Final Reflections
Soul care through studying
Summer isn’t often associated with studying, but it can be an ideal time to dive into God’s Word. Just keep in mind: Studying the Bible involves more than merely reading the words. The process begins with a humble spirit to not only gain information but to let Scripture transform you.
I’ve heard about various practices for Bible study. Some people set aside a special place, with multiple concordances and commentaries at their fingertips. I thrive on a bit more variety. Comparing a couple of Bible translations and paraphrases proves helpful for my studies.
Renovaré, Richard Foster’s institute that aims to help people become more like Jesus, advises: “It is vital to study not only books but also those things around us such as nature, relationships, events and cultural values.” What are the most meaningful ways for you to study God’s Word? —Janna Firestone
Dual citizenship
For Christianity and democracy to work, both need responsible citizens. Consider what happens to a republic when its citizens won’t run for public office, won’t vote, won’t work for the common good, duck paying taxes and mistreat others. Now consider what happens when Christians won’t volunteer at the church, won’t give, won’t practice their faith, won’t love their neighbors. Both our country and our faith need sincere practitioners. Nationally, we need a citizenry comrmitted to making the ideals of liberty the practices of life in America. Christianity needs followers of Jesus committed to making the ideals of God’s kingdom the practices of daily life.
This is not an either-or situation. Christians everywhere are citizens of two countries, one on earth and one in eternity. The kingdom of God is not yet fully come, but it’s already in effect. Our two citizenships can neither be fully united nor fully separated. We cannot withdraw from the world and pretend we are somehow dwelling only in the kingdom of God now; nor can we simp- ly embrace the world and assume earthly governments fulfill God’s will. Those are extremes, and they are unbiblical.
—from a sermon by Stan Purdum
A prayer for strength
God of inexhaustible strength and limitless energy, our refuge, strength and very present help in trouble: When even youth faint in weariness and the young fall exhausted, help us wait patiently for you to come to renew our strength, so that we will mount up with wings to soar like eagles, riding on the undercurrents of the wind of your Spirit.
You who need no slumber nor sleep, by your Holy Spirit’s power keep us from all evil, safe in Jesus’ nail-scarred hands. Help us never weary as we run after you and never faint as we walk in Christ’s footsteps, now and forevermore. Amen.