The Daily Bible Readings for SATURDAY, October 3, 2020

The Daily Readings

SATURDAY, October 3, 2020

Psalm 19; Exodus 23:10-13; John 7:40-52

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

By His abundant mercy, God has given believers a new birth. He has done so out of His fatherly compassion. Therefore, despite adversity, the experience of His having begotten us again signifies His love and honor that He bestows. Lively hope. In the Bible, hope is not wishful thinking but a firm conviction, much like faith that is directed toward the future. The fact of Christ’s risen existence makes the hope of His followers “lively” (or “living,” NIV)—certain and strong, not baseless or empty. The original hearers of this letter, disdained by their contemporaries, would have understood hope in the sense of divine rescue and vindication from dishonorable treatment. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead secures for His people their new birth and the hope that they will be resurrected just as He was (Zondervan KJV Commentary).

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 19

The law rejoices the heart

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

The wonder and glory of creation, and the perfection and power of God’s Word. The God of nature is made known to humanity through His written Word. These thoughts about God’s Word are greatly expanded in Psalm 119. The closing prayer (Psalm 19:13–14) is one of the best prayers in the whole Bible. God’s Word is perfect, sure, true; it gives joy and is sweeter than honey (Halley's Bible Handbook Notes).

Exodus 23:10-13

Sabbatical year and the Sabbath

23:10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.

12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Every seventh year the land was to rest. They must not plow or sow it; what the earth produced of itself, should be eaten, and not laid up. This law seems to have been intended to teach dependence on Providence, and God's faithfulness in sending the larger increase while they kept his appointments. It was also typical of the heavenly rest, when all earthly labors, cares, and interests shall cease forever. All respect to the gods of the heathen is strictly forbidden. Since idolatry was a sin to which the Israelites leaned, they must blot out the remembrance of the gods of the heathen.

John 7:40-52

Some accept others reject Jesus Christ

7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

The malice of Christ's enemies is always against reason, and sometimes the staying of it cannot be accounted for. Never any man spake with that wisdom, and power, and grace, that convincing clearness, and that sweetness, wherewith Christ spake. Alas, that many, who are for a time restrained, and who speak highly of the word of Jesus, speedily lose their convictions, and go on in their sins! People are foolishly swayed by outward motives in matters of eternal moment, are willing even to be damned for fashion's sake. As the wisdom of God often chooses things which men despise, so the folly of men commonly despises those whom God has chosen. The Lord brings forward his weak and timid disciples and sometimes uses them to defeat the designs of his enemies.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

Commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.

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 SATURDAY, October 3, 2020
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:10-13; John 7:40-52 (KJV)

Prayer of the Day for SATURDAY, October 3, 2020

Prayer of the Day

SATURDAY, October 3, 2020

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

— 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 (NIV)

Lord our God, our Father in heaven, we come to you as your children. Bless us, we pray. Bless us especially in days when fear tries to take hold of us. Let your help come down to us as you have promised, the great help in Jesus Christ, who shall come to redeem the whole world. Bless us through your Word. Renew us again and again to stand firm and true to you, for you are our help for redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, October 3, 2020

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Read all of 1 Peter 1

Listen to 1 Peter 1

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — Grappling with Temptation

Grappling with Temptation

(The Lord said) "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it."

— Genesis 4:7

Here God speaks powerfully to Adam and Eve's oldest son, Cain. These words are especially relevant for those who seek to live free of sin and the fear of death. And today—just like Cain, the devil is crouching at our door, using whatever snare possible to destroy us eternally!

In Scripture God gives additional warnings concerning sin and the devil's intent. In Proverbs we read, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent" (Proverbs 1:10), and "Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil" (Proverbs 4:14). The apostle Paul tells us to "give no opportunity to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). He also writes, "Put on the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

One man who had a clear awareness of the devil was the reformer Martin Luther. He also knew the only truly effective weapon against the power of evil is God's living and life-giving Word. In the preface to his Large Catechism, Martin Luther writes, "Nothing is so effectual against the devil, the world, and the flesh, and all evil thoughts than when one occupies one's self with the Word of God."

