The Daily Lectionary for WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 129

(My attackers have not prevailed)

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of Ascents.
1  “Often have they attacked me from my youth”
     —let Israel now say—
2  “often have they attacked me from my youth,
     yet they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed on my back;
     they made their furrows long.”
4  The Lord is righteous;
     he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5  May all who hate Zion
     be put to shame and turned backward.
6  Let them be like the grass on the housetops
     that withers before it grows up,
7  with which reapers do not fill their hands
     or binders of sheaves their arms,
8  while those who pass by do not say,
     “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
     We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Jeremiah 50:1-7, 17-20

(Judgment on Babylon)

Judgment on Babylon
50:1 The word that the Lord spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by the prophet Jeremiah:

2  Declare among the nations and proclaim,
     set up a banner and proclaim,
     do not conceal it, say:
   Babylon is taken,
     Bel is put to shame,
     Merodach is dismayed.
   Her images are put to shame,
     her idols are dismayed.

3 For out of the north a nation has come up against her; it shall make her land a desolation, and no one shall live in it; both human beings and animals shall flee away.

4 In those days and in that time, says the Lord, the people of Israel shall come, they and the people of Judah together; they shall come weeping as they seek the Lord their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, and they shall come and join themselves to the Lord by an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

6 My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains; from mountain to hill they have gone, they have forgotten their fold. 7 All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, “We are not guilty, because they have sinned against the Lord, the true pasture, the Lord, the hope of their ancestors.”
[...]
17 Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions. First the king of Assyria devoured it, and now at the end King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon has gnawed its bones. 18 Therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I punished the king of Assyria. 19 I will restore Israel to its pasture, and it shall feed on Carmel and in Bashan, and on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead its hunger shall be satisfied. 20 In those days and at that time, says the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and none shall be found; for I will pardon the remnant that I have spared.

Luke 22:39-46

(Jesus prays for life)

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
22:39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]]* 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”
* Other ancient authorities lack verses 43 and 44

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. 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 on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 129; Jeremiah 50:1-7, 17-20; Luke 22:39-46

The Daily Prayer for WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2019

The Daily Prayer

WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2019

Second-century bishop Melito of Sardis wrote, “Nature trembled and said with astonishment: What new mystery is this? The Judge is judged and remains silent; the Invisible One is seen and does not hide himself; the Incomprehensible One is comprehended and does not resist; the Unmeasurable One is measured and does not struggle; the One beyond suffering suffers and does not avenge himself; the Immortal One dies and does not refuse death. What new mystery is this?”

In the light of the morning, Lord, we glorify your name. May the mystery of your incarnation shine through the complexities of this day so that in all we do, your name might be praised. Amen.

Verse of the Day for WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2019

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Read all of Galatians 6

Listen to Galatians 6

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 - Miércoles 23 de Octubre de 2019

La luz del mundo

Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

— Mateo 5:16 (RVR-60)

El deseo de Dios es que nosotros seamos luz del mundo. De ahí que nuestra vida se compare con una lámpara que alumbra a los demás. Sin embargo, para poder alumbrar debemos estar llenos y cargados de Dios y de su Palabra para servir de ejemplo a otras personas.

En la época de Cristo se utilizaban lámparas pequeñas de arcilla en las que se quemaba aceite de oliva. Sin aceite, no prendían. Y si nuestra lámpara no está llena de Dios, será muy difícil alumbrar a los demás. A veces tenemos una vida tan fría con Dios que lo más probable es que, a mitad del camino, nos quedemos nosotros también sin luz.

Pidámosle a Dios que nos llene hoy de su amor, que podamos tomar ese hábito de leer la Biblia y de ese modo ser la luz del mundo, tal y como lo dejó escrito en su Palabra.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
El deseo de Dios es que nosotros seamos luz del mundo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Wednesday, October 23, 2019

WALK IN VICTORY

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

— Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Our trust is not in a God who uses his power without a plan or at His whim. Rather our trust is in a loving, purposeful God who promises that all thing work together for good for those who love Him.

