Bible Friday 7/12: Giving is Better

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 30:1-12. Verses 5 and 11, what specific sorrow am I asking God to turn into joy today? How can I avoid just looking at God as a big ATM where I key in my order and get what I want?

I Samuel 28:1-25. Saul in desperation resorts to witchcraft. When have I turned my back on God, knowing better, and paid dearly? Application to present needs?

Acts 20:17-38. Verse 35, Jesus taught us that giving is more blessed than receiving. What opportunity can I find to put this into practice today?

Mark 9:1-13. What qualities of God did Jesus see Peter, James, and John expressing that particularly equipped them to witness his transfiguration? How can I express those qualities in greater measure today?

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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.