Day 304 - Job 28 & Psalm 118

 Michelle

The title of this chapter says "Interlude:  Where Wisdom is Found".  It sounds as if Job is reminding himself where wisdom is found.  He goes thru all these things talking of the earth and then in the middle asks the question "But where can wisdom be found?".  He goes on to say where we won't find it and at the end says "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."  He has not forgotten where to get wisdom even in the midst of his trials.  But he needed to grieve first and get thru it to find see his way to God.  

This psalm starts with the people everywhere saying "His love endures forever".  This reminded me of how much  you see this in the readings.  Through all things we need to remember this. 

Julie

I felt like this was fairly powerful too. I feel like we ask this all of the time and that we ask God for wisdom, but I hadn't taken it down to this basic of a level.  We can only find wisdom through God...there is no other way.

This one really says it a lot, but it says so much that I didn't remember it saying. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I started to sing...  "Blessed is he who comes in the name of Lord!" I wanted to finish with, Hosanna in the highest... I really liked verse 6, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" That is oh so true. Really this entire psalm would make a great daily prayer.

Day 303 - Job 27 & Psalm 117

 Michelle

I am not sure about this chapter.  It says it's Job's final words to his friends.  I don't quite understand it because it seems like he is wrestling with his faith in this chapter.  I don't know if I am understanding correctly or not but that is what is sounds like to me.

Short psalm of praise to the Lord.  It says his faithfulness endures forever.  Even though short this is powerful to remember.

Julie

I feel like he is telling them that they can't change his mind and that he will not agree with them for any reason. He intends to stay righteous to God and not speak ill of him and blame him for what is happening in his life or to admit that he has done so many wrong things for this to happen. I think he is also saying that if they continue down this path they will considered evil on the eyes of God and that things will begin to happen to them.

I think it's powerful as well and it really sums up most of the the psalms and really what we need to remember on a regular basis.

Day 302 - Job 25-26 & Psalm 116

 Julie

Job seems to be spending a lot of time trying to explain that things are not a simple as they want to make them out to be. Again Bildad comes in and says that there is no way that men can be righteous, and Job has to counteract that by telling him the God's majesty is there for anyone that is looking. 

A psalm talking about how much we love the Lord or should love the Lord and why.

 

Michelle

Job does seem to be arguing with those around him.  In this chapter it sounds like he is asking Bildad what he has done and who has helped in it and that God's hand is at work in all things.  

It sounds like in this psalm he is saying even in the cords of death God is with us and that he trusts in God even through it all.

 

Day 301 - Job 23-24 & Psalm 115

 Julie

Job seems to be trying to tell explain to his friends that God's plans are not always visible or understandable. He gives examples of sins that some might make and show that we don't always know how God will handle those, so they shouldn't assume that they understand why things are happening to him the way they are.

We should give glory to God for his steadfast love and faithfulness. We should trust in the Lord and he will protect us. May he bless all that we have and do. 

 

Michelle

It sounds as if Job is saying he is looking for God everywhere to find out why he is going thru all this.  At the end though he says "I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face."   This sounds like he is saying that although he has gone thru so many awful things, he still believes and follows God.  He says God charges no one with wrongdoing.  

I was lost in this psalm for some reason.  

Day 300 - Job 22 & Psalm 114

 Julie

300 days in the Word. That always feels like such an accomplishment. 

Eliphaz continues to tell Job how wicked he is/was. Based on the tone of this reading it seems like he is implying that while Job was in power that he mistreated people and that this is why God is treating him the way that he is.

I am not sure that I really understand this psalm. The explanation says that it is a hymn of praise explaining that everything on earth bows down to God as his creations.

 

Michelle

This is a milestone!  And we should be thankful we have kept up this long.  

It does give that implication in the reading.  Eliphaz also advises Job to submit to God as if he has left him.  He tells him to accept God's instruction so that he can be restored from his wickedness.  While he does sound as if he is accusing Job of wrongdoing, he wants God to restore him.  He sounds like he wants Job to find delight in the Lord.  He reminds Job that God will deliver even those who are not innocent if they turn to him.

I also was not understanding this one.  But the explanation makes sense.

Day 299 - Job 20-21 & Psalm 113Pr

 Julie

Job's friends are still accusing him of wrongdoing and saying that he is experiencing these things because he is not following God. However, Job is still saying that he has done nothing to experience God's wrath and that we need to be faithful in the good and the bad times. He continues to express his questions and concerns to God, but also telling everyone that there is more to this than they are seeing.

Praise the Lord! for all that he does.

