Day 636 - Galatians 1-2 & Psalm 78

 Julie

It seems like a very long-winded way for Paul to say not to follow the things of this world, but to follow Christ. He does go back into how he was a sinful man, but was forgiven by Christ and now spreads the Word. He is trying to show that God does forgive our transgressions if we ask for forgiveness.

This is a long psalm, but it shows how we should be sharing the good works of God through all generations. It gives examples of all of the times that the people has forgotten and rejected God. I think that we are at risk of this in so many ways right now and that we need to remember how he has worked in the world throughout time, we should not erase our history.

Michelle

Agreed.  It does seem like that is what Paul is saying.  It also seems at one point that they are separating themselves, Jews and Gentiles, and he is saying they need to come together as people of God.  

This is a very long psalm.  The psalmist is going through all the things God has done and says that the info should be passed along throughout the generations, but that it gets forgotten at times and it's like a roller coaster.  I agree we are at risk of this and there are so many that are either moving away from God or on the fence.  It also seems like there could be believers that just don't show that they are.  

Day 635 - Psalm 77

 Michelle

What stands out in this reading is that he will remember how great God is, through all his creations and deeds and miracles.  

Julie

A great reminder that in times of trouble we should seek the Lord.

Day 634 - 2 Corinthians 12-13 & Psalm 76

 Michelle

There are a couple of things that stand out here.  "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it (a thorn in his flesh) away from me.  But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my over is made perfect in weakness.'...For when I am weak, then I am strong."  This is a well known verse that people speak.  It seems to be saying that we are given thorns for a reason and that in our weakness that is when God's power is shown brightest.  Paul goes on speaking about his concern for the people and then final warnings that they should examine themselves in the faith and test themselves.  

I am not quite understanding this psalm.  It seems to say we should fear God alone as he is the one whom pronounces judgment.

 Julie

Paul is telling of his concerns for the Corinthian church and he seems to be afraid that they are not going to follow God. He does tell them that he is ready to sacrifice himself for them though. He warns them one more time of the consequences of not following God.

No one can stand against the Lord.

Day 633 - 2 Corinthians 10-11 & Psalm 75

 Michelle

The beginning of this reading stands out. "For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  I don't know that I think this way all the time.  I have done many studies about taking your thoughts captive, yet I continue to have an issue with this.  Paul goes on to defend his ministry, although I do not quite understand why this is necessary.  He seems to be boasting, which I didn't think was appropriate, yet he is boasting about what he has done and then about his sufferings, like he is explaining himself.  I do not understand why he is doing this.  I just had a thought that I continue to think that all these people should be conducting themselves according to what they preach, yet they are still just human and are prone to mistakes too.  I need to remember that because I find myself being judgey when reading the bible sometimes.

It is only God who judges, we should not be boastful.

Julie

Be careful about boasting. There is a time and a place for it. 

God will judge with equity and we are again reminded to be careful about boasting.

Day 632 - 2 Corinthians 8-9 & Psalm 74

 Julie

Paul is telling the Gentiles that they still need to be gracious and giving to their Jewish brothers. They need to show the same grace to others as was given to them by Jesus. We should all be doing this and this is something that can sometimes be difficult to do.

A prayer asking for God to defend his works.

Michelle

It sounds like this is praising the people for their generous giving and encouraging them to continue with a cheerful heart.  That generosity is encouraged and that it should be shared. I think we forget how important it is.

At first it sounds like they are asking God why they are being rejected by him, but then goes on to sing God's praises.

Day 631 - 2 Corinthians 7:5 - 16 & Psalm 73

 Julie

I am not sure of the purpose of this part of the letter. It seems like he is commending the people for following the word.

He seems to be talking about how he was jealous of those that had more even though they had obtained it in a bad way. However, he sees how they will not be finding the glory of God and he is thankful that God let him down a different path. I believe that is what this is saying.

Michelle

It sounds like the people he is addressing having repented for their sins or behaviors.  He says that he caused sorrow but doesn't regret it because it had the intended effect of them repenting.  

I agree with your interpretation.  That is what it sounds like to me as well.

Day 630 - 2 Corinthians 5:11 - 7:4 & Psalm 72

 Julie

I believe he is showing us the obstacles we might face as we are becoming righteous in God.

David's final prayer is a prayer for Solomon to do things the right way.