No one believes this any more than Kim Phuc. She is known as the picture girl from the Vietnam war. The Pulitzer Prize winning photo seen around the world was snapped on June 8, 1972 following a South Vietnamese napalm attack on Trang Bang village. Nine-year-old Kim is seen running down the road toward the camera, naked and screaming in pain.

Living in constant pain as a result of the horrific injuries she suffered, Kim recalls she was bitter and filled with hatred asking the universal question, “Why me? Why do I have to suffer like this?”

As a teenager, she encountered a Vietnamese Bible in a library. Impressed with Jesus and His teaching, she became a believer in 1982. She comments that it took years, but “God freed me from hatred and enabled me to love and forgive my enemies, to trust Him and to obey.”

She still suffers daily from excruciating pain but she now finds purpose in that pain. “The pain reminds me daily to go back to the Lord in prayer,” she says. “Then he gives me peace, energy, strength and grace to face each day…The pain is for my spiritual protection and I thank God for it.”

Kim Phuc says she wants to change the way people see her; no longer the little girl crying out of pain, but now a young woman crying out for peace. She adds, “Now He uses my picture and my everyday life to glorify Him. Now I understand the purpose of why I’m still here and why I suffer. It’s to glorify the Lord. It’s not about me. It’s about Him!”

God has a plan and purpose for our life, and through our obedience to His teaching, He is going to work in us and through us that which will ultimately bring glory to God. With this kind of faith, we will see victory.

RESPONSE: Today I will walk in victory because I will give every part of my being to glorify God.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to experience the purpose and meaning You have ordained in my suffering for You.

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

LHM Daily Devotions - October 23, 2019 - When God Thinks Otherwise

"When God Thinks Otherwise"

Oct. 23, 2019

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith.

— Romans 3:21-25a (ESV)

What a relief it must have been for the apostle Paul to receive the truth that we are justified before God not by works of the Law but by the grace of God!

Oh, the magnitude of God's grace! How it brings us—prodigal sons and daughters who were irretrievably lost—back into the fold of His creation. Though we willfully sought our own way, shunning His Word and the good witness of the faithful around us, He has led us back, given us His Son—who cleanses us from all sin—and with Him the glory of eternal life in the presence of God Himself.

The righteousness of God—the same righteousness imparted to a believing Abraham and his descendants Isaac and Jacob—is ours as believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. And it's available to everyone. Receiving this perfect righteousness, this divine justification before the Law, even Paul found new life even after he had "persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it" (Galatians 1:13b).

But Paul found more than a new life—he found a new mission: "But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles" (Galatians 1:15-16a).

"Preach Him among the Gentiles"? Paul!?

Schooled for years in the pharisaic tradition, steeped in the knowledge of Jewish history and thought, trained in interpreting the Hebrew Scriptures and the voluminous commentaries that went along with it, Paul was tailor-made for proclaiming the Gospel to his fellow countrymen: the Jews.

But God had other things in mind.

How about you? Have you been receptive to God's hand in your life, even (especially) when it seemed to be leading you in a direction not anticipated? When you pray, are you open for what God has in store for you? This can be difficult. It can be demanding. But think what God can do when we yield our lives to Him.

"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," the Scripture says. All people everywhere are in need of God's great salvation, the forgiveness of their sins that comes through faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That means those who are outside our family and closest friends, even those who are outside our ethnic background or culture, need to hear the Gospel.

Do you know anyone who could use some good news right now?

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, by Your Holy Spirit, lead us to speak confidently of Jesus and His love to those we know who need to hear it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Has God ever "stepped" into your life in some dramatic way?
• What does it mean that "the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law"?
• How does knowing that we're all equally sinners before God figure into your witness to others?

This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Has God ever "stepped" into your life in some dramatic way?

