Guide for Psalm 119

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Psalm 119:5-6

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For the next 22 days, my youth girls and myself will be reading through Psalm 119. Sounds like a long and tedious task, but dividing a reading plan from the stanzas is quite easy. Here's a guide to getting the most out of the longest Psalm!

From my NLT Study Bible:
This Psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading. Psalm 119 combines elements of wisdom, lament, praise, thanksgiving, and confession. Eight Hebrew words are used frequently, translated as "instructions," "laws," "words," "regulations," "statues," "commands," "decrees," "commandments," and "promises." Together, these words encourage love for and obedience to God's instructions, as found in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The expression of deep commitment to these instructions unifies the psalm.


Aleph - Psalm 119:1-8
God the author of these instructions, commands that his followers live by them. The psalmist prays to be given the grace to live by that revelation.

Beth - Psalm 119:9-16
The psalmist is determined to pursue purity and encourages the cultivation of wisdom through God's principles (119:9) and instructions (119:10-16).

Gimel - Psalm 119:17-24
Like a foreigner in hostile territory, God's servant needs God's guidance.

Daleth - Psalm 119:25-32
Though the poet feels anguish and sorrow, he entreats the Lord to revive him because he wants to obey the Lord. Sufferings and death may result from the Lord's chastening, but his instruction revived the weary soul.

He - Psalm 119:33-40
As a student, the poet asks his teacher, God, to renew life and transform disgrace into righteousness.

Waw - Psalm 119:41-48
The Psalmist prays that God's word would continue to be the source of his love and salvation.

Zayin - Psalm 119:49-56
The psalmist asks God to remember his word as the psalmist also remembers God's word and his name. Remembrance expresses devotion.

Heth - Psalm 119: 57-64
The psalmist seeks God's favor and unfailing love. Although surrounded by evildoers, He remains a loyal servant to the Lord.

Teth - Psalm 119:65-72
The psalmist describes himself as a penitent sinner who gratefully accepts the Lord's discipline.

Yodh - Psalm 119:73-80
In this prayer for comfort and compassion, the psalmist commits himself to the Creator, who has afflicted him. He wants God to pay his enemies for the wrongs they have done. He also prays to receive the gift of life. He not only prays for himself but also considers the whole community of the godly, asking that God's answers to prayers would encourage them.

Kaph - Psalm 119:81-88
The psalmist is worn out from waiting for the Lord, but His hope is in God's future rescue.

Lamedh - Psalm 119:89-96
The stability of God's wisdom gives understanding. God's word provides order and framework for living, even under pressure from adversaries.

Mem - Psalm 119:97-104
The instruction and wisdom of God through his word are far superior to the best that human teachers can offer.

Nun - Psalm 119:105-112
The psalmist's devotion to God's word comes from within his being and guides his external life.

Samekh - Psalm 119:113-120
The psalmist declares his hatred of evil and his love for God and his ways.

Ayin - Psalm 119:121-128
The servant of the Lord strains to endure the evil around him. He boldly petitions the Lord to rescue Him immediately.

Pe - Psalm 119:129-136
The psalmist prays earnestly for God to speak to him as he suffers from his adversaries.

Tsadhe - Psalm 119:137-144
God is righteous, and his word is right and just, especially on contrast to the deceptions of the wicked.

Qoph - Psalm 119:145-152
The psalmist prays to the Lord at night. Although God God appears to be distant, he is nearby.

Resh - Psalm 119:153-160
The petition for life can be found throughout Psalm 119 but it is concentrated in this stanza.

Shin - Psalm 119:160-168
The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. The perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day.

Taw - Psalm 119:169-176
God's servant petitions the Lord one final time; he still feels like a lost sheep.


Not only is this an easy guide to follow, but you will also learn the Hebrew alphabet. I am excited to uncover the wonderful truths found in Psalm 119. May you be greatly blessed and filled with the Spirit of God as you seek God's promises through this iddy-bitty and powerful Psalm.

Twenty4teen

Happy 2014 Friends.