Michelle

The section that talks about hardships stands out.  I feel like it's telling us that the stumbling blocks in our path were not put there by them or God, and we must power through them and that God is with us through it all.

This psalm sounds like he is praying for the current leader and his son, that they will live and rule with righteousness and do the right thing always.

Day 629 - 2 Corinthians 4:7 - 5:10 & Psalm 71

 Julie

"...we live by faith, not by sight" While we live in the body and are away from the Lord we live by faith or we should be living by faith. Once we are in the presence of the Lord we will be home. We need to show that we lived in the way God intended when we enter the gates of heaven.

David is praising and thanking God for all that he has done for him. He does this frequently in the psalms and I think it serves as a reminder that we need to remember to thank and praise God for all that he has done.

Michelle

I think your summary is spot on.  I was thinking the exact same thing.  We must live as if we are with God already, so that when we meet him for judgment, there are no surprises.

That's a good point.  He does praise God over and over, even when he is wishing bad things on his enemies, he thanks God for what he has done for him.  Definitely a reminder for us.

Day 628 - 2 Corinthians 2:14-4:6 & Psalm 70

 Julie

 I am not entirely sure what to say about today. It seems like he is preaching to the people. 

A prayer for help to come more quickly.

Michelle

Well I have no idea what is being talked about in this reading.  The verse that stood out to me is 4:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom".  

David is asking God to come quickly to help or save him.

Day 627 - 2 Corinthians 1 - 2:13 & Psalm 69

 Julie

So Paul is give these people a chance to redeem themselves. I believe that is what is happening here.

He is asking again for God to save him, but also understanding that it will happen in God's time. He is also praising God for his greatness.

Michelle

These 2 books seem like letters being written, which I seem to recall the pastor said these were letters to the people of Corinth.  Like they are trying to minister to them via mail.  It seems he starts out by talking about praising God who comforts us all.  I don't understand the section titled "Paul's change of plans", but it continues on talking about forgiveness of others or of the offenders.  That whatever punishment they are given should be enough and then we should be forgiving them as God forgave them.  

This was a lengthy psalm.  It does seem that he is asking God to save him and then asking for bad things to happen to his enemies.  What stands out is, "my guilt is not hidden from you", which seems to be a reminder that we cannot hide our feelings or actions from God.  Even the ones we think we hide within ourselves.

Day 626 - Psalm 68

 Julie

David is asking to be saved.

Michelle

There, again, seems to be lots of praising going on in this psalm.  Some of these psalms seem very lengthy when it could be kept simple.

Day 625 - 1 Corinthians 16 & Psalm 67

 Julie

Paul is bringing this to a close and talks about collections for the saints, his plans for continued travel and final instruction for the people of corinth.

God will bless us.

Michelle

I didn't quite understand the collections portion of the reading.  I did find it interesting that he calls our many people and places that are now among the group of believers and he seems to praise them for their belief.  He seems to give blessing to those that are devoting themselves to the Lord's service.  

He seems to be praying that all people will praise God.

Day 624 - 1 Corinthians 15 & Psalm 66

 Julie

So he talks about the dead rising here and I think that people take this as a literal raising of the dead, but I am not sure that they are interpreting that right. I believe that he is saying that the raising of the dead is our ascention into heaven and our everlasting life. I could be wrong but I feel that is what he is saying here.

They are praising God for his greatness and sharing the greatness with others.

Michelle

I had a really hard time reading this chapter.  I hate to say this but I kept dozing off, for some reason.  I do agree that this is probably misinterpreted.  

This is a psalm of praise to God.  The verse that stands out says, "Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."  

Day 623 - 1 Corinthians 12-14 & Psalm 65

 Julie

There is quite a bit going on here. I think we can sum up 13 with saying that love is extremely important. This chapter is always a good one to keep in mind to remind us to love everyone. I think that this is also a good explanation of speaking in tongues. This helps to understand what we read previously about this in Acts...I believe. So it is basically talking to God in a way that others do not understand and it is allowed with certain rules. It should be shared to help the church (which is the people). I have seen some do this and it is definitely interesting and when they do speak in tongues and then walk up to you and then prophesy something and share with you. The part about women not speaking in church is interesting as well. The explanation given in my Bible seems to by trying to explain their way out of it by saying that is not really what Paul meant. Without knowing the context and thinking about it literally it would seem that women shouldn't speak, but then it you have to ask how are they supposed to help others come to Christ?