CPTLN devocional del 23 de Octubre de 2019 - Cuando Dios tiene otros planes

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Cuando Dios tiene otros planes

23 de Octubre de 2019

Pero ahora, aparte de la ley, se ha manifestado la justicia de Dios, y de ello dan testimonio la ley y los profetas. La justicia de Dios, por medio de la fe en Jesucristo, es para todos los que creen en él. Pues no hay diferencia alguna, por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios; pero son justificados gratuitamente por su gracia, mediante la redención que proveyó Cristo Jesús, a quien Dios puso como sacrificio de expiación por medio de la fe en su sangre. Esto lo hizo Dios para manifestar su justicia, pues en su paciencia ha pasado por alto los pecados pasados.

— Romanos 3:21-25 (RVC)

¡Qué alivio debe haber sido para el apóstol Pablo recibir la verdad de que somos justificados ante Dios no por obras de la Ley sino por la gracia de Dios! ¡La magnitud de la gracia de Dios! Nos trae de vuelta al redil a sus hijos e hijas pródigos que nos habíamos perdido irremediablemente. Aunque buscamos voluntariamente nuestro propio camino, evitando Su Palabra y el buen testimonio de los fieles que nos rodean, Él nos ha guiado de regreso, nos ha dado a Su Hijo, que nos limpia de todo pecado, y con Él la gloria de la vida eterna en la presencia de Dios mismo.

La justicia de Dios—la misma justicia impartida a Abraham y sus descendientes Isaac y Jacob—es nuestra como creyentes en Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Y está disponible para todos. Al recibir esta justicia perfecta, esta justificación divina ante la Ley, hasta Pablo encontró una nueva vida incluso después de haber sido quien "perseguía y asolaba sobremanera a la iglesia de Dios" (Gálatas 1:13b).

Pero Pablo encontró más que una nueva vida: encontró una nueva misión: "Pero Dios me apartó desde el vientre de mi madre y me llamó por su gracia, y cuando a él le agradó revelar a su Hijo en mí para que yo lo anunciara entre los no judíos, no me apresuré a consultar a nadie" (Gálatas 1:15-16a). ¿"Lo anunciara entre los no judíos"? ¿¡Pablo!?

Educado durante años en la tradición farisaica, inmerso en el conocimiento de la historia y el pensamiento judíos, capacitado para interpretar las Escrituras hebreas y los voluminosos comentarios que las acompañaban, Pablo estaba hecho a la medida para proclamar el Evangelio a sus compatriotas: los judíos.

Pero Dios tenía otros planes en mente.

¿Y tú? ¿Has sido receptivo a la mano de Dios en tu vida, incluso (o especialmente) cuando parecía guiarte en una dirección que no esperabas? Cuando oras, ¿estás abierto a lo que Dios tiene reservado para ti? Esto puede ser difícil. Puede exigir mucho de ti. Pero piensa en lo que Dios puede hacer cuando le entregamos nuestras vidas.

"Pues no hay diferencia alguna, por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios", dice la Escritura. Todas las personas en todas partes necesitan la salvación de Dios, el perdón de sus pecados que viene por la fe en Jesús como su Señor y Salvador. Eso significa que aquellos que no son parte de nuestra familia ni son amigos más cercanos, incluso aquellos que no son de nuestro origen étnico o cultura, necesitan escuchar el Evangelio.

¿Conoces a alguien que se pueda beneficiar de las buenas noticias en este momento?

ORACIÓN: Padre Celestial, por tu Espíritu Santo, llévanos a hablar con confianza de Jesús y Su amor a aquellos que conocemos y que necesitan escucharlo. En el Nombre de Jesús oramos. Amén.

Paul Schreiber

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Cuándo ha intervenido Dios en tu vida de una manera dramática?
• ¿Cómo influye en tu testimonio el saber que todos somos igualmente pecadores ante Dios?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Conoces a alguien que se pueda beneficiar de las buenas noticias en este momento?

