June 30 Psalm 78:40-55 Acts 20 2 Kings 1; 2
Psalm 78:40-55
How sad it is when people forget about the amazing things God has done to make their life possible. We should think through the miracles God has already done for us. We have been given life. We have been offered love through Jesus. We can be forgiven of sin. We can discover a personal purpose for life from the redemptive plan revealed in God’s Kingdom. We can participate in something bigger than ourselves. Using the Psalmic worship practices, we can sing about these miracles. We can pray about these miracles. We can continue a conversation with God based on this established foundation. Peace is a result.
Acts 20
Paul brought back to life a young man who had fallen to his death. Paul was headed to Jerusalem and had been prepared by the Holy Spirit for jail and suffering, at the hands of leaders rejecting the Good News. Paul reminded the Christian leaders of their central message of salvation by faith in Jesus through repentance of sin and turning to God. He charged them to be faithful to “feed and shepherd God’s flock” referring to their responsibility to care for, pray over, preach/teach, and bring guidance, and correction to the disciples they were raising up. He reminded them of Jesus’ call to be givers, as a model of ministry. Today’s Christian churches must follow the same practices.
2 Kings 1; 2
The prophet Elijah continued to call the kings of Israel to worship Yahweh. He also called punishment on them when they refused. We see God as a God of mercy and truth. At the end of his life on Earth, Elijah is taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire. His disciple Elisha receives a double portion of his God-given abilities. Our God was increasing the ability of the next generation for the challenges of the new day. Is that same God alive and active today? Yes.
June 30 Psalm 78:40-55 Acts 20 2 Kings 1; 2
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?