Day 123 - Our God Saves

Daily Reading:  Psalm 67-69

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.

Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord come escape from death.
Psalm 68:19-21

Footnote:

God sets his people free and crushes his enemies.  Salvation is freedom from sin and death.  Those who refuse to turn to God will be crushed by sin and death.  They will be trapped by the sin they loved and destroyed by the death they feared.  How much better it will be for those who love God and fear the consequences of sin.

Keep reading -- 242 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 122 - Refine Us

Daily Reading:  Psalm 64-66

When we were overwhelmed by sins,

you forgave our transgressions.

Psalm 65:3

Footnote:

Although we may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of our sins, God will forgive them all if we ask sincerely.  Do you feel as though God could never forgive you, that your sins are too many, or that some of them are too great?  The good news is that God can and will forgive them all.  Nobody is beyond redemption, and nobody is so full of sin that he or she cannot be made clean.

For you, O God, tested us;

you refined us like silver.

You brought us into prison

and laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water,

but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Psalm 66:10-12

Footnote:

Just as fire refines silver in the smelting process, trials refine our character.  They bring us a new and deeper wisdom, helping us discern truth from falsehood and giving us the discipline to do what we know is right.  Above all, these trials help us realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, not a right to be taken for granted.

Keep reading -- 243 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 121 - Lonely and Thirsty

Daily Reading:  Psalm 61-63

O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you,

my body longs for you,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary

and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night.

Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

They who seek my life will be destroyed;

they will go down to the depths of the earth.

They will be given over to the sword

and become food for jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God;

all who swear by God's name will praise him,

while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Psalm 63

Footnote:

Hiding from his enemies in the barren Desert of Judah, David was intensely lonely.  He longed for a friend he could trust to ease his loneliness.  No wonder he cried out, "O God....my soul thirsts for you....in a dry and weary land."  If you are lonely or thirsty for something lasting in your life, remember David's prayer.  God alone can satisfy our deepest longings!

The night was divided into three watches.  Someone aware of all three would be having a sleepless night.  A cure for sleepless nights is to turn our thoughts to God.  There are many reasons we can't sleep -- illness, stress, worry -- but sleepless nights can be turned into quiet times of reflection and worship.  Use them to review how God has guided and helped you.

Keep reading -- 244 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 120 - A Changeless Love

Daily Reading:  Psalm 58-60

You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

God will go before me

and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

Psalm 59:10

Footnote:

David was hunted by those whose love had turned to jealousy, and this was driving them to try to murder him.  Trusted friends, and even his son, had turned against him.  What changeable love!  But David knew that God's love for him was changeless.  "His love endures forever" (100:5).  God's mercy to all who trust him is just as permanent as his mercy to David.  When the love of others fails or disappoints us, we can rest in God's enduring love.

Keep reading -- 245 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 119 - Every Tear

Daily Reading:  Psalm 55-57

When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me?

Psalm 56:3, 4

Footnote:

David stated, "What can mortal man do to me?"  How much harm can people do to us?  They can inflict pain, suffering, and death.  But no person can rob us of our souls or our future beyond this life.  How much harm can we do to ourselves?  The worst thing we can do is to reject God and lose our eternal future.  Jesus said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." (Matthew 10:28).  Instead, we should fear God, who controls this life and the next.

Record my lament;

list my tears on your scroll --

are they not in your record?

Psalm 56:8

Footnote:

Even in our deepest sorrow, God cares!  Jesus reminded us further of how much God understands us -- he knows even the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30).  Often we waver between faith and fear.  When you feel so discouraged that you are sure no one understands, remember that God knows every problem and sees every tear.

Keep reading -- 246 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 118 - Prayer to Praise

Daily Reading:  Psalm 52-54

Strangers are attacking me;

ruthless men seek my life -- 

men without regard for God.

Surely God is my help;

the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Psalm 54:3, 4

Footnote:

Many of David's psalms follow the pattern found in these two verses -- a transition from prayer to praise.  David was not afraid to come to God and express his true feelings and needs.  Thus his spirit was lifted and he praised God, his helper, protector, and friend.

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Keep reading -- 247 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 117 - The Righteous Judge

Daily Reading:  Psalm 49-51

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,

    speaks and summons the earth

    from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,

    God shines forth.

3 Our God comes

    and will not be silent;

a fire devours before him,

    and around him a tempest rages.

4 He summons the heavens above,

    and the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 “Gather to me this consecrated people,

    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,

    for he is a God of justice.