 

Michelle

I think you stated this perfectly.  Job hasn't forgotten God in all this.  

 

Day 298 - Job 19 & Psalm 112

 Julie

Job tells them all that he knows that God is his redeemer and that he lives. However, he does question why everyone seems to be turning against him. Even in the questioning, he is showing that he trusts in God, I feel like he is now more often talking about his trust in God even in all of the difficulties. I honestly have been feeling a bit like this lately. I feel like those around me are not really hearing or caring any longer which leads me to remember that I am really not alone even in the aloneness that I sometimes feel. 

This psalm tells about all that we can obtain if we stay righteous in God. 

 

Michelle

As I read this it seems that Job thinks God is doing all this to him, but then I thought does he not realize that Satan is also involved.  I know that God allows us to go thru troubles at times and this is what is happening to Job but I think we forget that sometimes it's more than that.  And that we need to keep our focus on God so that the evil doesn't cloud our minds.

The psalm seems to be telling us to remember to find delight in the Lord and the righteous will never be shaken.  If we remain in the Lord we will not fear what is happening to us but will in the end look in triumph.

 

Day 297 - Job 18 & Psalm 111

 Julie

Bildad tells Job that God only punishes the wicked, so he must be doing wrong in the eyes of God to be suffering the way that he is. 

This psalm is praising the Lord for his good works. It reminds us that God is righteous, forgiving, and merciful and that he keeps his word. It reminds us that all of this can be proven through scripture. I want to focus on the last line. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever." I know that it sounds weird that we should fear and love the Lord, but we grew up fearing and loving our parents because we didn't want to get in trouble for wrongdoing and this relationship should be the same. We should fear what will happen if we stray, but know that God loves us unconditionally and that as long as we can repent (and not do things on purpose expecting forgiveness) then he will forgive us and live up to his end of the promises. 

 

Michelle

It does seem that Bildad is saying that.  At the beginning it doesn't sound like that though when he says, "Be sensible, and then we can talk.  Why are we regarded as cattle and considered stupid in your sight?  You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger, is the earth to be abandoned for your sake?   Or must the rocks be moved from their place?".  It seems he is asking Job if he is more important than everyone else in God's eyes and then accuses him of being wicked.

I think you said it perfectly.  We are taught to fear and love our parents and want to do right by them.  This seems to come from God though as this is what God asks of us as well.  

Day 296 - Job 16-17 & Psalm 110

 Julie

I am going to be honest and say that I am extremely tired right now and I am not sure I really got what I needed to from this, but it seems that Job is basically saying that with friends like his who needs enemies. Then it seems like he is questioning God as to why he has placed these people in Job's life and why he isn't taking care of them as they are treating him poorly. And as I write this it occurs to me that this is part of the test that Satan is putting him through, taking away anyone in his life that he could turn to for comfort and help and keeping him isolated. It does make Job question his hope and the fact that he is struggling with trust. 

The Lord will handle all if we will just sit with him.

 

Michelle

I can see how you got that from the reading.  I got something different but I think it's related to the same thought and I didn't think of it until reading these chapters.   It seems as if Job is still grieving and just living in it too long.   I say this because in this chapter it seems that he is searching for comfort from his friends and is not getting it.  When I struggled in my grief I felt this way.  Always wanting someone to tell me it was ok to feel this way.  That is what is sounds like Job is wanting.  To be comforted in his grief with the allowance that it's ok to feel the way he is feeling but everyone just keeps saying get out of it and know that God is with you.  I don't think he is questioning that necessarily but that he just wants to know why this has happened to him.  And we know that is something we will likely never find out.  I still find myself asking these questions, however, I don't expect an answer anymore.  He seems to still have faith in God.  

I got the same from this psalm. 

Day 295 - Job 15 & Psalm 109

 Julie

Eliphaz is accusing Job of not fearing God. He seems to be saying the Job is not reacting to his situation in the right way, but I am not sure if he is right or not.

This psalm is a good prayer for the current time for both work and for the way others are treating those of us that are not following their path. Reminding us that the Lord is there to help us through these troubles times and that he will take care of those that are against us.

 

Michelle

I agree.  It seems that he thinks Job is acting like he is above God's wisdom, if that makes sense.  He goes on to question the way he is acting saying he is acting like the evil doers.  

The psalm does sound like he is asking for his enemies that are attacking him to be put down.  He asks God to do all sorts of bad things to them and at the end he says "Help me Lord my God; save me according to your  unfailing love".   

