Oh that I would praise the Lord!

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This morning I rolled out of bed and popped on Facebook. My normal habit is to read the Bible before doing anything else, but I had asked hubby if we could take a walk. He had already been up for awhile and was in the middle of something on his computer. So I decided to check my email and read updates on Facebook while waiting for hubby.

One of the updates on Facebook made me mad. Hubby and I spent almost our entire walk talking (or for me, venting) about various issues. I got home and was in a tizzy! Not a good way to start the day when I’m trying to cultivate a heart like God’s and be respectful toward my husband. I keep reminding myself “demure, you can be demure…”

As soon as we got home, I spent time in God’s word like I should have before I left. I was chastised. My reading took me to Psalm 107. In that chapter alone, four times does the psalmist remind people to praise God.

“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
(vs. 8, 15, 21, 31).

Oh that I would praise the Lord instead of getting caught up in the ways of this world! God is very good and it’s too easy to forget His wonderful works! Oh that I would praise the Lord…

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Today

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Today’s been an interesting but fairly laid back day. I went to bed last night at 8:30 and woke up this morning at 7:30. For some reason, I’ve been needing a lot of sleep lately. Yesterday I woke up before 6 and had most of my housework done before 9! Today I was still eating breakfast at that time.

I had an awesome banana/strawberry/spinach smoothie for breakfast. Then I completed all of my housework. After that, I spent over an hour studying Japanese. Then I took a nap. haha. For some reason, despite my 11 hours of sleep last night, I needed an hour and a half long nap. Bummer. There went my afternoon!

Hubby is working tonight. He’s doing something server related for a company, which means he has to work during that company’s off hours. He’s scheduled to work from 10 to 6:30 tomorrow morning, but thankfully, he’s working from home. I thought about staying up all night to keep him company but hubby said he’d rather I got a good night of sleep tonight and was available and cheery for him tomorrow. I get a bit grumpy when I haven’t had enough sleep…

So that was my day. Productive in the morning and not so productive in the afternoon. I really wanted to quilt today but it just didn’t happen. I need to set aside some time for it like I do with my Bible study and my Japanese studies.

My Bible study still continues with the topic of death and what happens after death. I thought I was coming to the end of my texts, but one text today gave me six more to study! I just follow all the cross references and now I have pages of texts. I still have two pages of texts to look up but who knows how many more texts that will provide. I had no idea that the Bible said so much about death.

My Japanese studies are going really well also. I’m planning on taking the JLPT N5 this December, which is the easiest proficiency exam. Theoretically, I could push myself to take N4 but I’m not sure I’ll be ready. I want to pass so that I have motivation to study next year. For me, failing is unmotivational. I’ve learned a bunch of vocabulary plus the following sentence structures:

it is…
it was…
it is not…
it was not…
I am…

I still don’t feel like I could carry any sort of conversation in Japanese but I’m starting to understand sentence structure and some of the vocab in Japanese movies. Maybe next year I’ll be able to watch something without the subtitles!

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Themes vs. details

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When I read through the Bible earlier this spring, I tried to pass over the details and instead concentrate on the themes. Reading 12 pages each day does not really allow one to soak up all the details. Instead, I jotted down any specific texts or topics I wanted to come back to later.

One topic I’ve been intending to study for the past several years is death. It can be a depressing topic, I suppose. What happens when you die? Is there consciousness after death? And a more recent addition to my questions – is there any conscious existence before a man is born?

The Seventh Day Adventist church, of which I am a member, has an official position on the topic of death. However, I do think it is of vital importance for each Christian to study and know what the Bible says for themselves. I want to know that my beliefs are the same as those of the church that I attend or I may need to find another church. The only way to discover what I believe is to dig into the Bible for myself.

I started with Genesis 2:7, which talks about God creating Adam, the first man. Then I looked up all the cross references that are listed in my Bible for this text. When I finished reading all of the cross references, I moved on to the next text on my list and looked up all the cross references attached to that text. I now have 6.5 pages of notes and texts related to creation, death, and the breath of life.

