The Daily Bible Readings for SATURDAY, November 7, 2020

 

The Daily Readings
SATURDAY, November 7, 2020
Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 20:1-9; Matthew 24:1-14
The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

It is our duty as Christians to pray for our leaders in the hope that they will live godly lives and make wise decisions according to the Word and will of God. Only He can transform them into men and women who will truly honor Him (Prov. 21:1).

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 78:1-7
The power of God

1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:

6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

Commentary
These are called dark and deep sayings because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children, that the church may abide forever. Also, that the providences of God, both in mercy and in judgment, might encourage them to conform to the will of God. The works of God much strengthen our resolution to keep his commandments. Hypocrisy is the high road to apostasy; those that do not set their hearts right will not be steadfast with God. Many parents, by negligence and wickedness, become murderers of their children. Though they are bound to submit in all things lawful, young persons must not obey sinful orders or copy sinful examples.

Joshua 20:1-9
Joshua appoints cities of refuge

20:1 The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying,

2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

4 And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

9 These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Commentary
Verses 1-6 — When the Israelites were settled in their promised inheritance, they were reminded to set apart the cities of refuge, whose use and typical meaning have been explained, Hebrews 6:18.

Verses 7-9 — These cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country. God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all Levites' cities. It was kindness to the poor fugitive, that when he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the servants of God with him, to instruct him, and pray for him, and to help to make up the want of public ordinances. Some observe a significance in the names of these cities with application to Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a stronghold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified, and shall glory.

Matthew 24:1-14
Jesus foretells the end

24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Commentary
Verses 1-3 — Christ foretells the utter ruin and destruction coming upon the temple. A believing foresight of the defacing of all worldly glory will help to keep us from admiring it and overvaluing it. The most beautiful body soon will be food for worms, and the most magnificent building a ruinous heap. See ye not all these things? It will do us good so to see them as to see through them and see to the end of them. Our Lord, having gone with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, he set before them the order of the times concerning the Jews, till the destruction of Jerusalem; and as to men in general till the end of the world.

Verses 4-14 — The disciples had asked concerning the times when these things should be? Christ gave them no answer to that, but they had also asked, What shall be the sign? This question he answers fully. The prophecy first respects events near at hand, the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the Jewish church and state, the calling of the Gentiles, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom in the world; but it also looks to the general judgment; and toward the close, points more particularly to the latter. What Christ here said to his disciples tended more to promote caution than to satisfy their curiosity; more to prepare them for the events that should happen than to give a distinct idea of the events. This is that good understanding of the times which all should covet, thence to infer what Israel ought to do. Our Savior cautions his disciples to stand on their guard against false teachers. And he foretells wars and great commotions among nations. From the time that the Jews rejected Christ, and he left their house desolate, the sword never departed from them. See what comes of refusing the gospel. Those who will not hear the messengers of peace shall be made to hear the messengers of war. But where the heart is fixed, trusting in God, it is kept in peace, and is not afraid. It is against the mind of Christ that his people should have troubled hearts, even in troublous times. When we looked forward to the eternity of misery that is before the obstinate refusers of Christ and his gospel, we may truly say, The greatest earthly judgments are but the beginning of sorrows. It is comforting that some shall endure even to the end. Our Lord foretells the preaching of the gospel in all the world. The end of the world shall not be till the gospel has done its work.

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 SATURDAY, November 7, 2020
Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 20:1-9; Matthew 24:1-14 (KJV)

Prayer of the Day for SATURDAY, November 7, 2020

 

Prayer of the Day
FRIDAY, November 6, 2020

Has the Lord ever disappointed anyone who put his hope in him? Has the Lord ever abandoned anyone who held him in constant reverence? Has the Lord ever ignored anyone who prayed to him? The Lord is kind and merciful; he forgives our sins and keeps us safe in time of trouble.

— Sirach 2:10-11 (GNT)

Dear Father in heaven, Mighty God in heaven and on earth, quicken us by the Word you have sent and by all you have done for us in your mercy and steadfast love. Keep us eager and joyful even in difficult and troubled days. Grant us unfailing trust in you, to give us firm ground under our feet so that we can always thank and glorify you. For you, O Lord, are our God. You are our Father, and you will never forsake your children in all eternity. Amen.

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, November 7, 2020

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

It is our duty as Christians to pray for our leaders in the hope that they will live godly lives and make wise decisions according to the Word and will of God. Only He can transform them into men and women who will truly honor Him (Prov. 21:1).

