The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, June 25, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, June 25, 2020

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 25:1-7; Galatians 5:2-6

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

I sing of your love

1  I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
     with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
     through all generations.
2  I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
     that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
3  You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
     I have sworn to David my servant,
4  ‘I will establish your line forever
     and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
     who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
     they celebrate your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength,
     and by your favor you exalt our horn.
18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord,
     our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 25:1-7

Israel provokes God’s anger

25:1 The word came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 2 So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: 3 For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.

4 And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. 5 They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. 6 Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.”

7 “But you did not listen to me,” declares the Lord, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.”

Galatians 5:2-6

The nature of Christian freedom

5:2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

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 25, 2020
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 25:1-7; Galatians 5:2-6

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, June 25, 2020

The Daily Prayer

THURSDAY, June 25, 2020

In 1945, following the end of the Second World War, fifty countries signed the original charter of the United Nations in San Francisco.

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador asked, “A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed—what gospel is that?”

Listen to your children praying, Lord. Send us love, send us power, and send us grace, that we might hear what you are saying and do it. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, June 25, 2020

Jeremiah 23:24

“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

Read all of Jeremiah 23

Listen to Jeremiah 23

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 25 de junio de 2020

Oración por libertad personal

Si el Hijo los libera, serán ustedes verdaderamente libres.

— Juan 8:36 (NVI)

Mi Dios, ¡qué engañado y frustrado he vivido en todos estos años, siempre esperando de alguien para ser feliz! Por mucho tiempo pensé que vivir para mi trabajo me mantendría ocupado y feliz. Sentía que si no tenía a alguien a mi lado, no podría alcanzar mis sueños.

Incluso, por mucho tiempo creí que las drogas, el alcohol y la pornografía me llenaban.

Perdón, mi Señor, porque me uní a malas compañías y me di cuenta que no les importaba mi felicidad.

Hoy quiero declarar que he encontrado mi libertad en ti. Me niego a seguir cargando toda culpabilidad y decido dejar mi vida en tus manos.

Señor, rompe todo lo que me ate a mi pasado y hazme libre en el nombre de Jesús.

Hoy decreto que tú eres todo para mí y me declaro libre.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Oración por libertad personal

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, June 25, 2020

EFFECTIVE PRAYER

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

— James 5:16b (NIV)

For fifteen years from 1981 to 1995, in one Chinese city, there were many cases of murder, armed robbery, rape, gangs of thieves, local village local tyrants were rampant and small children were being kidnapped, taxis were being robbed and taxi drivers being killed. People’s hearts were nervous. Traffic-related disputes were increasing and society was not in a peaceful state. There were less than 3000 believers in the city.

At this time, the Holy Spirit moved Sister Zhou to the city. This Christian sister helped the church there for over one month. She received a burden while praying that the church should set up a prayer watch. So, the first prayer watch group was established. When it started, there were only 6 people. On Sundays, these six people would all watch and pray simultaneously.

After almost six months of this kind of prayer, the national police cleaned up and eliminated the triad gangs and local village tyrants and brought about a change for a better environment in the city.

At the time when children were being kidnapped, old Sister Chang began to fast and pray. Every day she would pray saying, “O Father God, save and rescue these children. Send an old granny to look after them!” After a year’s time, the problem of children being kidnapped was transformed.

One problem would be solved and then another problem would come up for prayer. The rate of deaths in that city due to traffic accidents was an average of one to two people per day. Many more than that were injured daily. They then decided to make the city’s traffic safety to be a special prayer topic. They prayed and relied on God to solve the traffic problems.

From 1995 until now, small groups of prayer watches have expanded from one to three core groups. Each person prays at a designated time and the time for prayer rotates to another person in the group. It has now expanded into a large prayer network. Now the city is peaceful and safe. The work of the gospel is stable and steadily expanding. There are more than 30,000 Christians in the city attending meetings.

The people’s attitudes and appearance all seem like they are renewed. Although there are many laid-off workers, they seem to be able to find enough work to still be able to feed their families. This truly is the effect of prayer. It is the work done by our Father for the city.

RESPONSE: Today I will recommit myself to believe in the power of prayer and practice that belief.

PRAYER: Pray for the problems in your city or community. Ask God for like-minded partners.

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 25, 2020

“I’m Starving”

Genesis 25:27–34

Recommended Reading: Mark 9:43–48; Romans 8:5–16; Hebrews 12:14–29

This is a story that really connects with men. We can understand how Esau felt after he came in from a long day in the fields. He had been hunting, and he was tired, hot, and famished. Hunger consumed him, so much so that his appetite, and his desire for immediate gratification, overruled his self-control. He had no thought for the future. He saw it, smelled it, and wanted that stew—now.

We’ve all been there, literally and figuratively. Just before mealtime, you’re raiding the cupboard or the fridge. “Where’s something to tide me over? Got to have something! So what if I ruin my appetite?” You want it now.