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;

    I will testify against you, Israel:

    I am God, your God.

8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices

    or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

9 I have no need of a bull from your stall

    or of goats from your pens,

10 for every animal of the forest is mine,

    and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird in the mountains,

    and the insects in the fields are mine.

12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,

    for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

    or drink the blood of goats?

14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,

    fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15 and call on me in the day of trouble;

    I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

16 But to the wicked person, God says:

“What right have you to recite my laws

    or take my covenant on your lips?

17 You hate my instruction

    and cast my words behind you.

18 When you see a thief, you join with him;

    you throw in your lot with adulterers.

19 You use your mouth for evil

    and harness your tongue to deceit.

20 You sit and testify against your brother

    and slander your own mother’s son.

21 When you did these things and I kept silent,

    you thought I was exactly like you.

But I now arraign you

    and set my accusations before you.

22 “Consider this, you who forget God,

    or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:

23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me,

    and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Psalm 50

Footnote:

God judges people for treating him lightly.  First, he speaks to the superficially religious people who bring their sacrifices but are only going through the motions.  They do not honor God with true praise and thankfulness.  Second, he chides wicked, hardhearted people for their evil words and immoral lives.  He asks the superficially religious for genuine thanksgiving and trust and he warns the evil people to consider their deeds, lest he destroy them in his anger.

Keep reading -- 248 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 116 - Refuge and Strength

Daily Reading:  Psalm 46-48

God is our REFUGE and STRENGTH,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Footnote:

The fear of the mountains or cities suddenly crumbling into the sea as the result of a nuclear blast haunts many people today.  But the psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear.  In the face of utter destruction, the writer expressed a quiet confidence in God's ability to save him.  It seems impossible to consider the end of the world without becoming consumed by fear, but the Bible is clear -- God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction.  He is not merely a temporary retreat; he is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance.

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Keep reading -- 249 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 114 & 115 - Medicine for the Soul

Daily Reading:  Psalm 40-42 & Psalm 43-45

I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man

who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

Psalm 40:1-4

Footnote:

Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received four benefits from waiting:  God 1. lifted him out of his despair, 2. set his feet on a rock, 3. gave him a firm place to stand, and 4. put a new song of praise in his mouth.  Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5-6

Footnote:

Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments.  One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people.  This will take your mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve.  It will focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself.  When you feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm's antidepressant.  Read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and meditate on them.

Psalm 43:3,4

Send forth your light and your truth,

let them guide me;

let them bring me to your holy mountain,

to the place where you dwell.

Then will I go to the altar of God,

to God, my joy and my delight

I will praise you with the harp,

O God, my God.

Footnote:

The psalmist asked God to send his light and truth to guide him to the holy mountain, the temple, where he would meet God.  God's truth provides the right path to follow, and God's light provides the clear vision to follow it.  If you feel surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, follow God's light and truth.  He will guide you.

Psalm 44:23-26

Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep?

Rouse yourself!  Do not reject us forever.

Why do you hide your face

and forget our misery and oppression?

We are brought down to the dust;

our bodies cling to the ground.

Rise up and help us;

redeem us because of your unfailing love.

Footnote:

The psalmist's words suggest that he did not believe God had left him.  God was still the Ruler, but he seemed to be asleep, and the psalmist wondered why.  In the New Testament, the disciples wondered why Jesus was asleep when they needed his help during a storm.  In both cases, of course, God was ready to help, but he wished first to build faith in his followers.  

I'm playing catch up after being out of town for a couple of days.  How are all of you doing?  Is anyone behind on their Bible reading?  Either make the time to get caught up or just jump back into the reading right where we are.  Don't let a reading schedule keep you from being in God's Word!

Keep reading -- 250 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 113 - Delight Yourself in the Lord

Daily Reading:  Psalm 37-39

Delight yourself in the Lord

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Psalm 37:4-5

Footnote:

David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do (our "way") to him.  But how do we do this?  To delight in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence.  This happens only when we know that person well.  Thus, to delight in the Lord, we must know him better.  Knowledge of God's great love for us will indeed give us delight.

To commit ourselves to the Lord means entrusting everything -- our lives, families, jobs, possessions -- to his control and guidance.  To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in him, believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves.  We should be willing to wait patiently for him to work out what is best for us.

Show me, O Lord, my life's end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting is my life.