Ministérios Pão Diário - De irmão para irmão

De irmão para irmão


Leia: Gênesis 33:1-11
 | A Bíblia em um ano: Jeremias 1–2; 1 Timóteo 3


Baixe a versão MP3

Novo mandamento vos dou: que vos ameis uns aos outros; assim como eu vos amei… João 13:34


Meu irmão e eu, temos menos de um ano de diferença, fomos muito “competitivos” enquanto crescíamos (leia-se: briguentos!). Papai entendia. Ele tinha irmãos. Mamãe? Não muito.

Nossa história poderia muito bem levar o título “Rivalidade entre irmãos”. Caim e Abel (4); Isaque e Ismael (21:8-10); José, Benjamim e os demais (37). Mas em questão de animosidade entre irmãos é difícil superar Jacó e Esaú.

Jacó, o irmão gêmeo de Esaú o tinha enganado duas vezes, então Esaú quis matá-lo (27:41). Décadas depois, eles se reconciliaram (33). Mas a rivalidade continuou entre os seus descendentes, as nações de Edom e Israel. Quando o povo de Israel se preparou para entrar na Terra Prometida, Edom os encontrou com ameaças e um exército (Números 20:14-21). Muito mais tarde, quando os cidadãos de Jerusalém fugiram das forças invasoras, Edom exterminou os refugiados (Obadias 1:10-14).

Felizmente para nós, a Bíblia não contém apenas o triste relato do nosso fracasso, mas também a história da redenção. Jesus mudou tudo, dizendo a Seus discípulos: “Novo mandamento vos dou: que vos ameis uns aos outros…” (João 13:34). Dessa maneira, Ele nos mostrou o que isso significa morrendo por nós.

Hoje mais idosos, meu irmão e eu somos bem próximos. Quando respondemos ao perdão que Deus oferece, a Sua graça pode transformar nossas rivalidades em amor fraternal.

A rivalidade entre irmãos é natural. 
O amor de Deus é sobrenatural.

por Tim Gustafson

© 2019 Ministérios Pão Diário
A rivalidade entre irmãos é natural. 
O amor de Deus é sobrenatural.

The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 129

(My attackers have not prevailed)

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of Ascents.
1  “Often have they attacked me from my youth”
     —let Israel now say—
2  “often have they attacked me from my youth,
     yet they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed on my back;
     they made their furrows long.”
4  The Lord is righteous;
     he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5  May all who hate Zion
     be put to shame and turned backward.
6  Let them be like the grass on the housetops
     that withers before it grows up,
7  with which reapers do not fill their hands
     or binders of sheaves their arms,
8  while those who pass by do not say,
     “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
     We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Jeremiah 39:1-18

(Jerusalem falls)

The Fall of Jerusalem
39:1 In the ninth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, in the tenth month, King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it; 2 in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city. 3 When Jerusalem was taken, all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, with all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. 4 When King Zedekiah of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled, going out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and they went toward the Arabah. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and when they had taken him, they brought him up to King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, at Riblah, in the land of Hamath; and he passed sentence on him. 6 The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah at Riblah before his eyes; also the king of Babylon slaughtered all the nobles of Judah. 7 He put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters to take him to Babylon. 8 The Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the houses of the people, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard exiled to Babylon the rest of the people who were left in the city, those who had deserted to him, and the people who remained. 10 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Jeremiah, Set Free, Remembers Ebed-melech
11 King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, 12 “Take him, look after him well and do him no harm, but deal with him as he may ask you.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon sent 14 and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard. They entrusted him to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan to be brought home. So he stayed with his own people.

15 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guard: 16 Go and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am going to fulfill my words against this city for evil and not for good, and they shall be accomplished in your presence on that day. 17 But I will save you on that day, says the Lord, and you shall not be handed over to those whom you dread. 18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have trusted in me, says the Lord.

