Reading With the People of God - #6 LOVESample

Memorization Challenge: 1 Corinthians 13:8-10

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away

Reading Primer: The Lord is My Shepherd.

In all human history, in all mankind’s profound writings and searching for truth, there has never been a collection of words more dear to generations of believers than the 23rd Psalm. To memorize the lines is even a right of passage in many faiths. In it, the psalmist writes with authority and love about his relationship with God. There was no more tender and deeply felt presence in King David’s life than this. These are the life blessings that are a gift from God as a result of a daily, sacrificial, faithful walk with Him. What a peaceful mind it is, lying in a green pasture beside quiet waters and refreshed. We are guided and protected from the Evil One. All of our needs are met in God’s providence. His covenant promises of goodness, love, and faithfulness forever are a comfort in these uncertain times.

Our OT reading today in Deuteronomy is as succinct a statement as it gets. God defines the Law for the Jews and His requirements of obedience to the decrees, commands, and laws. He also clarified that the Jews were His treasured possession, and He would lift them to praise, fame, and honor above all the nations. We see a lot of focus today on the State of Israel, don’t we? It must be a coincidence…

Beloved, we are going to have tribulation. We will need access to some of that Deep Peace of Psalm 23. Paul is writing in 2 Corinthians to get some relationships back on track and some that require a call to repentance. He ends this chapter with a gentle reminder to seek justice with and for each other. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ as we labor for the Kingdom together. Shalom.

- Matt Harry, Ministering Elder.