How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘reading’

134) Distress and Deliverance

Day 134 reading: Psalms, chapters 32, 51, 86 & 122prayer

Psalms 32~A prayer during distress

Don’t we all know just what David is saying here? Can’t we all recall times when we have sinned and it was actually a painful thing to even think about in our own minds, let alone think of confessing our sin to anyone, even God? David says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” (32:3, NIV)

But the relief that comes not only from confessing our sins but also the knowledge that we are forgiven is such a weight lifted from our lives. Just knowing that He loves us and forgives us. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”–and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (32:5, NIV)

Psalms 51~A contrite sinner’s prayer for pardon

On the heels of stealing another man’s wife and sentencing him to certain death in battle, don’t you just know David was feeling every word of the agony as he cried out to the Lord, Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. (51:1, Amplified) Don’t we all wish to be wholly pure from sin? (51:2, Amplified) 

I used to pray that God not allow my head to turn to the right or to the left, but remain focused on the path He has set before me that leads me straight to Him. I have begun, recently, to add to that. I pray, my friends, that He also makes every word that comes out of my mouth, every thought formed in my head, and every action I make be only from Him. I surrender all control over my mind, body and spirit. I don’t mind being a puppet of the perfect puppeteer! I want Him to lead, guide and direct every aspect of my life so that every aspect of my life can serve Him and not my fleshly desires. If left to my own leanings, only He knows how truly far off course I could get…and easily.

David absolutely knew his first-hand as he penned, Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (51:6, Amplified)

Psalms 86~Prayer for deliverance

I think as I read this scripture of the many paths I have taken which have lead to a very jagged road to where I now stand. The path to enlightenment. The path to self-destruction. The path to nameless, faceless, tormented hours. All of these paths we tend to take when we are seeking satisfaction by purely human terms. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord. (86:8, NIV) Why is it so often that we take the wrong paths, KNOWING they are the wrong paths? Why do we turn in rebellion from what we know to be right just to be able to say “I did it my way”…even though we later admit that “my way” didn’t really work out.

My passion is for those of us who know the way, maybe we were raised in the way or maybe we just know deep down in our hearts that what we have been seeking isn’t sustainable. We know there is only one truly sustainable resource: God, with a capital G! Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (86:11, NIV)

Psalms 122~The peace of Jerusalem, a song of ascents

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
“May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 135 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-15

Dear Lord, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips: and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. (51:10-15, KJV)

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Forgiveness, Prayer, Psalms, Rules worth LIVING by

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132) Let the Sounds of Our Praises be Heard!

I don’t know about you, but I am really enjoying reading through the Bible chronologically, so that all of these Psalms and historical accounts are put into context. This is where reading through the Bible straight through from Genesis to Revelation has always lost me.

Day 132 reading: Psalms, chapters 65-67 and 69-70

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalms 65:8, NASB)

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalms 65:8, NASB)

When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. (65:3, NIV)

You answered us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior. (65:5, NIV)

Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf. (66:5, NIV)

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. (66:8-9, NIV)

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. (69:30-31, NIV)

For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners. (69:33, NASB)

O God, hasten to deliver me; O Lord, hasten to my help! (70:1, NASB)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 133 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 11-12; 1 Chronicles, chapter 20

Dear Lord, If I regard iniquity in my heart, I know you will not hear me, but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. (from Psalms 66:18-20, KJV) Amen.

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God

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131) We’re in this for the long haul!

David dancing worshipDay 131 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 10; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalm 20

Today, my friends is a joyous day for all. We were given life eternal and today marks another day that we are able to live life and share His love with the world.

David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” (2 Sam. 10:2, 1 Chronicles 19:2, NIV)

We ought to show kindness to our brothers and sisters in Him, just as He has shown kindness to each of us. The kindness will not always be well-received, but you and I only have control over our outward expression of love, and no control over other’s response.

In the case of David and his armies, they lost a small battle in the initial humiliation of his men whom he had sent to offer condolences; but they certainly won the war. As Joab said, “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12, 1 Chronicles 19:13, NIV)

It’s not simply cliche to say that God helps us win the wars we fight every day, even if we must lose some smaller battles along the way. It is Truth. “Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) I believe that verse could be restated any number of ways to apply to each of our lives daily.