Day 294 - Job 12-14 & Psalm 108

 Julie

Job is responding to his friends and their misconceptions of why he is experiencing all of these challenges. He seems to be coming out of his self-pity place into a place where he tells them that he knows of God's awesome power and might. He also tells them that obviously since God's hand is on everything and that he formed and made everything that when something happens to them that God had a hand in that. He also questions what happens when man falls, like a tree does he sprout back up if given enough water to grow? He resigns himself to talking to God instead of continuing to argue with his friends and take his troubles back to God. I think that is where this is going.

We can do all things with God in our lives.

 

Michelle

Job does say he knows God has a hand in all that happens.  He seems to be wanting to speak to God and I can very much understand this.  Wanting to have an actual conversation and ask questions and get answers and that is not at all how God works.  There is a part that he say, "will you argue the case for God", like he is asking his friends if they are trying to plead God's case to him during his despair.  He also asks God for 2 things and says he will stop hiding from God.  I found this interesting.  It's like he is wrestling with his beliefs vs what is happening to him.  Almost like a struggle of good and evil thoughts.  He wants to remain in faith to God yet is pulled into despair and back and forth.  

The psalm seems to be saying that with God all things are possible.   

Day 293 - Job 11 & Psalm 107

 Julie

I honestly wasn't quite sure where Zophar was going with this when I read it because it seems that he is telling Job that he is unworthy. However, the explanation says he is trying to tell Job that he needs to repent and that he cannot continue down this path of feeling sorry for himself or God will not help him. 

"Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" This was repeated a few times throughout this psalm. This psalm reminds us that we should be thankful to God and that if we ask for forgiveness he will listen, if we ask for help then he will help. Even if we have been sinful as long as we repent he will hear our prayers. Pray to God and ask and then share and be thankful for the answered prayers. 

 

Michelle

I had a hard time with this one at first too.  But yes, I realized that is what was happening.  It's another person telling him to come out of his pity party and turn to God, not in question, but in faith and he will be there for Job.  It is interesting that those around him are trying to remind him of God's love and faithfulness, which is good, because Job has surrounded himself with other believers, and when someone falls this far, they will need those type of people to pull them out of the pit of despair.  

I struggled with this psalm, maybe because it was so long and my mind started to wonder.  I need to reread it I guess.  What I did get was God's love endures forever and when you cry out to the Lord he will respond.   

Day 292 - Job 9-10 & Psalm 106

 Julie

I feel like Job is still trying to wrestle with why God is letting him suffer in this way even if he had done things right and was considered blameless. Even though he knows that God is just and fair he is questioning why at this time it doesn't feel that way. He even says that God apparently destroys both the blameless and the wicked and he does not seem to understand why. He even continues to question why he was even born if he was going to have to endure such suffering.

I think this psalm is trying to prove the steadfast love of God. It mentions every time he was punishing his people for sinning and how he would listen to those that would come before him and the name of the people and ask for forgiveness. It shows how he gives chance after chance after chance and every time they revert back to their old ways and unbelief, and every time someone repents for them and he gives them another chance.

 

Michelle

This does sound like he is still questioning why God is allowing all these things to have happened to him.  I can understand this feeling Job is expressing though.  Because when things happen to you and you feel you have done everything right, it is very difficult to reconcile the trials.  It's does make  you feel like God is against you or you start to reflect and question everything that lead you to that point.  It starts to make your mind race and you wonder why you even try anymore.  I can see in reading this book that God just wants you to trust him.  He wants you to be forever faithful.  At this point it seems like Job's faith is in question as he is continuing to question God and the events that have transpired. In chapter 10 he really starts to question God.  As I read this chapter I find that I have felt this way before.  When he talks of going to the land of gloom and utter darkness and that he feels his life is over.  

As I read this psalm I just kept thinking that we need to keep in mind all the wonderful things God has done for us and for his people throughout history.  There are many things to be thankful for and yet we constantly question and turn from God.  But if we would keep our minds on the wonders, we would be a whole different people.  I can't admit that I am good at this because the negative seems to be the first thing that comes, but I am trying to remember all the things I should be thankful for everyday. 

Day 291 - Job 8 & Psalm 105

 Julie

Bildad reminds Job that he must repent instead of asking God why. He asks Job how long he plans on complaining because it's not getting him anywhere. He continues to remind him why he needs to seek God and ask him for mercy and that if he is pure and upright then God will surely help him. He then goes on to give analogies of how nothing can survive with help from somewhere and he uses concrete examples like reeds growing if there is no water. So we can't grow in Christ if we do not plant the seed and water and spend to with God and in the Word and repent and pray and have faith and trust. 