Psalm 39:4

Footnote:

Life is short no matter how long we live.  If there is something important we want to do, we must not put it off for a better day.  Ask yourself, "If I had only six months to live, what would I do?" Tell someone that you love him or her?  Deal with an undisciplined area in your life?  Tell someone about Jesus?  Because life is short, don't neglect what is truly important.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro

He bustles about, but only in vain;

he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

Psalm 39:5-6

Footnote:

The brevity of life is a theme throughout the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Jesus also spoke about it (Luke 12:20).  It is ironic that people spend so much time securing their lives on earth and spend little or no thought about where they will spend eternity.  David realized that amassing riches and busily accomplishing worldly tasks would make no difference in eternity.  Few people understand that their only hope is in the Lord.  (For other verses on the brevity of life, see Ecclesiastes 2:18 and James 4:14).

Keep reading -- 252 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 112 - Your Love Reaches to the Heavens

Daily Reading:  Psalm 34-36

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.

Psalm 36:5-6

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Reasons to Read Psalms

When you want.......                                        Psalm

to find comfort ......................................................23
to meet God intimately ........................................103
to learn a new prayer...........................................136
to learn a new song............................................... 92
to learn more about God .......................................24
to understand yourself more clearly .........................8
to know how to come to God each day...................5
to be forgiven for your sins ....................................51
to feel worthwhile ...............................................139
to understand why you should read the Bible........119
to give praise to God...........................................145
to know that God is in control .............................146
to give thanks to God .........................................136
to please God ......................................................15
to know why you should worship God.................104

Keep reading -- 253 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 111 - Everything You Need

Daily Reading:  Psalm 31-33

Fear the Lord, you his saints,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

Footnote:

At first we may question David's statement, because we seem to lack many good things.  This is not a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want.  Instead, this is David's praise for God's goodness -- all those who call upon God in their need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Remember, God knows what we need, and our deepest needs are spiritual.  Many Christians, even though they face unbearable poverty and hardship, still have enough spiritual nourishment to live for God.  David was saying that to have God is to have all you really need.  GOD IS ENOUGH.

If you feel you don't have everything you need, ask: 

1.  Is this really a need?  

2.  Is this really good for me?  

3.  Is this the best time for me to have what I desire?  

Even if you answer yes to all three questions, God may allow you to go without to help you grow more dependent on him.  He may want you to learn that you need HIM more than you need to achieve your immediate desires.

Keep reading -- 254 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 110 - Clothed Me with Joy

Daily Reading:  Psalm 28-30

You have turned my mourning into joyful

dancing.

You have taken away my clothes of

mourning and clothed me with joy,

that I might sing praises to you and not

be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks

forever!

Psalm 30:11-12

Footnote:

God's Word was written to be studied, understood, and applied, and the book of Psalms lends itself most directly to application.  We understand the psalms best when we "stand under" them and allow them to flow over us like a rain shower.  We may turn to Psalms looking for something, but sooner or later we will meet Someone.  As we read and memorize the psalms, we will gradually discover how much they are already part of us.  They put into words our deepest hurts, longings, thoughts, and prayers.  They gently push us toward being what God designed us to be -- people loving and living for him.

Keep reading -- 255 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 109 - Wait for the Lord

Daily Reading:  Psalm 25-27

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the Lord,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to seek him in his temple.

Footnote:

By the "house of the Lord' and "his temple," David could be referring to the tabernacle in Gibeon, to the sanctuary he had put up to house the ark of the covenant, or to the temple that his son Solomon was to build.  David probably had the temple in mind because he made many of the plans for it.  But David may also have used the word temple to mean "the presence of the Lord."  His greatest desire was to live in God's presence each day of his life.  Sadly, this is not the greatest desire of many who claim to be believers.  But those who desire to live in God's presence each day will be able to enjoy that relationship forever.

Psalm 27:5

For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle

and set me high upon a rock.

I had this verse marked in my Bible as being my Aunt Jeanie's favorite verse that they read at her funeral.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.

Footnote:

Waiting for God is not easy.  Often it seems that he isn't answering our prayers or doesn't understand the urgency of our situation.  That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for.  Lamentations 3:24-26 calls us to hope in and wait for the Lord because often God uses waiting to refresh, renew and teach us.  Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach you in them.

Having trouble viewing this video?  Visit the blog at www.biblechallengeblog.blogspot.com 

Keep reading -- 256 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 108 - My Shepherd

Daily Reading:  Psalm 22-24

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death.