"For this reason alone," Luther writes, "you should eagerly read, recite, ponder, and practice the Catechism, even if the only blessings and benefit you obtain from it is to drive away the devil and evil thoughts. For the devil cannot bear to hear God's Word." Long before Luther, Paul spoke of the might of God's Word for all people: "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek," (Romans 1:16).

As you abide in God's living Word, there is power to combat the devil and your sinful appetites. While you will experience temptations in life, you can overcome these impulses. With Jesus Christ living in you, by God's gift of faith, the devil can no longer control you. In every generation, God has always protected His children, and He does the same today.

O friends, let God be the gatekeeper of your heart. Let His Word greet you in the morning and close out your day. God is your Stronghold in the battle against sin, and the sure Cornerstone on which you stand. In your struggle against the devil and the world, He is always there for you. Paul writes, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 1:13).

Jesus' resurrection victory over Satan is power sufficient for anything we face, including our worst sins and temptations. Go to Him for strength in the fight.

Heavenly Father, keep us in Your Word, always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Taken from "The Devil's Latest Snare," a sermon by Dr. Wallace Schulz

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you steer clear of problem areas in your life? Any strategies to share?

2. Does the phrase of sin "crouching at the door" seem real to you? If not, how else might you describe such a thing?

3. Do you use Luther's Large Catechism or some other Bible aid to help with your spiritual life?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
In Scripture God gives additional warnings concerning sin and the devil's intent.

Standing Strong Through the Storm — PEACEMAKING IS VERY PRACTICAL

PEACEMAKING IS VERY PRACTICAL

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

— James 3:18

Jesus’ instruction to His followers to be peacemakers is not as easily practiced in some areas of the world as we in the west might think. Tribal differences can cause deep divides.

In April 2011, Open Doors sponsored a Christian youth camp in the southern Philippines bringing together 115 youths, mostly believers from Muslim background (MBB’s) from four different Muslim tribal groups. The goal of this camp was to show the youths that Jesus is the ultimate source of peace. When we have Him in our hearts, then, we can have peace within ourselves, with others and with our environment.

Every activity of the camp was also designed to foster awareness and appreciation of each other’s tribal identity. Short drama presentations every night gave the youths a chance to tell their story. Bringing these ethnic groups to a point of understanding and acceptance was the crucial part of the camp. During Bible sessions, facilitators combined their lectures with tasks that encouraged campers to express their thoughts and feelings. They described their idea of peace, distinguished between peaceful and conflicting situations, and discovered their biblical responsibility as peacemakers taking after Christ’s example.

While peacemaking starts with one’s self, it does not end there. It must affect other people’s lives. And so, the campers did community service in three neighboring areas during the camp. But the true litmus test for a peacemaker is when a conflict breaks out. The camp was on its homestretch when two campers from different tribes got tangled in a fight during the morning assembly. It was about to turn violent, until other youths stepped in. The two youths were brought to the camp director. Everyone was clearly upset as they streamed into the classrooms for the day’s round of Bible sessions.

They were in for a surprise. An Open Doors co-worker shared, “The fight was staged. We wanted the campers to have an opportunity to apply what they had been learning so far. During the Bible session, we processed what happened. They realized that it brought out their biases and impatience; that some of their responses were condemning. They wanted to be a peacemaker, but they had yet to learn how to sow peace in times of conflict. It is a lifestyle.”

It was an important lesson for the youths to learn, especially for those who lived in conflict areas. After the session, many campers approached the two volunteer actors and asked their forgiveness for judging and condemning them.

Then, the youths were given some time to write down their commitments to becoming a peacemaker. One fifteen-year-old said, “It’ll be hard becoming a peacemaker, but I will try my best…The pastor taught us that becoming a peacemaker like Jesus comes with suffering. I must be prepared for that too.”

