Today's Reading July 16

No matter what the day may bring, God is good and I praise His name forever. His presence and His love and mercy are all that have brought me through some very difficult times and for that alone He deserves praise and thanks.
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This morning's reading from the Old Testament continues with Psalms 19, 20, and 21.
When I was a young man, up in rural northeast Ohio, the 19th Psalm was one that I chose to memorize - something strongly encouraged in that tradition. I've been grateful for that, because this is one of those passages that have helped me. Perhaps it, or one like it, is an encouragement to you as well. These Psalms are often intensely personal: they were personal to the writer and some of us hold on to one or more of them as personal to our life. This is one of them for me.

Chapter 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Rom 10:18
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

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The day's New Testament passage is Acts, chapter 19, verses 21 through 41.
Paul and his companions have been in Ephesus preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. And he encounters opposition. We get upset when that happens, but in fact it is part of a very old tradition. If the world crucified Jesus, what makes us to think His followers will be received any better? Indeed, it is a testimony to God's provision that such is not more frequent and more violent. Then, as now, the Gospel turns the town upside down.