June 18

NT -- Acts 12:1-23
Herod did indeed die of some terrible gastric issue according to Josephus. Parasitic worms exist in rivers and streams. Some are quite virulent. Click here for a great article regarding worms including some awesome pictures. Never let it be said that I was not interested in ooky things....
If I were God and there were folks that *I* didn't like, well, I surely would put some of my more, shall we say, distasteful creations to work for me.

But the real info in this story is the introduction of John, also called Mark. We will see the development of this young man who probably compiled the Gospel of Mark if he didn't actually write it.

OT -- 1st Kings 19:1-21
There are many myths and legends about Elijah in the Midrash. He is an extremely important teacher in the Jewish religion and figures greatly in the every day and every week lives of current practisioners of Judaism.
Click here for some examples.

Psalm 136
Our call and response that we do as Prayers of Confessions, opening verses of scriptures, even our Peace Passing, can be traced to this psalm. When you are reading it, please read it aloud. If you have an available partner, have them read one and you read the response. And I would love it if you would amend the response to "His Love for ME endures forever."

Have a blessed week and STAY IN THE WORD.