July 4

Happy Independence Day in the USA!

Today's Reading

2 Kings. God's judgment was becoming reality for the people of Judah. It's an amazing story, though, of grace. Many people suffered, but many of the humble were spared some of the worst difficulty. The next section of their history was in exile. From that crucible came the witness of Esther and Mordecai, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. From a faraway land, Daniel was used by God to help pave the way for Magi to travel from "the East" (several hundred years later) to a tiny town named Bethlehem where a Child was born.

Acts. Paul was respectful, even in the midst of adversity. On the other hand, he knew how to bind up the religious leaders. He did it by simply playing to their long-standing differences.

Psalms. The following verses make a great prayer to pray for our President and leaders throughout the world...
10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.

Proverbs. These wise words speak to me as a husband. How do they speak to you?

Other thoughts or questions today?