September 4 Psalm 105:23-36 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 Isaiah 5:8-30; 6; 7; 8:1-10
Psalm 105:23-36
God strengthened the Israelites, giving them the ability to outlast the cruelty of the Egyptians. God sent Moses as a deliverer, making freedom possible. Over hundreds of years, they thanked God for this miracle. Thanking God for specific answers to prayer is a spiritual discipline that brings joy. What are you thanking God for today?
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes about their response to the first letter, where he calls for a change in their behavior. Here he explains the difference between “godly sorrow” which brings positive life change, and “worldly sorrow” resulting in spiritual death. Calling for change, in a way that honors Jesus, provides a suggested course of action that leads to peace. When I see that something in my life is not the way God wants it to be, I can feel bad and make the needed change, or I can feel bad and refuse to change. My choice is the difference between “worldly” and “godly” sorrow. There will be “worldly sorrow” bringing separation from God, for those who will not listen to God’s call for repentance, but instead describe what is evil as good. People who think that they have more wisdom than God will find consequences.
Isaiah 5:8-30; 6; 7; 8:1-10
Isaiah received a cleansing from his own sin and a commission to speak God’s Word, predicting the Messiah. He received identity and purpose from God. Isaiah was given an opportunity to be part of God’s narrative of redemption. This is relevant to each of us. We can discover identity and purpose in God. We can search out God’s current work of redemption. We can take action to be part of it. Amazing fulfillment comes from being involved with something so much greater than our individual lives.
September 4 Psalm 105:23-36 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 Isaiah 5:8-30; 6; 7; 8:1-10
Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions. 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?