RESPONSE: Today I will take practical steps in being a peacemaker for Jesus wherever I am.

PRAYER: Pray for young tribal Christians who struggle with Christ-like actions and responses in conflict situations.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Jesus' instruction to His followers to be peacemakers is not as easily practiced in some areas of the world as we in the west might think.

The NIV Couples Devotional — Conquering Regrets

Conquering Regrets

Genesis 19:1–29

“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

— Genesis 19:17

If only we hadn’t married so soon. If only we had more money. If only I had married Jake instead of John. Regrets in marriage are damaging. They keep our eyes fixed on the rearview mirror instead of on the road ahead. While reviewing the past and assessing what we’ve learned through mistakes can be a healthy exercise, regretting the past only serves to fuel discontentment and impede growth.

When Dan and I decided to close a three-year-old business, I struggled with regret. I had used up all of our nest egg to pursue a business venture I had believed in. When the business failed, I regretted so many decisions I had made, especially not listening to Dan’s advice along the way. My failure meant that we would be struggling financially again after having enjoyed several years of monetary comfort. Even though I knew God had walked us through this difficult time and taught us invaluable lessons, it was tempting to think, “If I hadn’t tried to start that new business, we’d be financially set right now.” Instead of keeping my eyes focused on God’s plan for my life, I chose to get stuck in my tracks with if-only thinking.

Lot’s wife had a similar problem. She and her husband were running for their lives from Sodom and Gomorrah, knowing that God had judged the culture they were living in and was about to decimate everything they had ever known. While Lot was running full steam ahead, his wife kept looking over her shoulder. Eventually, the distance between them became so great that Lot literally left his wife in the dust.

Regret is like that. We keep looking over our shoulder, wondering if what we’ve left behind might have been better than what we’re moving toward. God’s angel warned Lot and his wife not to look back, and it’s a warning for us too.

If you routinely catch yourself starting a sentence with “If only,” regret may be an issue you need to deal with. While dwelling on what might have been is never healthy, regret can be an important signal to stop and examine your emotions. For instance, if you catch yourself thinking, “If only I had married Jake instead of John,” it may be time to evaluate why John isn’t measuring up. In your private time with God, pray about the emotions you’re experiencing. Perhaps you’ll discover that your disappointment is springing from unmet needs. With these needs clarified, you can then have a forward-thinking conversation with your spouse about how to improve your relationship.

When I caught myself saying, “If only I hadn’t tried to start this business,” I realized that my fear of God’s inability to meet our needs in the future was driving my regret. Once I discovered that, I could stop looking to the past and begin focusing on a vision for what God might accomplish in our future.

Marian V. Liautaud

Let’s Talk

• What, if any, regrets do either of us have in our lives?
• What unmet need might those regrets indicate?
• How might we use regrets to improve our relationship with each other? What do we need to entrust to God to move forward in our marriage?

If only we hadn’t married so soon. If only we had more money. If only I had married Jake instead of John. Regrets in marriage are damaging.

John Piper Devotional — Absolute, Sovereign, Almighty Love

Absolute, Sovereign, Almighty Love

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

— Exodus 34:6

God abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Two images come to my mind:

1. The heart of God is like an inexhaustible spring of water that bubbles up love and faithfulness at the top of the mountain.
2. Or the heart of God is like a volcano that burns so hot with love that it blasts the top off the mountain and flows year after year with the lava of love and faithfulness.

When God uses the word “abounding,” he wants us to understand that the resources of his love are not limited. In a way, he’s like the government: Whenever there’s a need, he can just print more money to cover it.

But the difference is that God has an infinite treasury of golden love to cover all the currency he prints. The government is in a dream world. God banks very realistically on the infinite resources of his deity.

The absolute existence, the sovereign freedom, and the omnipotence of God are the volcanic fullness that explodes in an overflow of love. The sheer magnificence of God means that he does not need us to fill up any deficiency in himself. Instead his infinite self-sufficiency spills over in love to us who need him.

