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 dark valley do I need God to help me walk through right now (verse 4)? In what form would I most crave his comfort?
Proverbs 27:1-27. With whom do I experience the mutual sharpening of verse 17? Do they know of my gratitude? Should we be doing more of it? Action point for today?
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. Why is this gloomy book even in the Holy Bible? How does Solomon's word in verse 4 relate to the Father's word in Genesis 3:17 and the Son's word in Luke 13:5?
Matthew 17:24-27. How does Jesus' caveat of "notwithstanding" (verse 27) position his followers, you and me, with respect to political authority and civil government?
To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.