The Daily Bible Readings for WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020

The Daily Readings

WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020

Psalm 121; Exodus 13:1-10; Matthew 21:18-22

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today's Verse-of-the-Day: Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Today's Readings:

Psalm 121

My help is from the Lord

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Exodus 13:1-10

The feast of unleavened bread

13:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.

5 And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.

7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.

8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.

10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

Matthew 21:18-22

Jesus teaches about praying in fait

21:18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

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, King James Version (KJV).

The Daily Bible Readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, 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 Readings for WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020
Psalm 121; Exodus 13:1-10; Matthew 21:18-22 (KJV)

The Daily Prayer for WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020

The Daily Prayer

WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

— Ephesians 6:10–11

Lord God, we thank you that it is your will to strengthen us through your presence, through Jesus Christ, the leader of your cause, who is and remains victor among all on earth. Our souls need strength and our hearts need confidence so that in our time we can draw near to you and to your kingdom. Bless us with the Holy Spirit whenever we begin to grow weary. Your Holy Spirit can give us the strength to believe and hope, the strength to see the salvation that is coming to give joy to all the world. Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2020

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Read all of Titus 2

Listen to Titus 2

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — Extending God's Welcome

Extending God's Welcome

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. ... For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

— Romans 14:1-3, 8-12

There's something really nitty-gritty and practical about the apostle Paul's message here. In his missionary travels, he met with people in all stations of life. He debated with scholars over the Christ, and he shared the Savior with everyday men and women he met along the way. While there were certainly differences of opinion and belief in those he spoke with, it seems likely he wasn't too concerned with sorting it all out before he told them about Jesus. "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).

After all, those who differ from us in habit or custom are not excluded from God's love. We're all sinners; we're all in the same boat—white collar, blue collar, no collar—a world full of sinners in desperate need of God's grace and mercy. Paul had this truth branded on his heart; it informed everything he did. "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Timothy 1:15). There is no room for judgment, no reason for despising others who, like us, are lost without God's grace.

And so to those who are different than us, Paul announces: "God has welcomed him (and her)!" Jesus showed this in His breaking bread with sinners—to the displeasure of the Pharisees and scribes (see Luke 15:1-10). Jesus expressed God's all-embracing love to the Samaritan woman at the well, the Roman centurion's son, and in the story of the Jewish prodigal (see John 4; Luke 7:1-10; Luke 15:11-32). In truth, the external differences we see are cosmetic, superficial; yet they can be mighty barriers to God's work in our lives. We are blind to what God sees: the heart.

And it's there where the Holy Spirit works, bringing us to faith in Jesus, enriching our lives with His presence, and inspiring us to tell others about the Savior—with a hearty welcome to all!

Heavenly Father, teach us to look past people's differences and accept them as You have accepted us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Paul Schreiber

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some ways that God welcomes us?

2. Do you have an issue sometimes with people who express their faith in ways different than you?

3. Did people support and encourage you in your faith when you were younger or less mature in your faith?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
There's something really nitty-gritty and practical about the apostle Paul's message here.…

Standing Strong Through the Storm — UNGRACE

UNGRACE

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

— John 1:14

Yesterday we concluded that “grace” is Christianity’s best gift to the world! It’s a force stronger than vengeance, stronger than racism, stronger than hate. But sadly to a world desperate for this grace, the church sometimes presents one more form of what Philip Yancey calls “ungrace.”

Charles Swindoll in his book, The Grace Awakening, powerfully lists these enemies of grace as:

1. From without: legalism, expectations, traditionalism, manipulation, demands, negativism, control, comparison, perfectionism, competition, criticism, pettiness and a host of others.
2. From within: pride, fear, resentment, bitterness, an unforgiving spirit, insecurity, fleshly effort, guilt, shame, gossip, hypocrisy, and many more.[1]

Nothing has the power to change us from within like the freedom that comes through grace. And grace has very practical outworking in our lives.

A greater appreciation for God’s gifts

Those who claim the freedom God offers gain an appreciation for the gifts that come with life: the free gift of salvation, life, laughter, music, beauty, friendship and forgiveness.

Less time and energy being critical or concerned about other’s choices

When you begin to operate in the context of grace and freedom, you become increasingly less petty. You will allow others room to make their own decisions in life, even though you may choose otherwise. A grace-full Christian is one who looks at the world and others through “grace-tinted lenses.”

