The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

Psalm 8; Job 38:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:8-12a

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 8

How exalted is your name

1  Lord, our Lord,
     how majestic is your name in all the earth!

   You have set your glory
     in the heavens.
2  Through the praise of children and infants
     you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
     to silence the foe and the avenger.
3  When I consider your heavens,
     the work of your fingers,
   the moon and the stars,
     which you have set in place,
4  what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
     human beings that you care for them?

5  You have made them a little lower than the angels
     and crowned them with glory and honor.
6  You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
     you put everything under their feet:
7  all flocks and herds,
     and the animals of the wild,
8  the birds in the sky,
     and the fish in the sea,
     all that swim the paths of the seas.

9  Lord, our Lord,
     how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Job 38:1-11

Creation story from Job

1  Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

2  “Who is this that obscures my plans
     with words without knowledge?
3  Brace yourself like a man;
     I will question you,
     and you shall answer me.

4  “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
     Tell me, if you understand.
5  Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
     Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6  On what were its footings set,
     or who laid its cornerstone—
7  while the morning stars sang together
     and all the angels shouted for joy?

8  “Who shut up the sea behind doors
     when it burst forth from the womb,
9  when I made the clouds its garment
     and wrapped it in thick darkness,
10 when I fixed limits for it
     and set its doors and bars in place,
11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
     here is where your proud waves halt’?

2 Timothy 1:8-12a

Grace revealed in Christ

1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12a That is why I am suffering as I am.

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, June 4, 2020
Psalm 8; Job 38:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:8-12a

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

The Daily Prayer

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

In 1989, crowds of university students filled Tiananmen Square in Beijing to protest their government’s oppressive regime. Though they were allowed to gather for weeks, on the night of June 3, the Chinese Army massacred hundreds of peaceful protestors.

Nineteenth-century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “The first form of rulers in the world were the tyrants, the last will be the martyrs. Between a tyrant and a martyr there is of course an enormous difference, although they both have one thing in common: the power to compel. The tyrant, himself ambitious to dominate, compels people through his power; the martyr, himself unconditionally obedient to God, compels others through his suffering. The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rule begins.”

God, give us discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that instead we may live deep within our hearts. Grant us anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may wish for justice, freedom, and peace. Bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Read all of 1 Chronicles 29

Listen to 1 Chronicles 29

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, 04 de junio de 2020

Aprovecha tu juventud

Alégrate, joven, en tu juventud; deja que tu corazón disfrute de la adolescencia.

— Eclesiastés 11:9 (NVI)

El matrimonio a temprana edad no es recomendable. Hoy en día, es muy común escuchar de alguien que se casó entre dieciocho a veinte años de edad. No generalizo, pues a muchos les va bien. Sin embargo, hay otros que no están seguros de lo que quieren y se casan por huir de sus padres o por meter la patita. Entonces, se aburren del matrimonio, se alejan de la iglesia y desean otras experiencias para vivir lo que no disfrutaron por casarse tan temprano.

Joven, no te cases por imitación y disfruta tu juventud. La vida de matrimonio no es fácil y menos con hijos. Vive y date el tiempo para casarte con la persona adecuada y en el tiempo prefecto de Dios.

Padres, no patrocinen eso de que Dios me habló para que esa persona fuera el cónyuge de mi hija. No apoyes uniones solo porque creas que Dios le habló a alguien. Si Dios lo hizo, que sea Él mismo dando el tiempo para realizarlo.

Abuelos, nunca dejen de aconsejar a los nietos. Las canas tienen experiencia y sabiduría. Yo le agradezco a mi madre que siempre ha tenido el carácter y el amor para aconsejar a sus nietas.

Por último, pastores y líderes, no auspicien el hecho de que del primer noviazgo de nuestros adolescentes tengan que salir los cónyuges. Ese es un grave error y es muy común en nuestras iglesias. Es preferible que conozcan más gente y no que se cometan errores que a veces son irreparables.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
El matrimonio a temprana edad no es recomendable.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, June 4, 2020

LIVING TO PLEASE GOD–WITHOUT FEAR

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

— Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Today we share the testimony of overcoming fear from Sister Sarah in Bangladesh:

“I knew my husband since childhood. We grew up in the same village and studied in the same school. But his family was devoted to Islam; his father was a Muslim imam. Just imagine the disappointment when his family learned that he became a Christian! To leave Islam and marry me, a Christian girl, is to bring great shame to his family. It was like pouring more oil into the fire! His family plotted to kill him, but God saved my husband from their hands.

