Psalms 117, 119, 125

My husband and I are different when it comes to engaging in story. Whether a book or a film/series, he’s generally content to consume it once and move on. I tend to want to watch/read something repeatedly. Reading takes a bit more of a commitment, but I’ll definitely watch a movie or series multiple times (as in way more than twice). I develop a deeper appreciation of character, nuance, cinematography, and use of music through each pass.

I really slowed down to read Psalm 119. Sometimes the length and repetition of theme prompts me to want to skim it. But maybe there’s really something in its length and repetition of theme. Today, I notice reverence, adoration, and a deep desire for God’s word–and somehow this seemed like a satisfying end and ground for a new beginning.

²⁵ I lie in the dust;
    revive me by your word.
²⁶ I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ I weep with sorrow;
    encourage me by your word.
²⁹ Keep me from lying to myself;
    give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
³⁰ I have chosen to be faithful;
    I have determined to live by your regulations.
³¹ I cling to your laws.
    Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
³² I will pursue your commands,
    for you expand my understanding.

Psalm 119:25-32, NLT, emphasis added

Lord, I am so grateful for your word in my hands and in my heart.

I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11, NLT

The Bible is a book I return to again and again–always something new for me to learn, always stories of people who become more and more alive to me each time I revisit. And always the repetition I need of who God is.

⁸⁹ Your eternal word, O Lord,
    stands firm in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
    as enduring as the earth you created.
⁹¹ Your regulations remain true to this day,
    for everything serves your plans.

Psalm 119:89-91, NLT

Amen.

See you next year!

Courtney (66books365)

Numbers 15-18; Acts 18; Psalm 90

I love the laws recorded in Numbers – they reflect the seriousness of God’s expectations in my life. The idea of obeying has never left the ways of following God – nothing is left to personal discretion. The work of obedience is a difficult and a careful one in my life. God has a reason for His call in my life even when I cannot see it. In some ways this screams faith to me.  I do know that God has higher aims for me, more than I can appreciate, and He does know what it will take for me to achieve them. I see His challenges as an opportunity to build strength and capacity so that I can succeed. At the end of the day I want to be holy.

So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.  I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God.” – Numbers 15:40-41  ESV

When I read how Paul taught the church in Corinth how to be holy, he provided the concept that God designs us to follow Him. I have seen these in my own life. When God designed me He changed me, He put people in my life so that they could be changed and I could be changed even more, and most importantly, for me in the now, I believe He is designing me for what I cannot yet see.

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” – Acts 18:9-10  ESV

For that reason I love the prayer that Moses prayed in Psalm 90, and especially this verse —

So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12  ESV

I really do want to be taught by God. I want to have a heart of wisdom. This verse reminds me of something Jesus said He would do. He promised me the Holy Spirit who would teach me all things.

Father, thank You for today. I am challenged so much to be what You want me to be. You ask me to be holy, I cannot do this without You. Make me into Your image, to love You, to obey You, to follow You. When life gives me opportunity to come to You as my Father with my needs, disappointments, struggles and failures, may I remember that Jesus has offered to walk with me and that I will accept His yoke so that I may place these burdens of mine on Him. I know He cares for me. I will glorify You always and am so thankful that in You I have my hope.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

 

Thank you!

Thank you for reading through the Bible with us in 2015!

You know what? We’re doing it again in 2016, starting tomorrow.

Read the Bible with a 5-day approach. Join us here Monday through Friday with a Bible reading plan that gives you weekends to catch up and a chronological influence.

Whether you’ve read the Bible before or this is your first time through it, God will meet you where you are.

Join us?

Happy New Year from all of us here at 66 Books in a Year.