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

Psalm 23

Keep reading -- 257 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 107 - Heavens Declare

Daily Reading:  Psalm 19-21

Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge,

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Footnote:

The apostle Paul referred to this psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power (Romans 1:19,20).  This does not cancel the need for missions because the message of God's salvation found in his Word, the Bible, must still be told to the ends of the earth.  While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about salvation. God's people must explain to others how they can have a relationship with God.  Although people everywhere should already believe in a Creator by just looking at the evidence of nature around them.  God needs us to explain his love, mercy, and grace.  What are you doing to take God's message to the world?

Keep reading -- 258 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 106 - My Shield

Daily Reading:  Psalm 16-18

Psalm 18

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my

stronghold.

I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

and I am saved from my enemies.

Footnote:

God's protection of his people is limitless and can take many forms.  David characterized God's care with five military symbols.  God is like: 

1.  a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us, 
2.  a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow, 
3.  a shield that comes between us and harm,
4.  a horn of salvation, a symbol of might and power, 
5.  a stronghold high above our enemies.  

If you need protection, look to God.

Verse 16:  

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; 

he drew me out of deep waters.

Footnote:

Do your troubles, like "deep waters" threaten to drown you?  David, helpless and weak, knew that God alone had rescued him from his enemies when he was defenseless.  

When you wish that God would quickly rescue you from your troubles, remember that he can either deliver you or be your support as you go through them.  Either way, his protection is best for you.  

When you feel like you're drowning in troubles, ask God to help you, hold you steady, and protect you.  In his care, you are never helpless.

Keep reading -- 259 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 105 - Who May Worship in Your Sanctuary?

Daily Reading:  Psalm 13-15

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip 

or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

Those who despise flagrant sinners,

and honor the faithful followers of 

the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts.

Those who lend money without charging interest,

and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand forever.

Psalm 15

Footnote:

God calls his people to be morally upright, and, in this psalm, he gives us ten standards to determine how we are doing.  We live among evil people whose standards and morals are eroding.  Our standards for living should not come from our evil society, but from God.  For other references where righteous conduct is summarized, see Isaiah 33:15; 56:1; Micah 6:8; Habakkuk 2:4; and Mark 12:29-31.

Keep reading -- 260 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 104 - Troubles and Complaints in the Psalms

Daily Reading:  Psalm 10-12


We can relate to the psalms because they express our feelings.  We all face troubles, as did the psalm writers hundreds of years ago, and we often respond as they did.  In Psalm 3, David told God how he felt about the odds against him.  But within three verses, the king realized that God's presence and care made the odds meaningless.  This experience is repeated in many of the psalms.  Usually, the hope and confidence in God outweigh the fear and suffering; sometimes they do not.  Still, the psalm writers consistently poured out their thoughts and emotions to God.  When they felt abandoned by God, they told him so.  When they were impatient with how slowly God seemed to be answering their prayers, they also told him so.  Because they recognized the difference between themselves and God, they were free to be men and to be honest with their Creator.  That is why so many of the dark psalms end in the light.  The psalmists started by expressing their feelings and ended up remembering to whom they were speaking!

Although we have much in common with the psalmists, we may differ in two ways:  we might not tell God what we are really thinking and feeling; and therefore we also might not recognize, even faintly, who is listening to our prayers!

Notice this pattern as you read Psalms, and put the psalmists' insight to the test.  You may well find that your awareness and appreciation of God will grow as you are honest with him.  (See Psalms 3; 6; 13;31;37;64;77;102;121;142.)

Keep reading -- 261 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 103 - Praise Him!

Daily Reading:  Psalm 7-9

Psalm 8:2

From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

Footnote:

Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations.  As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do.  Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with him.  Get in touch with this childlike quality in yourself so that you can be more expressive.

Psalm 8:3-5

When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

 the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

Footnote:

When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him.  Yet God created us only a little lower than himself or the angels!  The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable.  We have great worth because we bear the stamp of the Creator.  Because God has already declared how valuable we are to him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.

Keep reading -- 262 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 102 - Greater Joy

Daily Reading:  Psalm 4-6

You have filled my heart with greater joy 

than when their grain and new wine abound.

Psalm 4:7

Footnote:

Two kinds of joy are contrasted here -- inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances.  Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable.  Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up.  Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.

In the morning, O Lord, 

you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you 

and wait in expectation.

Psalm 5:3

Footnotes:

The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly each morning.  In the morning, our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God.  Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God.  We need to communicate with him daily.  Do you have a regular time to pray and read God's Word?

Looks like another challenge!  Are you up for it?  Think about committing some time each day to prayer.  

Keep reading -- 263 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 101 - Be Like Trees.....

