June 8

Today's Reading

1 Kings. Now that Solomon's power was solidified, we are given some detail about his wisdom and the resources necessary to keep his house in operation. I was amazed by the vast territory of Solomon's kingdom. It extended all the way from modern Iraq to Egypt.

Acts moves today from the glorious victories of the early church to some of the significant trials. Yesterday we read about Ananias and Saphira. Today we learn about the complaints over racial discrimination within the church and persecution intensifying from outside. When God is moving, problems abound!

Psalms. "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." Planting the love of Christ can be painful work; not everyone has an open heart to receive it. Some do receive it, however, and the harvest is the deepest joy for us. I am convinced that the troubles during "planting season" can seem unconquerable. Then harvest time comes and God sends victories like water cascading over a high cliff.

Proverbs. Watch out for those who love to spread juicy gossip. It is easy to be caught up in their sin and very difficult to imagine the damage it causes.

What do you see today? What questions do you have?