August 6, 2020

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Resources can help the Bible come alive.  Developing the discipline of reading scripture every day can enrich your life and inform your faith.  Praying that God will open up the scripture to you is the first step.  Sometimes insight comes after a quick read of the text.  Other times it helps the read the verses slowly several times, allowing the scripture to say what it needs to say.  Reading from several translations can illuminate the word.  Some Bibles contain commentaries that are intended to provide context for the scripture and cross-references to explore how some stories originate.  A concordance can help trace a particular word, phrase, or concept through the whole Bible.  

As we look at the Book of Acts today, we find Paul traveling.  Paul and Silas meet Timothy in Beroea, and then Paul is shipped off to Athens.  Paul's missionary work can make more sense when following his travels on a map.  Does your Bible have maps located at the end?  Keep this site handy and go back to it whenever we come to a story of Paul's travels.  It can help to put the work of Paul in context and will provide details of his work on the road.  You might also come away with a deeper appreciation for Paul's extraordinary work to share the Gospel with as many people as he could.  

As you look at the map of Paul's work through the Greco-Roman world, think about the places you have traveled. Where along the way have you had an opportunity to talk with someone about Christ?  Where were you when God spoke to you?  Find a map and plot your journey on behalf of Jesus Christ. 

Peace,
Dean