechicería; ni hacer conjuros, servir de médium espiritista o consultar a los muertos» (Deuteronomio 18:10-11). Además, advierte sobre las consecuencias.

Como hija de Dios, mi deber es orientarte a que si crees que eso que haces es bueno, debes saber que no está bien y te lo dijo con conocimiento de causa.

Si quieres estar en paz con Dios y a cuentas con Él, no debes seguir haciendo este tipo de actos deshonrosos para Dios.

Así que te invito a que hoy mismo renuncies y le pidas perdón a Dios. No te maldigas ni te contamines consultando estos medios, ya que son abominación para el Señor.

Descansa en Dios y pídele que te guíe en tu vida, paso a paso, y sé obediente a su Palabra. De esa manera, tu vida estará realmente segura en Dios. Recuerda, tu vida está en manos de tu Creador.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Muchas de nuestras familias, ya sea por tradición o por cultura, tienen la costumbre de visitar brujos, espiritistas, lectores de cartas y manos y santeros, por mencionar algunos.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, April 2, 2020

COME AND DIE

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

— John 12:24, NIV

When our children were young, we would often sing before dinner the chorus, “Come and dine the Master calleth, come and dine...” One day our youngest, Melinda, our adopted Filipina asked, “Daddy, why does Jesus say we have to come and die?” The family laughed at this question concluding that we really needed to work on our singing diction.

But as I study Jesus’ teaching, I’ve come to realize that Melinda was singing correctly all the time. Because Jesus also indicates that discipleship means there is a cross to bear. All too often the cross becomes for us just a historic symbol. One day a North American minister was showing a foreign visitor his newly built church building. Outside, a spotlight illuminated a huge cross on the steeple. The pastor boasted, “That cross alone cost us $10,000.”

The visitor looked at him quizzically and replied, “Where I come from, Christians can get them for free!”

A Canadian Christian aid worker was overwhelmed at the enormous need among the believers of southern Sudan. He recalls some children in a village wearing nothing but hand-carved bone crosses fashioned in necklaces around their necks. He pointed to the cross on one emaciated child and questioned her with hand motions. She smiled broadly, took off the necklace and handed it to him.

His thoughtful analysis is this: “That little act symbolizes the state of the suffering church in Sudan. With absolutely nothing in the way of material possessions, they still have the cross of Jesus Christ. They are prepared to share its hope—even though it means death.”

To Jesus the cross meant the willing denial of self for the sake of others. Seeking to save your life, you’ll lose it while losing your life for Jesus will save it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who gave up his life taking a stand against Hitler wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” That’s what it means to lose our life in order to save it. Jesus himself was our example being willing to go to the cross on behalf of others—even a lost world.

RESPONSE: Today I will deny myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, I respond to Your call to “come and die to myself” in order to find real-life in You.

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, April 2, 2020

John Mark: Recovered Failure

Acts 12:6–17, 25; 13:2–14; 15:35—16:3

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

— 2 Timothy 4:11, NIV

I brought the small fragment of parchment up closer to my face and read it again, hardly daring to believe the words my eyes reported: “because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” Imagine Paul actually putting that down in black and white for anyone to read! Tears of relief and joy suddenly welled up in my eyes, and I could read no further. After all these years Paul was calling for me to come and serve with him again, and describing me as “helpful.”

This was the culmination of a long struggle, a difficult process for both of us. For him, it was a matter of gradually relenting in his judgment that I was a coward, a failure, someone who did not merit further investment of apostolic time and energy. For me, it was the need to change, to grow up, to develop the character necessary for rigorous apostolic duty in a demanding and frequently hostile environment.

I handed the letter back to Timothy, who had sought me out and was grinning widely. “Do you think he really means it?” I asked breathlessly. Timothy shrugged. “Have you ever known Paul to pretend?” he asked pointedly.

