Day 608 - Romans 7:7 - 8 & Psalm 50

 Julie

I think that this was a very complicated way of saying that we are saved from sin by Christ but if we live in the flesh we are still sinful. If we live in the spirit we are forgiven of our sins.

God is the only one that can place judgment. We have not right to judge others. 

Michelle

I did not understand the beginning of this section, chapter 7.  But I could assume what you are stating is what it is about.  What I did get as I read on, we should live our lives according to the spirit and what the spirit wants and not live in the flesh and be slaves to the desires of our flesh.  If we are followers of Christ, we need to be followers of the desires of the spirit and be mindful of what our flesh wants verses what the spirit wants. It's basically a daily struggle to maintain our focus on God and how we are to live our lives according to his purpose.  

What stood out in this psalm is when he says that God has no need for animal sacrifices as all the animals are God's anyway.  If he wanted them, he would just take them.  

Day 607 - Romans 6 - 7:6 & Psalm 49

 Julie

Paul is explaining the Jesus' death saved us and that we now have eternal life. We are free from sin and that we are saved by grace. He does have to make sure that we understand that it doesn't mean that we can just go about sinning whenever we want and we will be forgiven, but that if we fall or make a mistake and we repent that the Grace of God will work in our lives. 

I am not sure I really understand this psalm. I read it a couple of times, but didn't really get a feel for it.

Michelle

It seems that most people think that way, that they can continue intentionally sinning and then be forgiven over and over.  I feel like this is saying that we need to stop being slaves to whatever takes us away from God and righteousness.  That because Christ died for us, we are given new life and should make the most of it.  

I feel like it's saying not to be jealous of those that have riches or fame, for they will die and have nothing on the other side.  That we should be redeemed by God alone.  It speaks of a proverb at the beginning but I am not sure which it is referring to.  But the verse that stood out was, "Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them."  It says only God will redeem him from the realm of the dead.  

Day 606 - Romans 5:12-21 & Psalm 48

 Julie

Paul explains that our sin came into the world because of one man and our sin was taken away because of one man. Adam brought us sin and Jesus saved us from it. I think that was the take away in this reading.

This psalm is celebrating Zion which it says is considered to be God's special city.

Michelle

This reading seemed a little cryptic.  But what you stated is what I got from it as well.  

Sometimes when we read about Zion, it seems like this is God's city, or a reference to heaven.  

Day 605 - Romans 4 - 5:11 & Psalm 47

 Julie

Paul is using the story of Abraham to show how our faithfulness to God will save us. Explaining that he wasn't a perfect man but he trusted in God and had faith that God would do what he promised. It took many years, but Abraham was patient and waited and showed great trust and strength. Of course he questioned the timing as we all do, but God showed him that he would stand by his Word. Paul is showing that God does that for all of us and that we should remember these things and remember what God has shown to have done in the past. He also shows how even the unrighteous have been saved by the blood of Christ and that death has saved us all if we are willing to receive.

Praise God for all that he has done. Shout to the world the glory of his name.

Michelle

I couldn't have said it better.  That is exactly what I got out of this reading as well.  We need to remember how if we maintain faithfulness through time, God will be there.

Sing praise to God for all he has done.

Day 604 - Romans 3 & Psalm 46

 Julie

Again, some powerful words. Paul seems to be telling them that just because they are Jews doesn't meant that they are righteous. He is telling them that everyone is sinful...everyone. He is trying to show them that they are no better than those they are trying to condemn and that God loves all and accepts that show in their faithfulness to God and being a certain nationality and "following law" doesn't make that so. You actually have to show that faithfulness in multiple ways. They are stuck on specific laws that they believe make them better than everyone else. 

God is our refuge and strength. One of my favorite verses is in this psalm, "Be still and know that I am God." I did a devotional on that once and it talked about how we need to really stop and listen, not just go through the motions. 

Michelle

Paul tells of an argument, or justification for people's bad behavior.  That just because the bad behavior shows us God's grace and forgiveness, doesn't mean we should live doing bad things.  We should still strive to do good, no matter what.  We should be doing bad and then asking forgiveness or using that as an excuse to do bad things.  We are supposed to show faithfulness and obedience no matter the circumstance and stop using God and his willingness to forgive as an excuse.

God is with us through it all.

