Day 120: Psalms 102-104

Psalm 102 uses a lot of imagery, as well as all your senses. I can't relate to 102:4. Can't say that I have ever forgotten to eat food. HA.

Psalm 103 is a great one. So many of these verses are used often. It would be a neat thing to make a "list" like this one of what God has done/does for me.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." What a comfort to know he never forgets we are human. Not an excuse to sin, but a great comfort to be reminded of his deep understanding and compassion for us.

Psalm 104 makes me think how many of these things I just take for granted or become numb too. I am not amazed enough!

Day 119: 1 Chronicles 7-10

Since the book of Numbers was called Numbers, I think this should have been called Names. Oh my.

As Chapter 9 talks about all the people responsible for the preparations for worship, this is a good note:

• In our busy world, it is easy to rush into our one-hour-a-week worship services without preparing ourselves for worship beforehand. We reflect and worry about the week's problems; we pray about whatever comes into our minds, and we do not meditate on the words we are singing. But God wants our worship to be conducted "in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians 14:40). Just as we prepare to meet a business associate or invited guests, we should carefully prepare to meet our King in worship.

Day 118: Psalms 81, 88, 92-93

In Psalm 81, as it talks about the "excitement" of music during worship I think about growing up in churches which sang nothing but hymns. Sure, many of the words were scripture, but there was definitely no enthusiasm or celebration involved. Emotions were definitely not involved, at least on my part. Do we get it totally right with contemporary worship? It seems closer, but still lacking sometimes. I guess we get to wait until heaven to experience TRUE worship.

In 81:13-16, I am reminded about how good things could be if only I listened and obeyed. My life seems pretty good, but how much more so could it be?

Day 117: 1 Chronicles 6

It is clear that the tribe which was responsible for worship (Levi), had an important genealogy and heritage. This seems to be a more extensive listing than the other tribes. And it is also important to note that they were given towns in each of the other tribes' areas so that there were opportunities to worship and sacrifice no matter where an Israelite lived.

But I am glad we are alternating days reading Psalms with Chronicles. Phew!

Day 116: Psalms 73, 77-78

Psalm 73: The rich and easy life is awfully appealing. We are so much more about immediate comfort and gratification, than about what awaits us in the future.

Psalm 77 is a good reminder that even when we don't see God in the midst of what we are currently suffering through, we can be comforted by looking back at where He has worked in the past. If He hasn't failed up to this point, why would he fail us now???

Day 115: 1 Chronicles 3-5

Jenn mentioned a couple of days ago the importance of this genealogy. It definitely lends validity to the Bible. The Bible becomes more than a story or bunch of stories. I am guessing that there are non-Biblical sources which also support this genealogy. I am sure it has come in to play for skeptics who have tried to prove or disprove scripture.

And you do have to see how impressive it is. I could not name even name one person beyond my great grandmother!

The prayer of Jabez is embedded in this genealogy. I remember a number of year ago when The Prayer of Jabez was a top selling book. I might still own a copy....

Day 114: Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

Psalm 44 is reminiscent of Job to me. The Psalmist is trying to figure out what they did wrong to deserve what was happening to them. However, I think this is a totally different case from Job. This time they actually HAD strayed from God and were not being obedient.

My notes describe Psalm 45 as a Messianic psalm and as I re-read it, I can definitely see it. It describes Christ's future relationship with the church. Awesome.

49 is a good psalm explaining that "he who dies with the most toys...still dies."

A good note on this verse (84:11): "No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." God does not promise to give us everything WE think is good, but he will not withhold what is permanently good.

Day 113: 1 Chronicles 1-2

Uhhhh, okay. If you did more than skim these 2 chapters, kudos to you. I looked for names I recognized and saw where they fit in. I'm not sure what else I am taking away from these lists of names. And I see it goes on for quite a while yet.....

