June 20 Bible Reading

Mark 7

Jesus reminds us that it is not what we consume that makes us sinful people, but our actions come from what is in our hearts.  If our hearts are bent toward sin, then we will be people of sinful actions.  We must instead strive to be people with hearts set heavenward, and our actions will follow suit.  

Job 40-42

God does not answer Job’s questions about his suffering.  Instead God shows Job that that is none of his business.  Job realizes that God is so far above him, and he has no right to question God.  We must come to that realization too.  We will not always understand why God gives us certain trials, but when they come we must live up to a standard worthy of Christ and trust that God is greater than we are.

Exodus 22&23

There are three people groups that the Lord expresses extra provision for in these laws.  God is concerned with the wellbeing of the widowed, the orphaned, and the sojourner.  We would be wise to pay attention to these groups too.  It would be a God honoring thing to make sure that our lives are promoting these peoples’ interests.

Jeremiah 37-39

Jeremiah’s message was an unpleasant, but important one.  He needed to communicate the danger that the city was facing and the rescue they could have.  He was then thrown in prison for his message.  We too have a message that will not always be received well.  People are facing eternal damnation, and we have the rescue plan.  We will not always be welcomed, and we may well suffer as Jeremiah did, but we must remain faithful to our calling to preach the gospel.

Galatians 1

Paul makes it very clear that the gospel is more important than himself.  He also wants the Galatians believers to understand the importance of believing the true gospel of Christ.  There are many conflicting views on God in the world, but we must be unmoved in our convictions of the truth.

1Kings 1-3

Solomon’s request for wisdom is one that we recognize as coming from a heart devoted to God.  We should delight in His ways and yearn for the understanding that only He gives.  It is a Godly thing to ask for wisdom.  When we are unsure in life or lack discernment, we ought to pray for it.  God gives many things including wisdom.