And food is just the beginning: New electronic “toys” beckon. Our vehicle’s odometer turns over a certain number of miles, and we start thinking about a newer vehicle. The latest vacation spot beckons. So to get what we want, now, we unadvisedly bust the budget.

We see an alluring woman and lust sparks our desire. We take a step closer. Our appetite overrules self-control. But there’s always a price to pay.

There’s no doubt about it, while we’re in this body we’re consumed with a gnawing sense that we have this hole in our lives that needs to be filled. We long to fill that hole with any number of material things and experiences, both good and bad. But no matter how much money we make or what kinds of pursuits we chase after, that hunger for more still eats away at us.

Instead of going to God’s Word for direction when tough temptations loom, or instead of using the brains he gave us, we go with our gut. Or worse, we fly on autopilot, not giving a second thought to the consequences of our actions.

Like Esau giving up his birthright for some bread and stew, we sometimes exchange true joy for a temporary thrill, a blessed future for immediate fulfillment. We carelessly toss aside our imperishable spiritual birthright for a consumable—and fleeting—fantasy.

The rewards of obedience to God’s will are flushed away every day by such hasty choices. We give up our financial security or our own sexual purity for a rush that lasts only seconds. The regret, however, can last for years.

So before giving in, stop and pray. Give it some time. Then take another look at the price tag on that spiritual birthright God offers. It’s marked “priceless.”

To Take Away

• What “hungers” control you or draw you away from God?
• Do you think “living for the moment” can kill the soul? Why?
• What are some ways you can resist temptation and hold on more tightly to your birthright?

This is a story that really connects with men.

LHM Daily Devotions - June 25, 2020 - "Loving More"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Loving More"

June 25, 2020

(Jesus said) "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

— Matthew 10:34-37

Jesus' words are scary: "Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." What does that mean? Are we supposed to rank the people we love—and if so, how do we do that? And is there something wrong with me if I don't have the same warm and affectionate feelings for God as I do for my spouse or my child?

But that isn't what Jesus means at all. What He's talking about is the action part of love—the part that chooses, the part that makes decisions. His question is this: "When you have to make a decision between what I command you and what your loved one wants, which way will you go?"

This happens more often than you'd think, even in Christian families. Have you ever had a loved one come to you and beg you to bend the rules for them, just this one time? "I know it's wrong," they say, "and it's against God's Commandments, but I'm desperate. Just this one time, and never again."

Or sometimes it's a matter of priorities. The person you love wants to do X, but you yourself are convinced God absolutely wants you to do Y. I've known a family divided about whether they should take in an orphaned Down's syndrome child who was a relative. One spouse said yes, and the other said no, let him go into foster care. That marriage didn't survive.

These situations can test you like fire. Who, in the end, are you going to listen to? That is the one you love the most, in Jesus' sense of the word. That is the one you refuse to deny. And Jesus makes it clear that that person needs to be the Lord. Feelings don't matter—but choices do.

That sort of thing cuts like a knife. How can we bear it? Only with the help and comfort of the One who put us first, before His own human wants and needs—our Savior, Jesus. He understands the pain of a family embattled. He knows the heartbreak. But for our sake, He was willing to bear it—to be in conflict with His brothers, to be misunderstood by His mother, to be essentially homeless during His ministry years. He was looking forward to one thing—to rescuing you and all God's people, and bringing us safely into God's family.

If you are dealing with this kind of heartbreak, ask the Lord to help you lean on Him. He understands, and He can help you carry it. He loves you dearly—more dearly than His own life. He will help you.

THE PRAYER: When I face tough choices, dear Father, help me to do right. Amen.

Dr. Kari Vo

Reflection Questions:

1. When you have to make tough decisions, how do you find wisdom?

2. When have you faced a conflict between God's will and the will of someone you loved?

3. How do you see Jesus' love in His actions toward you and others?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
When you have to make tough decisions, how do you find wisdom?

Devocional CPTLN del 25 de junio de 2020 - Amando más

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Amando más

25 de Junio de 2020

[Dijo Jesús] »No piensen que he venido para traer paz a la tierra; no he venido para traer paz, sino espada. He venido para poner al hijo contra su padre, a la hija contra su madre, y a la nuera contra su suegra. Los enemigos del hombre serán los de su casa. El que ama a su padre o a su madre más que a mí, no es digno de mí. El que ama a su hijo o hija más que a mí, no es digno de mí."

— Mateo 10:34-37

Las palabras de Jesús dan miedo: "Quien ama a padre o madre más que a mí no es digno de mí, y quien ama a hijo o hija más que a mí no es digno de mí". ¿Qué significa esto? ¿Se supone que debemos clasificar a las personas que amamos? Y si es así, ¿cómo lo hacemos? ¿Hay algo malo en mí si no tengo por Dios los mismos sentimientos cálidos y afectuosos que tengo por mi cónyuge o mi hijo?