God is our saviour and David is praising him for All that he does.

Michelle

Each chapter seems to have a lot to share.  Chapter 12 is about our spiritual gifts and that each person has a different gift, and that individually, we cannot live without each other, much like the living body.  We need all our parts to function properly, so like the body, as a collective people, we need each other to survive and function the way God intended.  Chapter 13 is about Love and how important it is for us all.  It is really only about that, LOVE.  This is where we are told the greatest is Love.  Chapter 14 talks about worship.  My bible says that speaking in tongues is speaking in other languages, and after reading about tongues, it seems to mean that they are speaking in languages not known to those in their audience.  I know it has also been referenced that it is the language of the angels or heavenly beings, and I don't know if that is correct or not, but there is a part that says it would be better to prophesy than to speak in tongues, and I am not sure what that means.  It goes on about order in worship, and I was reading about the women not being allowed to speak in church.  What came to mind is that at that time, it was a cultural norm that women were supposed to be silent.  If we remember to recent readings, talking about how we come from man and are to be our husbands support and that he is the head of our households, it kind of makes sense that in the church women are to hold their tongues and defer all questions to their husbands outside of the church.  I also recall that there were several women that were helping to bring people to God and prophesying and such, which makes me think they may have been single and/or speaking outside of the church.  

This psalm seems to speak about God's awesomeness in reference to nature.  

Day 622 - 1 Corinthians 11:2 - 34 & Psalm 64

 Julie

This is something else that I never really understood. So...if we are following the Word of God should we be wearing head coverings? Not that I want to do that, but unless we come across something in the near future that explains differently then it seems we should. However, why? I know that the explanation says that a woman with long hair may be ok as her face is covered, but nothing is very clear. It almost seems like explanation is trying to justify ways for women to not have to do that. I wonder when and where this practice changed and why. 

He is asking God to hide him from the evil ones and to protect him.

Michelle

The parts that stand out in this reading are verse 12, "For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman.  But everything comes from God."  "For long hair is given to her as a covering."  It seemed like it was saying at first that woman had to cover her head, but as I read on and saw verse 12, that thinking changed for me.  I understand that woman was made from man and as his companion but reading previously regarding being single and that it's ok, that would make it different for a single woman.  We really should all be worshipping God, and if we are with a spouse, he is the head, and we are his support.  As far as the head covering goes, it seems that last verse is saying that our hair is our covering.  I didn't read anything about a face being covered in my bible.  As it went on about the Lord's supper, I didn't quite understand it.  I think it's saying that we need to check ourselves before accepting the Lord's supper and should confess or repent before doing so.

It seems he is asking God to hide him from all the evil things being planned against him.

Day 621 - 1 Corinthians 10-11:1 & Psalms 63

 Julie

Paul is explaining that we have been warned many times about pledging our allegiance to idols and that people have fallen many times for not listening. There are multiple stories about how people chose the idols over God and how God has punished them. He is basically saying that time and time again God has shown what he will do and people have not learned. So Paul is pleading with the people to pay attention and to not fall into that trap again.

Michelle

Verse 31 is a reminder that we are to do everything for the glory of God.  In this reading we are told not to partake in sacrificial meals, or anything offered to demons.  We are to only do things for God's glory but that we are allowed the opportunity to choose for ourselves.

David is clinging to God in his time of need.

Day 620 - 1 Corinthians 8-9 & Psalm 62

 Julie

I really don't understand the point of today's reading. This is going to require reading the explanation because these feel like they need context in order to understand why they are relevant here.

God alone is who we should look to for our salvation.

Michelle

The first part of this reading seems to be saying we should be an example to those around us.  It is also referenced in chapter 9.  It also seems to say that you are to use your gift as God instructs you, but not specifically or just for monetary gain, but in the name of the Lord and sharing his gospel.  At the end it talks about self-discipline and that we must not just be looking for a prize.

I think you summarized this psalm perfectly.

Day 619 - 1 Corinthians 7 & Psalm 61

 Julie

This one was a little heavy, and I hope I understood it correctly. So it seems that Paul is saying there's a preference for people to stay single (I believe they mean celibate.) However, getting married is not sinful just not the preferred way to live. This seems contradictory to things that are previously said about men and women. Considering that God made Eve to be Adams's companion it would seem that there would be an expectation that there would be marriage pairings and that they would be the preference. Maybe I don't really understand what they were trying to say here...

