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?
Psalms 2:1-11. How can I apply this fighting declaration of the supreme authority of King Jesus to the raging torrent of political news in America and war news in Europe?
Jeremiah 16:1-21. Verses 2, 5, 8, everyday joys that God forbids to Jeremiah. Verses 11-13, the bitter task God requires of Jeremiah. When has God’s hand felt harsh upon me? What did I learn? Present application?
Romans 13:1-14. Oft-quoted guidance on Christians and civil government. But what if I read the chapter backwards and begin to see putting on Christ (verse 14) and loving my neighbor (verses 8-10) as the key to righteous politics?
Matthew 16:13-20. How is my life different today, what might others notice about me, because I accept and profess these claims about the Son of God, his earthly church, his heavenly kingdom, and the gates of hell?
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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.