“My in-laws blamed me and my parents for my husband’s conversion. My parents received lots of threats, finally forcing my parents to move to another place. Those days were very painful for me but my husband and I always prayed, ‘Lord help us stand firm in our faith.’ God would speak to my heart through His Word that He held me by His right hand… that I didn’t need to be afraid, because He was there to help (Isaiah 41:13).

“The first few years of my marriage were the toughest. We feared for our lives every night. During those years, we moved six times because of threats from my in-laws. After three years or so, my in-laws rejected my husband completely and they left him without inheritance. It was painful, but I also felt relieved, because that meant there would be fewer threats.

“When the tension lessened, I joined an organization that was working among disadvantaged women. I found joy in being with lots of people. I felt satisfaction in what I was doing, though it was for a secular company. Later on, however, it motivated me to pursue working with a Christian ministry. I began praying, ‘Lord I want to serve You by serving Your people. Would You please open a door for me and equip me for Your work?’

“God was quick to answer! In 2008, my husband and I enrolled in a Bible school abroad through the support of Open Doors. Throughout those four years of seminary training, God taught me to develop inner beauty through faith, obedience, courage, and prayer. I became more confident in introducing Christ to others, more supportive of my husband as he fulfilled his calling and potential, and more conscious of helping my children grow up as God-fearing persons.

“This year, we returned to our home country Bangladesh. My husband got an opportunity to serve God and His people through a Christian organization. Please pray that God will help me encourage my husband so that he remains faithful in his calling, raise my kids in a godly way, and obey His command to make disciples.”

RESPONSE: Today I will thank God that He is with me and I do not need to fear anything or anyone!

PRAYER: Pray that God’s promises will sustain Sarah and her husband in living for God without fear in their new ministry.

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, June 4, 2020

A Majority of One

Numbers 13:26–33

Recommended Reading: Psalm 18:1–50; Philippians 4:12–13

Have you ever met a man like Caleb? Oh, they’re out there all right. All you have to do is look around.

Think of your neighbor down the street who has taken it upon himself to replace his entire kitchen. He’s done the homework, learned from others, and bravely undertaken the demolition with a seeming fearlessness that you admire. Think of a boss you once had who was wildly optimistic in the face of competition and adversity. He strategized with an enthusiasm that inspired you and your coworkers. Think of the disabled young girl in your community who refuses to let her physical disabilities keep her from a normal life with her friends.

All of these people face obstacles with a courage that defies the circumstances they face. Their drive seems to gather momentum despite adversity. Do they always succeed? No, but they don’t let fear stop them in their tracks before moving ahead.

Caleb faced similar pressure to despair after his spy mission in Canaan. Ten of his fellow spies panicked when they saw the size of some of the people living in Canaan—enemies the Israelites would need to defeat in order to claim the promised land. “There’s no way we can beat them,” the other spies assessed. “They’re too powerful.”

Caleb’s scouting report reflected a different perspective. He wasn’t impressed by the size of the Anakites—he was bowled over by the power of the One who had held back the waters of the Red Sea. He didn’t fear the fighting force of the Amalekites—it paled in comparison to the artillery of the One who had brought Egypt to its knees. He brushed aside doubts that God would protect the Israelites—this wasn’t any more of a challenge for God than the manna, quail, and water he had provided in the desert.

Caleb surveyed the obstacles in front of him and concluded that nothing else was a match for God’s power.

Have you reached the same conclusion regarding the obstacles in your life? Perhaps the financial crisis that seems hopeless? The coworkers who are hostile to your Christian faith? The medical crisis that is turning your world upside down? The destructive habit no one else knows about?

Instead of allowing the problem at hand to overwhelm you, think about the Resource at your disposal. Make a mental list of past situations in which God protected you, provided for you, and cared for you. Refuse to be intimidated by your spiritual enemies—no matter how enormous they seem. Remind yourself of the One who is on your team. And be the guy in your neighborhood whose optimism in the face of adversity inspires others.