New year, fresh start! Cheers to a new year and a challenge that is both attainable and rewarding.

don't look to closely... I wrote 2013! lol

For as long as I could remember, I have been journaling one verse a day. Challenging you to do the same and share that good Word with a friend. And as a byproduct of spending time in the word may we be used as a diffuser: spreading the knowledge of Christ everywhere we go... Like a sweet smelling aroma. For we are the fragrance of Christ. God bless you!

a year in verses

Hello Lovelies!
I so look forward to this post every year. I am sharing with you various verses that got me through this year and the date I read them. It's a challenge/tradition of sorts to journal  one daily verse. I pray that in this list, you may find a precious gem to treasure in your heart! Farewell 2013 and Cheers to a bright 2014!

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January 31, 2013
May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. Esphesians 3:18

February 20, 2013
 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Thessalonians 5:13

March 15, 2013
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. Proverbs 29:20
April 25, 2013
What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:15

May 31,2013
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

June 11, 2013

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you." Hebrews 12:5

July 3, 2013

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9
Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.Psalm 97:11

August 8, 2013

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Jeremiah 15:16

September 30, 2013

 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. 1 Chronicles 16:27-28

October 23, 2013

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22 

November 26, 2013

Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now. Joshua 23:8

December 16, 2013

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for the work of His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. 2 Timothy 4:18 

Year in Verse: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 

blessed is...

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Admire/Envy

For wrath kills a foolish man, and envy slays a simple one. Job 5:2 

Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways. 
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:31-32

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.Galatians 5:24-26

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Titus 3:1-8

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3

Follow/Imitate

Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-9 

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Proverbs 15:9 

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!Ezekiel 13:3

Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Matthew 8:19

Now when He [Jesus] got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. Matthew 8:23

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 10:38-39

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 16:24-25

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Mark 2:14

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.Hebrews 6:11-12  

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:33

Praise/Flatter

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; 

a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
Her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many daughters have done well, 
But you excel them all.” 
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 
Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:28-30

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth! 
Neighbors lie to each other, 
 speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. 
May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
 and silence their boastful tongues.

Psalm 12:1-3

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. Proverbs 28:23

 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5

 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.  But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Jude 1:16-19

Lead/Manipulate

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Proverbs 12:24

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2 

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Mark 10:42-44

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy,let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:18

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

    For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

    For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    For they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful,

    For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

    For they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    For they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. 

Matthew 5:3-12

perfection has its limits

Psalm 119:96:  

I have seen the consummation of all perfection, 

But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. nkjv 

To all perfection I see a limit, 

but your commands are boundless. niv  

I have seen a limit to all perfection, 

but your commandment is exceedingly broad. esv  

Even perfection has its limits, 

but your commands have no limit. nlt

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Perfect: conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type, entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings.

Perfection: the state or quality of being or becoming perfect.

The Psalmist declares that he has seen the consummation of perfection. We all know that there is a difference between speculation and witnessing. He has seen (witnessed, beheld, examined, surveyed, recognized, perceived with his own eyes) that perfection has its limits. This truth helps me understand that pursuing perfection is futile. Why chase after an ideal that will lead to a dead end street? 

I believe that we all long for perfection of some sort: outer, inner, intellectual, spiritual, or all around. We also expect perfection in others. We have this longing because it was placed there by God. But our pursuit is worldly and self seeking. "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Eternity is the perfection we were created for and therefore long for it. Perfection here on earth has limits, perfection in Heaven is limitless.  

But your commands.

Commands is another word for God's Word. His Words are exceedingly broad, they have no limits, and are boundless. "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13) 

My encouragement to you for today, and forever, is to seek that which is eternally perfect (beyond compare, defectless, excellent, faultless, foolproof, immaculate, impeccable, pure, sound, supreme, unequaled, and flawless): the Word of God. Jesus is called the Word, even more reason for us to be more like Him. I am confident that if we take our eyes off of human perfection we will begin to life the abundant life promised to us. 

A Year In Verses

Hello Lovelies!
Before I even begin to write about Haiti, I wanted to end the year with a little tradition. For the past 7 years I have written a verse-a-day in my journal. I leave you with the verses that sustained me, encouraged me and got me through 2012. From the pages of my journal, I share with you one verse from each month. Remember, the Word of God never returns void, it accomplished what it sets out to do! Make it a new year's resolution to get God's word in your heart and mind daily!

