The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, May 7, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 6:8-15

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

I commend my spirit

1  In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
     let me never be put to shame;
     deliver me in your righteousness.
2  Turn your ear to me,
     come quickly to my rescue;
   be my rock of refuge,
     a strong fortress to save me.
3  Since you are my rock and my fortress,
     for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4  Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
     for you are my refuge.
5  Into your hands I commit my spirit;
     deliver me, Lord, my faithful 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.

Genesis 12:1-3

The call of Abram

12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2  “I will make you into a great nation,
     and I will bless you;
   I will make your name great,
     and you will be a blessing.
3  I will bless those who bless you,
     and whoever curses you I will curse;
   and all peoples on earth
     will be blessed through you.”

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen is arrested

6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

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, May 7, 2020
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 6:8-15

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, May 7, 2020

The Daily Prayer

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020

American Quaker and spiritual writer Richard Foster has said, “We have real difficulty here because everyone thinks of changing the world, but where, oh where, are those who think of changing themselves? People may genuinely want to be good, but seldom are they prepared to do what it takes to produce the inward life of goodness that can form the soul. Personal formation into the likeness of Christ is arduous and lifelong.”

Gracious God, by your Son, Jesus Christ, you call us forth from sin and into the baptism of new life. Help us work out our salvation with the fear and trembling necessary for any genuine disciple. Forgive us when we imagine that you are done with your recreative work in us. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, May 7, 2020

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

Listen to 1 Thessalonians 5

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 07 de mayo de 2020

La gracia es un regalo de Dios

Porque por gracias sois salvos.

— Efesios 2:8, RV-60

Cuando haces una oración de fe, o sea, aceptas a Dios como tu único y verdadero Salvador, recibes varias cosas para tu vida y debes apreciarlas de la misma manera que lo haces con un hermoso regalo.

En ese momento, recibes la gracia que te hace comprender uno de los maravillosos atributos de Dios. Además, esta es la clave para una relación personal y profunda por medio de Jesucristo.

La gracia te permite apreciar lo maravilloso de nuestro Dios y su misericordia.

¿Has sentido cuando llegas a un lugar o hablas que te sientes especial, te ven especial, te dicen que tienes un brillo en los ojos o hay algo que reflejas?

Pues bien, esa es la gracia de Dios en tu vida y en tu ser.

Es un regalo maravilloso. Así que apréciala y disfrútala.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Has sentido cuando llegas a un lugar o hablas que te sientes especial, te ven especial, te dicen que tienes un brillo en los ojos o hay algo que reflejas?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, May 7, 2020

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

Make every effort to live in peace with all men…

— Hebrews 12:14a, NIV

Other religious groups are one of the most threatening tactics Satan uses against the church of Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts, we see over and over that the primary opposition to the spread of the gospel in the early church was from religious groups. Again we must never view these groups as the enemy. We know who our real enemy is. In some parts of the world, the small percentage of extremists among Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims have encouraged mob violence and other forms of persecution against Christians. Our attitude toward them should be as Brother Andrew’s acronym for ISLAM suggests: I Sincerely Love All Muslims.

The tactic that our enemy uses in these major religions of the world is the same. It comes from his character of deceiving and lying. Some people are able to perceive elements of truth within the major religions of the world, but their essential teachings are deceivingly false.

Wherever possible, missionaries of cults and other religions do whatever possible to encourage Christians—usually those who are Christian in name only—to convert to their religion. Unfortunately, in countries such as Egypt, a significant number do convert to a cult or to some other religion. The lure to convert can be marriage, money, employment, social acceptance, and any other similar attraction.

Hardini was born to a devout Muslim family in Indonesia where everyone must go to the mosque every day to pray. Her father had strict rules for everyone in the family. One rule was that Hardini should never associate with Christians. Despite Hardini’s devotion to Islam, her heart was heavy and she longed for inner peace. A Christian with a great sense of joy and peace befriended Hardini.

Hardini had the courage to tell her new friend about her spiritual hunger, and the friend offered to pray for her in the name of Jesus. After the Christian girl prayed, peace filled Hardini’s heart, and her life radically changed.

When Hardini’s family discovered she had become a Christian, they spent hours and hours trying to entice her with force to recant her new faith. Hardini remained steadfast. Finally, her parents made a painful decision—they totally disowned their daughter. That left Hardini with the choices of either recanting her faith or fleeing from her home and family. She chose to flee.

RESPONSE: Today I will pray for believers like Hardini who experience religious intolerance.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to sincerely love all Muslims and people of other faith systems.