Day 112: Psalm 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

I am beginning to really understand one of the reasons why God called David a man after his own heart. David is so honest with God (for example, Psalm 6). Sometimes when I pray, especially publicly, I am half talking to God and half concerned over what I am saying in front of others. These Psalms are not private conversations between David and God.....I am assuming they were written as public hymns....and yet they are so personal and honest.

Psalm 10 is so much about the frustration of unGodly people prospering. I'm sure that at the time this was written, it was even more of a struggle because believers didn't really have a strong belief in the afterlife. Here and now was everything, and when evil people were better off than they were, it probably made no sense at all.

As Psalm 14 talks about those who say there is no God, I have to think about how God feels about this. Although it is a weak comparison, I think about how I would feel if 2 out of 3 of my kids totally denied my existence. If they said that I was just some made up idea that doesn't really exist. Ouch.

I like how Psalm 19 flows from praise for creation to appreciation for the law to our own sinfulness. If we are truly seeing God in his creation and his law, then the natural next thought is how far short we are of hitting the mark.

I think 19:14 would be a great prayer every morning. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Day 111: 2 Samuel 1-4

I had to go back and look at how Saul died. I was a little confused when the guy told David that he had killed him. I think he thought he was doing a good thing by telling David that he had killed his enemy. That little ploy came back to bite him. What a good man David was to pay tribute to a guy who had tried to do him in so many times. He knew Saul was chosen by God and that was good enough for him. And of course he loved Jonathon.

The way that David responded to Joab killing Abner shows that he was more concerned with the big picture of God's people. Even though what Joab did was wrong (seeking revenge for a murder which was self-defense,) the scandal which could have resulted would have been a far bigger problem and further divided the kingdom.

How long before people learn to quit killing David's enemies in cold blood and then expect him to be grateful. It just happened again in chapter 4!

Day 110: Psalm 121, 123-125, 128-130

As I read Psalm 121 I think about trust. There are certain people in my life who I think I trust a whole lot. I think they have my best interest in mind and would probably sacrifice a great deal for me if the need arose. But even their support and protection is nothing compared to that of God's. Since He knows me so much more than any person could and He is there in so many moments when no other person is, I can ALWAYS trust Him.

Psalm 124 reminds me to look back at a tough situation and see where God worked in the midst of it. Even if it didn't turn out perfectly, consider how much worse it could have been without God being involved.

Psalm 130 is another really good one. "If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?" "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption."

Day 109: 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

Not a surprising story for old Saul to consult a witch, even after he had banned all sorcery. I'm surprised that Israel, by this point, wasn't saying "Enough! You were right....we don't need an earthly king!"

My Bible had some good notes about Samuel and Saul. At God's call, Samuel replied with "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." Saul replied with "Why do you say such a thing to me?" Saul was dedicated to himself; Samuel was dedicated to God.

I love Psalm 18. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me." "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." "You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."

Day 108: Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

There seems to be a reoccurring theme in a lot of these psalms: crying out to God for justice and to fight our battles for us. I think my tendency is not necessarily to fight back but to dwell on things that have happened and let it frustrate and agitate me. Remembering that God is ultimately the judge, is helpful not only for people who lash back in revenge, but also for people who don't let things go in their mind.

I love Psalm 63. Worship.

Day 107: 1 Samuel 25-27

So Abigail is the peacemaker when David and Nabal are ready to kill each other. In a culture where women rarely got involved in things like this, you have to admire her boldness.

I see Saul and David are at it again....sneaking into camp and stealing Saul's sword and jug while he sleeps and then shouting from a nearby hilltop. They make peace and go their separate ways......"till we meet again hehehehee......"

Day 106: Psalm 56, 120, 140-142

In these Psalms David is crying out to be rescued from evil words just as often as being rescued from violence. Sometimes I think we just get numb to verbal assaults. Not necessarily directed at me, but just the way people talk about each other and in general these days. There is so much negativity and slandering going on (and I'm sure I do my share at times, too!).