Day 603 - Romans 1:18 - 2 & Psalm 45

 Julie

These are some powerful words today. Our world currently seems to be experiencing all of these things that are mentioned here as reasons for condemnation by God. Every day it seems to just get worse and people are going further down that rabbit hole. However, the reminder that we are not the judges of others is highly important here. We, ourselves, should not be condemning others when we may be guilty of the same sins. However, we should be condemning even if we aren't. We should really stop and thinking about what we are saying about others and make sure that we are not just seeing ourselves in them.

God will be forever and we continue that by sharing his good works with those we meet.

Michelle

That is a good point, about stopping to think if we are seeing our own traits in others.  I could see how this could be the case for people.  We all do tend to judge others, even when we just see it as observations.  It is still judgement.  There are alot of things in this reading that seem to speak to sins of today.  As we have said before, these same sins keep repeating themselves, and we are in the midst of one of those times now.

I was distracted while reading this psalm.  My mind keeps straying to things going on right now.  

Day 602 - Romans 1:1-7 & Psalm 44

 Julie

Paul is finding his way into Rome and as he does he praying for the people. His prayer sounded as if he was praying for all people including us. It's as if he was talking directly to us. The righteous shall live by faith.

This sounds like some of the Godly people in one of the nations that God is punishing because of all of the evil they are doing. They are wondering why they are being included in the punishments that are happening as they have been faithful. They are asking God not to forget them and asking when they will be saved.

Michelle

The preface in my bible says that this is a letter to the Romans from Paul prior to him visiting Rome.  He starts by saying "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ", as if he is blessing those he will be visiting.

It does sound as you say.  They are saying the remember what happened with their ancestors and they are wondering why God seems absent in their lives and are praying for him to return to them.

Day 601 - Psalm 43

 Julie

It's almost as if David is praying for his own soul and asking for himself to remember that God is his salvation and that he can trust in him to protect and guide him.

Michelle

I agree.  It does sound like he is praying for his soul to be given peace in a difficult time.

Day 600 - Psalm 42

 Julie

I just want to say that we should feel good that we have been doing this consistently for 600 days. I know that we are sometimes behind, but we have held to our commitment to complete this and I think we are doing a great job.

This psalm seems like it might be have been written during one of David's times of turmoil where he felt that God was not listening to him. Again, it's inspiring to see that even those that God chose as righteous had to wait for God and David showed such great faith. Even in that faith he would still have those moments of questioning, but at the same time he would talk about how awesome God is.

Michelle

I agree!  I think it's great that we have made it this far and are still going.  We should be proud of ourselves for pushing through even when we got behind.  I have to remember this moment cuz I am hard on myself when I get behind.  

The part of this psalm that stands out is "Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me?".  I have been asking myself these very questions lately.  And asking God as well.  It is refreshing to know that even a person chosen by God and with great faith, was asking these same questions and still have the mind to thank and praise God.  I need to remember that when I am feeling like I am losing myself.

Day 599 - Acts 28:17-30 & Psalm 41

 Julie

Paul is explaining to those that are supposed to be believers that God knew that they would hear the things he said and not understand and that they would see the miracles not perceive them. He knew that they had closed their eyes to the things around them as they are stuck in their ways. He continues to preach to the Gentiles and to bring them to the Lord.

David's prayer asking for God's grace.

Michelle

The part that stood out to me was in reference to what you are stating.  " 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."  For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'  This seems pretty powerful and something everyone needs to hear now.  They are too busy not really seeing or hearing that they don't understand anything and don't care to actually see or hear what others are saying.  

Sometimes I feel like David is tooting his own horn to God.  I don't know that it's what is really happening, but when I read some of these psalms, that is what is sounds like to me.  This is one of those times.

Day 598 - Acts 27 - 28:16 & Psalm 40

 Julie

Today's reading seemed to be mostly about Pauls travels to Rome and the people that he was travelling with. 

David is talking about how the Lord has helped him and delivered and saved him. He praises the Lord for the help he is given and the protection and steadfast love that he gives. These psalms are awesome reminders of what God does for us.

Michelle

Today's reading  is about Paul traveling to Rome and what they experienced along the way.  A few things stood out to me, although I don't understand why some of them did.  On the way they experienced a storm, a pretty bad one it sounds like.  They talked about securing the ship for the storm and how they threw off additional weight and passed ropes around and under the ship to keep it together during the storm.  I found that very interesting.  It sounds like Paul tried to tell them not to sail, but they did not listen to him.  Although it's not likely they would have listened as Paul was a prisoner.  During the shipwreck it speaks of how gracious the island people were and that they took care of them.  When they got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live alone w/a guard watching him.  