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January 31, 2012
You are altogether beautiful, My darling, beautiful in every way. Song of Songs 4:7

February 24, 2012
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

March 12, 2012
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

April 19, 2012
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11

May 6, 2012
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:20

June 13, 2012
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Hebrews 10:23

July 22, 2012
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1

August 14, 2012
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous stand form forever. Proverbs 10:25

September 22, 2012
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know His name trust in Him, for He will not abandon those who search for Him. Psalm 9:9-10

October 6, 2012
My child, if your heart is wise, My own heart will rejoice. Everything in Me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16

November 19, 2012
Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. His faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God was able to do whatever He promised. Romans 4:20-21

December 15, 2012
I rejoice in your Word as one who discovers a great treasure. Those who love your Word have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:162, 165

Year in verses: 2009, 2010, 2011

Birthday Surprise. It's Scarleth!

Hi Lovelies! Today's birthday surprise comes to you from Scarleth. A little bit about her, she is passionately in love with Jesus, bold, outspoken, and has a tremendous God given zeal for the broken and abused. May her words encourage you this day in a post she has titled: Humble Spirit. 
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Humility can only be found through the impact of Christ’s love in our lives. This is important to know because God has called both you and I to give ourselves selflessly to His call and purpose. He requires that we love others as Christ loved the church, giving Himself as ransom for many. Jesus didn't save us to show off what He could do but as an act of love, obedience and humility before God. 

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:8

Jesus was humble, obedient, selfless, and His own interest was for the interest of others. He commands us to do the same. We are commanded to be like Jesus. Does that mean are we to be perfect? No. We are all sinners and all have fallen short of the glory of God, but through His grace and love we are redeemed. It is not by all the “good” we have done or have yet to do, but by Jesus alone.

There are three characteristics of Jesus that I want to share with you today! If you’re a note taker (like me) you might want to write these down…

1. Submission to God

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 Jesus did just that, He was obedient to God during His life here on earth. He taught all and He healed the sick. He prayed and fasted for forty-days and forty-nights When He was tempted by Satan and the angels of God ministered to Him when He resisted. You and I are called to resist the devil through an absolute submission to Christ. Unless we are completely and utterly surrendered to His word we will not be able to stand against the enemy when he attacks. How do we begin to submit to God? Through reading and meditation of His word, and a life of prayer. It is fundamental that we yield to the presence of God through obedience.

2. Selfless Service

A humble spirit values the welfare of others. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.” Phil. 2:3-4. Jesus models selfless servitude for us in that He humbly came to earth to serve others. He came looking for the sick not the healed. He came to rescue and restore the brokenhearted. I have had “hands on” privilege of serving God's people. In my life, there is nothing more gratifying for my soul than helping others. No greater joy than to be there for those in need, witnessing God's work in the midst of chaos. He uses people like you and me to bring glory to His name, when we allow our selves to be selflessly involved in the work that He has placed us in. Every day is an opportunity to help someone, it doesn't matter how big or how small that task is, just help. At the end of the day, it is not about you, it is all about Him. All the glory belongs to God.

3. Selfless Love

Loving others, for God is Love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11. The love of God is immeasurable, His love overpasses our mindset. He loved us so much so that He gave His one and only son in ransom for our sins {John 3:16}. What is selfless love? Caring for the concerns of others before our very own. Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours. We are His children and we are called to be obedient, humble, selfless… If we want God to use us greatly we must allow God to break us deeply. Selfless means the quality of unselfish concern for the well-being of others. Isn't that what Jesus desires? For us to love others and care for others needs before our own? This is what He has called you and I to be Selfless.

I exhort you to take a double look at your life, seek the areas that are affecting your personal relationship with others. Examine your walk, thoughts, ministry, all the things you do on a day to day basis. I leave you with the following verse and I pray that the Lord continues to speak to you as He has spoken to me. 

“Remind them to be subject to rulers, authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

Sentence Tuesday

The truth you store up in silence comes back to you in the storm, and it lifts you away as on a life raft from the fears and disappointments that would otherwise pull you under. When you abide in His Word, He abides in you. -Christine Caine, Undaunted.

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turbulence

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Whatever turbulence you are experiencing now, is no match to the mighty power of God in your life. Trust Him through this season. My prayer and hope is that you would find refuge and courage through abiding in God's Word. Here for you, a few verses to comfort, encourage and lift your head up. 
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These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
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No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
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Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
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"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
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I would have lost heart, unless I had believed 
That I would see the goodness of the Lord 
In the land of the living. 
Wait on the Lord; 
Be of good courage, 
And He shall strengthen your heart; 
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:13-14

15 Days in the Word with John Piper

I'm not one to read daily devotionals, I rather read the word and hear teachings. But I recently sampled '15 Days in the Word with John Piper' on my YouVersion app. I loved it and signed up! I am currently on day 6 of 15. Here is an excerpt from today's devo.