Another psalm of  praise for all that God does. However, in this one it also explains how God put some of his people through trials and in their faithfulness he rewarded them. 

 

Michelle

Your words explain this exactly as I read it.  That if we do not give ourselves to God and do not seek God throughout our lives then we will get no where.  But those that seek him will surely grow.  And yes his friend seems to be asking him how long he will wallow in self pity.  

This psalm goes over some past events and yes it does explain some of the trials they were put through.  It says to remember the wonders God has done and that he kept his promise.  That stands out to me.  That even though the people were and are constantly rebelling and turning from God, he has kept his promise that they will be saved and grow in number, that we need to remember that.  This seems important in our learning.  That God has kept his promise even though we falter, so keep turning to him because he is always with us and for us. 

Day 290 - Job 6-7 & Psalm 104

 Michelle

In this reading it seems that Job is in a deep state of grieving and self pity and is still wishing for death to come.  He seems to feel that God has turned on him due to some sin he knows nothing about.  He seems to feel there is no one supporting him either as he talks about his brothers being undependable.  I can understand these feelings all together.  He has endured alot of suffering in a very short amount of time and that can be overwhelming for a person.  I am not the best at times like these either and tend to forget where I should be turning, and in my past felt there was no one to help me or that I was a burden on those close to me so I kept alot of it to myself.  Which isn't healthy either.  It is interesting though as when we hear about Job, this is not the part of his story that is often shared.  I have actually never heard this part before.  It is kind of refreshing to read as, again, we often think that godly people are meant to have perfect lives and don't have the same feelings everyone else has when things don't go as expected or when they suffer losses.  

This psalm is another singing praise.  But as I read it I kept getting these visual representations in my mind of the things the psalmist is describing.  Such beauty in the world and the way it all works.  It gave me a vision of God looking down and making things happen.  When the water flows and provides for the animals, quenching their thirst.  The part that speaks of God watering the mountains from his upper chambers and the land being satisfied, where grass grows for cattle and plants for people to cultivate bringing food from the earth and wine that gladdens human hearts and oil to make faces shine and bread to sustain their hearts, these are things we known happen.  This psalm goes on and gives such a realistic picture of nature and all God has provided for the creatures and humans of this earth and the timing of how all things happen.  When it says all the beasts of the forest prowl at night and sleep during the day so the people go out to work.  This psalm is very moving and is a great reminder of the small things in nature that he has provided if only we pay attention.  The way it all works together as well.  As if by design.  It is a praise to God for all his works and all he has provided.

Julie

I agree. I think that seeing this side of the story helps us to realize that it's ok to have the human emotions that we do and that even those that are considered righteous by God have had some of those same emotions. It's part of how we learn and grow so as long as we don't linger there for long and remember where we should be turning it shows that we have learned from those things and are moving into the righteousness of God. 

I like the beauty you found in this psalm. I focused a little more on the end. Making a commitment to sing praises to the Lord as long as I live and have being, and that he will reciprocate by removing sinners from the earth and the wicked will be no more. It's a promise that he makes he just doesn't tell us when that will happen. 

Day 289 - Job 4-5 & Psalm 103

 Michelle

So in this reading, Eliphaz reminds Job that his beliefs and his strengths and his reliance on God.  He is reminding him that he should be calling on God in his times of trouble.  So even a Godly man needs a reminder at times.  That he can get so caught up in his troubles that he needs someone close to him to help him to see.  So even though God has allowed Satan to put Job in this state, there is someone reminding Job that God is the answer.  The beginning is the most prominent to me.  There is a part that says, "Who, being innocent, has every perished?  Where were the upright every destroyed?  As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.  At the breath of God they perish".  It seems he is reminding Job that if he keeps to God's commands and does what is right, even in times of trouble, and turns to God in prayer, he will be alright.  This made me think of what you wrote the other day about considering lying and how you are choosing to do what is right instead.  Don't succumb to the evil options as they lead to more evil.  

As soon as I started reading this psalm, this song came in my head, "Praise the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul, worship his holy name".  This seems to be what the entire psalm is saying.  Reminding us of what he does for us all.

Julie

I was having a hard time reading this one today so I appreciate your insight. It helped me to understand what I was missing in this reading. 

I was singing too...

Day 288 - Job 3 & Psalm 102

 Julie

As I think anyone in Job's situation would, he laments and questions why he was even born if his life is turning out so terrible and all of these bad things are happening. Asking why he didn't just die instead of having all of these great things happen and then they are all taken away. This is where most people struggle because they think that if they believe in God then everything should be perfect all the time and it definitely is not. We still have to show our faith and trust even in the darkest times of our lives.