Read all of 1 Timothy 2

Listen to 1 Timothy 2

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Ichthus Ministries Daily Devotions — God Sits High, But Looks Low

 

God Sits High, But Looks Low

As he (Peter) was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!"

— Luke 9:34-35

At this point in the transfiguration story (see Luke 9:28-36), God sits high, but looks low. Peter, James, and John saw the Son of God in all His glory, "glory as of the only Son from the Father," as John later described (John 1:14b). When Peter wanted to settle in and enjoy the glory by putting up three tents, his suggestion was ignored. Instead, a voice spoke from heaven. Then Moses and Elijah disappeared.

Then they saw only Jesus, looking as He had before the transfiguration, the glory no longer seen by their eyes but fixed in their memory for the rest of their lives. This Jesus, looking now like anyone else, led the three disciples down from the mountain to the plain, the lower places where people were living their daily lives. God sits high, but looks low. That's where Jesus still brings His salvation today, down here, where you and I live; where we are occupied with our daily business; where we sometimes rejoice but just as often where we are troubled and hurt.

That's why God wants to lift your eyes to the cross. It is there you will find the suffering and death that Jesus endured to pay the penalty for your sins and mine. Interestingly enough, that's exactly what Jesus spoke about with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. "... Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:30b-31). Such a strange joining of themes—glory and the cross! God sits high, but looks low.

Several years ago, I was in New York for a meeting of the American Bible Society. One evening the ABS took us to dinner at the top of the World Trade Center. I'll tell you, I felt out of my element. The view of the city was spectacular, but everything on the ground was so small, so insignificant. The Statue of Liberty, for example, seemed only an inch tall from my perspective on the 106th floor.

After dinner, down on the street, it was back to real life. Impatient motorists blowing their horns—as if that would make a difference! Businessmen in suits on cell phones. Daring couriers on ten-speeds. People everywhere. There was a young woman in the crowd, crying. "Why?" I wondered. A beggar holds his hand out. Down here—not up on the 106th floor—was real life.

God comes down in Jesus Christ to give us new eyes, to raise our lowly sights to the glory that will be revealed when He comes to take all His people to be with Moses and Elijah and all the faithful in heaven. Down here, whether it's Manhattan, your town, or mine, is where He comes to meet us.

As Jesus left the mountain for the plain, today He still comes by His Spirit to meet you where you are. In your situation, whatever it may be, as unimportant as you might think you are, down here where you and I live, the words the Heavenly Father spoke from the cloud on the mountain of transfiguration are as timely as ever: "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!"

Heavenly Father, open our ears to the words of Your Son Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer

Reflection Questions:

1. Who is a mentor or person of strong influence in your life?

2. Why do you think Peter wanted to put up three tents on the mountain of transfiguration?

3. Have you been at an elevation where the world looked very small? How did that impact your perspective?

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
God sits high, but looks low.

Standing Strong Through the Storm — FAITH IN THE MIDST OF ASHES

 

FAITH IN THE MIDST OF ASHES

But now, this is what the LORD says…“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

— Isaiah 43:1-2

Twenty-eight-year-old evangelist Wako Halekie works in the town of Tuka Argiso in the border area between Ethiopia and Kenya. This small town is mostly inhabited by Borena livestock herders and is effectively divided between Oromia and Somali regional states. As a result, both states are claiming ownership over Tuka Argiso. The federal government tried to hold a referendum to resolve the dispute, but they were unsuccessful.

Three years ago, Wako Halekie was assigned by his church to work as a missionary among the livestock herders in Tuka-Argiso. Despite their nomadic existence, Wako was able to plant three churches with an average of fifty members in each congregation. He attributes the positive growth to God’s blessing on the ministry. But Islamic presence in Tuka-Argiso is growing progressively. Muslim missionaries from neighboring villages are determined to Islamize all Borenas, which raises concern in the Christian community.

Wako says, “They regard my activities as an obstacle to their mission. I was alerted by some villagers about their antagonistic feelings towards me. Recently the Muslim missionaries criticized the Christian faith openly and tried to confuse our members.”

On March 30th, 2011, Wako left home for a routine visit to new Christian converts. In the early morning hours of March 31st, one of the three houses at his residence was set afire. The fire spread to the second and third houses where his wife, newborn baby, and two older children were sleeping—both the first and second houses burnt to the ground. By the grace of God, neighbors managed to rescue Wako’s family from the blaze just in time before the third house’s roof crashed in. None of their belongings were spared.