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, May 7, 2020

Righteous by Belief

Genesis 14:11–16; 15:1–6

Recommended Reading: Romans 4:9–25; Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 11:1–40

“Force of 318 Men Defeats Armies of Four Nations!”

What a headline! Imagine how the 24-hour cable news channels would cover such an event. Embedded reporters, live video, and dazzling graphics—not to mention all kinds of experts analyzing how such a small group of soldiers could defeat forces numbering in the thousands. A year or so later, this story would find its way to the silver screen in the form of an epic film with Hollywood’s brightest stars and biggest directors.

As unbelievable as it sounds, this is just what Abram (Abraham) accomplished. He and his men defeated four kings and their armies and rescued his nephew, Lot. With this unbelievable victory as a backdrop, it seems odd that the Lord would urge Abram not to be afraid (see Genesis 15:1). Why would Abram, a great and successful warrior, not to mention a wealthy and wise man, experience fear?

Simple. He was worried about his legacy. Although God had promised Abram that his offspring would be as numerous as the dust, this aging man was still without an heir. Now, having just endured a life-and-death struggle, the fact of his childlessness weighed more heavily than ever on his mind.

Of course, God knew Abram’s heart and thoughts. He addressed Abram’s concerns by showing him the vast expanse of a clear desert sky studded with stars in every direction. “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 5:5), God promised Abram.

At that moment, when Abram simply believed God’s promise, his belief was translated into righteousness in God’s eyes. And simple belief is what God was really after. Abram’s wealth, wisdom and might didn’t mean much in the context of God’s grander plan for humanity. But in simply believing, Abram opened his life to God’s control, which God perceived as a righteous act.

Abram was a great man, but he was only a man. He had flaws just as we all do. Scripture records his great deeds. But it doesn’t gloss over his great mistakes. Yet his simple act of childlike faith—taking God at his word—gave Abram the greatest reward any man could desire: a legacy of faith that has inspired billions of people throughout human history.

To Take Away

• What does it mean to “believe” in God?
• What impact might your belief have on the way you live?
• Pray for the kind of faith that takes God at his word, despite seemingly impossible obstacles.

What a headline! Imagine how the 24-hour cable news channels would cover such an event.

LHM Daily Devotions - May 7, 2020 - "Comfort and Confidence"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Comfort and Confidence"

May 7, 2020

(Jesus said) "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."

— John 14:1-7, ESV

Have you ever had to take a young child to daycare or school for the first time? If so, you remember how they cling to you. They don't want you to leave, and they may cry and cry, no matter how wonderful the teacher is or how many toys there are. You do your best to reassure them that they will be all right and that you will come back. And then you tear yourself away—and go.

This is what we see Jesus doing in John 14. He knows that He is about to die, to leave this world and go to His Father in heaven. Even now Judas is on his way to get the soldiers to arrest Him. By tomorrow night the disciples will be terrified and grieving, thinking Jesus is gone forever. His heart goes out to them.

And so, like any loving parent, Jesus reassures them. He speaks to them as simply as you speak to a child. "I am going away, but don't be afraid," He says. "Trust Me. I am going to get things ready for you. Then I will be back. You will be with Me again."

The disciples didn't get it. But during the terrifying days to come, they would have the memory of Jesus' words to comfort them. He had promised to come back, and they knew that He always keeps His promises.

And that's what we have, too, isn't it? We have Jesus' words to hold on to, whenever we are frightened or sad. He will not leave us alone, either. Yes, He has ascended into heaven, but He promised to return for us, and in the meantime, He has given us the Holy Spirit. He has not forgotten us. He will come back, just as He promised, and at that time there will be a new heaven and new earth—a place prepared for us and all of God's creatures, everyone who loves and belongs to Him. And there we will have no more suffering or sadness or terror or grief. We will see Him face to face, and we will be satisfied.

THE PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust in Your promises while I wait for You to come back. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is it easy or hard for you to say goodbye to people? Why or why not?

2. What is the hardest part for you about waiting for Jesus to return?

3. What is one promise from the Bible that you find comfort in while you wait?

This Daily Devotion was 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).
Is it easy or hard for you to say goodbye to people? Why or why not?

Devocional CPTLN del 07 de mayo de 2020 - Consuelo y confianza

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Consuelo y confianza

07 de Mayo de 2020

[Dijo Jesús] «No se turbe su corazón. Ustedes creen en Dios; crean también en mí. En la casa de mi Padre hay muchos aposentos. Si así no fuera, ya les hubiera dicho. Así que voy a preparar lugar para ustedes. Y si me voy y les preparo lugar, vendré otra vez, y los llevaré conmigo, para que donde yo esté, también ustedes estén. Y ustedes saben a dónde voy, y saben el camino.» Tomás le dijo: «Señor, no sabemos a dónde vas; ¿cómo podemos saber el camino?» Jesús le dijo: «Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí. Si me conocieran, también conocerían a mi Padre; y desde ahora lo conocen, y lo han visto.»