To Take Away

• What problems or obstacles are overwhelming you right now?
• How can you show the same boldness Caleb displayed in dealing with your own troubles?
• Make a list of instances in which you sensed God’s protection, provision, or care. When you pray, ask God to remind you of these blessings whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed.

What problems or obstacles are overwhelming you right now?

LHM Daily Devotions - June 4, 2020 - "Doubt"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Doubt"

June 4, 2020

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

— Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

This is a really weird story. The disciples see Jesus risen from the dead; they talk to Him; they worship Him. Okay, that's what we expect. But then we hit these words: "but some doubted." Right smack in the middle of the biggest miracle that has ever happened, looking right at the risen Son of God—"some doubted." That's just bizarre.

And Matthew just leaves those words there. He doesn't tell us who doubted, although it looks like it was some of the eleven. Matthew also doesn't tell us what the problem was exactly. And what happened next?

The doubt just sits there like an inkblot on the page in the middle of the story. We know nothing else.
Except we do know something. We know that there are days when doubt comes to us as well, like an inkblot in our own story—something that messes up the faithful life we're trying to live, something that makes us uncomfortable, that seems out of tune with the Christians around us. It is there. We may try to hide it, but it's there. It worries us—maybe even terrifies us. What should we do about it?

Matthew sets us a good example. He tells the truth and doesn't try to hide anything. He admits that there is doubt, even here among Jesus' closest followers. We can do that, too. We can be honest when doubts come to us, and let our fellow Christians help us out.

Because look what happens next. Jesus comes to them—worshippers and doubters alike. He comes and does not stay away. And Jesus does not say, "Oh, shame on you, how could you possibly doubt Me after all I've done for you?" Just the opposite. Instead, He says to these people He loves so dearly, "This is what is going to happen next. God has given Me all authority, and I am using it to send you out to tell the world and make disciples. And I am with you always, to the end of time."

He says this even to the doubters. They have doubts—fine. They are still His disciples. The Holy Spirit will help them, and continue to work in them. Jesus Himself will be with them forever. This doubting episode is not the end. Jesus still trusts them with His work and has every expectation they will show up for it.

The same is true for us. If you doubt, you are still a disciple. You were baptized into Jesus, and He is not disowning you. There is no doubt you can possibly have that the Holy Spirit does not have an answer for. If you have doubts, go looking for those answers! Ask your pastor, your fellow Christian, the Lord Himself! You will not be the first person in two thousand years to ask your specific question. Get it out there.

And while you are asking and looking, cling to Jesus, who is holding on to you, too. You may have to wait for a complete answer to your doubt until the Lord returns. But you do not have to wait to have Jesus Himself present with you, caring for you, claiming you, and entrusting His work to you. He is yours, and you are His.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You know when I have doubts. Please help me. And thank You that You are mine, and I am Yours. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Does doubting make you nervous? Why or why not?

2. When have you had doubts about your faith?

3. What helps you deal with faith issues most?

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).
Does doubting make you nervous? Why or why not?

Devocional CPTLN del 04 de junio de 2020 - Dudas

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Dudas

04 de Junio de 2020

Pero los once discípulos se fueron a Galilea, al monte que Jesús les había señalado, y cuando lo vieron, lo adoraron. Pero algunos dudaban. Jesús se acercó y les dijo: «Toda autoridad me ha sido dada en el cielo y en la tierra. Por tanto, vayan y hagan discípulos en todas las naciones, y bautícenlos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Enséñenles a cumplir todas las cosas que les he mandado. Y yo estaré con ustedes todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo.»

— Mateo 28:16-20 (RVC)

Esta es una historia realmente extraña. Los discípulos ven a Jesús resucitado de la muerte, le hablan y lo adoran. Hasta aquí todo bien. Pero luego nos encontramos con que: "algunos dudaban". Justo en medio del milagro más grande que jamás haya sucedido, teniendo frente a ellos al Hijo de Dios resucitado, "algunos dudaban". ¡Qué extraño!