  • Some trust in guns and some trust in knives, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in their own human understanding and some trust in their pride, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in __________ and some trust in __________, bu we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (What does YOUR version of this statement say?)

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. (Psalms 20:6, NASB)

Have the faith and trust to serve Him and know that sometimes in our human eyes we lose some battles but through trusting Him and His guidance, we will each win the war! Amen!!!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 132 reading: Psalms, chapters 65-67, 69-70

Dear Lord, Please give us all the desires of our hearts and make all of Your plans succeed through us. (from Psalms 20:4, NIV) Thank you for Your blessings, Your mercy and Your ever-flowing love. Please protect and guide each of us as we go through our daily lives, serving You and doing all You have sent us to do. Amen.

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Eternity, Faith, Perseverance, Psalms, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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128) The Lord is the Fountain of Life

Day 128 reading: Psalms, chapters 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. (25:1-2, KJV)

When we give ourselves over to Him, He calls our names and we hear His voice stirring in our souls. He calls us when we aren’t listening, too, but it’s harder for us to decipher His voice from all the other noise in our heads when He is not foremost in our lives.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;200236712-001
The God of glory thunders,
The Lord is over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful,
The voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
Yes, the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everything says, “Glory!” (29:3-9, NASB)

His voice calls worlds into existence and calms individual fears. Call on Him and allow Him to work for evermore through you simply by the power of His voice.

FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD IS RIGHT; AND ALL HIS WORKS ARE DONE IN TRUTH. (33:4, KJV)

Through all interpretations and denominations and religions and sects, the bottom line is revealed in that single verse: His Words are Truth. This living book that we hold in our hands or study on our phones app is the living, breathing, true breath of God speaking to us from the pages.

His truth must become our personal truths, even with the human hurdles and mind games we play with ourselves every day. You and I must step out of our comfortable little shells and be everything God wants for our lives. Here I am, Lord, do with me what You choose!

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD, THE PEOPLE WHOM HE HAS CHOSEN FOR HIS OWN INHERITANCE.  (33:12, NASB)

David asks again and again throughout today’s scripture reading for the Lord to turn to him in blessing and away from his sinfulness. For with You is the fountain of Life; in Your light we see light. (36:9, NIV) We look and search for the fountain of youth in every bottle and procedure, yet it eludes us; but he Fountain of Life is an ever-flowing source of great love and care.

As we walk this path toward Him, we may waver on the road. But if we continue to follow His road signs, we will see how the evildoers lie fallen–thrown down, not able to arise! (36:12, NIV) 

Each man’s life is but a breath (39:5b, NIV), so go out and make the most of this life the Lord has given you. Use this life to bless Him.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 129 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 8-9; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalms, chapter 20

Dear Lord, Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. (25:7, KJV) Let your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You. (33:22, Amplified) Amen.

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Psalms, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Trust

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127) For God is with You

The Lord is with you. (2 Sam. 7:3, NIV)prayer

Day 127 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17

And He is with you and I every day, too. Isn’t the freedom that comes with knowing our Lord on a personal level amazing? I often feel sad for people who prescribe to religious notions that lock them into rules over faith and grace. Yes, He expects much from us, but the truth is that He gives much in return. When we give our lives over to Him, we hand Him the keys to our hearts and follow the path He lays before our feet. Then, just as the prophet Nathan said to David:

“Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” (1 Chronicles 17:2, NASB)

When He leads us, the notions of our hearts are all for Him and for His purpose. Together, let us follow our hearts directly to our Lord God Almighty!

In closing, I wanted to share this One Minute Sermon that I was led to and wanted to share with you friends. It’s one minute well spent! Praise God!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39

Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever. Amen. (from 2 Samuel 7: 18, 21-22, 28-29, NASB)

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1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Hope, Praise, Video Posts

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126) Living a Life of Great Thanksgiving

Day 126 reading: Psalms, chapters 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132

Friends, is it all right to admit that sometimes it’s a little difficult to focus, even on the daily, living, breathing Word of God? This evening I am distracted by sore throats and crying and up and down and bathroom breaks and excuse after excuse…and that’s just from one of our five children… Focus, Marilyn….think happy, calm thoughts…

Mt Magazine

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?

Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. (89:5-7, NIV)

I am so grateful to serve a loving, caring, just God. He is judge and jury, but He is fair, whether we like to accept it in our own human boundaries, or not. Righteous and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (89:14, NIV) I love this, though.

A little later in the reading, we are told that even when we mess up, even when we forsake His laws, even when we violate His decrees, even when we fail to keep His commandments, but I will not take my love from him (US!), nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. (89:33-34, NIV) He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations. (105, 8, NIV) 

Friends, it is refreshing to me that my God loves me as a father. He truly loves me like I love my own children. No matter how many times they mess up (or get out of bed long past bed time), I will punish but I will not remove my love from them and He will not ever stop loving you and I.

Isn’t it amazing how the scriptures open themselves up to us at exactly the time we need them most. My own heart is gushing with love after reading that, even sitting and stewing in my parenting frustrations (and still hearing the occasional scamper of tiny feet through the house).

He will judge the people with equity. (96:10, NASB)

TV mush brainI know I have expressed my complete dislike of televisions here before, but I have to get on that bandwagon–briefly–here again.

When I hear or read the word “idol” I don’t think of the music reality TV show, or golden calves, or money, or mansions on the hill; I think of the television first and foremost. It just may be the most distracting thing in my life and certainly the distraction that never adds but only takes. Sure, the occasional family movie is fun sitting around the living room, but that rarely happens at our house. I have a few television shows that I watch, but for the most part I have little use for the TV, and the shows I watch aren’t of any great importance to my quality of life, either. But in our house there are televisions in every room except the bathrooms and at least two are on at all waking hours. It drives me absolutely bonkers! It doesn’t bother my husband; he’s the one who turns them all on. And it’s not the TV’s fault or my husband’s fault, even, that I have such a grudge against television.

My BIG issue is that if it’s on and I’m in the room, I can’t keep from staring at it. I will stop dead in my tracks and stare at whatever is flashing up on the screen. Commercials. Sci Fi. News. Weather. Sports. I really don’t care, it’s not the show itself, it’s the IDOL. It angers me that I can’t ignore the television like my husband does. For him, it’s background noise (and I won’t go into the theories I have about people who can’t just be in silence…ever). For me, it’s like a magnet drawing my eyes in. So, I do my best to stay away from rooms where there is a television on, lest I become a human statue.

For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. (96:4-6, NASB)

As idiotic as my TV idol is, this is the effect idols have on us and it is up to you and I to keep ourselves from the temptation.

I will walk in my house with blameless heart; I will set before my eyes no vile thing. (101:2-3, NIV)

I do my best to stay out of rooms if there is a television on. What do we do to combat other idols in our lives? How do we quench the ever-growing thirst for more and more…money, possessions, idols?

Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. (96:9, NASB)

P.S. “holy attire” doesn’t give you permission to go out on an over-the-top shopping spree! :-)

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (100:4, KJV)

Praise Him! Be thankful and–dare I say–content with all that He has already blessed you and I with. Like a parent, He does not have to give us the things we want, He does so out of His love for us when our desires and His path merge. Just like those parents among us do for our children, there is method to His seeming madness, too. There is justice in His punishment. There is righteousness to be found in our obedience.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land. (101:8, NIV)

Isn’t that beautiful? What a wonderful verse and thought: not only should we start our morning with prayer and thanksgiving, but every morning we should put to silence all the wicked in the land.

Silence the gossip and terror and bad reports in our own heads and look at each day as a completely new day and a completely fresh start.

Ahhhh. I’m feeling more relaxed and more thankful already (even though there are STILL footsteps around the house…)!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 127 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Forgiveness, Praise, Psalms, Seeing God

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124) Ug–that dreaded “O” word

I don’t know about you, but for me today’s scripture passage was packed full and dense. There was so much to take in, but I’ll do my best at making sense of all my thoughts here.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16

Whew!