This psalm begins with someone praying about the distress that they are experiencing from being taunted by their enemies. It moves into a praise for the Lord and for all he does and for the fear that he casts on those who do not believe. They are asking that future generations are able to see that the Lord helps those in their time of distress and will deal with those that are hurting them. Then it ends with a  reminder that God will remain after everyone falls.

 

Michelle

There is alot of cursing and questioning why he has been born to endure so many terrible things.  It does sound as if he wishes he was never born or that he was taken to rest with his ancestors.  I agree we do tend to think that if we follow God and are forgiven then our lives will be perfect everyday and things will go our way.  That is not reality.  We question God when these things happen in our lives and wonder why we are made to endure things.  I have found myself asking what is it you want me to learn or why is this happening to me.  Of course I don't get an answer.  But I think you are right in that we need to maintain the faith and praise to God in every situation.  Praying seems to be necessary no matter the circumstances we are faced with.

Your synopsis explains this psalm perfectly.  I got nothing else from it. 

Day 287 - Job 1-2 & Psalm 101

 Michelle

The preface says that this book demonstrates God's providence in a believer's suffering and that Satan was challenging God.  People talk about this book all the time.  Upon reading it though I never knew this was a challenge with Satan.  When I was reading ch 1 vs 21 fear came upon me.  It was the strangest thing.  I kept reading but that stopped me and I cannot explain the fear I felt.  Something else that caught me was in ch 2 when his wife says, "Are you still maintaining your integrity?  Curse God and Die!".  Yet he maintained and responded telling her she sounded like a foolish woman then gave the question, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?".  I think many times we expect only good from God, but we forget about the times that we are challenged and that it is a time that we must turn to God as always.  The devotional attached to this reading really points out the trust Job had in God.  It says to Know God is to Trust God.  It reminds us Job responded to the grief as was traditional in that time as he tore his robe and shaved his head to display his deep sorrow.  He had just experienced some devastating blows and lost his family.  That would be very difficult.  But his very next step was to show his faithfulness to God.  He fell to the ground and worshiped.  Is this what we think of when we experience grief?  I would say not in the slightest.  But I strive to be this faithful.  Job didn't question God, instead he acknowledged that everything comes from God and he praised him.  It says that Job's close communion with God had taught him that God was the only one who could give him real comfort.  And while Job did seek understanding and answers following that, his initial response reflected a heart that knew and trusted God.  

This psalm seems to be talking about being careful in the life you lead, that you maintain a blameless heart and stay far from evil, shunning those who slander or have a proud heart.  That we should be faithful in our actions. 

Julie

The story of Job is a very powerful story. He is the type of Godly person that we should all strive to be. We do have to accept the challenges that we are faced with and not just the goodness of God. I think that this is where people have a misconception. They assume that once they are forgiven and have faith and trust in God that they will no longer have any troubles or that they are being punished for something. Job is a good example of the fact that he had done nothing wrong, but was just being tested in his faith. Sometimes that is all it is, we do have to prove our faithfulness.

"I Will Walk With Integrity," is the title of this Psalm. It really spoke to me today. With everything going on I have been tempted to lie about things at work to extend my time there without having to actually do what they are requiring. This is mostly out of fear. Every time I am tempted with those options I am convicted in that moment to not fall and to walk with integrity. 

Day 286 - Psalm 100

 Julie

So, if I recall correctly...and I could go back and look...the last time we read this I commented on the fact that I had started to notice that in the Psalms "his steadfast love" is used quite a bit. At that point, I started marking every time I saw it as we read. Those words are used a lot throughout all books of the Bible it turns out. I have marked that in all of the books we have been reading. I really love seeing it. So, what stood out to me was the last lines, For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." He is good, he loves us now and always, and has always been and will always be faithful to everyone.

 

Michelle

I recall that as well.  It has really been prominent to you as you often see this more than I do and when you point it out, I go back and look again and there it is.   I am not sure why it's not as visible to me as it is to you.  Maybe we are shown different things for a reason.  The devotional for this psalm gave me something else to think about.  It speaks of how God is big.  Bigger than any of our needs and that like a shepherd, God takes care of us and loves us. 