More tolerant and less judgmental

When you are so involved in your own pursuit of grace, you’ll no longer lay guilt trips on those with whom you disagree.

A giant step toward maturity

As your world expands, thanks to an awakening of your understanding of grace, your maturity will enlarge. You will become more like Jesus and you will never be the same!

RESPONSE: Today I will determine to avoid those things that prompt “ungrace” in my life.

PRAYER: Lord, I don’t want to live any longer in the same old ways. Help me to become more like Jesus.

1. Charles R. Swindoll, The Grace Awakening (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1990), pp. 5-14.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

John Piper Devotional — Grace Must Be Free

Grace Must Be Free

We walk by faith, not by sight.

— 2 Corinthians 5:7

Picture salvation as a house that you live in.

It provides you with protection. It is stocked with food and drink that will last forever. It never decays or crumbles. Its windows open onto vistas of glory.

God built it at great cost to himself and to his Son, and he gave it to you.

The “purchase” agreement is called a “new covenant.” The terms read: “This house shall become and remain yours if you will receive it as a gift and take delight in the Father and the Son as they inhabit the house with you. You shall not profane the house of God by sheltering other gods nor turn your heart away after other treasures.”

Would it not be foolish to say yes to this agreement, and then hire a lawyer to draw up an amortization schedule with monthly payments in the hopes of somehow balancing accounts?

You would be treating the house no longer as a gift, but a purchase. God would no longer be the free benefactor. And you would be enslaved to a new set of demands that he never dreamed of putting on you.

If grace is to be free—which is the very meaning of grace—we cannot view it as something to be repaid.
Picture salvation as a house that you live in…

Un dia a la Vez — Disfruta la vida

Disfruta la vida

¡Despierten, arpa y lira! ¡Haré despertar al nuevo día! [...] No [...] pongan su esperanza en las riquezas [...] sino en Dios, que nos provee de todo en abundancia para que lo disfrutemos.

— 1 Timoteo 6:17

Creo que nunca sobrarán este tipo de libros llamados de inspiración o motivación, ya que necesitamos escuchar a cada momento cosas como estas. Todo se debe a que nada nos resulta suficiente para ser felices. Por cualquier asunto, por pequeño que sea, dejamos que se dañe nuestro día y nos preocupamos.

Dios hizo la vida para disfrutarla. La hizo para el deleite tuyo y mío. Los planes originales del Creador eran que viviéramos en el paraíso. Y no fue así por nuestra recordada Eva.

La mujer se dejó convencer por la serpiente y terminó haciendo lo que le prohibió Dios. Luego está Adán que, en vez de pararse firme y decir no, también cayó en la tentación y le falló a su Creador. A partir de allí comenzó el pecado.

Sin embargo, Dios en su amor nos ha permitido conocerle. Ha perdonado nuestros pecados y nos da el mejor regalo de todos: La vida eterna en su presencia.

Seamos conscientes de esto y no permitamos que las pequeñas cosas acaben con nuestra alegría.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Creo que nunca sobrarán este tipo de libros llamados de inspiración o motivación, ya que necesitamos escuchar a cada momento cosas como estas.

Devocional CPTLN — Extendiendo la bienvenida a Dios

Extendiendo la bienvenida a Dios

Reciban al que es débil en la fe, pero no para entrar en discusiones. Algunos creen que está permitido comer de todo, pero hay otros, que son débiles y que sólo comen legumbres. El que come de todo, no debe menospreciar al que no come ciertas cosas, y el que no come de todo, no debe juzgar al que come, porque Dios lo ha aceptado... pues si vivimos, para el Señor vivimos, y si morimos, para el Señor morimos. Así que, ya sea que vivamos, o que muramos, somos del Señor. Porque para esto mismo Cristo murió y resucitó: para ser Señor de los vivos y de los muertos. Así que tú, ¿por qué juzgas a tu hermano? O tú también, ¿por qué menosprecias a tu hermano? ¡Todos tendremos que comparecer ante el tribunal de Cristo! Escrito está: «Vivo yo, dice el Señor, que ante mí se doblará toda rodilla, Y toda lengua confesará a Dios.» Así que cada uno de nosotros tendrá que rendir cuentas a Dios de sí mismo.

