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August 20, 2021

Abiding in God

James Z. Labala   |   Read Psalm 84:1-12

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Lectionary Week
August 16–22, 2021
Scripture Overview

God had prevented David from building a temple in Jerusalem but then permitted David’s son Solomon to build it. In First Kings, Solomon places the ark of the covenant in the holiest place, and God’s presence descends. The psalmist rejoices in the Temple and would rather be in its courts than anywhere else because that is where God dwells. The New Testament readings remind us that the people of God have always met with resistance. The author of Ephesians compares living the Christian life to going into battle, so we must be prepared. Jesus also meets with resistance in John. His teachings are too hard for many to accept, so they abandon him. When we face resistance, therefore, we should not be surprised; but we are also not alone.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 1 Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43. How does your faith inform the hospitality you show to friends? To strangers?
Read Psalm 84. How do you find joy in the Lord? Recall a recent time when you felt a deep sense of this joy.
Read Ephesians 6:10-20. How do truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s word help you live boldly as an ambassador of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Read John 6:56-69. How do you respond to Jesus’ question: “Does this offend you?” This teaching was hard for his disciples. Where do you struggle with it?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 84:1-12

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of heavenly forces! 2 My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! 3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there; the swallow has found herself a nest where she can lay her young beside your altars, LORD of heavenly forces, my king, my God! 4 Those who live in your house are truly happy; they praise you constantly. Selah 5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy; pilgrimage is in their hearts. 6 As they pass through the Baca Valley, they make it a spring of water. Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength, until they see the supreme God in Zion. 8 LORD God of heavenly forces, hear my prayer; listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah 9 Look at our shield, God; pay close attention to the face of your anointed one! 10 Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked! 11 The LORD is a sun and shield; God is favor and glory. The LORD gives—doesn’t withhold!—good things to those who walk with integrity. 12 LORD of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Longing for God

The fact that all humans were created by God suggests that we all have an emptiness within us that can only be filled by God. Some of us, like the psalmist, have recognized our need for God. Though we live in our earthly home, we are convinced...

Give me a daily desire for you, O my God. Amen.


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