Day 285 - Psalm 99

 Michelle

The Lord is holy seems to be the theme of this psalm.  The Lord is exalted and reigns over all.  We are to worship and call out to God.  As I sit here thinking about this one, at first I was thinking sometimes these psalms don't really say anything to me.  I started to publish it and then thought I can interpret them, but I don't always think they are speaking to me.  And then it hit me.  Maybe this is telling me that I need to call out to God. 

Julie

I think you might be right.

Day 284 - Esther 9-10 & Psalm 98

 Julie

Esther and Mordecai succeed in saving the Jews and the Jews end up standing up for themselves and killing those that were out to destroy them. When we started this book I was reading the summary at the beginning and it explained that there are questions about the purpose of this book because there is no mention of God throughout. I hadn't mentioned it because I wanted to read through the book before I said anything. The closest that they come to even talking about faith or anything is that Esther and Mordecai fasted for three days as she decided how to handle things with the king. This might suggest that she was spending this time in prayer even though it doesn't directly come out and say that.

Singing praises to the Lord for all of the good works that he has done. Praising his name through song. 

 

Michelle

I saw the same in the fasting as you.  The preface in my bible for this book says there is not mention of God but that if you look closely you will see his fingerprints throughout Esther's story.  When I read about the fasting I immediately thought they were praying as well.  In the preface it also says the author is unknown, which made me wonder if there is a reason that God is not mentioned.  Maybe at the time there was fear of mentioning God due to those in power, or we are meant to watch for his work even when we think he is not there.  Because as we have learned, God is always with us, watching and working, even when we think otherwise.  As we read about Esther, she was concerned for her people and as she won favor with the king, she was able to help them.  She was one of many who were shown to the king so I could see how God would have a hand in bringing her to the front.  In today's reading it kept saying that the Jews were not taking any plunder, only killing those that were against them.  This is a change to what has happened before.  As we read previously also, it seemed that king Xerxes allowed worship to God and that he asked for it in a previous situation, like he wanted all the help he could get I guess.  The preface also references verse 4:14.  It reminds me of some in past reading in which God has placed someone to do something and it will be done whether they do it or not, as he will find another to fulfill it if needed.  

So I googled the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia and was brought to a site with a text discussing the book of Esther and something else came to mind while reading.  This stood out when I read it earlier but I am not sure why I didn't comment on it before.  It also might be God's hand in the situation.  There is a point when king Xerxes is unable to sleep and it talks about what happened at that time.  I thought about that being God as well.  The other thing is that it never says that Esther and Mordecai meet up after she is taken to the palace, but that there is a go between passing communications between them.  I don't know why but this seems significant and in the article I read it referenced the saying "where there is a will, there is a way".  Which made me think about God's will being done, he will make it happen no matter the circumstances. It also references when Mordecai learned of the plot against the king and that with all the different languages in that empire at the time that the book doesn't share with you that Mordecai was fluent in all the languages of the day and so was able to interpret what was being said in order to share the information with the king.  I didn't think of that being an issue, as it doesn't reference language much in the readings.

I got the same for the psalm.  Praise the Lord for all he has done.  Shout for joy and burst into song.  

Day 283 - Esther 8 & Psalm 97

 Michelle

The king has favor for Esther and gives her Haman's estate, which she then gives to Mordecai.  Also the king gives her freedom to write a decree in the king's name regarding her people.  She and Mordecai send out orders to all the regions where the Jews are ranting them the right to assemble, protect themselves, and o destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who attacks them or their families.  They pick a specific day for the Jews to do this and they ready themselves.  At the end of the reading it says that many people of other nationalities became Jews because of fear of the Jews seizing them.  

The psalm says to rejoice in the Lord and be glad.  Rejoice in the Lord and  praise his holy name.  Sounds like a song.

Julie

I don't think I can say anymore than you already have about this chapter.

That's funny, I was thinking the same thing. 

Day 282 - Esther 6-7 & Psalm 96

 Julie

Haman is made, by the king, to honor Mordecai although he had been planning to kill him. His advisors tell him that if Mordecai is a Jew he stands no chance against him. Esther has her feast for the king and Haman and the king asks what he can do for her. She asks him to save the Jews because Haman is trying to kill them. This angers the king and he has Haman hanged.

Worship the Lord and shout out the goodness and graciousness that he provides.

 

Michelle

Haman's thoughts betray him in the end.  He thinks the king is going to recognize him when it turns out it is Mordecai that Xerxes is speaking of and this angers Haman.  Esther asks the king to free her people from Haman's plans, even though it was the king that gave permission for Haman's plan to begin with.  The king has Haman impaled on the stake he set out for Mordecai.  The devotional talks about having the strength to do what is right, even if it means risking your life at times, as Esther did.  The last line made me think of you though.  "Yes, it may be difficult and you may be wear; but 'never tire of doing what is good' (2 Thessalonians 3:13)."

