Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 1-2
NT: Jude
W&W: Song of Solomon 6

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 3-4
NT: Revelation 1
W&W: Song of Solomon 7

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 1-2
NT: Revelation 2
W&W: Song of Solomon 8

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 3-4
NT: Revelation 3
W&W: Psalm 143

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 5-6
NT: Revelation 4
W&W: Psalm 144

Today’s Reflection:

The story of Jonah is a classic story in the Old Testament. You remember it don’t you? Jonah got swallowed up by a big fish when he was trying to get away from God. The fish spit him up on shore, but not until Jonah prayed this prayer: “With a song of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jonah 2.9)

Several minutes ago I spoke with a friend who underwent surgery two weeks ago. After the surgery I had visited him at home and he was getting along great. But in the ensuing days, he suffered quite a bit of post-surgical pain and complications. He told me, "I cried out to the Lord in those days, and he was certainly there with me." Even in suffering and pain, my friend found the presence of the Lord reassuring.

Whether it's Jonah in the belly of a fish, my friend in the grip of post-surgical pain, or you in the midst of trials, we have so much to be thankful for.

I trust that you, dear reader, are singing a song of thanksgiving today. I hope that your thanksgiving hasn’t already faded away. Even in trying circumstances – even from the belly of a fish – we can find something for which we can be grateful: salvation comes from the LORD. I challenge you to read that, not as a declaration of the origin of salvation (although it is certainly that), but read it as an affirmation of certainty that your salvation is indeed coming from God! Even now!

I missed last week, but below are the daily readings for those wanting to catch up!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 3
NT: 1 John 3
W&W: Song of Solomon 1

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 4-5
NT: 1 John 4
W&W: Song of Solomon 2

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 6-7
NT: 1 John 5
W&W: Song of Solomon 3

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 8-9
NT: 2 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 4

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Obadiah 1
NT: 3 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 5