James 5:7-12

(The Judge standing at the doors)

Patience in Suffering
5:7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

12 Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. 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 on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 129; Jeremiah 39:1-18; James 5:7-12

The Daily Prayer for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

The Daily Prayer

TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

Twentieth-century martyrs Felipe and Mary Barreda wrote, “We discovered that faith is not expecting that the Lord will miraculously give us whatever we ask, or feeling the security that we will not be killed and that everything will turn out as we want. We learned that faith is putting ourselves in His hands, whatever happens, good or bad. He will help us somehow.”

Lord, our lives are in your hands. Do not let our enemies triumph over us. Teach us how to love even those who intend us harm. Amen.

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, October 22, 2019

Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)

   A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
     and how good is a timely word!

Read all of Psalm 15

Listen to Psalm 15

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 - Martes 22 de Octubre de 2019

La sal de la tierra

Ustedes son la sal de la tierra. Pero si la sal se vuelve insípida, ¿cómo recobrará su sabor? Ya no sirve para nada.

— Mateo 5:13 (NVI)

La frase «la sal de la tierra» siempre me pareció un tanto extraña. Incluso, cuando llegué a los caminos de Dios, no entendía por qué en su Palabra se decía que somos la sal de la tierra. Más tarde, Dios mismo me dio la manera más sencilla y fácil de entenderla y practicarla.

La sal es un ingrediente clave para darle sabor a la comida, pero tiene un especial cuidado: Debe tener un término ideal para sazonar y no para salar. ¿Quién resiste la comida salada?

La Palabra dice que en los tiempos de Jesús la sal venía del Mar Muerto y estaba llena de impurezas, de modo que perdía algo de su sabor. Es posible que digas: «¿Qué tiene que ver esto con mi vida espiritual?».

Pues bien, Dios nos compara con la sal en la tierra porque tenemos esa preciosa labor de darles sabor con su Palabra a los que no conocen a Jesús. Por otro lado, a nosotros nos sucede lo mismo que a la sal con impurezas que se utilizaba en Israel. Por eso necesitamos ser puros para darles ejemplo a otros. Además, si nos enfriamos en la Palabra y nos volvemos insípidos, ¿cómo daremos sabor?

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
La frase «la sal de la tierra» siempre me pareció un tanto extraña.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, October 22, 2019

THE GLORY OF HEAVEN

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

— Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)

Suffering and persecution turn our hearts and minds to the glory that will be ours in heaven. Jesus promises a great reward in heaven to those who suffer (Matthew 5:12). Paul says above that the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with the glory of the future, and Peter agreed (I Peter 1:6, 7; 4:13; 5:1-10). A Christian song when I was growing up says, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.” Those that are living today as spiritual “refugees” look longingly toward the eternal home.

Hebrews chapter eleven helps us to understand the history of this. In the first part of the chapter which is the “hall of faith” we see faith examples of power, life and vitality. Then in verse thirty-five the list changes to those who lost their lives—some through horrendous persecution. Yet all were commended for their faith.

In his book The Barbarian Way, Erwin McManus comments about this:

All of them chose and walked the barbarian way, and they were blessed because they did not fall away on account of Jesus. They trusted Jesus with their lives, and they lost their lives on the journey. If you could interview any one of them, however, each would insist that even in the midst of suffering and hardship, he was most fully alive. They were not disappointed in God because they did not misunderstand who He was. They understood His call, and they chose it willingly. John the Baptist would join their number. Some barbarians survive the night in the lion’s den; others experience their darkest night and wake in eternity.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I will rejoice in the glory of heaven that awaits and makes my suffering insignificant.

PRAYER: Help me Lord to remember during the challenges I face here, that eternity with You is infinitely better. 

1. Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005), p. 41.

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

LHM Daily Devotions - October 22, 2019 - Fearing the Right Things

"Fearing the Right Things"

Oct. 22, 2019

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

— Revelation 14:6-7 (ESV)

I hate nightmares, don't you? I think I hate them most because nothing is what it seems. Outlines vanish into the shadows. You think you're dealing with one situation, and suddenly it morphs into something else. It's like holding a handful of fog—and it sends my anxiety right through the roof.