We can bank on his love precisely because we believe in the absoluteness of his existence, the sovereignty of his freedom, and the limitlessness of his power.
When God uses the word “abounding,” he wants us to understand that the resources of his love are not limited.

Un dia a la Vez — Oración por dominio propio

Oración por dominio propio

Dios [...] nos enseña a rechazar la impiedad y las pasiones mundanas. Así podremos vivir en este mundo con justicia, piedad y dominio propio.

— Tito 2:11-12

Padre de la gloria, me presento delante de ti para darte gracias por un nuevo día. Para reconocerte como el Dios de mi vida.

¡Oh, Señor, cuánto te necesita mi alma!

Hoy, mi Dios, necesito tu intervención milagrosa, ya que mi carácter es débil y me resulta difícil tener dominio propio.

Muchas veces me he prometido cambiar y dejar malos hábitos, pero vuelvo a recaer o incluso a fallar.

Por eso, mi Señor, en este día vengo ante ti para hacer un pacto contigo, pues sé que solo con tu ayuda saldré adelante.

Dios mío, hoy te entrego este hábito (decir el tuyo) y te prometo que me esforzaré al máximo para no fallarte.

Gracias, mi Dios, porque sé que cuento contigo. Tú me darás la fuerza que necesito y podré dar testimonio de tu poder.

En el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Oración por dominio propio: Padre de la gloria, me presento delante de ti para darte gracias por un nuevo día. Para reconocerte como el Dios de mi vida.…

Хліб Наш Насущній — Прибрати непроханого гостя

Прибрати непроханого гостя

Читати: Ефесян 5:25-33 | Біблія за рік: Ісаї 17–19 ; Ефесян 5:17-33

Завантажити MP3

Чоловіки, – любіть своїх дружин, як і Христос полюбив Церкву, і віддав за неї Себе.

— Ефесян 5:25

Почало тільки світати, коли мій чоловік піднявся з ліжка і пішов на кухню. Я з подивом побачила, що він увімкнув і знову вимкнув світло. Потім я згадала, як вчора зранку закричала, побачивши на кухонному столі “непроханого гостя”. Пояснюю. Це небажане створіння з шістьма ногами. Чоловік знає про мій страх і одразу прибіг прибрати це створіння. Цього ранку він прокинувся раніше, аби пересвідчитися, що на кухні немає жодних жуків, щоб я могла туди спокійно зайти. Який молодець!

Чоловік прокинувся з думкою про мене, віддавши перевагу моїй потребі. Для мене його вчинок ілюструє любов, яку апостол Павло описав у Посланні до ефесян: “Чоловіки, – любіть своїх дружин, як і Христос полюбив Церкву, і віддав за неї Себе” (Еф. 5:25). Далі він продовжує: “Чоловіки повинні любити дружин своїх так, як власні тіла, бо хто любить дружину свою, той любить самого себе” (в. 28). Порівняння любові чоловіка з любов’ю Христа пов’язане з тим, як Ісус віддав перевагу нашим потребам. Мій чоловік знає про мій страх перед певними комахами, тому моя потреба стала для нього першочерговою.

Цей принцип стосується не лише чоловіків. Наслідуючи приклад Ісуса, кожен із нас може жертовно допомогти прибрати “незваного гостя”, який викликає стрес, страх, сором чи хвилювання, аби хтось інший почувався комфортно.

На якого “непроханого гостя” вам треба звернути увагу, аби допомогти іншому? Як дозволити комусь іншому допомогти нам прибрати з нашого життя певних “незваних гостей”?

Дорогий Боже, дякую за дар Твого Сина, Який прибрав із мого життя гріх і примирив мене з Тобою!

Автор Еліза Морган

© 2020 Хліб Наш Насущні
Чоловік прокинувся з думкою про мене, віддавши перевагу моїй потребі.