Bible Friday 7/19: Well Begun, Half Done

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 47:1-9. Verses 1 and 5, why does God want me to relate to him with shouting? What spiritual mood does that impart to my day? Why is a lower tone of voice not enough?

2 Samuel 4:1-12. The assassins of David’s rival are made to pay with their lives. Why is an ethic of “whatever it takes” or “the end justifies the means” never acceptable to God? Action point for America right now?

Acts 24:1-21. Why is Paul so emphatic that the resurrection of the dead makes this world a better place morally and spiritually? How does this remain a live issue in our time, 2000 years later?

Mark 10:17-22. If I were to stand before Jesus today and give an account of how I’ve loved God and neighbor in my life so far, what might he say is the one thing I still lack? Action point?

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