Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday, 24 July 2015 Psalms 35-36; Acts 17: 1-15 Elizabeth

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 35-36; Acts 17: 1-15

David appeals to God Almighty as divine warrior and righteous judge. He prays that God will come to his defense and rescue him from those who were once close friends but who now accuse, slander, and condemn him with malice. The Lord forbids that we accuse an innocent person, that he or she might be wrongly punished in body, property, or reputation. He bids us to err on the side of the Gospel in the case of our neighbor, unless guilt is clear. As we endeavor to treat our neighbors fairly and with mercy, our merciful Lord justifies us according to His righteousness.

At Thessalonica, Paul and Silas continue the pattern of preaching at the synagogue, gaining converts, and experiencing harsh opposition. The offense and foolishness of the cross may well provoke a harsh response from the world. Yet Jesus, the Messiah, suffered, died, and rose, and “turned the world upside down.” Sinners are forgiven, the humble and poor are raised up, and the proud and rich are brought low. The first will be last, and the last, first. Persecution follows the Gospel, even when the Bereans eagerly receive it. God’s people should follow the noble example of the Bereans, who studied the Scriptures daily in order to receive further truths and to examine what they were being taught. Because the OT Scriptures also testify to Jesus Christ, searching them brings God’s blessings of salvation.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:  Psalms 37-39; Acts 17:16-34

4 comments:

Nathan said...

How true, reading both New and Old testaments tell the whole storey of how God can save us. We get all the backround information and thruths that lead to the moment God sends His son to live with us and then die and rise from death to save us.

Conrad said...

" Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. " Psalm 35:5-6

God's love, loyalty, and purposefulness are unmeasurable. Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost. He literally has the whole world in His hands.

Tammy said...

Love reading Psalms that I recognize from songs.
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.

One of my favourites.


Acts...
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

This is exactly what we should be doing. Half-truths and twisted scriptures are revealed when brought into the light of Scripture.

Pamela said...

I love the reminder that we can be so faithful and kind to our friends during their time of need but that does not always mean that they will do the same for us. We aren't "owed" for what we give. We shouldn't expect things because we do them as well. We should serve and not expect anything in return.