When I wake after a dream like that, it's pure heaven. Here is the bed, oh blessed lumpy rectangle. There is the door, and here is the alarm clock, and while that may be a horror in itself, at least it's a dependable horror, and will never strike thirteen on me. Now that I am awake, I am seeing clearly, and I can be happy and comfortable again. The fear is gone.

The angel in this passage from Revelation says something about fear. He says, "Fear God and give Him glory ... worship Him who made heaven and earth." That doesn't sound very comforting, does it? But actually it is. The angel is talking to a world full of people who have been terrorized and persecuted by evil powers. They are basically afraid of everybody and everything!

What they don't know is the right Person to fear: the God who has all power but will never, ever misuse it, the One who is perfectly holy but nevertheless "who is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6b). It is only fitting to treat Someone so powerful with the utmost respect and awe, and to tremble at His Word (see Isaiah 66:2). But this is not the kind of fear we feel for cruel or abusive people, or for the dreadful terrors the devil sends into our lives. Instead, this is the respectful, loving fear of a child for a parent he looks up to—one he trusts with all his heart.

When the Holy Spirit plants that kind of good fear and awe in our hearts, we can get free from the fear of evil people and powers. We may still suffer, but their emotional power over us is gone.

The psalmist describes it this way: "Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. ... I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation ... I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD ... I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation" (Psalm 118:5-7, 13-14, 17, 21).

Conquering the world, Jesus saves us through His shed blood, death, and resurrection. Everyone who trusts in Him will be saved, and free, forever.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me trust You when I am afraid. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• When was the last time you were afraid?
• What do you do when you are afraid in order to feel better?
• How does God help you against your fears?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
When was the last time you were afraid?

CPTLN devocional del 22 de Octubre de 2019 - Temiéndole a lo correcto

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Temiéndole a lo correcto

22 de Octubre de 2019

Luego vi otro ángel, el cual volaba en medio del cielo. Tenía el evangelio eterno, para predicarlo a los habitantes de la tierra, es decir, a toda nación, raza, lengua y pueblo. Ese ángel decía con fuerte voz: «Teman a Dios, y denle gloria, porque la hora de su juicio ha llegado. Adoren al que hizo el cielo y la tierra, el mar y los manantiales de agua.»

— Apocalipsis 14:6-7 (RVC)

Odio las pesadillas, ¿y tú? Creo que las odio más porque nada es lo que parece ser. Todo se desvanece en sombras. Crees que estás lidiando con una situación y de repente se transforma en otra. Es como sostener un puñado de niebla, y esto lleva mi ansiedad por las nubes.

Cuando me despierto después de un sueño así, me siento como en el cielo. Veo mi bendito rectángulo de cama, la puerta y el despertador y, aunque el despertador puede ser una pesadilla en sí mismo, al menos es una pesadilla confiable que nunca me despierta a las trece. Cuando me despierto, puedo ver claramente y puedo volver a estar feliz y a sentirme cómoda. El miedo se ha ido.

El ángel en este pasaje de Apocalipsis habla acerca del miedo. Él dice: "Teman a Dios, y denle gloria... Adoren al que hizo el cielo y la tierra". Esto no suena muy reconfortante, ¿verdad? Pero en realidad lo es. El ángel está hablando con un mundo lleno de personas que han sido aterrorizadas y perseguidas por poderes malvados. ¡Básicamente, le tienen miedo a todos y a todo!

Es porque no saben quién es la Persona adecuada a quién temer: el Dios que tiene todo el poder pero que nunca lo usará mal, el que es perfectamente santo pero que, sin embargo, es "¡lento para la ira, y grande en misericordia y verdad!" (Éxodo 34:6b). Es apropiado tratar a Alguien tan poderoso con el mayor respeto y asombro y "temblar ante Su Palabra" (Isaías 66:2). Pero este no es el tipo de miedo que sentimos por las personas crueles o abusivas, o por los terrores que el diablo envía a nuestras vidas. Al contrario, este es el temor respetuoso y amoroso que le tiene un niño a su padre a quien admira y en quién confía con todo su corazón.