Y eso es todo lo que sabemos. La duda se sienta allí como una mancha de tinta en el medio de la historia. No sabemos nada más, excepto que hay días en que la duda nos llega también a nosotros, como una mancha de tinta en nuestra propia historia, arruinando la vida fiel que estamos tratando de vivir, y quitándonos de la sintonía con los cristianos a nuestro alrededor. Podemos tratar de ocultarla, pero está ahí y nos preocupa, tal vez incluso nos aterroriza. ¿Qué hacer?

Mateo nos da un buen ejemplo. Él dice la verdad y no trata de ocultar nada. Admite que hay dudas, incluso entre los seguidores más cercanos de Jesús. Nosotros podemos hacer eso también.
Podemos ser honestos cuando surgen dudas y dejar que nuestros hermanos cristianos nos ayuden.

Veamos lo que sucede después. Jesús viene a ellos, adoradores y escépticos por igual, y no les dice: "Oh, qué vergüenza, ¿cómo podrían dudar de mí después de todo lo que he hecho por ustedes?" No, todo lo contrario. Les dice lo que sucederá después, que Dios le ha dado toda autoridad en el cielo y en la tierra, que la está usando para enviarlos al mundo a hacer discípulos, y que estará con ellos (y nosotros) siempre, hasta el final. El Espíritu Santo los ayudará y continuará trabajando en ellos. Jesús mismo estará con ellos para siempre.

Lo mismo es cierto para nosotros. Aunque dudes, sigues siendo un discípulo. Fuiste bautizado en Jesús; él no te abandona. Si tienes dudas, ¡busca respuestas! ¡Pregúntale a tu pastor, a tu compañero cristiano, al Señor mismo! No serás la primera persona en hacer una pregunta específica.

Y mientras preguntas, aférrate a Jesús, quien también se aferra a ti. Puede que tengas que esperar hasta que el Señor regrese para recibir una respuesta completa. Pero no tienes que esperar para que Jesús mismo esté presente contigo cuidándote y confiándote su obra. Él es tuyo y tú eres de él.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, sabes cuando tengo dudas. Por favor, ayúdame. Gracias por estar siempre conmigo. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Te pone nervioso dudar? ¿Por qué sí o por qué no?

* ¿Qué tipo de dudas has tenido con respecto a tu fe?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Te pone nervioso dudar? ¿Por qué sí o por qué no?

Хлеб наш насущный - Сын своего отца

Сын своего отца

Читать сейчас: Иоанна 14:8-14 | Библия за год: 2 Паралипоменон 21-22; Иоанна 14

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«Видевший Меня видел Отца».

— Иоанна 14:9

Они посмотрели на выцветшую фотографию, потом на меня, потом на моего отца, потом снова на меня, потом снова на отца. Глаза у них были размером с блюдце. «Папа, ты – вылитый дедушка в молодости!» Мы с отцом дружно улыбнулись, потому что давно об этом знали. А для моих детей это стало открытием. Хотя мы с отцом разные люди, увидеть меня в прямом смысле означает увидеть моего отца в молодости: долговязая фигура, копна черных волос, выдающийся нос и крупные уши. Нет, я – не мой отец, но я определенно его сын.

Однажды Филипп, один из учеников Иисуса, попросил Его: «Господи! Покажи нам Отца» (Ин. 14:8). И хотя Иисус говорил об этом не впервые, Его ответ все еще заставлял задуматься: «Видевший Меня видел Отца» (ст. 9). В отличие от внешнего сходства между мной и моим отцом, то, что сказал Иисус, звучало как вызов: «Разве ты не веришь, что Я в Отце и Отец во Мне?» (ст. 10). Природа Христа и Его характер были такими же, как у Его Отца.

В ту минуту Иисус говорил Своим ученикам прямо, как говорит Он и нам: «Если вы хотите узнать Бога, смотрите на Меня».

Какие качества Иисуса Христа (и Бога Отца) вызывают сильный отклик в вашей душе? Почему? Как Он меняет ваш характер?
* * *
Посмотрите видео «Подражатели».

Господь Иисус, когда жизнь становится слишком трудной, напоминай мне, что видеть Тебя – значит видеть Отца. Помоги мне не сводить с Тебя глаз.

автор: Джон Блэйз

© 2020 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Они посмотрели на выцветшую фотографию, потом на меня, потом на моего отца, потом снова на меня, потом снова на отца. Глаза у них были размером с блюдце.