I also notice that David definitely knows that justice is ultimately up to God. However, he definitely likes to give suggestions as to how evil people should be punished. :-)

Day 105: Psalm 7, 27, 31, 34, 52

I like Psalm 27 a lot as it speaks to fear. Logically it is not so hard to see that we really have nothing to fear because of our salvation and our hope of heaven. But when you are in the midst of something, why do we so quickly forget or not trust enough?

As I read these Psalms, I am imagining a scared kid/young man running from town to town from crazy old King Saul. First this guy Sam shows up and tells him he, a shepherd, is going to be Israel's next king and now this! But we really get to see a glimpse of how close David is to God.

Day 104: 1 Samuel 21-24

So what are these Israelites thinking now about having a king? They are probably wishing that this was one request God left unanswered. I'm sure nothing confirmed their worst fears than seeing their king kill 85 priests in one day!

This is like some kind of giant hide and seek game with Saul pursuing David from one town to the next. And when they finally catch with each other, we see David's true character.

Day 103: 1 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 11, 59

Saul seems so mentally unstable. (And that is putting it nicely.) One minute he is promising to not harm David and the next he is throwing spears at him. Thank God for Jonathon's friendship! (who also endures Saul's wrath and spears.)

Reading these 2 Psalms in the midst of David fleeing from Saul, this insane king who has been so on and off with David, was kind of neat. You can imagine him hiding just outside of town and crying out to God this way.

Day 102: 1 Samuel 15-17

The story of Saul reminds us that selective obedience is still disobedience. Even though Saul thought he was being wise by saving the healthy animals (even using them for sacrifices to God), he was in essence still saying that he knew better than God. I wonder if I justify sin at times, by trying to paint it in a positive light, even though at the very heart of it, it is still disobedience.

Love the verse: "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." It seems that our culture heads more and more in this direction. So many people are overlooked or just can't seem to catch a break, because all society looks at is their outward appearance.

I love David's boldness in the story of Goliath. "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

Day 101: 1 Samuel 13-14

I sure like Jonathon a lot more than I like Saul at this point in the story. The people are already starting to see that having a king is not the answer to all of their problems. It makes me think of the things that I heard some people say who supported Obama for president. He was going to make all of their life good and their expectations were extremely high. Too much faith in any person can never be a good thing. Only God won't disappoint.

Day 100: 1 Samuel 9-12

Day 100!!!! Thanks for hanging in there with me. There's no turning back now....the story is getting really good!

Okay, you go looking for lost donkeys and return home the king. Go figure. And the first thing he tells them when he returns is that he found the donkeys. And then when Samuel is calling out who the new king will be, Saul is hiding among the baggage? On the one hand I think he is not trusting God's sovereignty enough in choosing the "best man." On the other hand, he knows how important this is and he's not sure how those who know him will receive the news.

Chapter 12 clarifies God giving the Israelites a king. When other nations were beating them, they assumed it was because the Ammonites had a king and so they wanted one too. They didn't even consider that their defeat had anything to do with their not following God. How quick we are to blame our leaders today! "Our financial situation surely has nothing to do with our personal spending habits. It is the fault of our government officials (or the officials during the last term.)

Day 99: 1 Samuel 4-8

I wonder what Moses would have thought about the ark and the story of it being passed around from town to town and people were destroyed because of it. And the gold rats and Gold models of tumors? Bizarre! It seems like the ark had become more of a national treasure to the Israelites than the dwelling place of God. If some people who were farming decided to look inside when it was returned, they obviously weren't taking it very seriously.

Funny how the Philistines were finally able to be defeated once the people returned to God.

The Israelites thought that the whole "God as king, and judges to lead thing" just wasn't working. They thought it was all good with Samuel as leader, but as soon as his corrupt sons took over, they wanted a whole new system. Samuel was probably quick to blame himself and his sons, but God assured him that the people were rejecting God, not him. That must have made Samuel even sadder since he followed God.