Mrs. Haleki said, “I heard a distant noise but thought I was dreaming. The next thing I knew, people broke through the door and dragged the children from the smoke and me. I was shocked and speechless.” She was still recovering from the birth of their third child a week before.

Wako says, “I know the purpose of this fire was to destroy my family and me. But God intervened and saved my wife and children. God is faithful to His words! As it was written in the book of Isaiah 43:1-3, we will not fear their threats. God is our Redeemer. They thought I would leave the village, but I will not wave from the calling God bestowed on me. I took my wife’s hands, and together we stood amid the ashes and gave thanks to the name of the Lord. By His grace, I will continue serving Him right here in this village until the day He has helped me reach the entire village.”

RESPONSE: Today, I will trust God to fulfill His promises, even when going through fire and flood.

PRAYER: Pray for Evangelist Wako and his family working in difficult circumstances and pressures.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Twenty-eight-year-old evangelist Wako Halekie works in the town of Tuka Argiso in the border area between Ethiopia and Kenya. This small town is mostly inhabited by Borena livestock herders and is effectively divided between Oromia and Somali regional states. As a result, both states are claiming ownership over Tuka Argiso.

The NIV Couples Devotional — Digging Out of a Little Sin

 

Digging Out of a Little Sin

Joshua 7:1–26

“Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.”

— Joshua 7:11

I’m tempted to cry, “Not fair!” upon reading the story of Achan. First, it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal for him to have taken some treasure as a reward for victory in battle. And second, all of the Israelites were held responsible for the sin of one man who had stolen and hidden plunder after the battle of Jericho against God’s direct command. Because of the “small” sin of one man, God punished all of Israel by withdrawing his blessing and allowing the people to be humiliated and defeated at the battle of Ai.

I remember when my young children would complain that a punishment was too harsh for their “teeny” disobedience. I’d bring up Adam and Eve’s teeny bite of the forbidden fruit. I’d ask them how many bites of the fruit it would have taken to become a punishable act. They got it—that it’s not the size of the disobedience but the meaning behind it that’s the problem. Like Achan, Adam and Eve disrespected God by their disobedience.

Likewise, in marriage, individual actions reflect one’s commitment to the marriage covenant. When I’m tempted to do something selfish, I ask myself two questions: (1) “How would I feel if Grey did this?” and (2) “How would I feel if our children found out?” I’m stopped in my tracks every time. So, something like an “innocent” email exchange with an old flame is now revealed to my own heart for what it is: betrayal.

Sin in marriage is not an individual issue. It affects the marriage relationship, the wider family, and also the entire community. Who would deny that infidelity and divorce have wreaked havoc upon millions of children and ripped the fabric of our society? In the same way, Achan’s selfish act ripped the fabric of Israel’s relationship with God.

Achan’s other sin was the cover-up; he deceitfully hid the plunder he had stolen. But eventually, the truth was revealed, just as it is in twenty-first-century families. A woman writes in her journal about her intimate relationship with another man. She thinks no one will ever know. But one day, her husband does the unthinkable; he decides to clean all the books on the bookshelf and discovers the diary behind the dusty volumes. Or a husband thinks he can cover his gambling losses by taking greater risks that promise bigger payoffs. But when the bank statement arrives with a negative balance—and his wife gets the mail—the whole family suffers the painful consequences of financial loss.

Achan’s lesson still holds true: Everyone loses in the sin game.

Mary Ann Jeffreys

Let’s Talk

• What steps will we take to stay honest with each other about money, friends, and recreational activities? In what areas have we been less than fully honest?
• What effect might “hidden” sins have on our marriage if we continue doing them for several months or even years?
• What “no big deal” sins are we willing to overlook in our relationship? If we continue doing them, what or who might then bring them to light?

I’m tempted to cry, “Not fair!” upon reading the story of Achan.

John Piper Devotional — Is God’s Love Conditional?

 

Is God’s Love Conditional?

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

— James 4:8

This verse means that there is a precious experience of peace and assurance and harmony and intimacy that is not unconditional. It depends on our not grieving the Spirit.

It depends on our putting away bad habits. It depends on forsaking the petty inconsistencies of our Christian lives. It depends on our walking closely with God and aiming at the highest degree of holiness.