What stands out to me the most today can be summed up in one word: Obedience. Obedience isn’t a word we generally like much, but it’s critical to our successful walk with God. King David inquired of the Lord, then did as the Lord commanded him. (2 Sam. 5:19, 23, and 25; 1 Chron. 14:10, 14, and 16) Then, when there were failures, like when the Lord struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Lord, they realized they had not inquired of the Lord how to go about moving the ark in the prescribed way. (1 Chron. 15:13) When we inquire of Him to direct our paths, He responds with direction. When He responds with direction, the key is obvious but sometimes so difficult for our own wills to handle: Obedience.

David tells us through the Living Word:

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chron. 16:11, NASB)

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. (1 Chron. 16:23-25, NASB)

David dancing worship

Friends, I want to be brave enough and humble enough to dance and sing praises to our Lord with all of my might. No matter who is watching, and no matter how mankind might judge, because man does not determine my ultimate fate.

This is so easy to SAY and not always so easy to DO, but I firmly believe that our outward actions begin with the heart and He knows where each of our hearts are right now.

As our hearts are more and more filled with the conviction of the Spirit, even those of us who hide behind our written words will get up and get out, serving and dancing and singing praises. And I don’t care who’s watching!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture passage: Psalms, chapters 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Hope, Perseverance, Praise, Rules worth LIVING by, Service

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123) His Love Endures FOREVER

Day 123 reading: Psalms, chapters 106-107

His love endures forever! (106:1, NIV)

prayerRemember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. (106:4-5, NIV)

He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. (106:10-13, NIV)

They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. (106:28, NIV)

Nevertheless he looked upon their distress when He heard their cry; and He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness. He also made them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors. (106:44-46, NASB)

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (107:19-20, NIV)

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord. (107:43, NIV)

Friends, these are the words of our forefathers’ lives, but they are also our own personal stories. How often do we seem to be flying high with His Most High one day and crash land on a desert island the next? God didn’t promise that every day would be easy; that’s not what following Him is about. He didn’t say there wouldn’t be struggles. But He does assure us again and again through His Word remind us that He loves us beyond all measure and that the best way for you and I to show Him we love him back is to have faith in Him.

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 124 reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Quiet time, Seeing God, Trust

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121) He wants YOU!

Day 121 reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 and 1 Chronicles, chapters 11-12King David

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. (2 Samuel 5:4, NIV)

30 is a good age to get into one’s own, I think. Marriage. Parenthood. Leading. Kingship. Many of my favorite Bible teachers weren’t born and raised to be Bible teachers but came into ministry in their early thirties. I compare myself at 16 or 24 or 35 and think of the extreme maturity differences between the earlier and the latter. I have not studied it myself, but my Exercise Physiologist husband has talked many times about how the human brain isn’t even fully developed until the mid-20′s, which kind of makes me feel better as I was still making ridiculous judgement calls then and this is a great way to justify those in my now fully-formed brain. 30 is a good age to bore full-steam ahead toward the calling on your life.

David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him. (2 Samuel 5:10, NASB)

There’s another scripture that reads: If God is for us, who can be against us. When we align our hearts and our personal ministries with the Lord God of hosts, let’s face it friends, it’s a win-win situation.

David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him. (1 Chronicles 11:9, NASB)

Then, after devoting line after line of the Living Word of God to the armies and servants and leaders under King David, we read, “All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks.” (1 Chronicles 12:38, NIV) I see that and it hits me: God wants me to be a volunteer to serve in His army right here where I’m standing, beginning today, beginning now, and He wants me to bring as many with me as possible.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Can you imagine a life so filled with the Spirit of the Lord that it can best be described as becoming greater and greater again and again?

Day 122 reading: Psalm, chapter 133

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Service, Trust

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117) Seeing the Doors the Lord Opens and Closes

Day 117 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapter 6wpid-shot_1353622514363.jpg

Another list of lineage graces our reading today, but as tedious as these sorts of listing readings are for me to sift through, they also always hit home for me in some unexpected way.

Today, as I read of these clans and tribes and families, I think of all the opening and closing of doors the Lord is doing within my own large family. So many changes, all wonderful, all good, and mostly completely unplanned. My parents, husband, children and I are getting good practice at walking in faith and I am so thankful for God’s grace that allows us to do so.