— Juan 14:1-7, RVC

¿Alguna vez has llevado a un niño pequeño a la guardería o la escuela por primera vez? Si es así, ¿recuerdas cómo se aferraba a ti? No quería que te fueras, y quizás lloraba y lloraba, no importa cuán maravilloso fuera la maestra o cuántos juguetes hubiera. Y tú te esforzabas por asegurarle que estaría bien y que volverías a buscarle, y luego te ibas.

Esto es lo que vemos a Jesús haciendo en Juan 14. Él sabe que está a punto de morir, de dejar este mundo e ir a su Padre en el cielo. Judas ya está yendo a traicionarlo para que los soldados lo arresten. Un día más, y los discípulos estarán aterrorizados y afligidos, pensando que Jesús se ha ido para siempre. Y Jesús sufre por ellos. Y así, como todo padre amoroso, Jesús los tranquiliza hablándoles así como tú le hablas a un niño. "Me voy, pero no tengan miedo", les dice. "Créanme. Voy a preparar las cosas para ustedes y luego volveré y estarán de nuevo conmigo."

En ese momento los discípulos no lo entendieron. Pero durante los días aterradores por venir, tendrían el recuerdo de las palabras de Jesús para consolarlos. Había prometido regresar, y sabían que siempre cumplía sus promesas.

Y eso es lo que nosotros tenemos: las palabras y promesas de Jesús a las cuales podemos aferrarnos siempre que estemos asustados o tristes. Nunca nos dejará solos. Es cierto que ha ascendido al cielo, pero prometió regresar por nosotros y, mientras tanto, nos ha dado el Espíritu Santo. No nos ha olvidado. Él regresará, tal como lo prometió, y en ese momento habrá un nuevo cielo y una nueva tierra, un lugar preparado para nosotros y todos los hijos de Dios, todos los que lo aman y le pertenecen. Y allí no tendremos más sufrimiento, tristeza, temor o pena. Lo veremos cara a cara y estaremos satisfechos.

ORACIÓN: Señor, ayúdame a confiar en tus promesas mientras espero que regreses. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Cuál es la parte más difícil para ti acerca de esperar que Jesús regrese?

* ¿Cuál es una promesa de la Biblia en la que encuentras consuelo mientras esperas?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Cuál es la parte más difícil para ti acerca de esperar que Jesús regrese?

Хлеб наш насущный - Посредническая молитва

Посредническая молитва

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:26-34 | Библия за год: 4 Царств 1-3; Луки 24:1-35

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[Дух] ходатайствует за святых... — Римлянам 8:27

Воскресным днем мы с семьей заехали в местный ресторан пообедать. Когда официант принес нам чипсы и большие гамбургеры, мой муж заговорил с ним и спросил, как его зовут. А потом сказал: «Мы всегда молимся перед едой. Может быть, мы помолимся и за вас?» Официант, которого звали Аллен, посмотрел на нас со смесью удивления и беспокойства. После короткой паузы он сказал, что ему негде жить, поэтому он ночует на диване у друга, машина сломалась, а сам он остался без единого гроша.

Муж тихо попросил Бога позаботиться об Аллене и явить ему Свою любовь. А я подумала, что наша посредническая молитва похожа на то, как Святой Дух соединяет нас с Богом. Во времена серьезных затруднений, когда мы сознаем, что решить проблемы не в наших силах, и не знаем, что сказать Богу, Святой Дух «ходатайствует за святых» (Рим. 8:27). Что Он говорит – тайна, но мы знаем, что Его «неизреченные воздыхания» всегда в точности соответствуют Божьей воле о нас.

В следующий раз, когда вы будете молиться о Божьем руководстве, заботе и защите для кого-то другого, вспомните, что ваши духовные нужды также возносятся к Богу, Который знает вас по имени и заботится о ваших проблемах.

За кого вы можете сегодня помолиться? Как изменится ваше отношение к искушениям, если вы будете помнить, что Святой Дух молится за вас в этой борьбе?

Господь Иисус, благодарю Тебя, что никакое искушение не может разделить меня с Тобой. Даруй мне сегодня победу силой Твоего воскресения.

автор: Дженифер Бенсон Шульдт

© 2020 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Воскресным днем мы с семьей заехали в местный ресторан пообедать.