Day 6
"Do not think you are getting no good from the Bible, merely because you do not see that good day by day. The greatest effects are by no means those which make the most noise, and are most easily observed. The greatest effects are often silent, quiet, and hard to detect at the time they are being produced. Think of the influence of the moon upon the earth, and of the air upon the human lungs. Remember how silently the dew falls, and how imperceptibly the grass grows. There may be far more doing than you think in your soul by your Bible-reading." -J.C.Ryle

So lets give heed to Mr. Ryle and never grow weary of the slow, steady, growth that comes from the daily, disciplined, increasing, love affair with reading the Bible. -John Piper

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one of those days.

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time is 12:30 noon
And thus far, it's been one of those days. What could have gone wrong, did go wrong. I sat in a waiting room for over two hours, that's a lot of thinking. The aftermath: disappointment, feelings of inadequacy and an overwhelming sense of failure. Once I was tired of beating myself up, I remembered the Lord. Good thing my handy dandy iPhone was fully charged. And off to the YouVersion bible app I went. My lot for the day, thanks to the integrity bible plan, was in Psalm 25. 
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In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.I trust in you; 
do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, 
but shame will come on those  who are treacherous without cause. 
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, 
and my hope is in you all day long. 
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; 
according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. 
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. 
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful 
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.  
For the sake of your name, Lord,  forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? 
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. 
They will spend their days in prosperity, 
and their descendants will inherit the land.
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 
My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. 
Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.
 My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. 
See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! 
Protect me! Rescue my life from them! 
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. 
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. 
O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. 
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My day has been pretty crappy and I definitely identified with verse 17, "my problems go from bad to worse" but I will choose to do verses 20 and 21. I am taking refuge in the Lord and placing my hope in Him. This Psalm definitely calmed me and reminded me to anchor my trust in God.
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 I don't know if you are having one of those days, weeks, months or even years. But I do know that it' is normal to experience the lows of life. And for every low in life, there is a high hope found in God's word. For me today, the high hope was found in Psalm 25. I encourage you to seek for an anchor, a high hope, a word fitly spoken for your specific situation. You may not find a hopeful word immediately, but I promise you that the search will be successful. God will answer and not forsake you.

reunited, and it feels so good

Meet my Bible. 

Friday night, it went missing at church. 

I figured I had moved it from my purse and Sunday morning I'd find it.

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Sunday came.

I searched anywhere and everywhere it could possibly have been. 

This was the most tragic and unsuccessful of all searches. 

Someone told me, "Give up, your Bible was probably stolen."

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Monday mourning. I cried so much.

I reminisced on all the times I dated a verse that changed me, 

the highlighted portions of scripture that meant more than life to me, 

and the notes I had taken that got me through each day. 

My heart hurt, a lot. 

I realized Monday morning, that out all that I possessed,

my Bible was my most treasured possession. 

And now that it was gone, I yearned for it more than ever. 

I longed to hold it.

I longed to turn its pages.

I longed for the words of the Lord. 

I mourned as one who had lost their loved one. 

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Tuesday it settled within me that days, months would pass before I saw it again.

I may never hold my Bible again. 

I gave a passing thought to someone else's growth by it. 

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Wednesday morning I heard a teaching on prayer. 

The Pastor read from Matthew 13:58, 

"Jesus did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief."

What could God do if I believed that He could do what I prayed for?

My faith was challenged, and so was my prayer life. 

I prayed: Lord, I am putting your name on the line. 

I believe You, Almighty God, will return my Bible to my hands."

The details of what happened to my Bible are not necessary. 

How it was returned to me are of no value to our walk. 

That God answered my prayer is the big deal. 

What mattered to me, mattered to Him. 

He took notice of my pain. 

He cupped my tears. 

He heard me. 

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What matters to you, matters to God. 

He has taken notice of your pain. 

He cups every tear you cry.

He hears you. 

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Reunited with my Bible and it feels so good! The first page I randomly opened my Bible to was in the end of Isaiah. Highlighted in the bottom of the page is one of my favorite verses. "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!" Isaiah 65:24. Remember this one! 

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What could God do, 

if you believed that He could do what you prayed for?