The psalm sounds like we are to be singing praises to God, there is glory and strength in the Lord, let all creation rejoice before the Lord.  For he comes to judge all the earth.   

Day 281 - Esther 4-5 & Psalm 95

 Julie

Mordecai asks Esther to beg the king not to kiss the Jews.  However, she tells him that she does not have permission to see the king at this time. She does decide to fast for three days and has Mordecai do the same while she determines what to do. She plans to have a feast for the king and Haman and the king offers to do whatever she asks. 

This one sings songs of praise to Lord. 

 

Michelle

Esther agrees to help Mordecai after he shares what is happening to her people and she asks him to fast as she and her attendants will fast.  The sack cloth and fasting seems to be in reverence/remembrance of God, even though it is not stated here.  That was something we had read about before.  Esther does go to the king and asks he and Haman to dine at a banquet she has setup.  

I got something different from this psalm.  It seems to be talking of God's anger against their ancestors and knowing that his people's hearts are constantly straying.  It does start out singing praise, but halfway through seems to change themes.

 

Day 280 - Esther 2:19 - 3 & Psalm 94

 Julie

So Mordecai discovers a plot to kill the king and lets Esther know so that she can relay the information. After killing those that were plotting against him, the king promotes Haman to the position overseeing the gate, and all bow down to him...apparently this was part of Persian etiquette. However, Mordecai refuses to bow and basically outs himself as a Jew, which is what he told Esther not to do. This sets Haman on a mission to destroy all of the Jews in the kingdom. 

A song or a prayer letting people know that God is there for those that are righteous and have trust and faith in him. He will protect his followers from those that would do them harm, that he would be the rock that they could lean on, and that he is listening to the prayers of those that are speaking to him.

 

Michelle

I don't understand why they were keeping this secret to begin with.  It's also interesting that Haman attempts to pay the king so that he can do as he pleases, yet the king allows it without payment.  I am not sure why this stands out to me.  

The parts that stood out to me are vs. 18-19.  "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  I find that this makes it sound like a comforting psalm.  A reminder that if you call out to God, he will console you when needed.

Day 279 - Esther 1 - 2:18 & Psalm 93

 Julie

King Ahasuerus removes Queen Vashti from her position as queen for refusing a command of the king. Their reasoning behind this was that if he did not punish her then apparently there would have been an uprising of women all over the kingdom of wives not doing as their husbands command. He chooses as Esther as queen to replace Ashti. 

Praise for the Lord reigning over all things.

 

Michelle

The preface to this book sounds intriguing.  It says that as we read the pages of Esther, we will find only silence from God.  That no where is God mentioned in this book.  But that God was not absent.  God has a purpose for Esther and as her story unfold, we are to watch for God's providence as we will not see his hand, but can see his fingerprints all over.  I think it's intriguing because often times we feel that God is not present or listening to us.  But as this states, God is ever present, even when we think otherwise, and that his guidance is there no matter what.  

In this reading, Esther is made queen after Vashti refuses to do as the king commands.  The king's advisors say her refusal will cause an uprising of all women, which is why he searches for a new queen.  Esther finds favor and becomes queen to Xerxes.  

The psalm seems to be speaking of how mighty God is. 

 

Day 278 - Psalm 92

 Julie

This is a psalm of thankfulness to the Lord for all he does. It's a reminder that we should be spending time in thanks for the prayers that are answered and for the things he does. We should just be always asking, but should also thank. It says that this is a Song for the Sabbath which makes me think that maybe that is how we should be spending that day.

 

Michelle

I have been thinking alot about the Sabbath and how we spend that day.  It's interesting that is what came up for you on this one.  I have been questioning how we spend our time on that day, work vs no work, what constitutes work vs restful activities.  Praise time and being thankful and how we should be showing that on this day.  Lots of questions.  

This psalm had some lines that stood out maybe because of things that have happened in my life recently.  I am trying to see from things where God has had his hand in it, but then I think doesn't he have a hand in everything, or because we have the gift of choice maybe some things or outcomes are shared with God.  His hand and our choices.  I guess as long as we are seeking guidance from God then our choices will align with the direction he leads. 

Day 277 - Psalm 91

 Julie

Wow, just Wow! God is my fortress! He is the refuge that will protect me from the enemy that surrounds me. I really needed to hear these words today. I may carry this one with me the next few weeks as I navigate the end of a part of my life and look towards the beginning of what is coming. 