The part that stands out is, "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."

Day 597 - Acts 25-26 & Psalm 39

 Julie

So Paul appeals to Caesar because he fears that Festus is going to put him to death. However, he also gets to tell his story to King Agrippa who sees nothing wrong in what he has done, but says that if he had not appealed to Caesar he would be free. I don't really understand what he means by that.

He is asking the Lord to save him because he knows that this earthly life does not last forever.

Michelle

Looks like I didn't save this day's writing.

I think what he means is that since he invoked the right to appeal to Caesar, they must take him to Caesar, but if he had just been brought before King Agrippa, he could have set him free.  But it seems that this was Paul's way of getting them to not kill him before saying his peace.  It seems there is still a plot to kill him anyway.

I think you summed that one up well.  Life is fleeting and we need to be mindful of where our words could take us.

Day 596- Acts 22:30 - 24 & Psalm 38

 Julie

So the persecution of Paul continues and while those making judgement cannot find a reason for him to be put to death, they are still following the will of the people. You can see that sometimes they know what they are doing is wrong but they continue on because the voice of the people is loud and they like the position and power that they have more than being a good person.

This sounds like David is asking God to protect him from those that would do him harm or that are against him. He includes everyone in this, even family. 

Michelle

It sounds like Paul is on trial or was brought before the highest authority.  But it doesn't sound like they really have any cause to do anything to him.  He pleads his case and those against him tell their side.  It seems like Felix, the highest authority, doesn't see a reason to kill him either, but it does say that he tries to get Paul to bribe him.  Like he is trying to trap him into a reason because he wants to satisfy the Jews.  Sounds like those in authority today.

It does sound like that.  Also like he is suffering for whatever sin he has committed.  

Day 595 - Acts 21 - 22.29 & Psalm 37

 Michelle

It hit me one day that all these laws that they talk about the disciples and Paul and those like him disobeying were actually their religious laws and not of the bible or God's word or of the country they lived in.  I can't recall the exact verse I read that made me realize that, but reading this today about Paul being a Roman citizen and how it seems they are not supposed to imprison or interrogate citizens without cause or being found guilty of a crime, made me remember that.  It seems that all these different groups have various rules or laws that they follow that don't really seem to come from God or their leaders.  So when they talk about all the persecution, it seems ridiculous on some level. 

There are alot of verses in this psalm that stood out as those I have heard throughout life.  The parts that stood out to me today are:  "...those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land", "...But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity", "Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart", "...the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones".  

Julie

You are correct and it does seem ridiculous. As I was reading this today it really does resemble what we are going through today. People's belief systems are extremely screwed up.

This psalm does entail a lot. Along with those I also picked out "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him," " Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!," and "...he is their stronghold in the time of trouble." 

Day 594 - Acts 19:22 - 20 & Psalm 36

 Julie

Paul is going into all of these places knowing that he will be persecuted. However, he is content because he understands that he is working for the Holy Spirit. The last part of the reading it sounds like he has been in Ephesus awhile so he is telling them that he has been a good steward of the Word of God and in sharing with them and that they must continue on this journey. I believe that is what he is saying here.

David is asking God to continue showering his steadfast love with those that are righteous and asks God to protect him from becoming like those around him that are doing wrong.

Michelle

This reading goes through Paul's time in Ephesus and the persecution he has received along his journey.  At the end Paul prays with them and they are grieved by him saying that they will not see him again, implying that he will perish before there is a chance of his return.

There is no fear of God before the eyes of the wicked.  They are quick to flatter themselves.  David goes on to say that God's love reaches the heavens and how God's love is priceless and unfailing.

Day 593 - Acts 18 - 19:20 & Psalm 35

 Julie

So Paul is continuing to talk to people about God and baptizing people in the Holy Spirit. He is condemned in places and angers those that are worshipping other gods, but continues on his mission for God.

This seems like a prayer to God to help protect David against his enemies. He seems to do that a lot in the Psalms and then praise God for his salvation.