Day 98: 1 Samuel 1-3

It looks like we are going to be dwelling in the Samuels (amidst some other readings) until May 23rd! Settle in and get comfortable, eh?

I love the story of Hannah! What an example for me. Absolutely everything I have is from God, so why shouldn't I use everything He has given me to serve Him? How hard it must have been for Hannah to turn over Samuel just after he was weaned. What things in my life are really hard to turn over, and therefor I don't?

Samuel had to learn to recognize God's voice. Though there might not be an audible voice of God for us, I think we still need to recognize it.

Day 97: Ruth

I am struck by the reason that Boaz is so quickly accepting of Ruth. It is not because of her social status or her accomplishments or even her heritage. Boaz is won over by her simply because of the way she treats people. What a lesson for all of us. I don't think there is any single act we can perform in life which points to God more than the way we treat people.

So Boaz played by the rules by going to the kinsman-redeemer to give him the first opportunity purchase the land (and ultimately Ruth), even though he knew there was a chance he would lose her. That must have been a really hard thing to do.

I notice in my Bible's biographies of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz there are no "weaknesses" only strengths. As 3:11 says, "All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character."

Love this story.

Day 96: Judges 19-21

Wow, in these chapters we just see one mess happening after another. What a tragic story with the Levite and his concubine! And the consequences of that one action just seem to spread.

That's the end of Judges and there were definitely some interesting stories in there. Yowzers. It's amazing that Hollywood hasn't latched onto this scrip for a movie.

Day 95: Judges16-18

Yeah, Samson is a pretty disappointing character overall. But once again, we see how God never gives up on people and at the end of his story, when Samson calls out to God, God responds. It's never too late or too far gone!

Poor Micah, he is looking everywhere for spiritual leadership. First he makes all these idols. Next he installed one of his sons as his priest, and then he recruits a travelling Levite to be his priest. I notice that he spent 200 shekels of silver to make an idol and then he pays the Levite 10 shekels a year to be his priest. Those are some messed up priorities.

My Bible lists 17:6 as the key verse for all of Judges. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." I think most people today would disagree that this is still the case. People probably believe that ultimately most people are good and they are going to choose to do the "right" thing. However, I think this verse has always been and still is very true. In general, people will do as they see fit.

Day 94: Judges 13-15

I just don't get Samson and his riddles. I think often kids learn about Samson as this strong hero, but he really disobeys God pretty often and is not a very nice guy. He definitely has an attitude!

Day 93: Judges 10-12

I am struck today by God's patience. As the cycle keeps repeating of turning away from God and then returning, how can He not give up on humans?!??! Yes, He continues to take them back when they repent. Amazing.

I don't remember the story about Jephthah and his daughter. My footnotes are unsure whether he killed her or not. Interesting.

Day 92: Judges 8-9

I thought Gideon was doing a pretty good job and getting it right until the whole ephod thing. And then as soon as he dies, the Israelites turn away from God. It makes me wonder if we put too much "faith" in our spiritual leaders. If all of a sudden our church was gone, would most people know enough to follow God on their own? Do people go to church to encounter God or are they just going because it is something they enjoy doing (socially, etc.)?

Man, that Abimelech and his "wreckless adventurers" were nasty dudes.

Day 91: Judges 6-7

Are we like Gideon? When life is bad, we tend to say"IF the Lord is with us, why is this stuff happening?" First of all, we are quick to point fingers.....it's never OUR fault or just consequences of living in a fallen world. Second, like God is not with us???? I'm yet to see a God in the Bible who takes breaks or walks away or gives up on people.

I notice that before God has Gideon go to battle, he addresses spiritual "stuff" by having him tear down alters to other gods. A good thought about getting our spiritual "stuff" squared away before we take on problems in other areas of our lives.

Wow! From 32,000 warriors to 300. And then they just blow trumpets and the Midianites attack themselves. Who could ever question God not bringing this victory. That is crazy stuff!