June 10 Psalm 71:19-24 Acts 6; 7:1-19 2 Samuel 15:13-37; 16:1-14
Psalm 71:19-24
Here’s a song of hope rising out of suffering, reminiscent of the Serenity Prayer’s finding “hardship as a pathway to peace”. The turning point comes around a particular question. Is there anyone else who has done as much for you as God has? No one else gave you life. No one else is able to forgive all your mistakes. Let’s take a moment to deeply consider who God is. Meditate on the truth of a loving God. Write down something you have learned from it. Sing about it. Repeat the truth to yourself.
Acts 6; 7:1-19
As the number of believers multiplied tension grew along cultural lines about the way food was being distributed to their widows. The apostles appointed seven men to steward this responsibility so that they could focus on prayer and teaching. The Good News spread, the number of believers grew and many Jewish priests came to faith in Jesus. Challenging this faith in Jesus, a group of men brought charges against Stephen to the Jewish high council. Stephen brings a defense of faith in Jesus by walking them through the redemptive narrative of Yahweh, in their own history. Stephen had found a life-changing interaction with Jesus Christ. Stephen was able to trace God’s loving grace throughout the stories of the people of Israel. Shouldn’t we also learn from this? Shouldn’t we also look at the many times God has been at work for redemption?
2 Samuel 15:13-37; 16:1-14
King David is chased away from his own land by his treacherous son Absalom. Despite the circumstances, David does his best to treat others the right way. He is looking out for the best interests of others even while he is running for his life. He doesn’t react to people cursing him but defers to God. David is looking for a way to bring others into God’s redemption.
June 10 Psalm 71:19-24 Acts 6; 7:1-19 2 Samuel 15:13-37; 16:1-14
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?