David is asking God to watch over him as king and he will sing praises in God's name.

Michelle

Ok, the devotional says something that I think kind of sums this reading up.  Satan dangles a carrot before our eyes to entice them to be carried away by curiosity and craving, regardless of if we are married or single.  "Whatever it is that God has NOT called you to do right now in your life, Satan will do his best to entice you with that very thing.  Beware!"  I think he is saying that it is ok to be married or single, and that we are only to make sure we are keeping God at the forefront of whatever we do.  That we should not be putting our spouse ahead of God, nor should the single person be consumed by the NOTs in their lives.  

David is calling to God, but it seems like he is saying if God will give him what he wants, then he will sing his praises.  But this seems backwards to what God wants from us.

Day 618 - 1 Corinthians 5-6 & Psalm 60

 Julie

This reading is focusing mostly on sexual immorality and the consequences. However, all of the other sins are brought up as well. It almost seems like he is saying that we should not be filing frivolous lawsuits, that some of these things are judged by God and not man.

David's prayer to God asking for help during his battles.

Michelle

This is a reminder that we are to honor God with our bodies.  It does focus on sexual immorality and what comes of it.  I also thought it was talking about lawsuits, and how they should not be going against others for nonsense.  We see that alot these days.  Police officers are so busy with nonsense, babysitting calls that they are unable to really police what needs it.  It's a sad situation.  People need to be reminded of this and that God will judge those outside of our beliefs.

It sounds like he is praying to God to be with them as they battle and that he has left them against their enemies.

Day 617 - 1 Corinthians 3:5 - 4 & Psalm 59

 Julie

He is reminding everyone that God is the one that saves them not the men that lead them to God.

He is asking God to save him from his enemies and to show God's steadfast love in his protection.

Michelle

At the beginning of this reading it sounds like he is telling us and the people of the time that God has laid the foundation and that we must build upon it only as he instructs us.  It goes on to say that we should not go beyond what is written, that we should follow the word of God.

He says God is his strength and he watches for God.  But it also sounds like he is asking for bad things to happen to his enemies, but that God not kill them as that would make his people forget.

Day 616 - 1 Corinthians 1 - 3:4 & Psalm 58

 Julie

Paul is telling the people that they shouldn't be saying they are following him, but that they are following God. He says a lot to say that though...

There is only one true God that judges.

Michelle

If I remember correctly, the pastor has said that this is a letter from Paul to the Corinthians or the church at Corinth.  He does say alot to get to that point though.  And yes, he seems to be saying that they need to be of one mind, focused on God and everyone following God only.  It seems, at this point that he is speaking to the leaders of this community.  

I think you hit that one exactly.  It seems he goes on about what the evil people are like.

Day 615 - Psalm 57

 Julie

God's glory is over everyone and everything.

Michelle

David is taking refuge in the shadow of God.  He cries out for help and says God sends his love and faithfulness.

Day 614 - Romans 16 & Psalm 56

 Julie

This last chapter seems to be a prayer for those in Paul's life. 

David is telling God that he does have trust in him. While he is being persecuted he know that God is going to take care of him because he has in the past.

Michelle

I couldn't tell if he was talking to God or to all believers or the people in the cities he was visiting.  I say that because he seemed like he was introducing people to someone and telling them to greet them in Christ Jesus.  What I found most interesting was the number of female names that he spoke of and that he spoke of them in regards to those that are worshipping, or leading, or that are faithful believers and that have risked themselves for God and Paul.  The part that stood out most is when he tells them, "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.  Keep away from them.  For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites".  This was very moving and very basic instruction but it says so much.  It's something we need to be mindful of even today.  Something else that stood out was when he said "Greet also the church that meets at their house".  I feel like this is a nod to worshipping wherever you can.  Like saying, you don't have to meet at the church, necessarily, but anywhere that you can meet together in worship.

David is saying that he puts his trust in God when he is afraid.  We should follow suit.

Day 613 - Romans 14-15 & Psalm 55

 Julie

Again we are reminded that we should not pass judgment on others. This time we are shown that we were meant to be different and see things differently and that we should be accepting of those that do not think or act or do as we do, but love them and understand them. This is one of the big things wrong with the world today is that everyone thinks that you have to think exactly like they do and it's causing great dissention in the world. We are forgetting that it's ok that we don't all see things the same way and that the only person that can judge us is God and the only person that we really have to answer to in the end is God. "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." We need to remember this and learn to love everyone regardless of their issues.