Friends, I hope the living Word of God speaks to you every day, even during the seemingly mundane details of those like today’s passage. He included all for a specific reason and sometimes it’s just up to us to rely on Him to show us each individually why He chose that particular family or this piece of history to share.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 118 reading: Psalms, chapters 81, 88, 92-93

Category:

1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children, Faith

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115) Because the Battle was God’s

Day 115 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 3-5summer morning path

God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. (5:20, NIV)

Whether on a small or large scale, we wage wars daily. The Word gives up so many examples of calling out to Him and winning the battles of life. We have the greatest ally there is in Him and His army of angels fighting for us and protecting us every moment. That is nothing short of phenomenal.

On my personal walk with God, I am reminded daily that on my own I cannot live up to the standards I feel are worthy of our Lord, or our Savior’s sacrifice. I stumble–some days a little and some days a lot. Some days I stumble over my own self and pride that I fall flat on my face. In those days I am especially grateful that as much as the falls hurt, Jesus Christ bore all of the pain I should be feeling on Himself, because He knew I could not handle it all.

When I fall, I remember the battle was God’s (5:22, NIV) and that allows me to brush myself off and get back to my feet. I am not walking alone.

When we are truly humbled in the face of God, we cry out as Jabez did in his now infamous prayer that is still very much worth repeating daily:

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hands be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” AND GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST. (4:10, NIV)

Praise be to the Lord God Almighty.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 116 reading: Psalms, chapters 73, 77-78

Category:

1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Seeing God, Trust

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113) Family Lines & Biblical Times

Today’s scripture passage: 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2

 

…and more begats and chiefs and lists…

Morgans 14th Birthday 2013 (12) RFE

And this is where our Living Word becomes a little more difficult for me to relate. The fact of the matter is that in today’s culture, roots and lineage and family lines and history are no longer at the forefront. Today, it seems, “family” is more defined by friends and the closest of relatives and relationships rather than the generations that shared our bloodline. Personally, I don’t think I can name the history of my family in full beyond the preceding two generations. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my own parents, husband, and five children from day to day. I am ashamed of this fact as I read through my Bible in a Year–or 365 days, whichever the case may be–because the Lord obviously holds our lineage more highly than many of us do in present times. How do we keep the bloodline and the stories and the history of “our people” strong even through all of the dilutions of divorce and preoccupation? How do I ensure that my children know at least as much about my parents and grandparents as I know, while encouraging them to also learn what they can beyond what I can teach them?

My friends, as much as the family listings are difficult for me to read, this fact of my lack of knowledge is even more difficult. Is there anyone else who feels the same or similar? And, are there any others who have found that balance between the past and present? I love to hear from all!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 114 reading: Psalms, chapters 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

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1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children

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112) My Prayer through the Psalms

Day 112 reading: Psalms, chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, & 21

My prayer through David’s words:

BibleO Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor alive the heavens! (8:1, NASB) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is bad that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? (8:3-4, NASB) I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (9:1-2, KJV) I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (16:8, Amplified) Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (16:5, NIV) Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. (6:8-9, NIV) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (9:9, KJV) The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (19:7-8, NASB) O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear. (10:17, NASB) I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (16:7, NASB) Will evildoers never learn–those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. (14:4-5, NIV) For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (9:10, NASB) Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (19:12-13, NIV) Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I put my trust. (16:1, KJV) For I trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High I will not be shaken. (21:7, NIV) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (19:14, KJV) AMEN!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 113 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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111) God’s Anointed

Today’s scripture passage: 2 Samuel, chapters 1-4dont give up

I have read and reread this passage several days in a row. I am having trouble wrapping my head around David’s killing people who killed those who were against David.

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” (1:15-16, NIV)

Then the king said to his men, “Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” (3:38-39, NIV)

David answered Recab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble, when a man told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more–when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed–should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!” (4:9-11, NIV)

Really, friends, I have struggled here. It’s been a sticking point for me and I didn’t need any help slowing my progress through this Bible journey. These men David had killed were doing what they felt was right in his sight.  They thought they were doing right by David, their king, God’s anointed.

But it’s really had me thinking about how we treat each other in our everyday lives. Remembering that the Presence of the Lord is in every single person we meet on the streets, shouldn’t that effect our behavior and our treatment of those around us more than it does?