I laughed bitterly. “No, you’re right. Paul always says what he means.” Subtlety had never been the apostle’s forte. I blushed as I remembered his frank descriptions of me as he argued loudly with my cousin Barnabas, who wanted to take me with them again on their second missionary journey. Though Barnabas argued that I should be given a second chance, even though I’d quit the first excursion and gone back home, Paul vehemently insisted that there was no way he was going to be burdened with a mama’s boy who wouldn’t follow through on his commitments. The issue had become so heated that the famous pair had split up, going in two different directions, all over a disagreement about me. I’d never felt so humiliated in my life.

But that experience had marked a turning point for me. I did learn steadfastness. Besides Barnabas, I also worked alongside Simon Peter for a while, and I wrote down his memoirs. Paul eventually acknowledged my recovery, mildly recommending that the Colossians welcome me if I should pass through their territory and listing me in his letter to Philemon, along with Demas and Luke, as fellow workers.

But now Paul was actually calling for me to come with Timothy so I could be with him and Luke, just a select, small group for what might be the apostle’s last weeks on Earth. I scanned the letter a third time, and there was no mistaking the resolute tone of the request. Paul expected to die soon, but he wanted me to come and be “helpful” to him in his ministry again before his leave-taking! Praise God!

“When do we leave?” I asked Timothy. “I’m ready for this one. Let’s go!”

Back to the Future

• Have you ever been embarrassed by a failure that was due to character issues on your part? Was there anyone like Barnabas to take your side and help you to recover?
• Do you know anyone else who has stumbled or turned aside from his walk with God? What can you do to encourage him to continue pressing forward?
• Are you ever tempted to turn away from doing what God wants you to do? Who is surrounding you to encourage you when you are tempted to give up?

The Story Continues …

Read more of Mark’s story in Acts 12:6–17, 25; 13:2–14; 15:35—16:3; Colossians 4:10 (some Biblical scholars include Mark 14:51–52).
I brought the small fragment of parchment up closer to my face and read it again, hardly daring to believe the words my eyes reported …

LHM Daily Devotions April 2, 2020 - A MISSED CHANCE

"A MISSED CHANCE"

April 2, 2020

When he (Pilate) learned that He (Jesus) belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see Him, because he had heard about Him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him. So he questioned Him at some length, but He made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. And Herod with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and mocked Him. Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent Him back to Pilate.

— Luke 23:7-11, ESV

Pilate was playing political hot potato that Friday morning, trying to push off the responsibility for dealing with Jesus on to someone else. That's how King Herod got his chance to see Jesus up close and personal. What an opportunity! He had God Himself in the flesh standing in front of him—the Savior of the world in his court.

What would Herod ask Him? Herod had any number of problems he could have laid before Jesus. First and foremost was his responsibility for the death of John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin. Herod carried a lot of guilt and fear over that death, because he knew John was a holy man.

Or Herod could have asked Jesus about other problems—like how to deal with his illicit marriage to his own niece Herodias, who turned out to be a bloodthirsty person. He could have brought up his personal attraction to the Jewish faith in spite of the fact that he himself was a Gentile. He could have brought up his fear of the supernatural or his complicated family problems.

But Herod threw away his time with Jesus—trying to get Him to put on a miracle show, and when Jesus would not comply, mocking and mistreating Him. Then he returned Jesus to Pilate's court. Herod missed his chance.

The apostle Paul urges us not to make the same mistake. He says, "We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:1b-2).

Whatever you are going through, now is the time to lay it before Jesus. He is always with you, willing to listen and help. Call upon Him! Let Him set you free from whatever is oppressing you. He loves you. After all, He has already laid down His life for you.

THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, please help me with the problems that lie heavy on my heart now. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever "missed a chance" to do something and regretted it later?
2. When you have heavy burdens, how do you deal with them?
3. What would you like to talk about with Jesus now?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever "missed a chance" to do something and regretted it later?

Devocional CPTLN del 02 de abril de 2020 - Una oportunidad perdida

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Una oportunidad perdida

02 de Abril de 2020

Y al saber que era de la jurisdicción de Herodes, se lo envió a éste, que en aquellos días también estaba en Jerusalén. Herodes se alegró mucho al ver a Jesús, pues hacía tiempo que deseaba verlo, ya que había oído hablar mucho acerca de él, y esperaba verlo hacer alguna señal. Pero aunque Herodes le hacía muchas preguntas, Jesús no respondía nada. También estaban allí los principales sacerdotes y los escribas, los cuales lo acusaban con extremado apasionamiento. Entonces Herodes y sus soldados lo humillaron y se burlaron de él, y lo vistieron con una ropa muy lujosa, después de lo cual Herodes lo envió de vuelta a Pilato.

