Readings up until August 2nd (through Jeremiah)

As we read through Scripture, we observed the following as a staff:

• Different sections of Scripture have slightly different information, and then also different perspectives (Chronicles, Kings, Jeremiah, etc.). One sees the situation from an historical perspective, another interprets God's intense feelings on the matter, etc. 
• Josiah...what happened? He started out well, but then it seemed maybe he became overconfident in himself and his judgement. He died, and his sons make terrible decisions. It's a good lesson for us. We have to stay focused. We have to stay in prayer and God's Word. Otherwise, Satan is crouching, ready to attack and deceive. Our only defense is God Himself, not our past experience with Him per say. We need Him presently, at all times.
• It is exhausting to read Scripture at times, especially with the rough political history preceding the exile and then the harsh language of the prophets to the Israelites. Makes you want to say, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"...which was EXACTLY the point. The light of Jesus' birth will pierce the darkness for the exiled Jews, and ultimately for all nations and people. It is the least we can do to discover the joy, by reading this sobering and thought provoking section of Scripture. 
• Jeremiah and his scroll is a great lesson about just simply doing the work God calls you to do, leaving the results to Him. Sometimes we want to ensure longevity in the work we do. We must have confidence that the work we put into God's hands will last forever, regardless of what we perceive in this world. Only God's word will last forever...we are simply conduits.