Day 698 - 1 Peter 4:12 - 5 & Psalm 141

 Julie

This is telling us that we are likely to suffer as Christians and be chastised for our beliefs. We are asked to hold fast to our faith and know that as long as we do not stray because of the suffering that we will be saved from it. We are also asked to help lead others to God and to be humble. 

A prayer asking for God to hear their prayers.

Michelle

It sounds like we should be thankful if we are suffering as Christians because those unbelievers will suffer more for their evil ways.  There is also a call to the elders to be shepherds leading those younger than themselves, to lead them in the ways of God.  That they have been entrusted with the flock and should be examples of the proper way or behavior.  Be humble, be alert, stand firm in the faith.  

As I read this one, I felt like I could turn this into a prayer for Nathan, one that I say for him, as I do not know if he realizes that those influencing him are leading him from what is right.  The writer is asking God to come quickly to aid him and save him from the evil surrounding him.

Day 697 - 1 Peter 3.8 - 4.11 & Psalm 140

 Michelle

This reading reminded me of the mission of church, Loving God and Loving others.  It talks about suffering for doing good and then living for God.  It sounds like we should always do things for the glory of God.  Keeping in mind that Jesus died for us, and we should love others as he loves us.  

As I was reading this psalm, I was thinking this should be a prayer right now for myself and Nathan.  I feel like we are going thru some stuff, and I hate that he is being tempted by others.  It's very frustrating.  The beginning of the psalm feels like a prayer and then the end seems like the writer is asking for bad things to happen to people, which is contradictory to the chapter reading saying we should pray and bless those that do us evil.  Maybe that is how I need to deal with this current issue.  Pray for those leading him astray.  What a realization.  I am shaking my head right now wishing I didn't need to do that.  

Julie

We should be living and loving like Jesus.

It sounds like this was meant for you today. I know you wish you didn't need to do that, but just remember that these are growth moments and the only way that we can truly grow is to learn to make those choices. Just continue to pray that he makes the right ones and also pray for those that are tempting him. 

Day 696 - 1 Peter 2.11 - 3.7 & Psalm 139

 Michelle

I don't know if some of this was in other books or not, but I feel like I have read this before already.  It talks about living in a pagan society and to do that you must submit yourself to God and to those in authority.  That doing so, you honor God.  Chapter 3 talks about wives submitting to their husbands and husbands being considerate of their wives, treating them with respect.  Sometimes I wonder if this is a reason, I don't feel treated properly.  Like I am not doing as God asks in regard to my husband, so in turn I am not getting what I need.  I don't know that is always the case, but sometimes I have to ask myself that.  

The last line stands out to me.  "See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."  I think this psalm is saying that God knows all and sees all, and we can hide nothing from him.  That we must live like that, like we are always being watched.

Julie

I think that this is a hard one for people to understand. When we have to submit to an authority that we are not comfortable with. We need to remember though that we cannot grow if we are not challenged. With regards to the second part, there is a possibility of that. I have wondered the same thing.

We can hide nothing from him. I think it's also asking to be lead in the right direction.

Day 695 - 1 Peter 1.13 - 2.10 & Psalm 138

 Michelle

When they talk about Jesus returning, it seems they are talking about in the future, and this is after his resurrection.  I wonder if we would even believe that Jesus had returned, if it happened in our time.  I feel like there would be alot of skepticism around it.  There is a reminder that we should rid ourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.  Then it talks about a living stone, which I didn't really understand, but they might be talking about Jesus again.

He seems to be asking God to not abandon him.  There are verses here that sound similar to another.  "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.  You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me."

Julie

Unfortunately, I believe we probably would have reacted in the same way that they did. They may be talking about his next return.

Thank the Lord for all he has done.

Day 694 - 1 Peter 1.1-12 & Psalm 137

 Michelle

I got lost reading this one, but I think it's a letter from Peter to God's people scattered among the nations.  He is talking to them about hope and praising God for hope.  

This psalm ends with a terrible verse about killing babies.  It talks about singing about the Lord while in foreign lands and questions why they would do that.  I think this is weird.  You would think that God would want you to sing his praises while outside of your own area.

Julie

I am lost too today. There are distractions that are not helping.

This is a psalm of remembrance for things that happened to them. I had to look it up to really understand it.

Day 693 - James 4.13 - 5 & Psalm 136

 Michelle

This reading starts by talking about boasting, that we should not be boastful, and that we should live each day like it's our last.  Stop focusing on what comes next but live in this day as it's been given.  It goes on to warn rich people not to hoard.  Then it speaks of patience.  Being patient for what God is bringing us is very difficult, especially through tough situations.  Praying in faith comes at the end of this reading and it's pretty powerful.  God wants us to pray, and we do but are we praying with faith or just praying to pray.

This psalm is really about God's love enduring forever.  It goes through different things he has done, but that is the main theme.

Julie

This seemed pretty straightforward and you seem to have to summarized it well. Nothing really stood out for me beyond those things.

His steadfast love endures forever.

