The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, June 26, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, June 26, 2020

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 25:8-14; Galatians 5:7-12

(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 25:8-14

Captivity of Israel foretold

25:8 Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

12 “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,” declares the Lord, “and will make it desolate forever. 13 I will bring on that land all the things I have spoken against it, all that are written in this book and prophesied by Jeremiah against all the nations. 14 They themselves will be enslaved by many nations and great kings; I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.”

Galatians 5:7-12

Beware of false teachers

5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

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, June 26, 2020
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 25:8-14; Galatians 5:7-12

The Daily Prayer for FRIDAY, June 26, 2020

The Daily Prayer

FRIDAY, June 26, 2020

Sixteenth-century reformer Lazarus Spengler prayed, “For my feet your holy word is a lantern, a light that shows me the way forward; as this morning star rises upon us we understand the great gifts that God’s Spirit has certainly promised to us, and in these we have our hope.”

Lord, we have nothing to fear in your presence. Your purposes always come to pass. Help us to live with such certainty in your power that we expect miracles in our daily lives. Amen.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, June 26, 2020

Leviticus 19:18

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Read all of Leviticus 19

Listen to Leviticus 19

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 26 de junio de 2020

¿No sabes qué hacer?

Muchas son las angustias del justo, pero el Señor lo librará de todas ellas.

— Salmo 34:19 (NVI)

No te puedes desesperar. Es posible que te preguntes: «¿Qué debo hacer?». Si es así, de seguro que estás en un momento de inquietud, de preocupación, y no sabes cómo enfrentarlo. En momentos así es cuando tu mirada va al cielo, las lágrimas corren por tus mejillas y te acuerdas de Dios. En otros casos, no tienes en realidad cabeza para Él.

Sin embargo, ¿qué debemos hacer cuando sentimos que la vida nos está oprimiendo? ¿Qué debemos hacer cuando las finanzas no marchan bien como antes o el matrimonio va de mal en peor?

La respuesta a todas estas preguntas es la misma: «Aférrate a Dios». No es tiempo de huir de la situación. Es tiempo de enfrentarla y no debes hacerlo solo, porque Dios, que es nuestra máxima autoridad, dejó establecido lo siguiente: «No te abandonaré».

¿Entiendes esto tan profundo y a la vez sencillo? Dios no te va abandonar ni a dejar. Estará a tu lado aun si las situaciones parecen interminables. Confía en el Señor y dile cómo te sientes. Te garantizo que Él te ayudará y te dará nuevas fuerzas como al águila.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
No te puedes desesperar. Es posible que te preguntes: «¿Qué debo hacer?». Si es así, de seguro que estás en un momento de inquietud, de preocupación, y no sabes cómo enfrentarlo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Friday, June 26, 2020

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

— John 15:7 (NIV)

In the mid-1990s, my Canadian co-worker, PJ, and I were leading a ministry trip of Canadians and Americans to Iran. This was the first trip with a sizable group of Americans so there was a lot of excitement about it. And as expected, it took us right to the wire (two hours before our air flight) to secure their visitor visas.

As we finally relaxed on the long air flight, we realized we’d been so busy with travel details we’d had no time to shop for gifts for the brothers and sisters we’d be meeting. So on the plane, we bought every box of chocolates that were on the duty-free carts.

On arrival in Iran, our women were all conservatively dressed in their black chadors allowing them to travel anywhere in the country and be accepted. It also enabled many discussions with other women on the street. Only their shoes gave them away as westerners.

One of our tasks was to deliver some funds for widow support for the several Christian widows of martyred pastors in the country at that time. We channeled this through Sister Takoosh who was the widow of well-known Pastor Haik, the leader of the evangelicals in the entire country until his untimely murder.

We sent our group of chador-covered ladies to meet Takoosh at night at her home. They were received with the traditional great hospitality of the Persian culture and Christian community. They drank tea together and enjoyed wonderful fellowship in Jesus after sharing the financial and other gifts they brought.

Just before leaving, one of the Canadians remembered something. She reached into her large purse and pulled out a box of chocolates. She handed it to Sister Takoosh and said, “The two Pauls sent this as a gift for you.”

Unexpectedly, Takoosh began to weep. She then wiped her tears and said, “I really love chocolate. And when I get any, I cut it into small pieces to make it last as long as possible. Just yesterday I ate my last piece. And I said to the Lord, ‘I know this is a very selfish request, Lord, but would You please bring me some more chocolate!’”

