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 82:1-8. Verses 3 and 4, how can I do more for the poor, especially at this season? Why is this so important to God?
Esther 1:1-22. The story of Esther, a nobody who changed history, starts as a war of the sexes amid obscene luxury, arrogant egotism, and unchecked power. In what way do I resemble King Ahasuerus?
Daniel 8:15-27. If God were to send me the angel Gabriel tonight, entrusting me with a sacred vision and a holy duty, what might those be? Would I be ready to hear and obey?
Luke 1:5-25. Zachariah, an aged and childless priest, receives just such a visitation from Gabriel. Was there ever a time when I foolishly tried to quibble with God, instead of listening reverently and complying instantly?
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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.