Day 692 - James 3 - 4:12 & Psalm 135

 Julie

We should be careful about what we say and how we say it. Words can hurt and cause a lot of damage they are misused. We are also warned that we should not be searching for worldly things but Godly things. 

The Lord's name will endure forever no matter what else happens in the world.

Michelle

I got the same from this reading.  We need to be mindful of how we are using our words and that we are not judging others or speaking ill of people.  It also talks about wisdom and submitting yourself fully to God.  There was a question that stood out, "What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?".  I think these are pretty powerful questions.  If we think about it, we are battling our own desires against what we know is right on a daily basis.  Finding the strength to always do right as God intends, is the challenge.

This was a psalm calling us to Praise the Lord.

Day 691 - James 1:19 - 2 & Psalm 134

 Julie

Today's reading seems to have a lot of moving parts. We are being told to be doers of the Word not just hearers. We should be living it out and doing as it says and not just reading or listening and floating along as normal. There is no partiality in sin. Committing just one sin means that you have broken the law and there is no partial transgression. In the last part I believe it is saying that we need to show our faith. We cannot just have it but should actively show it by doing works that prove that we do have the faith in the God that we should have.

Come bless the Lord.

Michelle

This reading talks alot about faith and judgement.  That we should be showing our faith through our deeds and that deeds without faith or faith without deeds gets us nowhere.  Also, in regard to judgment, we should not stand in judgement of others.  This relates to how people look, but also other attributes they may show outwardly.  There is a part also about picking and choosing the commandments that you break or follow and how we should be following all the commands, not just whatever we choose.  

In this psalm it speaks of Zion, like it is heaven where God is.  We should be praising the lord.

Day 690 - James 1.1-18 & Psalm 133

 Michelle

This seems to be James speaking to all the tribes that have been scattered.  Not sure the timeframe this happens in, but I recall that God scattered them, so maybe it's in that time.  He is talking about going through trials and persevering, being tested in your faith.  He reminds us that God provides wisdom to those who ask for it.  He also reminds them (and us) that we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and that anger doesn't produce the righteousness that God desires.  He says to not only listen to the word, but to do what it says.  At the end it says we need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.  This, we need to remember today.

The first verse on this one really says it all.  "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"  At this point that seems like wishful thinking.  The world is so out of whack, and no one thinks like this, or few anyway.  

Day 689 - Psalm 132

 Julie

God will bless Zion. Is that the land promised to David? I feel like I need to learn more about that since it is mentioned so often in the Psalms.

Michelle

I understand Zion to be some holy place, but I don't know that anywhere it actually says where this is.  Is it heaven?  Is it somewhere on earth?  Who knows.  I think this is talking about David swearing an oath to the Lord, but I don't really understand what it is for.

Day 688 - Hebrews 13 & Psalm 131

 Julie

We should love and be kind to everyone because you never know who that person might be. Angels disguise themselves to see if we are loving and kind to all. Have honor in marriage. Be content with what you have and do not chase money. I have always liked this verse, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" With the Lord on our side, that is so true. Do good and share what you have because these things are pleasing to the Lord.

While it is something that is difficult to do, we should calm and quiet our soul.

Michelle

This reading speaks about some basic behaviors that we need to be modeling.  Being kind, remaining pure, loving one another, remaining focused on God and his commands and not being strayed by evil.

It sounds like it's saying to put your hope in the Lord, and he will calm and quiet your soul.

Day 687 - Hebrews 12 & Psalm 130

 Julie

So I woke up in turmoil this morning. While I am in a peaceful place and all things feel like they should be falling in line I don't feel that way. I feel like I am suffocating and living in a one-sided world where I am being confined. So in my prayers this morning I asked for guidance and direction and help and then I read today's reading...   They talk about endurance and not growing weary in our struggles. I am sure that I am going through these things to grow more, but it is frustrating...Jesus did endure a lot for us and maybe I need to remember that as I go through some of these days and remember that it is an endurance race and we are given the strength to get through. I do really like these verses, "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone...See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." I am trying not to get angry about small things and trying to power through even though I really don't understand. I pray I can endure...

My soul waits for the Lord. He is merciful and forgiving and I pray to be redeemed by him.

Michelle

I did not understand this reading at all.  What I did understand was that they are being disciplined and that they are talking about fear and joy at the end.  I appreciate reading your interpretation as I got nothing from it.  I am struggling with some things today though so that's prob why.  My mind is consumed with something and I can't shake it.  

This sounds like they are crying out to God for mercy and forgiveness.

Day 686 - Hebrews 11 & Psalm 129

 Michelle

This passage is about faith.  He goes through all the things that people have done in the past with unwavering faith in God.  There is a point that he says, "what more shall I say?".  I still strive to have this kind of faith.  

I had to read this one a few times, and still didn't get much from it.  What stood out is that even though they were oppressed from youth, they did not gain victory over them.

Day 685 - Hebrews 10.19 - 39 & Psalm 128

 Michelle

He is telling his audience to persevere through whatever trials they are facing and gives them reminders of past experiences.  He says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised".  This is a verse we should hold on to for the times when we feel challenged or in difficulty.

