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 126:1-6. Verse 5, sow in tears, reap in joy. When has God brought this to pass in my life? How am I praying for it to prove out in the here and now? Does it mean there will be all happy endings as in a storybook?
Joshua 13:1-33. Meticulous detail of God’s land grants to the Israelites in the Holy Land. Can there be any doubt that his provisions for me and mine are equally specific and detailed, not vague and generalized?
Acts 27:13-38. Paul exerts calm, commanding leadership, assuring the terrified voyagers God will spare all alive. What are others expecting of me right now that Ii can’t do alone, but with God’s help I cannot fail?
Mark 14:1-11. Jesus speaks of his impending burial. In very practical terms today, how can I show my lavish love for the Lord as this woman did? On the other hand, what Judas-like pitfalls await me if I’m unwary?
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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.