 

Michelle

This is a good one to keep at heart, especially when you are going thru trials.  It seems a reminder that God is our refuge and that we should trust him in everything.  The part that says you will not fear stands out.  I feel like I am walking thru a fog right now in my work life.  Like I have given it to God and I don't see where it is leading me.  I am not sure if this is good or bad, but I am at peace with whatever comes I think.  That is not to say I am not worrying, because I think I still am, however, I understand God will guide my steps and if I continue moving thru it and taking actions for alternative possibilities then I will get where he wants me to be.   

Day 276 - Nehemiah 13 & Psalm 90

 Michelle

This seems to be a prayer by Nehemiah asking God to remember all that he did in order to bring the people back to proper worship and commitment to God's commands.  He does speak of when he went back to king Artexerxes and while he was away the people turned back to evil ways.  Not all but it sounds like there were many.  Again this has been the trend throughout the bible, if the people do not have a leader keeping them on track then they stray and allow themselves to be influenced by others.  It also sounds like what I understood previously about converting others has been changed as at the beginning it says that they excluded from Israel all who were of foreign descent.  Nehemiah says at the end that he got them back on track upon his return from the king.  

This is the end of Nehemiah.  This book sounded like we were hearing directly from him most of the time and it contained alot of prayers.  It seems a reminder that we should be in constant prayer to God. 

The psalm says it's a prayer of Moses.  There is a part that says "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom".  I am not sure why this is so prominent to me today.  It goes on to ask for God to have compassion and give satisfaction with his unfailing love for us, and asking for God to show us favor thru the work of our hands.  These are the parts that stand out but I am not getting a good interpretation of it today.  I have read over these a couple of times and they continue to stand out but I am stuck with just that.  I need to ask for an understanding.

Julie

Your synopsis of today seems accurate. I would add that one of the things that the explanation of the this book said was that Nehemiah was one of the most important people in the Bible. Based on all he did I can see why. He shows us how prayer works through his actions and helps everyone find their way back to God and understand the commandments that have been given.

So let's see if I can help with what stood out to you with the explanations in my Bible. 

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain heart of wisdom." They suggest that we should be making the most of each day since in reality they are few. Having a heart of wisdom would enable those that are faithful to live life by right priorities. We should be able to rejoice and be glad all of our days because of God's steadfast love for us. The final is asking for blessing on the work that we do in pursuit of our calling. 

I am glad you actually picked those out, especially the first one. That really speaks to you when you see it in a context that makes sense.

Day 275 - Nehemiah 11-12 & Psalm 89

 Julie

I didn't see much in today. It listed who all of the leaders were and where they were leading and their descendants and followers. It listed who all of the priests were and he talked in some detail about dedicating the wall.

This one praises God for his steadfast love and faithfulness and how he is always there. It also has God speaking back and saying that his steadfast love will endure forever and that the line of David will be taken care of. However, he does say that if his descendants fall they will be punished, but that he will not forget his covenant with them. The last part seems like a prayer asking for God's help because they are enduring some hard times and feel forgotten.

 

Michelle

I didn't really understand much today aside from it being a listing of who is living in Jerusalem, chosen from the various assigned duties and families and the rest were to remain in their towns.  I don't understand why some had to live away from their families.  I am sure there was a reason but I don't see it. The rest was about the wall dedication and the choirs that lead these processions around the wall.  At the end it spoke of those in charge of the storerooms and who provided for the musicians and gatekeepers. 

The psalm is referencing the covenant with David.  It does seem to be a conversation with God and we are hearing his response.  But in the end there is still praise to God. 

Day 274 - Nehemiah 10 & Psalm 88

 Julie

He lists all of the people that sealed the covenant and then goes on to explain what was in the covenant. They are returning to the ways of Moses and Abraham and following all of the customs, rules and commandments set forth by God. The last line..."We will not neglect the house of our God."

This lament is talking about all that they are suffering or struggling with and reminding all that God's steadfast love and faithfulness will deliver them from this if they stay righteous. It also hints at the fact that it will happen in God's time and not theirs since they seem to be asking when.

 

Michelle

That last line stands out.  The other thing that stood out to me was in 28 when it says the rest of the people and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God...all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the law of God...and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.  This makes it sound as though the people not of God's original group are committing themselves to God as those chosen by God.  Not sure if that is correct but that is what it sounds like to me.  As if it's the first  conversion of another group of people.  

This is a prayer asking God to hear it and it sounds like at the end he feels alone in his troubles.