Michelle

So a couple of things stood out in this reading.  Paul is continuing to share about God and the Holy Spirit.  At one point God tells him, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."  It sounds like Corinth has alot of believers and they will help Paul.  Paul then baptizes some people in Ephesus and they were then given the Holy Spirit.  The end of the reading, it talks about some Jews trying to drive out evil spirits and invoke the name of Jesus over the demon possessed.  At one point, the evil spirit answered them and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"  The man with the evil spirit then jumps on the others and beats them.  This turns out to be a powerful lesson to the Jews and Greeks as they became fearful and started burning their sorcery scrolls.  This became a catalyst for the word of God to spread.  I found this part very interesting.  That it took an evil spirit speaking about knowing who Jesus was and wreaking havoc on people to get them to change their thinking.  I'm not sure why this stands out so much.

It does seem a prayer of protection as you stated.  It's interesting because it seems that David is always speaking about his enemies and all the bad things they are doing to him and then stating what he does for them, which is all good vs. negative.  He seems to have alot of enemies.  He also praises God for all he has done.  

Day 592 - Acts 16:6 - 17 & Psalm 34

 Julie

Paul and Silas are arrested and beaten for removing a demon from a young girl. The family that she worked for wasn't happy because she was helping them to get rich. Paul also tells the people of Areopagus that God does not live in temples and that as his offspring we should not think that he is like gold or silver or and image formed by art and imagination...I found this interesting because people/churches tend to have a likeness of Jesus somewhere so you have to wonder about this passage in considering those things.

The Lord will take care of those that are righteous and will condemn those that are evil. He will redeem the lives of those that take refuge in him.

Michelle

I was thinking the same thing about all the statues and crucifixes hanging in churches.  The end of this reading made me think of that.  The rest is about Paul and Silas traveling the land and speaking about God to all those that would listen.  It talks about the harassment and physical harm that came to them because of it.  Yet they endured it and continued on, not being swayed by the possibility of what would happen to them.  

Glorify the Lord and praise his name.  He will listen to those who are righteous and deliver them from evil.

Day 591 - Acts 14 - 16.5 & Psalm 33

 Michelle

Paul and Barnabus travel around sharing God's word.  They were converting large numbers of people.  When they got to Jerusalem, they found an issue in which they were saying that converts needed to be circumcised or else to keep to the law of Moses.  They tell the elders that God knows the heart and does not discriminate for he purified their hearts by faith.  They should not make the Gentiles carry a yoke that none of them could bear either.  They are then joined by 2 others from the council to go and share with other Gentile believers.  Then Paul and Barnabus had a disagreement and parted ways, continuing to strengthen the faith.

This psalm seems to be a praise to God.  It says we should praise God with song.

590 - Acts 12:25 - 13 & Psalm 32

 Julie

The apostles were made witnesses so that they could share the works and news of Jesus. Because they experienced everything with him they are able to go out and share with others to try and help them see the goodness of God. They are teaching of salvation and forgiveness of sins. They are still being persecuted for it by those that are still stuck in the old ways, but they continue to do the work of Jesus.

Confess our sins makes us blessed and we are surrounded by the steadfast love of God.

Michelle

This division of Jews and Gentiles goes back a long time.  It seems that some of the Jews believe those preaching the good news of Jesus and God.  But there are some Jews that do not and are jealous of how things are happening.  It's interesting that the Jews, who are supposed to be God fearing as well, at least I think that is the case, are so quick to go against those that are coming in the name of God.  Although when I think about it, we do have a tendency to dismiss alot of people that claim to be doing things in the name of God.  So many have used that as a reason to do bad things, that I think we become untrusting.  It's a very brave thing to continue the work that God has called them to do.  

The devotional for yesterday's reading says this, and it seems I need to share it.  "We can never know how God will answer the prayers of his people.  We only know that he tells us to pray about anything and everything.  We may feel powerless in ourselves, but when we lift our prayers to God, when we 'pray through' our difficulties, the door is opened for God to step in and do the miraculous."  This is so meaningful to me this morning.  It's not about what we want or need, it's about opening up to God and allowing him to work in our lives, however he sees fit to do so.  I don't think we think about praying in that way.

I think you said this well.  Confess your sins and be forgiven, listen to instruction and learn the way you should go.  Rejoice in the Lord.

Day 589 - Acts 11-12:24 & Psalm 31

 Julie

Peter is arrested and sentenced to death, but God saves him. He is questioned about why he is dealing with the Gentiles so he tells the story of God talking to him and telling that everyone is his and as long as they believe in him that are not unclean. 