Cuando el Espíritu Santo siembra ese tipo de temor en nuestros corazones, podemos liberarnos del temor a las personas y a los poderes del mal. Aunque todavía podamos sufrir a costa de ellos, su poder emocional sobre nosotros ya no existe.

El salmista lo describe de esta manera: "En medio de la angustia clamé al Señor, y él me respondió y me dio libertad. El Señor está conmigo; no tengo miedo de lo que simples mortales me puedan hacer. El Señor está conmigo y me brinda su ayuda; ¡he de ver derrotados a los que me odian!... Me empujan con violencia, para hacerme caer, pero el Señor me sostendrá. El Señor es mi fuerza, y a él dedico mi canto porque en él he hallado salvación...Te alabo, Señor, porque me escuchas, y porque me das tu salvación" (Salmo 118:5-7, 13-14, 21).

Jesús nos salva conquistando el mundo a través de Su sangre derramada, muerte y resurrección. Todos los que confíen en Él serán salvos y libres para siempre.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, ayúdame a confiar en ti siempre, pero especialmente cuando tengo miedo. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Qué cosas te producen miedo? ¿Por qué?
• ¿Qué haces para sentirte mejor cuando tienes miedo?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Qué cosas te producen miedo? ¿Por qué?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Buena noticia para los pies

Buena noticia para los pies

La escritura de hoy: Juan 5:1-9

La Biblia en un año: Isaías 65–66 1 Timoteo 2

… tú has librado mi alma de la muerte […]. Andaré delante del Señor en la tierra de los vivientes (Salmo 116:8-9).

La publicidad me hizo sonreír: «Los calcetines más cómodos en la historia de los pies». Luego, ampliando la afirmación sobre la buena noticia para los pies, el anunciante decía que como las medias siguen siendo el artículo más requerido en los refugios para personas sin techo, por cada par comprado, la compañía donaría otro par a alguien que lo necesitara.

Imagina la sonrisa cuando Jesús le sanó los pies a un hombre que no había podido caminar por 38 años (Juan 5:2-8). Imagina ahora la cara de los funcionarios del templo a quienes no les importó el interés de Jesús en los pies y el corazón de alguien a quien nadie había ayudado durante tanto tiempo. Acusaron al hombre y a Jesús de quebrantar una ley religiosa que prohibía trabajar el día de reposo (vv. 9-10, 16-17). Ellos vieron reglas donde Jesús vio una necesidad de misericordia.

Hasta allí, aquel hombre ni siquiera sabía quién le había dado pies nuevos. Solamente después, pudo decir que Jesús fue el que lo había sanado (vv. 13-15); el mismo Jesús que dejaría que sus propios pies fueran clavados a una cruz para ofrecerle a ese hombre —y a nosotros— la mejor noticia de la historia para cuerpos, mentes y corazones rotos.

Reflexiona y ora

¿Qué necesidades ves en quienes te rodean? ¿Cómo has visto a Jesús suplir tus necesidades?

Cuéntale a alguien cuánto bien te ha hecho el Señor Jesús.

© 2019 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
La publicidad me hizo sonreír: «Los calcetines más cómodos en la historia de los pies».

The Daily Lectionary for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

MONDAY, October 21, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 129

(My attackers have not prevailed)

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of Ascents.
1  “Often have they attacked me from my youth”
     —let Israel now say—
2  “often have they attacked me from my youth,
     yet they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed on my back;
     they made their furrows long.”
4  The Lord is righteous;
     he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5  May all who hate Zion
     be put to shame and turned backward.
6  Let them be like the grass on the housetops
     that withers before it grows up,
7  with which reapers do not fill their hands
     or binders of sheaves their arms,
8  while those who pass by do not say,
     “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
     We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Jeremiah 38:14-28

(King and prophet consult)

Zedekiah Consults Jeremiah Again
38:14 King Zedekiah sent for the prophet Jeremiah and received him at the third entrance of the temple of the Lord. The king said to Jeremiah, “I have something to ask you; do not hide anything from me.” 15 Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will put me to death, will you not? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16 So King Zedekiah swore an oath in secret to Jeremiah, “As the Lord lives, who gave us our lives, I will not put you to death or hand you over to these men who seek your life.”