— Lucas 23:7-11, RVC

Pilato estaba tratando de quitarse la responsabilidad de tratar con Jesús, por lo que lo envió a Herodes. El rey Herodes vio a Jesús personalmente. ¡Qué oportunidad! Tenía en su corte, delante de él, al mismo Dios encarnado, al Salvador del mundo.

¿Qué le preguntaría Herodes? Herodes tenía cualquier cantidad de problemas que podría haber presentado ante Jesús. Primero y principal: había sido el responsable de la muerte de Juan el Bautista y tenía mucha culpa y miedo por ello, porque sabía que Juan era un hombre santo.

También tenía otros problemas, como cómo lidiar con su matrimonio ilícito con su sobrina Herodías, o podría haber sacado a relucir su miedo a lo sobrenatural, o sus complicados problemas familiares. Sin embargo, desperdició su tiempo con Jesús intentando que hiciera un espectáculo de milagros. Y cuando Jesús no lo hizo se burló y lo maltrató, y lo mandó de regreso a la corte de Pilato. Herodes perdió su oportunidad.

El apóstol Pablo nos insta a no cometer el mismo error, diciéndonos: "Les rogamos a ustedes que no reciban su gracia en vano. Porque él dice: 'En el momento oportuno te escuché; en el día de salvación te ayudé.' Y éste es el momento oportuno; éste es el día de salvación" (2 Corintios 6:1-2).

Ahora es el momento de presentarle tus cosas a Jesús. Él siempre está dispuesto a escucharte y ayudarte. Deja que te libere de lo que sea que te oprime. Él te ama.

ORACIÓN: Querido Salvador, por favor ayúdame con los problemas que pesan en mi corazón. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

1. Cuando tienes cargas pesadas, ¿cómo lidias con ellas?
2. ¿De qué te gustaría hablar ahora con Jesús?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Cuando tienes cargas pesadas, ¿cómo lidias con ellas?

Хлеб наш насущный - Доброхотные жертвователи

Доброхотные жертвователи

Читать сейчас: 2 Коринфянам 9:6-9 | Библия за год: Судей 16-18; Луки 7:1-30

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Доброхотно дающего любит Бог. — 2 Коринфянам 9:7

Много лет назад моя жена получила небольшой возврат из-за переплаты за сделанную до этого покупку. Это было неожиданно. Примерно в то же время подруга поделилась с ней срочной нуждой женщин из другой страны. Они хотели пройти обучение, заняться собственным делом и таким способом улучшить свое положение. Однако, как это часто бывает, финансов было недостаточно.

Жена взяла свой возврат и отправила небольшую ссуду на служение, которое помогает этим женщинам. Когда ссуда была погашена, она повторила это еще раз, а потом еще. На сегодняшний день она сделала уже двадцать семь вложений. Моя супруга радуется многим вещам, но я редко видел на ее лице такую улыбку, как при получении новостей об успехе в жизни женщин, с которыми она никогда не встречалась.

При упоминании известного библейского текста «Доброхотно дающего любит Бог» (2 Кор. 9:7) часто делается ударение на слове «дающего», и это правильно. Однако наше жертвование должно иметь особое свойство. Его нужно совершать «не с огорчением и не с принуждением», а «по расположению сердца» (ст. 6-7). Другими словами, вклад должен быть «доброхотным». Давайте жертвовать щедро и от души. И пусть искреннее расположение сердца отражается на нашем радостном лице.

Когда вы в последний раз жертвовали с радостью? Как вы думаете, почему Бог любит «доброхотно дающего»?

Господь, благодарим Тебя за радость, которая появляется при доброхотном жертвовании. И благодарим за то, что Ты с избытком восполняешь наши нужды.

автор: Джон Блэйз

© 2020 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Это было неожиданно.