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 19:1-14. Verse 14, thinking back over yesterday, what were some words I spoke or thoughts I entertained that offended God? How can I do better today?
Exodus 20:1-26, related, did I at any point yesterday take God’s name in vain (verse 7) or blot my family heritage (verse 12) or covet what’s not mine (verse 17)? Am I serious about serving a jealous God (verse 5)?
I Peter 4:1-11. Related again, do I take as seriously as Peter did, Christ’s sufferings in the flesh, my duties as a steward of grace, and God’s impending judgment of us all? Or am I leary of being “too religious”?
John 5:1-15. Verse 6, today when Jesus asks me that simple yet momentous question, “Do you want to be healed,” will I be ready to answer him on the instant—and then to act?
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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.