He is praising the Lord for all he has done and encourages others to be courageous and put their trust in the Lord and see what he does for them.

Michelle

Yet again, they are having to explain things to the people.  But Peter tells them about dealing with the Gentiles.  Because God told him to and why and how.  It also speaks about Peter's escape from prison with the help of an angel sent from God.  Herod also dies after killing the guards that were posted with Peter.  

It sounds like David is in a bad place and those around him are not doing good things to or for him.  He is praising the Lord and says he puts his trust in the Lord always.

Day 588 - Acts 9:32 - 10 & Psalm 30

 Julie

So God is not only teaching the people through Peter but he is also teaching Peter. He shows Peter that he is Lord of all people and that even Peter must not judge based on the common customs of the time. He must share the news of Jesus to all that are willing the fear and trust and God. As I was reading this and reading about the miracles that the Apostles are doing and the angels that come down and talk to people I wondered how long this went on and when it stopped. I would imagine that this doesn't happen anymore and I wonder why that is. 

The Lord has apparently answered David's call and has helped him so David is praising and worshiping him.

Michelle

I think I am mentally and emotionally exhausted, along with being physically tired today.  I'm not sure how well I am processing what I am reading.

I would wonder the same.  You don't hear about these  things in this time.  Maybe we are in the period of God being silent, as it seemed at the end of the Old Testament to the New.  I don't know if that is accurate either though, it just seems like that is what happened in that time.  

This psalm made me think of a song and the verse that sounds like it is, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  

Day 587 - Acts 8 - 9:31 & Psalm 29

 Julie

The apostles are still preaching to the people and baptizing those that become believers. They are still experiencing persecution from those that don't believe. However, there is Saul who is persecuting them who Jesus calls to him and he becomes a believer. One of the things that I find interesting in this reading is where they talk about those that have been baptized, but not in the Holy Spirit until Paul and John lay hands on them. It also tells a story of the eunuch that is baptized in water on the side of the road. There are so many rituals and interpretations that people have taken from these stories that it is sometimes hard to know what it all means. This chapter could be a good indication that we just need to make sure that we are following the Word of God and to find someone who preaches specifically that and not the ideals and rituals of the church.

The voice of the Lord is over everything. He speaks things into existence and makes things happen with his words.

Michelle

I think that is a good point, about following the word of God verses those that preach rituals.  I think people get caught up in traditions and rituals.  It makes them feel safe.  Instead we should be focused on the word of God and all that comes with it.  

This psalm speaks about the Lord's voice over everything.  If we remember that his voice is what spoke us all into existence, then this makes sense.

Day 586 - Acts 6.8 - 7.60 & Psalm 28

 Michelle

Stephen, who was just chosen by the apostles, has been seized by the leaders.  He gives a speech which basically goes through their ancestors journey with God all the way to their present time.  He says that all through this time their ancestors have persecuted those that God sent to guide them or share the word.  And he is not different.  They end up stoning him in the end and he calls out to God asking for him to not hold this sin against them.  It's interesting that he does that because at this point, even I am annoyed that people still don't believe even though they know the stories of their ancestors.  But I guess when you are that committed to God, you ask for forgiveness for your enemies.  

He says the Lord is his rock and he is crying out for mercy against those whom are wicked and do evil.  

Julie

That's exactly what I was going to write this morning. How sad that no matter how they tried to make people see they just can't...and the hate is so overpowering.

He is praying to the Lord to be his strength and his shield and to not take him with those that do wicked things. He thanks and praises God for his mercy and for carrying those that follow and trust in him.

Day 585 - Acts 5 - 6:7 & Psalm 27

 Julie

The apostles are going around performing miracles and healing and are arrested for preaching about God. An angel of the Lord frees them and they then brought back before the council. Gamaliel then warns the council that if these men are not of God then their preaching will get them killed,however if they are of God then they cannot be defeated and that they should be careful about how they treat them.

The Lord is our light and our salvation. The last line really stands out "wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heat take courage; wait for the Lord! He is always there and works in our lives.