My friends, I am thankful for you and that you’ve hung in here with me through this time of being incommunicado.  The Lord is working with and through each of us for a very personal mission in His holy name, and sometimes it is difficult to put aside our human ambitions and distractions to follow the path He leads us on. But take up your shield of faith and follow, not turning to the right or to the left. Our eternity is so worth the fight.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 112 reading: Psalms, chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, & 21

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2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Perseverance, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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107) We are each under His care and guidance–Glory!

Day 108 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 25-27

Don’t you just love the study of David? It’s awesome reading of the Lord’s works through this man.

Do you ever feel like you’re so surrounded by bad that you truly need a miracle for the good to shine through? Oh yeah, we’ve all been there at some point; maybe some are there now and today’s passage is just what you needed to read to help you out of that rut.

Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him. (25:17, NIV)

It stinks to feel as David did, like you are being paid back evil for good. (25:21, NIV)

I love how David first takes the fully human approach of taking up his swords and troops and heading toward battle, but then is stopped dead in his tracks by the Lord’s control over the situation. God worked through Abigail to keep David from sinning and taking matters into his own human hands.

When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” (25:39, NIV)

As a woman, I also have to giggle that the wife was the rational, faithful servant in this scenario, and David tells her, “May you be blessed for your good judgement” and then soon blesses her with a marriage proposal (25:33, NIV)

BibleNow, we move on to more of the ongoing struggle between David and King Saul, and it strikes me that the Bible really is better than the finest piece of English literature or the most highly acclaimed Hollywood blockbuster. Again, David has ample opportunity to end Saul and again he spares him.

But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.” (26:9-11, NIV)

David never forgot that Saul was appointed king by a higher power. But he still did a little something to point out to Saul what he could have done. I would have been interested to see the king’s face when he awoke the next morning and noticed what was missing.

The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. (26:23, NIV)

I feel so blessed to be a child of God; to be under His care and guidance.

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 108 reading: Psalms, chapters 17, 35, 54, & 63

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1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Perseverance, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Trust

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105) The Eye of God is Upon Us

Day 105 reading: Psalms, chapters 7, 27, 31, 34, & 52

PSALMS 7–Quite honestly, this song is scary enough that I’m even hesitant in my reading. David is brutally honest and laying it all on the line and that can be terrifying.

O Lord my God, in You I take refuge and put my trust; save me from all those who pursue and persecute me, and deliver me,
Lest my foe tear my life [from my body] like a lion, dragging me away while there is none to deliver.
O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands,
If I have paid back with evil him who was at peace with me or without cause have robbed him who was my enemy,
Let the enemy pursue my life and take it; yes, let him trample my life to the ground and lay my honor in the dust. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (7:1-5, Amplified)

He is essentially saying to God, ‘Lord, if I have ever done wrong against another, strike me down here and now; repay me for all that I have sinned.’

Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. (7:8, NASB)

I think of all the sins I have committed that I am aware of, much less all those I don’t even realize and it’s terrifying to invite the Lord in for examination. He knows it all anyway, but as humans the difficulties come with actually facing it and laying our humility on the line.

If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword (7:12, NASB)

He has dug a pit and hollowed it out, And has fallen into the hole which he has made. (7:15, NASB)

PSALMS 27–I believe this psalm should be read daily. Period. It is gorgeous as a prayer, as a meditative time, as a gentle tap on the shoulder, or as a swift kick to the rumpus. It’s an amazing passage. Of the four versions I have at my fingertips, here is my favorite version. And, although I know you have already read it in your own bible, I believe it is well worth the reread. Enjoy (again):

eye of GodThe Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hid me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea. I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Here, O Lord, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thee face, Lord, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger; thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LOrd, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies; for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalms 27, KJV)

PSALMS 31–Friends, I have been struggling lately, not with my faith, but with my humanity and the world around me. I have been feeling overwhelmed at times, but still have endured absolutely nothing in comparison to David while Saul was pursuing him with every army of warriors he could muster up. We only think we have trouble! But because of my own personal struggles, this particular psalm really struck me at the heart.

Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. (31:4, NIV)

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. (31:9, NIV)

But I trust in you, O Lord. (31:14, NIV)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (31:24, NIV)

I have a lot to learn about strength and faith from David. I feel blessed to even be studying him right now, as my own struggles threaten my walls.

PSALMS 34–And on the heels of that…

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (34:1, NASB)

I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. (34:4, NASB)

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (34:17-18, NASB)

My friends, as we draw closer to Him, we open the door which allows Him to draw closer to us. He is where our protection lies and without His guidance and love we are nothing. That alone is enough to bring a great big smile on my heart.

PSALMS 52–Ahh, the response to Doeg the Edomite tattle telling to Saul as to David’s whereabouts. I only wish I could be this eloquent in my insults or this well versed when going against the enemies in my life. I can absolutely see and understand why so much of the Bible is devoted to telling about David’s life, and why so many Bible studies have been written about him; he is an inspiration to us all, that even in his human errors he truly was a man with a heart for God.

Friends, may people say the same of each of us long after we are gone. Like that Amy Grant song, My Father’s Eyes, may those around us see Him reflected when they look at us.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 106 reading: Psalms, chapters 56, 120, & 140-142

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God

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104) Our Own Holy Path

Day 104 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 21-24

“The men’s things are holy even on missions that are not holy.” (21:5, NIV)

Wouldn’t it be awesome to know that what you are doing is holy even in the midst of the unholy. The footnote on my bible says that another word for things is bodies. Don’t you love that?

“The men’s bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy.”

David and his men were on a holy path and the Lord had them protected. We are protected, as well, my friends. David acted wisely in all his ways and succeeded, and the Lord was with him. (18:14, Amplified) He is with us, as well. The Living Presence of the Lord is with you and I every step of our journey and we are so blessed to have such a Protector who loves and cherishes us more than we can even begin to fathom.

Then Saul, who was placed in his kingship by the Lord our God (per the people’s request), has prophesied and seen great works of the Lord with his own eyes, acts against the Lord in a passage that absolutely put a knot in my stomach.

Then the king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.”

But the king’s officials were not willing to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord.

The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. (22:17-18, NIV)

How heartbreaking it is when sinful pride gets in the way of what could be a great and wonderful journey with the Lord. Saul consulted only his own human desires for direction, but David consulted the Lord.

When David was told, Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” (23:1-2, NIV)

Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. (23:14, NIV)

The last passage of today’s scripture reading is so powerful that I am going to close this post with it, as well. May we all have the God-given self-control to stand upright even in the midst of evil.

The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men. “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

“Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name form my father’s family.”

So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the strongholds. (24:4-22, NIV)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 105 reading: Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, & 52

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1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Perseverance, Prayer, Rules worth LIVING by, Trust

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98) Seeing Our Own Stories Within the Word

Today, we begin the first book of the kings, 1 Samuel, chapters 1-3

Morgan, age 1

Morgan, age 1

When I read the story of Samuel as a young boy, I picture in my mind’s eye my own son, Morgan. He has always had such a caring nature and had a depth about him. I know you parents out there can relate to seeing the best qualities and brightest future in your own children. My husband and I have five incredible children, but Morgan is my Samuel.

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” (1:27-28, NIV)

Then Hannah prayed and said,

Morgan, age 10

Morgan, age 10

“My heart exults in the Lord;
My horn is exalted in the Lord,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
There is no one holy like the Lord,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.
The Lord kill s and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the world on them.
He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”
(2:1-10, NASB)
Morgan, age 14

Morgan, age 14

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. (3:1-4, NIV)

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.” (3:11, NIV)

My friends, not only do I admire the faith of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, in our history, but I admire Samuel’s own faithfulness. He was born to do great things for the Lord. Each of us were. We serve an incredibly big God, one who is able to do all things Himself, but chooses to do them through His people. My prayer for each of us is to give Him full access to every aspect of our little lives, so that through us all, He can make a big difference. He is able!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 99 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 4-8

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1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Seeing God

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97) He Reigns!