God will cast down those that do us wrong as long as we stay faithful to him. This is a prayer that David has while he is be persecuted.

Michelle

I think you said this exactly as I was thinking it.  We are meant to be different.  As in chapter 12 it says everyone has different gifts, the same is with our thinking and the ways in which we worship.  I specifically says that we do different things in reverence to God and that we should not judge or hold in contempt those that are different from us.  

The beginning of this reading is what stands out the most to me.  When it says, "My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught...My hear is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.  Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me...I would fly away and be at rest.  I would flee far away...I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."  Some days I feel this way.  

Day 612 - Romans 12-13 & Psalm 54

 Julie

I have always liked these two chapters of Romans. To me they are some of the most important ones in the Bible as they remind us how to be good people. In this we are given a blueprint for what the gifts of grace are and we should have grace for others. This lays out how we can do that. We are told what it means to be a true Christian and this is where I think people tend to fall short. To love others to treat others with kindness to do for others even those that are considered our enemies. We are reminded that it is not our place to instill vengeance on others, God tells us "vengeance is mine" and that if we treat those that do us evil with kindness they will be marked for God's vengeance. I think one of the most confusing and difficult parts of this one is where they talk about the government and submitting to authorities. God tells us that we should listen to them and do as we are told unless it goes against God's Word, and that he has placed these people in these positions. However, it is difficult because we see the evil that these people are doing and we want to rebel. So I think that this is a hard one and that it's probably a test of our faith to do what we are asked by God even if we don't understand. 

This psalm also speaks to what we read above. Especially this verse, "He will return the evil to my enemies; and your faithfulness put an end to them." 

Michelle

Chapter 12 has been the most meaningful to me in my journey.  Probably because when I started, this is the chapter for the study we were doing at church, and it really changed me.  It opened my eyes to some things, and drew me in to a place I imagine God wanted me to be.  I still reference verse 2 when I need a reminder.  When I think of it, it makes me want to go through the study again so that I can see where I am now and maybe see if there are new things I need to focus on.  I do agree that this gives kind of instruction for how we are to be and how we should act with others.  The study we did focused on numerous things from this reading about how we are to act or worship in different areas of life.  I could go on about this chapter.  I think you are correct that we all fall short when it comes to treating others with respect and kindness, even those we consider our enemies.  It's hard to remember that we are not supposed to take revenge on others.  We need give it to God to take care of it, as with everything else.  

Interesting, the same verse stood out to me as referencing today's reading.

Day 611 - Romans 11 & Psalm 53

 Julie

So we are still learning how those that were considered sinners by the standards of the time were saved by the grace of God. The analogy of the Gentiles as a branches on a tree that are grafted in because of the salvation that they have received from God. 

This psalm seems to fit perfectly with the above reading. It's another way of explaining that all people are children of God if they choose to be.

Michelle

The analogy about the branches is interesting.  IT was the part that stood out most.  I like how it said that even if you get broken off, you can still be grafted back on and that the roots support the branches, not the other way around.

The psalm seems to be saying that people have forgotten God even though he saved them from those that were attacking them.  

Day 610 - Romans 9:30 - 10 & Psalm 52

 Julie

This is our message telling that everyone has the ability to receive salvation but it requires belief, trust and faith. We must ask for forgiveness and know that God is there for us all the time.

The steadfast love of God endures forever and David is showing how he trusts in that.

Michelle

I did not understand this reading at all.  I appreciate your interpretation.  

David seems to be questioning the evil people around him but then says he trusts in God always.

Day 609 - Romans 9:1-29 & Psalm 51

 Julie

Paul is telling the people that they have failed God he has not failed them. God has forgiven those that have repented regardless of their sin. 

He seems to be asking for forgiveness of his sins and asking God to cleanse his heart.

Michelle

I got lost in this one, but after reading yours, that makes sense.  What did stand out was the part that compares God to a potter.  God uses everyone in different ways, some will be hardened, which I think could be a test of their faithfulness, and some will be used for a special purpose or common use.  

I got that same thing from this reading.  What stood out most is verse 17, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise".  I found this very powerful.  Like I am giving myself up to you as a sacrifice, all broken, so that you will make me whole.