God is concerned about even the small things in our lives. Talk to Him about them.

RESPONSE: Today I will talk to God about every detail of my life and trust Him with the answers.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that You care about my every need. I will Trust You to take care of every detail.

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, June 26, 2020

Elisha

His name means: "My God Saves"

His work: Elisha was Elijah's successor. A prophet and miracle worker active in the northern kingdom from 850-800 BC, his ministry involved rebuking Israel's unfaithful kings, inaugurating a new royal line, and helping to sustain the faith of all those in Israel who believed in God.
His character: Elisha renounced the life he could have had as the son of a wealthy man to live as a prophet. His single-hearted devotion to the Lord made him a spiritual leader whose integrity, vision, and courage helped sustain the people's faith in God.
His sorrow: He wept when given a vision of how much Israel would suffer at the hands of the king of Syria.
His triumph: Elisha asked to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit, the portion reserved for the eldest son, and received it.
Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-14; 4:1-7; 6:8-23; 13:21

A Look at the Man

Elisha was a man who was never deceived by appearances. Perhaps this is what it means to be a prophet—to have a vision that extends beyond what is merely apparent, to be able to penetrate a set of circumstances to perceive what is really going on. Because of his relationship with God, Elisha was able to live with a keen awareness of both the natural and supernatural aspects of life. He understood that what happens in heaven affects life on earth and that what we do on earth has ramifications in heaven.

When Elisha learned that his city was surrounded, he showed no sign of terror as an ordinary man might have. Instead, he looked up and saw the hills covered with horses and chariots of fire; the army of heaven stood ready to protect him. In the midst of what looked like certain defeat, his ability to perceive reality enabled him to remain calm and confident. Rather than cowering or despairing, he was able to encourage his servant with the truth, saying, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Elisha's enemies, on the other hand, were at a keen disadvantage. Blinded by an act of God, they became fools—prisoners of the man they had meant to take captive. The truth about their ridiculous predicament only became apparent once Elisha asked God to open their eyes again.

Seeing and not seeing—believing and not believing—these are the connections that determine our understanding of the world around us. As we wait for understanding concerning our own difficulties or for the grace to endure without fully understanding them, we can recall Elisha's words: "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Reflect On: 2 Kings 2:5–15
Praise God: For speaking to us through his prophets.
Offer Thanks: For the ways God has challenged you through others.
Confess: Any failure to respond to God’s corrective word.
Ask God: For a greater sense of what it means to live every day for his kingdom.

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.
He understood that what happens in heaven affects life on earth and that what we do on earth has ramifications in heaven.

LHM Daily Devotions - June 26, 2020 - "Marching Forward"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Marching Forward"

June 26, 2020

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

— Ephesians 2:10

This has been a tough year for graduates, across the board.

There's a lot of hard work that goes into finishing a degree. There are the lectures to attend and all the books and articles to be read. There's the note taking and, later, the hassle of deciphering what you were trying to say in that fit of inspiration. There are papers to write—long and short—and all kinds of deadlines to meet. And then when everything has been finished to your school's satisfaction, there's graduation day and the prospect of the road ahead.

The victory on the face of a graduate holding up her diploma, throwing his cap in the air, beaming at her parents, or clenching his diploma far outshines dire job market predictions. She's looking ahead with great expectations; he's confident in his skill to take on the world. And why not? The adrenaline rush of graduation plays into our pure potential.

In the Bible, God comes right out and says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). It pleases God when we ask for clarity on those plans. He adds, inviting us to trust Him, "You do not have, because you do not ask" (James 4:2b). Meanwhile, He teaches us through the ups and downs, the ins and outs, as He "graduates" us from one circumstance to another.

As God shapes us through life and its transitions, He molds us into who He wants us to be. Lovingly, with patience and great skill, He applies His touch to our lives. "We are the clay; You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand" (Isaiah 64:8b). For those finishing their studies, starting a new job, getting married, going into the military, or poised at some other one of life's many starting points, now is a good time to ask God's direction in all that you do.

"Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long" (Psalm 25:4-5).

So here's to all the recent graduates! I pray for great connections with your God-given talents, your fulfillment in serving Him with those gifts, and your contribution to a world in need of exactly what you have to offer! I pray too that you walk in a confident faith in Christ Jesus as your Savior, trusting your lives to Him who has saved you for this world—and the next.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be with us as we move through life's many transitions. Keep our eyes fixed on Your Son, who loves us and gave Himself for us. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is going through a graduation ceremony a big deal? Why?