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16, NASB)

Day 97 reading: the book of Ruth

“Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, is anything but death parts you and me.” (1:17, NASB)

As I have been studying the story of Ruth, this time with fresh eyes and a renewed spirit, I have found the relationship between Naomi and Ruth to epitomize this kind of soul-knitting relationship, similar to David and Jonathan whom we will soon be studying. How glorious that we have examples of all the ways we should live our lives here in the inspired Word of the Lord.

A song has been on my heart and I wanted to share it with each of you today. It may be as familiar to you. In my heart, I can easily picture Naomi and Ruth singing this song out to the Lord, with hands clasped and arms raised in praise to Him! Enjoy:

GOD YOU REIGNbeing strong
By: Lincoln Brewster

You paint the night,
You count the stars
And You call them by name
The skies proclaim,
God, You reign

Your glory shines,
You teach the sun
When to bring a new day Creation sings,
God, You reign

God, You reign,
God, You reign
Forever and ever,
God, You reign

You part the seas,
You move the mountains
With the words that You say
My song remains,
God, You reign

You hold my life,
You know my heart
And You call me by name
I live to say,
God, You reign

God, You reign,
God, You reign
Forever and ever,
God, You reign

God, You reign,
God, You reign
I know You reign
Forever and ever,
God, You reign

God, You reign,
God, You reign
You reign over me
Forever and ever,
God, You reign

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 98 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 1-3

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Perseverance, Ruth, Trust

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94) Ohhhh, Samson!

SamsonI have to share yet another funny story on our dear youngest daughter. This is just for the “kids say the darndest things” category, but it actually does apply to today’s scripture reading. Charlotte has a bible of her own and she loves to read it daily. When she saw the picture of Samson in her bible, she said it was her Daddy. Of course, all kids think their dads are the strongest men on the planet, but this was especially cute to me because the running joke in our family is that my husband, Steve, can lift anything, so I guess Charlotte was pretty clever in seeing a drawing of Samson and seeing her Dad in the muscle!

Day 94 reading: Judges, chapters 13-15

Can you imagine what it would be like to be visited by an angel of the Lord, or to be one of the chosen few to have an encounter directly with the Lord? It happens so much throughout the Bible that I have to actually remind myself that the time-span of the chosen pieces of our heritage were inspired to share for a particular reason, but not to give the impression that angelic encounters were necessarily daily activities in biblical times.

There do seem to be an inordinate number of angelic appearances to women which are regarding the bearing, upbringing, and naming of chosen children of the Lord. We have already studied a few, and are sure to study more as we continue our chronological scripture reading. It’s interesting to me, as a mother, that the Lord oftentimes worked through the matriarch of the family to ensure the proper steps to be taken for the preparation of a mighty leader or warrior of the Lord. I particularly enjoy that Samson’s father prays for the angel to appear a second time so that he and Samson’s mother can be instructed on how to raise the child, and I believe he gets a little different answer than the one he was fishing for when the angel replies, “Your wife must do all that I have told her.” (13:13, NIV)

And again in Samson’s life, we see the filling Presence of the Lord that we discussed in part on Day 93.

The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. (13:24, NIV)

The Lord is stirring is us every day, also. But truly, friends, it is only when we allow Him to be ruler of our lives that we are the most open to identifying His stirring Presence as the leading Spirit that it is. Otherwise, either in our misunderstanding or outright disobedience, we may mistake or ignore the Lord’s calling on our lives. We cannot allow that. After all, “The devil is in the distractions.” When we ignore the stirring call of the Lord in our lives, we are really just distracting ourselves with other junk in an attempt to fill the gaps that only He can fill.

Steve deadliftingAnd the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion as he would have torn a kid, and he had nothing in his hand.” (14:6, Amplified)

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and slew thirty men of them and took their apparel [as spoil], and gave the changes of garments to those who explained the riddle. (14:19, Amplified)

And when he came to Lehi, the philistines scame shouting to meet him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon [Samson], and the ropes on his arms became as flax that had caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands. (15:14, Amplified)

And God split open the hollow place that was at Lehi, and water came out of it. And when he drank it, his spirit returned and he revived. (15:19, Amplified)

God is able, my friends! He is able to send us into battle armed with seemingly nothing to our human eyes, but with the armor of God, all things are possible.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 95 reading: Judges, chapters 16-18

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Health & Well Being, Judges, Perseverance, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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