Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, a day marked by some denominations for centuries as the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for Easter. I have not traditionally observed this season because I was raised that only “those other denominations do that” (i.e. Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc.) But I have grown to understand that some of the other traditions can be valuable as they are informed by Scripture and kept Christ-centered.
You can read more about my thoughts on this on my personal blog, but I just wanted to encourage you to go beyond the basic disciplines of Scripture and Bible reading and discover the value in fasting, confession and repentance, simplicity, solitude and the like. Richard Foster’s excellent book Celebration of Discipline gives some helpful instruction on exercising these disciplines.
I am seeking, in this season, to glorify God, and to be renewed in the process. Great is the Lord and worthy to be praised!
Last night I read Psalms 4, 48, 103 & 104. It was by God’s grace, because on Friday night I came down with one of those head colds which makes me want to do nothing but recline and sleep.
This morning I read Psalms 1, 84, 105 & 148. I still love Psalm 1. Committed it to memory over 5 years ago and have reviewed it ever since. I had “sort of” memorized it before that, but on a trip to the Boundary Waters, I vividly remember lying on a big rock by the lake one evening and getting it down. Whenever I repeat it, I remember that place. It is such an amazing song.
This morning I read Chapter 1 of Numbers and the first two chapters of Proverbs. I am amazed at Proverbs…..I’ve done a little reading in there from time to time but have never actually sat down with the intention of working my way through it from the beginning. There are so many unbelievable “pearls of wisdom” in there that it’s a lot to soak in. See you all at church today (hopefully)!!!!
This morning 5:00 a.m. I read the book of Ruth. Hopefully, since January is done with, I can get my life back in order and my Bible reading back on track. I am so appreciative of all of you.
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I finished the book of Leviticus this weekend, and am now into the book of Numbers.
We have been studying in Luke in our Sunday School class and in Church, so I have decided to reread Luke in its entirety instead of just skipping around. This morning I read Luke 1 and 2.
This morning I read Numbers 2 & 3 and 2 more chapters of Proverbs.
I read Psalms 38, 56 & 106 tonight. I am convicted by the openness of the psalmists to confess and repent of sin. My self-examination in this regard is not as intense as it should be. This is not a call to be consistently beaten down about our sin, but to recognize the darkness of the heart and be accountable to God for it.
This discipline is most helpful when I get very specific about my sin. Then I am forced to confront it, and take intentional steps to fight it by the power of God’s Spirit in me.
This morning I read Numbers 4 & 5 and also Proverbs 5 & 6.
Yesterday morning I read Psalms 5, 107 & 110. This morning I read Psalms 8, 30, 49 & 108. Through the poetry it is clear that a line is drawn between the “righteous” and the “wicked.” Though not evangelistic per se, the psalmists definitely proclaim the importance of coming submissively to God. And the poetic language paints the beautiful picture of reliance on the power, strength and wisdom of God.
This morning I read Numbers 6 and then Proverbs 7-10. There are so many things in Proverbs that I need to hear and take to heart. I particularly like chapter 8 of Proverbs “Wisdom’s Call”. I have prayed so many times for wisdom (along with many other things) and I know one day it will come. In James 5 it tells us that if we ask for wisdom and trust God to give it to us…… we will receive it. I trust God to give me wisdom some day because He has promised it. I also really like Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” This is so true. Love accepts and forgives, even when it’s difficult. A loving heart sees through all the yuck on the outside and understands and accepts what’s on the inside in the person’s heart. This reminds me of what we studied last night at Foundations from Isaiah 11:3 about one of the many amazing qualities of Christ……”He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears”. It is much easier for me to understand, accept and forgive when it is someone I know (and love), than when it is not. As His children, I think we are called to be able to apply that principle to everyone (within reason) and that is really difficult at times.
This morning I read Numbers 7 & 8 and Chapter 11 of Proverbs.
Seems like I play catch up every other day here. Anyway, yesterday I read Psalms 9, 54 & 109. And this morning I read Psalms 7, 10, 60, 143.
I never realized how many of the Psalms implore God to defeat the enemy of the writer. So much of the prayers are for justice to be accomplished. But one of the Psalms I read today was particularly insightful.
Not only does the writer (David) seek justice to be executed against his enemy, but in regard to himself too. Justice, to be justice, must be brought to ALL. It is easy to think sometimes that the psalm writers are merely asking God to be good to them and that they are above reproach. David shows that his desire is for ALL people to be right before God, and for sin, no matter where it is found, be dealt with.
I read Hebrews 7-13 and James 1-5, James said, If we have real faith, we will show it by acting like Christians. He gives advice on anger, quarreling, showing favoritism, controlling the tongue, boasting, patience and prayer. Things to take to heart.
This morning I read Numbers 9 & 10 and Proverbs 12.
I’ll catch up on my Bible reading report.
Saturday: Psalms 11, 50, 61, 111
Sunday: Psalms 62, 112, 123
Monday: Psalms 63, 64, 113, 149
The mixture of imploring for mercy and protection, and praise is amazing. These writers (often David, though not always) face threats to life in every manner, and still come to God in praise. It is especially intriguing that some of these psalms are written during the very moments that the writer is running for his life!
I failed to read, for personal nourishment, the Scriptures yesterday. So I “caught up” today. Read Psalms 13, 14, 15, 65, 98, 114 and 115.