2. Do you have a sense that your life is a work in progress with God at the helm?

3. If you've graduated from some school in the past, did it give you a sense of new possibilities?

This Daily Devotion was adapted from a message by Phyllis Wallace. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is going through a graduation ceremony a big deal? Why?

Devocional CPTLN del 26 de junio de 2020 - Hacia adelante

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Hacia adelante

26 de Junio de 2020

Nosotros somos hechura suya; hemos sido creados en Cristo Jesús para realizar buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó de antemano para que vivamos de acuerdo con ellas.

— Efesios 2:10

En general, este ha sido un año difícil para los graduados.

Para obtener un título hay que esforzarse mucho: hay que asistir a conferencias, leer muchos libros y artículos, asistir a clases, tomar notas, escribir trabajos, cumplir plazos, etc. Finalmente, cuando se han cumplido todos los requisitos exigidos, se llega al día de graduación con la perspectiva del camino por delante.

La victoria reflejada en la cara de un graduado sosteniendo su diploma, arrojando su gorra en el aire, sonriendo a sus padres o apretando su diploma, sobrepasa todas las predicciones del mercado laboral. Esa victoria permite mirar hacia el futuro con grandes expectativas, confiando en la habilidad para conquistar el mundo. ¿Y por qué no? La adrenalina de la graduación juega con nuestro potencial.

En la Biblia, Dios nos dice: "Sólo yo sé los planes que tengo para ustedes. Son planes para su bien, y no para su mal, para que tengan un futuro lleno de esperanza" (Jeremías 29:11). A Dios le agrada cuando le pedimos claridad sobre esos planes. Él nos invita a confiar en Él, diciéndonos: "No tienen lo que desean, porque no piden" (Santiago 4:2b). Mientras tanto, nos enseña a través de los altibajos de la vida, a la vez que nos va graduando de una circunstancia a otra.

A medida que Dios nos da forma a través de la vida y sus transiciones, nos moldea en lo que quiere que seamos. Amorosamente, con paciencia y gran habilidad, aplica su toque a nuestras vidas. "Somos la arcilla; Tú eres el alfarero; todos somos obra de tu mano" (Isaías 64:8b). Para aquellos que terminan sus estudios, comienzan un nuevo trabajo, se casan, ingresan a las fuerzas armadas o se preparan en algún otro punto de partida de la vida, ahora es un buen momento para pedirle a Dios su dirección en todo lo que hacen.

"Señor, dame a conocer tus caminos; ¡Enséñame a seguir tus sendas! Todo el día espero en ti; ¡enséñame a caminar en tu verdad, pues tú eres mi Dios y salvador!" (Salmo 25:4-5).

¡Así que aquí están todos los recién graduados! ¡Oro por grandes conexiones con los dones que Dios les ha dado, su cumplimiento al servirle con esos dones y su contribución a un mundo que necesita exactamente lo que tienen para ofrecer! También rezo para que caminen con fe en Cristo Jesús como su Salvador, confiando sus vidas a Aquél que los ha salvado para este mundo y el próximo.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, quédate con nosotros mientras nos pasamos a través de las muchas transiciones de la vida. Mantén nuestros ojos fijos en tu Hijo, que nos ama y se entregó por nosotros. En su nombre oramos. Amén.

Adaptada de un mensaje de Phyllis Wallace

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Tienes la sensación de que tu vida es una obra en progreso con Dios al timón?

* Si alguna vez te graduaste de alguna escuela, ¿tuviste la sensación de tener nuevas posibilidades?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Tienes la sensación de que tu vida es una obra en progreso con Dios al timón?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Hãy Đập Trở Lại

Hãy Đập Trở Lại

Đọc: Các Quan Xét 5:19–21 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Gióp 5–7; Công Vụ 8:1–25

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Hỡi linh hồn ta, hãy bước đi mạnh mẽ!