Michelle

I am really tired today and I'm not sure if that is affecting my feelings about this reading but it might be.  The beginning story here feels strange.  I guess it's the lying part that has caused them to die?  Or is it that they didn't give all their money to God?  I am not sure, maybe it's both.  But I do not understand why they were dying for not bringing all their money, when I thought we were supposed to give with a cheerful heart, meaning whatever is in our hearts to give or at least 10%.  Did I miss the part that said give all you have all the time?  Maybe I did.  Going on with the reading the apostles are sharing the word of God and all good things and then the leaders try to persecute them as well.  They are warned to leave them be and if their mission is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is from God, they will be fighting against God if they continue to pursue them.  So they left them be and they continued to share the good news of Jesus.

The part that stands out to me is "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek;  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple".  I feel like this is saying we should seek God and focus only on the beauty he provides us, and that this will help our minds.  Or at least that is what is says to me.

Day 584 - Acts 3-4 & Psalm 26

 Julie

Peter and John heal a crippled man and are preaching to the people after it happens. They are arrested for speaking about Jesus and God and for telling the "religious men" that they are non-believers. Through everything that has happened, they still do not see what is happening right before them.

David is telling God that he will bless the Lord in all he does. He will walk with integrity and he will avoid those that provide falsehoods or that are evildoers.

Michelle

It is baffling that after all that has happened with Jesus, the leaders are still quick to condemn those that are believers and ask Peter and John to stop speaking about it.  I like the response that he gives saying, who should I follow, God or you.  It makes sense and feels like he is putting them in their place.  If we are to follow God's command, then at times we must go against what those around us are saying to do, but must remember to do it in a respectful fashion.  Being vengeful and vindictive is not God's way.

I had to read this a second time, cuz the part that keeps standing out is the part that David says, "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness".  I don't personally have the mental strength right now to be tested, however, I find it interesting that David is asking the Lord to test him and his faithfulness.  

Day 583 - Acts 2 & Psalm 25

 Julie

This is where they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. I still really don't understand even this discussion of them speaking in tongues but understanding each other. Is speaking in tongues the fact that they all speak a different language but can understand, or is it a language that is spoken between the speaker and God? I kind of feel like most denominations gloss over this part and I would assume because they are not sure what to make of it either.

He is asking God to teach him his path and show him how to follow God.

Michelle

My understanding of them speaking in tongues is that they are speaking in languages not their own.  If I recall correctly, when the people were split early on by God, they were scattered, and their languages changed.  So, when the Holy spirit falls on them, they begin to speak and understand as they did in ancient times.  I am not certain this is correct, but that is what I am getting from it.  Other things that stand out to me in this reading are that now it is Peter who seems to lead the disciples and addresses the people.  He shares what God has said about these times.  He speaks of words from David and how he was a prophet from God and how his words are relevant for the time.  At the end it speaks about how many were baptized and added to the believers' numbers and that they took care of each other and continued to add to God's people daily.

David seems to be praying to God to show him the path he should be on and to guard his life.  He seems to be asking telling God that he will follow him and praise him forever.

Day 582 - Acts 1 & Psalm 24

 Julie

The apostles finally understand that all of the things that happened had to in order for Jesus to fulfill his prophecy and that everything that happened had been spoken about a long time before Jesus. The death of Judas seemed a little bizarre in the explanation. The first few verses of Acts talking about the Holy Spirit and people receiving it, even being baptized in it. From what I have experienced there is confusion around what this means. I know that different demonination interpret this part very differently. The Apostolic or Presbyterians believe that this is why they can speak in tongues because they have been baptized by the Holy Spirit and they are speaking in their own way to God. He says they will get "power" when they are baptized by the Holy Spirit and be his witnesses. If I remember correctly this type of thing is mentioned a few times in Acts and it even says that they will be able to perform the same acts as Jesus. 

If we lift up ourselves and are righteous God will protects us and do for us.

Michelle

I didn't know that Jesus had shown himself after resurrection for 40 days to the disciples.  The parts that stand out to me in this reading are:  First, Jesus says, "...But in a few days you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit".  Second, he says, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."  We often struggle with knowing God's timing of things.  Something the devotional points out is verse 14 which says, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers".   It's interesting because it talks about family being split in their beliefs and how Mary prayed for hers constantly, and how in the end Jesus' brothers were there praying with her.  Something else in this reading speaks of replacing Judas.  You are right that his death is bizarre sounding.  

If we trust in God alone, and not in idols or false gods, we will ascend to God's place.

