Bible Saturday 10/10/26

For some years I’ve made it a practice to study the Bible with the aid of the St. James Daily Devotional Guide. This little periodical is published by the Fellowship of St. James out of Chicago, and I find it very helpful, always faithful to Scripture. In studying the readings for today, I was s†ruck by the following questions:

Psalms 103:1-22. It is in man’s nature to bless God humbly and gratefully. And in God’s nature to render man undeserved blessings. What is the best example of this mutually loving fellowship or kingdom that I have seen in my lifetime? What can one person do to start such a regime?

Ezra 2:1-70. Honor roll of the faithful Israelites who were found fit to return to Jerusalem. When have I been part of a church or other religious group that underwent such a sharp separation? Who was hurt? What did we learn?

Philippians 3:12-21. Paul reflects on how he does ministry, and his hope of saving those still lost. Verse 14, am I as dedicated as Paul was, when he speaks of “pressing toward the mark”? Verse 18, are there some foes of Jesus in our community who actually deserve to be called “enemies of the cross?’ What should my church do about †hem?

Luke 12:22-34. Jesus continues to teach about how to find and keep true riches. It all sounds lofty and bold, but then a skeptic happens by and starts heckling. Peter spots me—me!—a newly minted disciple, standing at the edge of the crowd and says, “Take care of him.” So I’m left with all the messy details of a world based on money. What is Jesus’ guidance on the economic “in between”?

Thanks for your interest in these Bible notes, which I’ve been publishing each day for over ten years now. Comments and discussion are always welcome. Email me at AndrewsJK@aol.com

Bible Friday 10/9/26

For some years I’ve made it a practice to study the Bible with the aid of the St. James Daily Devotional Guide. This little periodical is published by the Fellowship of St. James out of Chicago, and I find it very helpful, always faithful to Scripture. In studying the readings for today, I was s†ruck by the following questions:

Psalms 99:1-9. God lavishes his goodness upon his people, despite their stumbles. When have I seen this proved in my own life? Was I ever so bitter and angry as to refuse his forgiveness? How did that turn out?

Ezra 1:1-11. God uses the Persian king,Cyrus, to bring about the Israeli people’s homecoming. When have I seen Christian results accomplished by powerful—but non-Christian—leaders? Are my prayers better directed to exalting God’s sovereignty or to “helping” him understand worldly politics?

Philippians 3:1-11. Paul tallies up his spiritual gains and losses, as if on a balance sheet. His verdict: all that really matters is knowing Christ. When have I found all my values and goals turned upside down? What did I learn? What did it cost me?

Luke 12:13-21. Are bigger barns the answer to sudden wealth? Tread carefully. What would I do if a rich aunt left me millions? Is this parable only for the rich? Based on this teaching, what does Jesus

Thanks for your interest in these Bible notes, which I’ve been publishing each day for over ten years now. Comments and discussion are always welcome. Email me at AndrewsJK@aol.com

Bible Thursday 10/8/26

For some years I’ve made it a practice to study the Bible with the aid of the St. James Daily Devotional Guide. This little periodical is published by the Fellowship of St. James out of Chicago, and I find it very helpful, always faithful to Scripture. In studying the readings for today, I was s†ruck by the following questions:

Psalms 91:1-16. If this were all there is to living under God’s rule, what a free ride for mankind. Just sit around all day, God’s got this, no sweat. What in fact are the conditions man must meet for living harmoniously with God—and each other?

Job 40:1-24. God begins to sum up. Surveying all human beings, are any worthy to stand before God’s throne? Only those brave enough to join battle, yet humble enough to bend the knee when fairly vanquished, says the Lord (verses 9-11). But what does he mean by telling the man, “Your own right hand can save you?”

Philippians 2:14-30. Warm relations among the early evangelists. What Christian do I most admire for his/her unselfish, never selfish, gospel witness (contrasting Phil. 2:21 with Phil. 2:30)?

Luke 12:1-12. Jesus warns his followers: Consider the stakes. Here we play for keeps. In a dozen verses here, which am I closest to fulfilling as Jesus intended? Which seems the furthest from me right now?

Thanks for your interest in these Bible notes, which I’ve been publishing each day for over ten years now. Comments and discussion are always welcome. Email me at AndrewsJK@aol.com

Bible Wednesday 9/16: Fiat Lux

Psalms 42:1-11. If my soul is hungry, my soul is thirsty, for the nourishment and the sweetness of  God, where shall I find that today? What is really more important?

Job 16:1-22. Job insists his duty to God is to love his enemies, bless those those that curse him. What has been my experience with that?

Galatians 3:15-29. What does Paul mean in saying the law is no longer our schoolmaster, now that all are one in Christ? What new possibilities does this open up for Christians?

Luke 8:16-21. What opportunities are right in front of me, to share the light of Christ wherever I go, whatever I’m doing?