17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, If you will only surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then your life shall be spared, and this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. 18 But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city shall be handed over to the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you yourself shall not escape from their hand.” 19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for I might be handed over to them and they would abuse me.” 20 Jeremiah said, “That will not happen. Just obey the voice of the Lord in what I say to you, and it shall go well with you, and your life shall be spared. 21 But if you are determined not to surrender, this is what the Lord has shown me— 22 a vision of all the women remaining in the house of the king of Judah being led out to the officials of the king of Babylon and saying,

   ‘Your trusted friends have seduced you
     and have overcome you;
   Now that your feet are stuck in the mud,
     they desert you.’

23 All your wives and your children shall be led out to the Chaldeans, and you yourself shall not escape from their hand, but shall be seized by the king of Babylon; and this city shall be burned with fire.”

24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone else know of this conversation, or you will die. 25 If the officials should hear that I have spoken with you, and they should come and say to you, ‘Just tell us what you said to the king; do not conceal it from us, or we will put you to death. What did the king say to you?’ 26 then you shall say to them, ‘I was presenting my plea to the king not to send me back to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” 27 All the officials did come to Jeremiah and questioned him; and he answered them in the very words the king had commanded. So they stopped questioning him, for the conversation had not been overheard. 28 And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was taken.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

(You are washed and sanctified)

Lawsuits among Believers
6:1 When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters? 4 If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, 6 but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that?

7 In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and believers at that.

9 Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. 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 on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 129; Jeremiah 38:14-28; 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

The Daily Prayer for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

The Daily Prayer

MONDAY, October 21, 2019

Clement of Alexandria said, “One purchases immortality through generosity; and, by giving the perishing things of the world, receives in exchange for these an eternal mansion in the heavens! Rush to this market, if you are wise, O rich man! If need be, sail around the whole world.”

Lord, teach us the power of a generosity that interrupts the logic of scarcity with the extravagant self-giving of divine love. Amen.

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, October 21, 2019

Psalm 40:8 (NIV)

   I desire to do your will, my God;
     your law is within my heart.”

Read all of Psalm 40

Listen to Psalm 40

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 - Lunes 21 de Octubre de 2019

Los deseos de Dios

Ante ti, Señor, están todos mis deseos; no te son un secreto mis anhelos.

— Salmo 38:9 (NVI)

Dicen que en veintiún días algo que hacemos se convierte en hábito. Así que al buscar palabra que Dios pusiera en mi corazón para cada uno de nosotros este año, encontré veintiún deseos específicos, o principios de vida, que Dios espera de nosotros. Muchos de estos los hemos escuchado, repetido y practicado. Sin embargo, lo más importante es que cada uno de los que amamos a Dios queremos conocerle, agradarle y hacer su voluntad.

Durante los próximos veintiún días reflexionaremos en esos deseos y principios de vida y estoy segura que Dios abrirá nuestro entendimiento a fin de que logremos comprender mejor su Palabra y su corazón.

Dios mío, ayúdanos a comprender tu Palabra. Danos sabiduría y permite que cada uno de nosotros reciba la instrucción y la preparación de modo que seamos capaces de vivir como tú esperas. Que con palabras sencillas comprendamos la bendición de ser obedientes.

Señor Jesús, entregamos en tus manos estos próximos días que combinaremos con oración y ayuno.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Dicen que en veintiún días algo que hacemos se convierte en hábito. Así que al buscar palabra que Dios pusiera en mi corazón para cada uno de nosotros este año, encontré veintiún deseos específicos, o principios de vida, que Dios espera de nosotros.