Day 581 - Psalm 23

 Michelle

This is a very popular psalm.  It is David talking about how God is always with him and how he leads him to calm and refreshes him.  He speaks of comfort and being guided along the right paths.  Reading this today, I think I needed to hear it.  I am feeling like I need some calm and refreshment.  I feel the need to get away from it all and find some peace and quiet.  I guess it's saying that I need to seek that in God.

Julie

The Lord will lead us to greener pastures if we will just let him.

Day 580 - Psalm 22

 Michelle

I think he is asking God to be near to him and give him help as no one else is helping him.  It also seems like he is praising God for all he does, or has done.  

Julie

It almost felt like he was asking God why he was having to wait for help and then praising. I am not sure if I read that right. I feel like we do this sometimes where we ask why it is taking so long, but then we remember that we should be praising him as well.

Day 579 - John 21 & Psalm 21

 Michelle

I don't recall this story about Jesus and the disciples catching fish after he was resurrected.  I also do not recall hearing about the death of Simon Peter and Jesus telling him that his death would glorify God.  But that is what it seems is referenced in the end of this chapter.  It's also interesting that it says Jesus did so many things that even if they wrote every one down, there wouldn't be enough room for all the books.  

The psalm seems to be about all the Lord has given to the king.  I am assuming it's king David.  

Julie

I don't recall this either. I wonder why John is referring to himself in the way that he does in this book. That's what the explanation says anyway is that "the one that Jesus loved" was John. Is this an assumption because of the way the last few verses are written?

I would assume the same.

Day 578 - John 20 & Psalm 20

 Michelle

This goes through the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene seeing Jesus and their interaction.  It also speaks about him appearing to his disciples and I am guessing this Thomas is the doubting Thomas?  Anyway, what stands out to me is when Jesus says, "because you have seen me you believe; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed".  It seems like he is saying that those people are more blessed because they have not held back their belief until seeing signs, but have so much faith they don't need the signs.  I wish I could say I started with that much faith, but I am one who needed signs and sometimes still looks for them.  I know that isn't right, but it's the truth.  I want to have blind faith all the time, but I sometimes find myself questioning what I believe.  

This psalm sounds like David is seeking protection for others.  He is asking God to protect them and that he give them the desires of their hearts.  

Julie

You have to give yourself some credit in your belief. I know that you say that you need signs and I think that we all do sometimes to really understand what we are looking or waiting for, but that it not what this is. He says, blessed are those that have not seen and  yet have believed, we have done that...you have done that. You do believe and have not had to touch his hands and needed physical proof that this happened. We have chosen to take on faith all of things that we are told in the Bible. So really you have more faith that you are giving yourself credit for. Do we all still struggle with that? Sure we do. We are human and questioning is ok, it's how we find answers.

May the Lord answer our prayers and calls for help.

Day 577 - John 19 & Psalm 19

 Michelle

It still just baffles me that Pilate didn't find any reason to crucify Jesus, yet the Jewish leaders just wanted him killed.  In this reading it says that the Jewish leaders had a law that he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.  I don't recall this specific law in our reading so far.  And maybe it's not listed in the bible.  This reading goes on to tell about the crucifixion and what they did to Jesus.  I wonder if this is how they treated all those that were being crucified or if it was just Jesus whom endured this level of treatment.  The rest of this reading goes through Jesus' death and burial.  Some things that stand out to me are that he died before they had the chance to break his legs and force his death and that they stabbed him to make sure he was dead.  These seem extreme to me but such was the times I guess.  Also the burial talks about Joseph of Arimathea and that he kept his discipleship secret like all the others.  When you read about all that he went through for the people and yet they still don't all believe.  It's just heartbreaking in a way.  But then I remember that we choose to believe and there are many that make constant bad choices in their lives, and this is just another of those choices.

This psalm seems to be speaking to God's word and how his words or decrees are shown through the work of his hands.  In the skies and the heavens, and how it's all more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.

Julie

This is definitely a difficult one to wrap your head around. I believe that they treated him extra harsh and did more to him than they usually did to others. There was such hate in people about him that really does not make sense. In regards to the "law" about calling himself the Son of God, I don't believe that there was a literal law about that in the Bible and what they are talking about is something that is one of the first 5 books because that is where they took there "laws" from. I found this site where they listed what they call the 613 Mitzvot, or laws of the Torah (which is the first five books of the Bible,) it's the way things are worded that they felt that Jesus was breaking the law.

I like the way that you summarized that.