I’m not yet done with this study, but I am noticing a bigger theme that just what happens when you die. God is in control. Regardless of what else I find in my study, I am relieved and hopeful because I can be confident that God is always in control.

Here are several of the verses that illustrate this.

God created man. – And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7).

God gives to all life, breath, and all things. – God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things (Acts 17:24-25).

My soul is in God’s hand. – Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:9-10).

In God, I live and move and have my being. – For in him [God] we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (Acts 17:28).

Praise the Lord! I can have confidence that God is in control.

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Bible in 90 Days

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Bible in 90 Days- join in July 2010

I am very excited that the Bible in 90 Days program is starting up again. If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late to join! The reading starts today but there are also two grace days built into the schedule.

Reading the Bible through so quickly is challenging but very rewarding. Sometimes it’s difficult to read the Bible for 45 minutes to an hour each day, especially during some of the “hard” books like Leviticus and Numbers. But reading so quickly gave me a new perspective on how God has worked throughout history. It shows how God has had His hand guiding His people. It’s really amazing to see that the God who created and taught Adam is the same God who protected His people during the 40 years of wandering. That is also the same God who guided David and the judges during Israel’s rocky history.

I’m not reading the entire Bible during this 90 day period but I am going to be doing some intense Bible study. I have a list of questions from my last read through and I want to try to answer some of those during this 90 day challenge. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity of praying for and encouraging some of the participants.

I cannot recommend this challenge enough. If you have never read through the entire Bible, please prayerfully consider joining. It will be a worthwhile experience!

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The death and resurrection of Christ

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Seeing as how today is Easter, I spent some time this morning reading in all four gospels about the death and resurrection of Christ.

Even though some of the details differ from one account to another, the basic story and sentiment is the same.

Jesus goes through a terrible trial in Gethsemane.
Judas leads a crowd to arrest Jesus.
Peter denies Jesus.
Jesus goes through several cross-examinations.
He is led to Golgotha.
Jesus dies on the cross.
He is placed in a new tomb.
When the disciples and several women visit the tomb on the first day of the week, Jesus has risen!
Jesus appears to various people and explains His death and resurrection.

Why are there so many accounts of the same events? I believe it’s because each disciple had a different vantage point and wanted to record their own individual account. This is why some of the details are different but the overarching events are the same.

What does this mean for us today? I think John summed it up well.

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;

but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name
John 20:30-31 (NKJV).

We are given evidence that Jesus is the Christ. That He is the Son of God. And that we can believe in Him and receive eternal life.

Paul also gives us a wonderful promise in Romans.

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 6:4-11 (NKJV).

Praise the Lord!

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Bible in 90 Days – Final Thoughts

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When I first announced that I was going to read the entire Bible in 90 days, most people asked why I would read it so quickly. If I was asked that question again today, I would offer the same explanation. Reading many pages each day puts God and our relationship with Him into perspective. It makes it easier to see what is really important in life, what God values and wants from each one of His children.

I realized a few things as I read. First, God loves every single human being more than I can imagine. He loves you and me and everyone else with an infinite love, regardless of the positive or negative choices we’ve made in the past and continue to make day by day. In numerous ways, God calls people to Him so that He can give us life. This calling doesn’t happen once and if rejected, never again. So many stories in the Bible show God calling people back to Him over and over and over again. He allows our choices to play out so that we can see that God’s way is better. But in our misery or in our joy, God continues to call us back to Him.

I also learned that my relationship with God is based on my heart, not on my actions. Many texts, especially in the gospels, address the need for a clean heart, a pure heart, an undefiled heart. By spending time with God in prayer and in Bible study, I can become more like Him. When my heart becomes more like God’s, my actions reflect what’s on my heart. This is where keeping the commandments comes into play, honoring God with my actions because my heart is like His. I can’t earn my way into heaven or God’s favor. That’s not what He wants from me. Instead, He desires my love and that my love would translate into actions.