Daily Reading:  Psalm 1-3

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff

that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

The theme of Psalm 1 is :  Life's two roads.  The life of the faithful person is contrasted with the life of the faithless person.

1:2 Footnote:

You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word.  Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read.  It means asking yourself how you should change so you're living as God wants.  Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life.  If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what he says.


1:3  Footnote:

When scripture says, "whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties.  Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness.  What the Bible means by prosperity is this:  when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval.  Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God.  To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts.

Be like trees, planted by streams of water!

Keep reading -- 264 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 100 - Milestones

Day 100 !!

I love milestones! It's good to see the progress we're making, isn't it? The BIGGEST milestones and spiritual markers are happening in our hearts as we study and meditate on God's Word!

Footnote:

The book of 2 Samuel describes David's reign. Since the Israelites first entered the promised land under Joshua, they had been struggling to unite the nation and drive out the wicked inhabitants. Now, after more than 400 years, Israel was finally at peace. David had accomplished what no leader before him, judge or king, had done. His administration was run on the principle of dedication to God and to the well-being of the people. Yet David also sinned. Despite his sins, however, the Bible calls David a man after God's own heart because when he sinned, he recognized it and confessed his sins to God. David committed his life to God and remained loyal to him throughout his lifetime. Psalms gives an even deeper insight into David's love for God.

We will be reading the Psalms next!

Keep reading -- 265 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 99 - Unsatisfied

Daily Reading:  2 Samuel 19-21

Footnote 19:8-10:

Just a few days before, most of Israel was supporting the rebel ruler Absalom.  Now the people wanted David back as their king.  Because crowds are often fickle, there must be a higher moral code to follow than the pleasure of the majority.  Following the moral principles given in God's Word will help you avoid being swayed by the popular opinions of the crowd.

Footnote:

Although Israel was a united kingdom, it was still made up of 12 separate tribes.  These tribes often had difficulty agreeing on the goals of the nation as a whole.  Tribal jealousies had originally kept Israel from completely conquering the promised land (read the book of Joshua), and now tribal jealousies were threatening the stability of David's reign by giving Sheba an opportunity to rebel.

Keep reading -- 266 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 98 - Absalom Dies

Daily Reading:  2 Samuel 16-18


Footnote:

Why was David so upset over the death of his rebel son?  

1.  David realized that he, in part, was responsible for Absalom's death.  Nathan, the prophet, had said that because David had killed Uriah, his own sons would rebel against him.  

2.  David was angry at Joab and his officers for killing Absalom against his wishes.  

3.  David truly loved his son, even though Absalom did nothing to deserve his love.  It would  have been kinder and more loving to deal with Absalom and his runaway ego when he was younger.

Keep reading -- 267 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 97 - Absalom

Daily Reading:  2 Samuel 13-15

Character Sketch:

A father's mistakes are often reflected in the lives of his children.  In Absalom, David saw a bitter replay and amplification of many of his own past sins.  God had predicted that David's family would suffer because of his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah.  David's heart was broken as he realized that God's predictions were coming true.  God forgave David, but he did not cancel the consequences of his sin.  David was horrified as he saw his son's strengths run wild without the controls God had built into his own life.

By most casual evaluations Absalom would have made an excellent king, and the people loved him.  But he lacked the inner character and control needed in a good leader.  His appearance, skill, and position did not make up for his lack of personal integrity.

David's sins took him away from God, but repentance brought him back.  In contrast, Absalom sinned and kept on sinning.  Although he relied heavily on the advice of others, he was not wise enough to evaluate the counsel he received.

Can you identify with Absalom?  Do you find yourself on a fast track toward self-destruction?  Absalom wasn't able to say, "I was wrong.  I need forgiveness."  God offers forgiveness but we will not experience that forgiveness until we genuinely admit our sins and confess them to God.  Absalom rejected his father's love and ultimately God's love.  How often do you miss entering back into God's love through the door of forgiveness?

Keep reading -- 268 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 96 - Temptation

Daily Reading:  2 Samuel 9-12

In the episode with Bathsheba, David allowed himself to fall deeper and deeper into sin.  

1.  David abandoned his purpose by staying home from war.  
2.  He focused on his own desires.  
3.  When temptation came, he looked into it instead of turning away from it.  
4.  He sinned deliberately.  
5.  He tried to cover up his sin by deceiving others.  
6.  He committed murder to continue the cover-up.  Eventually David's sin was exposed and punished.  
7.  The consequences of David's sin were far-reaching, affecting many others (11:17; 12:11, 14, 15)

David could have chosen to stop and turn from evil at any stage along the way.  But once sin gets started, it is difficult to stop.  The deeper the mess, the less we want to admit having caused it.  It's much easier to stop sliding down a hill when you are near the top than when you are halfway down.  The best solution is to stop sin before it starts.

