Devotional for Sunday May 22, 2022
We all know how expensive gemstones are. You can imagine their worth. The wise Solomon said of the virtuous woman: "Because her esteem far exceeds that of precious stones." You are a pearl of great value in the eyes of Jehovah. Therefore, woman of God, may your virtues and aptitudes be notable and good, so that you may be a “virtuous woman”. Being a woman is more than just a pretty face, well-groomed hair, an elegant dress, or a pair of fine shoes. Oh, daughter of the Most High, may your adornments not be external, but within the heart with humility and simplicity. A virtuous woman is one who willingly works for the well-being of her family, materially and spiritually. Working hard and diligent, she extends her hand to the poor and needy. The one whose garments are her strength and honor and on whose lips is the law of the Lord which is her delight. A virtuous woman educates her children in the commandments of the Lord, instructing them in her career with fear, so that they know the greatest and most important thing, the love of God.
Written by Eunice Pérez López,
Translated by Maria Elena Cardona
Morning Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Mujer fuerte, ¿quién la hallará? Porque su estima sobrepuja largamente á la de piedras preciosas.
11 El corazón de su marido está en ella confiado, Y no tendrá necesidad de despojo.
12 Darále ella bien y no mal, Todos los días de su vida.
13 Buscó lana y lino, Y con voluntad labró de sus manos.
14 Fué como navío de mercader: Trae su pan de lejos.
15 Levantóse aun de noche, Y dió comida á su familia, Y ración á sus criadas.
16 Consideró la heredad, y compróla; Y plantó viña del fruto de sus manos.
17 Ciñó sus lomos de fortaleza, Y esforzó sus brazos.
18 Gustó que era buena su granjería: Su candela no se apagó de noche.
19 Aplicó sus manos al huso, Y sus manos tomaron la rueca.
20 Alargó su mano al pobre, Y extendió sus manos al menesteroso.
21 No tendrá temor de la nieve por su familia, Porque toda su familia está vestida de ropas dobles.
22 Ella se hizo tapices; De lino fino y púrpura es su vestido.
23 Conocido es su marido en las puertas, Cuando se sienta con los ancianos de la tierra.
24 Hizo telas, y vendió; Y dió cintas al mercader.
25 Fortaleza y honor son su vestidura; Y en el día postrero reirá.
26 Abrió su boca con sabiduría: Y la ley de clemencia está en su lengua.
27 Considera los caminos de su casa, Y no come el pan de balde.
28 Levantáronse sus hijos, y llamáronla bienaventurada; Y su marido también la alabó.
29 Muchas mujeres hicieron el bien; Mas tú las sobrepujaste á todas.
30 Engañosa es la gracia, y vana la hermosura: La mujer que teme á Jehová, ésa será alabada.
31 Dadle el fruto de sus manos, Y alábenla en las puertas sus hechos.
Noon Psalm 30
1 I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Evening Luke 1:48-50
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Prayer Guide: [Panamá-Llano Marín] and [El Salvador-Intipucá-La Unión]
This month's challenge is: Identify each character virtue of Christ and incorporate it into your own character. Spend more time with the people you love. Evaluate daily if your behavior resembles that of Jesus. Constantly ask yourself before making a decision or doing anything, what would Christ have done in my place? Study more deeply the life of Christ and ask God to help you be a better Christian.