— Các Quan Xét 5:21

Năm 2012, Phillips, Craig và Dean cho ra mắt bài hát có tựa đề “Hãy Bảo Trái Tim Bạn Đập Lại”. Bài hát lấy cảm hứng từ câu chuyện có thật về một vị bác sĩ phẫu thuật tim. Sau khi mổ lấy trái tim của bệnh nhân để phục hồi lại, ông đặt trái tim trở lại lồng ngực và bắt đầu xoa bóp nhẹ nhàng để nó hồi sinh. Nhưng trái tim không hoạt động trở lại. Bác sĩ bắt đầu áp dụng các biện pháp mạnh hơn nhưng trái tim vẫn không đập. Cuối cùng, ông quỳ gối bên cạnh bệnh nhân đang được gây mê và nói: “Cô Johnson ơi, tôi là bác sĩ phẫu thuật của cô. Ca mổ diễn ra suôn sẻ. Trái tim của cô đã được phục hồi. Bây giờ hãy bảo trái tim của cô đập trở lại.” Thế là trái tim của cô ấy bắt đầu đập.

Ý tưởng chúng ta có thể bảo trái tim của mình làm điều gì đó có vẻ kỳ lạ, nhưng việc này lại có nghĩa về mặt thuộc linh. Tác giả Thi Thiên nói với chính mình: “Hỡi linh hồn ta, vì sao ngươi sờn ngã? Hãy hy vọng nơi Đức Chúa Trời” (Thi. 42:5). Một tác giả khác nói rằng: “Hỡi linh hồn ta, hãy trở về nơi an nghỉ ngươi, vì Đức Giê-hô-va đã hậu đãi ngươi” (116:7). Sau khi đánh bại kẻ thù của Y-sơ-ra-ên, nữ quan xét Đê-bô-ra cho biết bà cũng đã phải nói với lòng mình trong suốt trận chiến rằng: “Hỡi linh hồn ta, hãy bước đi, hãy mạnh mẽ!” (Quan. 5:21), bởi vì Đức Chúa Trời đã hứa ban chiến thắng (4:6-7).

Vị Bác Sĩ Phẫu Thuật đại tài đã chữa lành tấm lòng của chúng ta (Thi. 103:3). Vì vậy khi nỗi sợ hãi, buồn phiền hoặc sự lên án đến, có lẽ chúng ta cũng nên nói với linh hồn mình rằng: Hãy bước đi mạnh mẽ! Hỡi trái tim yếu ớt, hãy đập trở lại.

Phản ứng đầu tiên của bạn khi nghe lời bác sĩ phẫu thuật nói với bệnh nhân là gì? Đâu là lời Kinh Thánh mà bạn cần nói với linh hồn mình hôm nay?

Lạy Chúa là vị bác sĩ đại tài, cảm tạ Ngài đã luôn ở cùng con trong mọi thách thức và tranh chiến. Vì Ngài hứa sẽ luôn hiện diện bên con, nên con sẽ bảo linh hồn mình can đảm.

bởi Sheridan Voysey

Chú Giải

Phân đoạn Kinh Thánh hôm nay (Quan. 5:19-21) là một phần trong Bài Ca của Đê-bô-ra (c.1-31), được hát bởi Đê-bô-ra và Ba-rác sau khi họ chiến thắng dân Ca-na-an (4:23-24). Chúng ta đọc về Đê-bô-ra lần đầu tiên trong Các Quan Xét chương 4 và biết rằng bà là một nữ tiên tri, vợ của Láp-bi-đốt, và là một quan xét (nữ quan xét duy nhất trong sách Các Quan Xét), là người phân xử các tranh chấp trong vòng dân Y-sơ-ra-ên (c.4-5). Bà phục vụ trong khoảng thời gian mà một lần nữa, “dân Y-sơ-ra-ên lại làm điều ác dưới mắt Đức Giê-hô-va”, bị áp bức và kêu cầu cùng Đức Chúa Trời (c.1-3). Lúc này, Gia-bin, vua Ca-na-an, đã áp bức dân Y-sơ-ra-ên trong hai mươi năm. Đê-bô-ra đang nắm giữ vai trò quan xét khi bà đến gặp Ba-rác (con trai A-bi-nô-am từ Kê-đe trong đất Nép-ta-li), và nói với ông về sự hướng dẫn của Đức Chúa Trời để tập hợp quân đội tấn công Si-se-ra, chỉ huy trưởng của quân đội Gia-bin. Ba-rác đồng ý với điều kiện bà Đê-bô-ra phải đồng hành cùng ông. Bà đã làm như vậy, và đội quân của Gia-bin đã bị đánh bại.

Alyson Kieda

© 2020 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Năm 2012, Phillips, Craig và Dean cho ra mắt bài hát có tựa đề “Hãy Bảo Trái Tim Bạn Đập Lại”.