July 11 Proverbs 16:28-33; 17:1-4 Acts 28:17-31 2 Kings 21; 22
Proverbs 16:28-33; 17:1-4
Patient self-control is a sign of faith in God and the maturity that can come as a result. This is an area that we grow in. Gossip can break up relationships and make everything worse. So, it’s a good idea to watch what you say. Repeatedly reading the Proverbs is a helpful practice.
Acts 28:17-31
Upon his arrival in Rome, Paul calls together Jewish leaders to explain his hope in Jesus as their Messiah and provide an opportunity for a relationship with them. The leaders welcomed him. Some believed in Jesus, in response to Paul, and some did not. Their responses were not Paul’s responsibility. Their responses (in other words the “success of his ministry”) did not determine his personal value or identity. Paul was responsible to obey the call of Jesus and the specific guidance of the Holy Spirit. His identity was found there. His personal value was derived from there. Each of us should understand this value system.
2 Kings 21; 22
King Hezekiah’s son Manasseh rebelled against the faith of his father. The new king built places of worship for evil gods, including inside the Temple of Yahweh. He worshiped these gods and even sacrificed his own son in the fire. Manasseh was selfish. He was telling anyone, that would listen, that his own name would be honored in the Temple (built for God’s honor) for all time. He killed innocent people throughout Jerusalem. God would not suffer the bloodshed of the innocent. Through the prophet, Huldah God revealed that he had seen and heard these atrocities. When the new king Josiah came to power the scroll of God’s Word was discovered. It brought Josiah to repentance of the sins of the nation. By God’s grace, He uses His word to bring us to repentance of our mistakes. This benefits us and brings glory to God.
July 11 Proverbs 16:28-33; 17:1-4 Acts 28:17-31 2 Kings 21; 22
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?