If this is true, I fear that the unguarded reassurances today that God’s love is unconditional may stop people from doing the very things the Bible says they need to do in order to have the peace that they so desperately crave. In trying to give peace through “unconditionality,” we may be cutting people off from the very remedy the Bible prescribes.

Let us declare untiringly the good news that our justification is based on the worth of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice, not ours (Romans 5:19, “as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous”).

But let us also declare the biblical truth that the enjoyment of that justification in its effect on our joy and confidence and power to grow in likeness to Jesus is conditioned on our actively forsaking sins and forsaking bad habits and mortifying lusts and pursuing intimacy with Christ, and not grieving the Spirit.
This verse means that there is a precious experience of peace and assurance and harmony and intimacy that is not unconditional.

Un dia a la Vez — La oración vale oro

 

La oración vale oro

Pidan, y se les dará; busquen, y encontrarán; llamen, y se les abrirá.

— Mateo 7:7

Si Dios nos dice que oremos en todo momento y lugar, es porque sabía que necesitaríamos la oración como una poderosa arma para enfrentar cada una de las situaciones de la vida. Sin duda, a veces tenemos épocas en que activamos esas antenas espirituales y comprobamos que la oración tiene poder. Es en esos momentos que nos damos cuenta que, siempre que oramos y pedimos, Dios contesta y se escuchan hermosos testimonios. Por eso no debemos cortar esa bendición.

La oración es parte fundamental de nuestra vida espiritual. Además, nosotros estamos creados para tener una relación y una comunicación directa con nuestro Padre.

Es evidente que deseamos milagros y respuestas de parte de Dios. No obstante, ¿cuándo sacamos esos minutos para orar y escuchar la voz de Dios?

Convierte en un estilo de vida el versículo que dice: «Oren sin cesar» (1 Tesalonicenses 5:17). Con esto en mente, acostúmbrate a orar por tu familia y por tus hijos, pues la oración tiene poder.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Si Dios nos dice que oremos en todo momento y lugar, es porque sabía que necesitaríamos la oración como una poderosa arma para enfrentar cada una de las situaciones de la vida.

Хліб Наш Насущній — Результати залиште Богу

 

Результати залиште Богу

Читати: Луки 10:1, 17-20 | Біблія за рік: Єремії 40–42 ; Євреїв 4

Завантажити MP3

Не тіштеся тим, що вам коряться духи, але тіштесь, що ваші ймення записані в небі!

— Луки 10:20

Кілька років тому мене запросили виступити перед студентами в університетському гуртожитку. Хлопці були відомі своєю хуліганською поведінкою, тому я покликав на допомогу друга. Коли ми прийшли, виявилося, що студенти перебувають у святковому настрої з нагоди перемоги їхньої команди у футбольному чемпіонаті. Під час вечері в залі панував хаос. Нарешті староста оголосив: “Тут є два хлопці, які хочуть розказати нам про Бога!”

У мене тремтіли ноги, але я піднявся і почав говорити їм про Божу любов. Раптом всі замовкли і стали уважно слухати. Потім посипалися серйозні питання і щирі відповіді. З часом ми організували там біблійний гурток, і багато студентів знайшли спасіння в Христі.

У моєму житті були й інші випадки, коли я “бачив сатану, що з неба спадав, як блискавка” (Лк. 10:18). Але не раз траплялося, що падав і я.

У 10-му розділі Євангелії від Луки розповідається, як учні Ісуса, повернувшись з місії, свідчили про великий успіх. У відповідь Ісус промовив: “Я бачив того сатану, що з неба спадав, немов блискавка”. Однак потім Він додав: “Не тіштеся тим, що вам коряться духи, але тіштесь, що ваші ймення записані в небі” (в. 20).

Ми радіємо успіху. Але коли зазнаємо невдач, нас охоплює відчай. Продовжуйте робити те, до чого вас покликав Бог, а результати залиште Йому. Ваше ім’я записане в Його книзі!

Уявіть, що ваше ім’я записане на Божому серці. Як це допомагає вам рухатися вперед, коли все добре, або навпаки – погано?

Боже, дякую за перемогу над моїми ворогами. Допоможи мені бути сильним і тоді, коли я зазнаю невдач. Дякую за свою приналежність до Твоєї родини.

Автор Давид Роупер

© 2020 Хліб Наш Насущні
Кілька років тому мене запросили виступити перед студентами в університетському гуртожитку. Хлопці були відомі своєю хуліганською поведінкою, тому я покликав на допомогу друга.