— Romanos 14:1-3, 8-12

Hay algo realmente esencial y práctico en este mensaje del apóstol Pablo. En sus viajes misioneros, Pablo se encontró con todo tipo de personas. Debatió sobre Cristo con eruditos y compartió al Salvador con hombres y mujeres comunes que conoció en el camino. Si bien ciertamente hubo diferencias de opinión y creencias entre las personas con las que habló, parece probable que no estuviera demasiado preocupado por resolverlo todo antes de hablarles de Jesús. "... al estar entre ustedes me propuse no saber de ninguna otra cosa, sino de Jesucristo, y de éste crucificado" (1 Corintios 2:2).

Después de todo, aquellos que difieren de nosotros en hábitos o costumbres no están excluidos del amor de Dios. Todos somos pecadores que estamos en el mismo barco, pecadores que necesitamos desesperadamente la gracia y la misericordia de Dios. Pablo tenía esta verdad grabada en su corazón: "Cristo Jesús vino al mundo para salvar a los pecadores, de los cuales yo soy el primero" (1 Timoteo 1:15). No hay lugar para el juicio, no hay razón para despreciar a otros que, como nosotros, están perdidos sin la gracia de Dios.

Y así, a los que son diferentes a nosotros, Pablo les anuncia: "¡Dios te ha dado la bienvenida!" Jesús demostró esto al partir el pan con los pecadores, para disgusto de los fariseos y los escribas (ver Lucas 15:1-10). Jesús expresó el amor de Dios, que todo lo abarca, a la mujer samaritana en el pozo de agua, al hijo del centurión romano y en la historia del hijo pródigo judío (ver Juan 4; Lucas 7:1-10; Lucas 15:11-32).

Las diferencias externas que vemos son solo superficiales; no permitamos que nos impidan ver la obra de Dios, quien ve el corazón. Allí es donde el Espíritu Santo obra, llevándonos a la fe en Jesús, enriqueciendo nuestras vidas con su presencia e inspirándonos a hablar a otros sobre el Salvador, ¡con una cordial bienvenida a todos!

ORACIÓN: Padre Celestial, enséñanos a aceptar a todas las personas así como Tú nos has aceptado. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Paul Schreiber

Para reflexionar:

* ¿A qué tipo de personas te resulta difícil aceptar?

* ¿De qué manera haces que una persona se sienta bienvenida?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿A qué tipo de personas te resulta difícil aceptar?

Ministérios Pão Diário — O aroma de Cristo

O aroma de Cristo

Escritura de hoje: 2 Coríntios 2:14–17

Bíblia em um ano: Provérbios 6–7; 2 Coríntios 2

Somos o aroma de Cristo que se eleva até Deus […] por aqueles que estão sendo salvos…

— 2 Coríntios 2:15

Com calor e empoeirado, Beto desceu do ônibus que ele havia pegado rumo a uma cidade longe de casa. Ele estava cansado do longo dia de viagem e agradecido por poder jantar com amigos de amigos que moravam na região. Eles o receberam, e Beto imediatamente experimentou uma sensação de paz. Sentiu-se em casa: confortável, seguro e querido.

Mais tarde, refletindo sobre tal paz num lugar desconhecido, Beto descobriu a resposta em 2 Coríntios. O apóstolo Paulo descreve as pessoas que seguem a Deus como “o aroma de Cristo”. “É isso mesmo!”, Beto disse a si mesmo. Seus anfitriões tinham o “aroma de Cristo”.

Quando Paulo afirma que Deus conduz Seu povo “triunfantemente”, espalhando o aroma da Sua verdade, refere-se a uma prática do mundo antigo. Os exércitos vitoriosos queimavam incenso ao marchar pelas ruas. Para aqueles que os apoiavam, o aroma levava alegria. Da mesma forma, Paulo diz que o povo de Deus leva um aroma agradável àqueles que creem. Não se trata de algo que criamos, mas que Deus nos dá ao conduzir-nos para espalhar o conhecimento do Senhor.

Beto é meu pai, e essa viagem a uma cidade distante aconteceu há mais de 40 anos. Porém, ele nunca a esqueceu. Ele ainda conta a história das pessoas que tinham o aroma de Cristo.

Por:  Amy Peterson

Refletir & Orar

Pai celestial, agradeço-te por conduzires o Teu povo em triunfo e por espalhares o aroma da Tua verdade por nosso intermédio.

Quem exala o aroma de Cristo ao seu redor?


© 2020 Ministérios Pão Diário
Com calor e empoeirado, Beto desceu do ônibus que ele havia pegado rumo a uma cidade longe de casa.