Studying this morning's four readings from the St. James Daily Devotional Guide (click to subscribe), I examined myself with these questions. Where is your self-examination leading today?
Psalm 23:1-6. What "want" of mine can the Good Shepherd supply today (verse 1)? What enemies seem all too present right now (verse 5)? What sheeplike qualities shall I pray for more of?
Exodus 27:1-21. Noting how God repeatedly specifies silver and brass, fine materials that endure, I wonder in what ways I give him less than my best. Action point?
I Corinthians 7:1-11. As the culture batters at sexual standards and gender identities, is my church a thermostat or a thermometer? Are we leading for God or following human trends?
John 8:2-11. Related question: Amid the accusers' mounting rage at the woman and cynical baiting toward him, what might Jesus have been writing on the ground?
To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.