Pero eso no es para nada lo que Jesús quiere decir. De lo que Jesús está hablando es de la parte de acción del amor, la parte que elige, la parte que toma decisiones. Su pregunta es esta: 'Cuando tengas que decidir entre lo que yo te ordeno y lo que tu ser querido quiere, ¿a quién seguirás?'

Esto sucede con más frecuencia de lo que piensas, incluso en las familias cristianas. ¿Alguna vez un familiar te ha pedido que transgredas las reglas, solo por esa vez? "Sé que está mal", te dice, "y que va en contra de los mandamientos de Dios, pero estoy desesperado; te lo pido solo por esta vez, y nunca más".

O a veces es una cuestión de prioridades. La persona que amas quiere hacer una cosa, pero tú estás convencido de que Dios quiere que hagas otra. Conocí a una familia que estaba dividida con respecto a si debían acoger a un niño huérfano de un pariente, con síndrome de Down. Un cónyuge decía que sí y el otro que no, que lo dejara al cuidado del estado. Ese matrimonio no sobrevivió.

Estas situaciones pueden ponerte a prueba como el fuego. ¿A quién vas a escuchar? Esa será la persona que más amas, a quien te niegas a negar. Y Jesús deja en claro que esa persona necesita ser el Señor. Los sentimientos no importan, pero las elecciones sí.

¡Ay! Esas cosas cortan como un cuchillo. ¿Cómo podemos soportarlo? Solo con la ayuda y el consuelo de Aquél que nos puso en primer lugar, antes que sus propios deseos y necesidades humanas: nuestro Salvador Jesús. Él entiende el dolor de una familia en guerra. Él conoce el desamor. Pero por nuestro bien estuvo dispuesto a soportar el estar en conflicto con sus hermanos, el ser malinterpretado por su madre, el estar esencialmente sin hogar durante los años de su ministerio. Solo quería una cosa: rescatarte a ti y a todo el pueblo de Dios, para llevarnos a salvo a la casa de Dios.

Si estás lidiando con este tipo de desamor, pídele al Señor que te ayude a apoyarte en Él. Él te ama mucho, más que a su propia vida. Él te ayudará.

ORACIÓN: Cuando enfrento decisiones difíciles, querido Padre, ayúdame a hacer lo correcto. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Recuerdas haber tenido que decidir entre la voluntad de Dios y la voluntad de alguien a quien amas? ¿Qué hiciste?

* ¿Cómo ves el amor de Jesús en sus acciones hacia ti y los demás?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Recuerdas haber tenido que decidir entre la voluntad de Dios y la voluntad de alguien a quien amas? ¿Qué hiciste?

Хлеб наш насущный - Укорененная вера

Укорененная вера

Читать сейчас: Матфея 13:18-23 | Библия за год: Иов 3-4; Деяния 7:44-60

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Посеянное же на доброй земле означает слышащего слово и разумеющего.

— Матфея 13:23

«Святой дуб» простоял рядом с пресвитерианской церковью в Нью-Джерси более шестисот лет, пока его не решили спилить из соображений безопасности. Извилистые ветви дерева простирались вширь и ввысь. Прохладный ветерок шелестел зелеными листьями. Солнце пробивалось сквозь крону, создавая пляшущих солнечных зайчиков на земле. Но настоящее величие гиганта было скрыто от глаз – его корневая система. Главный корень дуба растет вертикально, обеспечивая постоянное питание. От этого корня отходит множество горизонтальных ответвлений. Они снабжают дерево влагой и необходимыми веществами. Сложная корневая система часто достигает больших размеров, чем дерево на поверхности.

Как и в случае с могучим дубом, главные процессы в нашем духовном росте происходят «не на поверхности». Объясняя ученикам притчу о сеятеле, Иисус подчеркнул важность укоренения в личных отношениях с Небесным Отцом. Когда мы растем в познании Бога через Писание, корни нашей веры укрепляются Его Духом. Бог помогает нам достигать успеха, несмотря на изменчивые обстоятельства, трудности, преследования и переживания (Мф. 13:18-23).

Любящий Отец питает наши сердца Своим Словом. Его Дух преображает наш характер. Благодаря этому плод глубоко укорененной веры становится видимым для окружающих.

Что вы можете сделать на этой неделе, чтобы убедиться, что ваше сердце – добрая почва, питаемая Божьим Словом? Какой плод глубоко укорененной веры вы наблюдали в своей жизни за последний год?

Любящий Небесный Отец, просим Тебя: меняй нас и утверждай в вере, укорененной в Твоем неизменном Слове.

автор: Сошиль Диксон

© 2020 Хлеб Наш Насущный
«Святой дуб» простоял рядом с пресвитерианской церковью в Нью-Джерси более шестисот лет.