Another glaring realization is that my priorities need to be rearranged. Life is not about having fun, following my own pleasures and enjoyments. Instead, I need to learn more about God, become more like Him, minister to my husband and to all the people I come in contact with. By doing this, I can be a great witness to the love of God. By loving like God loves, I can show people that I serve an awesome God and hopefully they will want to know more.

The last thing I learned is that both myself and often the Christian church in general places too much of an emphasis on the things of life that aren’t that important. I have judged people on their appearance, criticized them for lifestyle choices, and felt superior because I “know more” or am “farther on my Christian walk” than someone else. However, wearing jewelry, eating meat, and watching movies, all these different lifestyle choices, are a choice and a conviction between an individual and God. It is not up to me or any church to dictate how someone lives their life.

As an individual and as a collective Christian family, we need to focus on the greatest two commandments – loving God and loving other people. This is the greatest joy and responsibility we have. This should be our focus every minute of every day. After all, a Christian is someone who takes on the ministry of Christ. Loving others. Pointing the way to God.

I would recommend reading the Bible in 90 days to everyone who would possibly be interested. It has opened my mind to new ideas and a new way of thinking. It really is a life changing experience and offers a unique perspective of God, His children, and our relationship to both.

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Bible in 90 Days – Day 87 & 88

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I have finished reading through the Bible! I was planning on finishing tomorrow, but then I looked at the chapters that were scheduled. Day 87 covers Jude through Revelation 17. As Revelation is only 22 chapters, I decided to go ahead and finish.

It feels great. I have thoughts, but I’m going to post on Wednesday about the entire experience. It was a blessed one!

I marked several great promises in Jude and Revelation.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
Jude 1:24-25.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne
Revelation 3:20-21.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created
Revelation 4:11.

I especially love this last verse. This is talking about Christ, as He was the one who created all things. He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. Why? Many reasons, but also for the one listed here. Christ is our creator. He provides life for every living thing. And I really like the last part of the verse. For Christ’s pleasure I exist and I was created. Christ created ME for His own pleasure. I can’t help but want to praise Him and serve Him in every way I can.

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Bible in 90 Days – Day 86

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Two days left. Only Jude and Revelation left to read.

Today’s reading covered 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John. I marked another wonderful promise. I really do think that there are many beautiful promises in the Bible if we take the time to look for them.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is
1 John 3:1-2.

Praise the Lord. I can’t wait to see God face to face, to really see Him as He is.

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Bible in 90 Days – Day 85

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Only three days left…

Before church this morning, I read Hebrews and James. Hebrews is a book I definitely need to study soon as it has a lot of information and guidance on Abba and Christ. I find the study of the sanctuary fascinating and much of the heavenly application is in Hebrews.

Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted
Hebrews 2:17-18.

These two verses tell me that Christ wanted to be made like us so that He would understand what we struggle with. Christ was tempted, the most famous temptations being those in the wilderness immediately after His baptism. Because Christ was tempted and overcome, He is able to succor (come to the rescue, aid, help) us deal with our temptations.

Along that same vein of thought:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
Hebrews 4:14-16.

Because we have a High Priest who was tempted like we are, we can boldly come to the throne to find mercy, grace, and help whenever we need it. Praise the Lord! He is very good.

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Bible in 90 Days – Day 84

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4 days left.

This morning I read 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. It was enjoyable reading and there was a lot of really good instruction included.

One of my struggles, as I mentioned fairly early in this challenge, is the idea of perfection being required by God. I’ve been assured by several people, including two pastors, that the idea of perfection is not about sinlessness but about love. I still need to do an in depth study for myself, but today I found two really powerful passages about that topic.

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

To the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses
1 Timothy 6:11-12.

Maybe it’s really not about doing all the right things, but instead about loving everyone as Christ loves me. When I love people, I will desire their good and try not to hurt them. I think that is where works comes into play, but only as an outpouring of love. I think the focus should be on love. Love God. Love your neighbor. The rest will follow naturally.

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