August 13 Psalm 95 1 Corinthians 7:36-40; 8 Ecclesiastes 7; 8; 9:1-12
Psalm 95
Let us worship God together! We should give thanks to the God of our salvation. Let’s bring it with singing and shouting. Let us worship the God who is always caring for us. Psalm 95 begins with a call to worship the God who created us and saved from certain destruction. It is a beautiful song, inviting us to thank the God who carved the height of the mountains and the depth of the oceans, and the God who takes care of us. We are encouraged to learn from the consequences that the nation of Israel experienced for turning away from the God who delivered them from slavery.
1 Corinthians 7:36-40; 8
Paul writes to Corinthian believers who held varied beliefs on what was right and what was wrong. One such issue was the practice of buying meat that was more affordable because it had been used in the worship of an idol. Paul does not condemn this practice. He directs us to choose our friends over our freedoms. We should live in such a way as to value people more than what we want. The person is more valuable than any cultural disagreement. This is particularly relevant today. We should choose to show loving respect for each other at every turn. We must not press our views on others. We should look for ways to create peace. If a person has a conviction unique from my own, I should adjust for their sake in any way that builds peace (and mutual respect).
Ecclesiastes 7; 8; 9:1-12
Solomon delivers a variety of “one-liners” elevating the wisdom of a God-centered life and teaching an eternal perspective. This is wisdom that goes beyond the limited wisdom of those with only a natural perspective. God is in control. Serving God will bring peace & help us avoid self-destructive ways. What a contrast presented between wisdom and foolishness! “A fool only thinks about having a good time.” Patience is better than pride. “God created people to be virtuous.” We should avoid sexual immorality. People who are wise “will find a way to do the right thing.” We cannot predict hard times. We should prepare for them.
August 13 Psalm 95 1 Corinthians 7:36-40; 8 Ecclesiastes 7; 8; 9:1-12
Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.
Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.
• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?