As David looked from the roof of the palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing, and he was filled with lust.  David should have left the roof and fled the temptation.  Instead, he entertained the temptation by inquiring about Bathsheba.  The results were devastating.

To flee temptation, 

1.  Ask God in earnest prayer to help you stay away from people, places, and situations that may tempt you. 

2.  Memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture that combat your specific weaknesses.  At the root of most temptation is a real need or desire that God can fill, but we must trust in his timing.  

3.   Find another believer with whom you can openly share your struggles, and call this person for help when temptation strikes.

Keep reading -- 269 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 95 - I Surrender All

Daily Reading:  2 Samuel 5-8

I surrender All!

Keep reading -- 270 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 94 - David

Daily Reading - 2 Samuel 1-4

Chapter 3 Footnote:

David suffered much heartache because of his many wives.  Polygamy was a socially acceptable practice for kings at this time, although God specifically warned against it (Deut. 17:14-17).  Sadly, the numerous sons born to David's wives caused him great trouble.  Rape (13:14), murder (13:28), rebellion (15:13), and greed (1 Kings 1:5,6) all resulted from the jealous rivalries among the half brothers.  Solomon, one of David's sons and his successor to the throne, also took many wives who eventually turned him away from God (! Kings 11:3,4).

It's important to study the WHOLE Bible.  You could easily read a portion and conclude that it was okay to have many wives because David did.  We can't interpret scripture verse by verse; we have to view it in light of all scripture.

Ish-Bosheth may have been right to speak out against Abner's behavior, but he didn't have the moral strength to maintain his authority.  Lack of moral backbone became the root of Israel's troubles over the next four centuries.  Only 4 of the next 40 kings of Israel were called "good."  It takes courage and strength to stand firm in your convictions and to confront wrongdoing in the face of opposition.  When you believe something is wrong, do not let yourself be talked out of your position.  Firmly attack the wrong and uphold the right.

Joab took revenge for the death of his brother instead of leaving justice to God.  But that revenge backfired on him (1 Kings 2:31-24).  God will repay those who deserve it (Romans 12:19).  Refuse to rejoice when your enemies suffer, and don't try to get revenge.  Seeking revenge will ruin your own peace of mind and increase the chances of further retaliation.

Chapter 4 Footnote:

Ish-Bosheth was a man who took his courage from another man (Abner) rather than from God.  When Abner died, Ish-Bosheth was left with nothing.  In crisis and under pressure, he collapsed in fear.  Fear can paralyze us, but faith and trust in God can overcome fear.  If we trust in God, we will be free to respond boldly to the events around us.

Keep reading -- 271 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 93 - Saul Faces Death

Daily Reading:  1 Samuel 29-31

Footnotes:

Saul was tall, handsome, strong, rich, and powerful, but all of this was not enough to make him someone we should emulate.

He was tall physically, but he was small in Gods eye's.

He was handsome, but his sin made him ugly.

He was strong, but his lack of faith made made him weak.

He was rich, but he was spiritually bankrupt.

He could give orders to many, but he couldn't command their respect or allegiance.

Saul looked good on the outside, but he was decaying on the inside.

A right relationship with God and a strong character are much more valuable than a good-looking exterior.

Saul faced death the same way he faced life.  He took matters into his own hands without thinking of God or asking for his guidance.  If our lives aren't the way we would like them to be now, we can't assume that change will come more easily later.  When nearing death, we will respond to God the same way we have been responding all along.  Coming face to face with death only shows us what we are really like.  How do you want to face death?  Start facing life that way right now.

Saul's death was also the death of an ideal -- Israel could no longer believe that having a king like the other nations would solve all their troubles.  The real problem was not the form of government, but the sinful king.  Saul tried to please God by spurts of religiosity, but real spirituality takes a lifetime of consistent obedience.

Heroic spiritual lives are built by stacking days of obedience one on top of the other.  Like a brick, each obedient act is small in itself, but in time the acts will pile up, and a huge wall of strong character will be built -- a great defense against temptation.  We should strive for consistent obedience each day.

10 books!

There are 66 books in the Bible and we have now read 10 of them!!

Keep reading -- 272 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV