June 8 Psalm 71:9-18 Acts 4:23-37; 5:1-11 2 Samuel 13
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?
June 8 Psalm 71:9-18 Acts 4:23-37; 5:1-11 2 Samuel 13
Psalm 71:9-18
Aging and aware of the fragile state of life on this earth, the Psalmist cries out to God for help. Despite the circumstances, this songwriter makes a commitment to look to God as the source of hope and to detail the wonderful works of God to young people. It’s a decision to help those who have not experienced it as much. Each of us should be available and intentional about the same.
Acts 4:23-37; 5:1-11
Peter and John were released by the Jewish leaders with a threat of punishment if they continued to publicly teach about Jesus. The believers reacted to this threat by calling upon God to give them boldness to continue in their witness of Jesus. God the Holy Spirit filled them all and they had a boldness to speak of salvation in Jesus. They lived in unity and took care of each other with courageous generosity. Ananias and Saphira were unrepentant when caught in a lie about their giving and suffered the consequences. God wants us to be honest.
2 Samuel 13
Sexual misconduct continued in David’s family. “Me first” can lead to “me too” stories of damage. His son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar. Amnon had idolized Tamar in his heart. After the rape, Amnon demonized her. Absalom killed his brother in revenge. David mourned. We see David grieve the death of loved ones regardless of the mistakes they had made. David had learned that when a person puts their own sexual desire above all else, the damage is inevitable.