This psalm seems to be a blessing on men to remain fearful and obedient to the Lord.  This could relate to all that if we remain faithful, we will be blessed beyond measure.  I think when people think of blessings, they think monetary riches or possessions.  We forget that there are many ways to be rich or blessed.

Julie

Yes! Definitely a good reminder.

It seems to also go in line with the other reading for today. And, yes, you are correct we do not consider what our true blessings are.

Day 684 - Hebrews 9-10:18 & Psalm 127

 Julie

This is explaining why there are no longer animal sacrifices as there were in the days of Moses. It tells how Jesus dying and his blood sacrifice washes away our sins and his return will be for those that believe, follow, ask for forgiveness and are faithful.

Everything that we receive from the Lord is a gift.

Michelle

I understood the same from this reading.  Jesus is the way and changed things by being here with the people and experiencing the same things.

This seems to say that with God all things are possible.  That we must start with the Lord, and he will bless us through all things we do.

Day 683 - Hebrews 8 & Psalm 126

 Michelle 

This reading talks about a "new" covenant made with God and the people.  It says that it makes the old one obsolete and that it will disappear.  It seems that it is speaking of when Jesus came and the covenant that follows his time on earth.  It says that because he was placed at the right hand of God, then this covenant with God has changed and is superior to the previous covenant.  It says that God will put his laws in our minds and write them on our hearts so that we will all know the Lord from the least to the greatest of us.

This psalm seems to be speaking about restoring the fortunes of those in Zion.  They were filled with dreams, laughter, and songs of joy.  The end stood out to me:  "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.  Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them".  It seems to say that we come out of our sorrows in a better place.  I can't really explain what I am thinking today.  I don't know how to say it exactly.  

Julie

I wonder if this is where he is trying to tell people that the things that they are reading about in the OT and the rules and laws that are there are there have been updated...for lack of a better term. He says his first covenant did not work so he is making new one with the people. 

We can find joy even in our sorrow through the help of God.

Day 682 - Hebrews 7 & Psalm 125

 Michelle

The beginning of this reading talks about the tenth that is given to the priests and that even Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, who was a priest.  I am not sure why it goes on to say that Jesus is a priest like Melchizedek, because it seems that it's different at that point.  But it seems to be a reminder that we are still to give a tenth and that has always been the expectation, no matter the time.

It sounds like he is saying that the Lord surrounds his people always as long as they trust in him.  

Julie

There is a significance to Melchizedek that I still need to find. I believe that there is a point of thought that he might have been the righteous man of the OT but is mentioned in passing only until now. He has a significance that I cannot recall.

The Lord protects us if we just ask.

Day 681 - Hebrews 4.14 - 6 & Psalm 124

 Michelle

This reading speaks of Jesus being the high priest overall and warns not to fall away from God and what we have been taught.  It likens it to being a child needing milk verses a mature adult eating solid food.  While I was reading this, I was thinking that it seems we hear from God differently than during these times.  I don't know that it's completely accurate, but when I read it seems that they are speaking to God directly, or at least hearing God's voice, or at least did at one time.  That is not how we hear or see God now, or at least not how it happens for me.  I have gone thru a couple of discernment devotionals trying to hear God, or at least interpret when he is speaking to me, and I have yet to figure it out.  

This psalm seems a reminder that God is with us and always on our side.

Julie

Maybe sometimes we need to remember that God is speaking to us through words we read or through things that others say to us.

...and asking him to have mercy on us.

Day 680 - Hebrews 3 - 4:13 & Psalm 123

 Julie

So this starts by telling us that Jesus is great than Moses and that the laws of Jesus will overrule the laws of Moses...although there are obviously quite a few that are the same for both. I don't really know what to say about the rest of this. It seems that they might be saying that in our final resting days will be at peace with God if we are following the path of God and if not we will not be at rest. 

Have mercy on us Lord.

Michelle

I can see how you came to this interpretation.  I agree that it is stating that Jesus is greater than Moses and that we need to follow the path God has set for us.  What I found interesting is they kept emphasizing the word "Today".  That we must be mindful "Today" that we are to keep our hearts focused on God.  It reminds us to encourage one another daily and should not rebel as our ancestors did.  

He is asking for God to show us mercy through our trials.

Day 679 - Hebrews 2 & Psalm 122

 Julie

This author seems to be reminding people that Jesus was a man and that God made him that way so that he could experience the things that we did in order to give himself for us. It also shows that we can resist temptation if we want to and that we have no need to fear.

I am not sure of the purpose of this psalm other than to talk about Jerusalem being a great city. 

Michelle

I think you are correct.  This is explaining that God sent Jesus to show us that we can resist temptation if we are committed to him, but that it's ok to have human emotions for things that happen in our lives.  

It does sound like a prayer for Jerusalem, as if there is conflict going on there.  He is asking for peace and security within the walls of the city.  

Day 678 - Hebrews 1 & Psalm 121

 Julie

This book begins by telling us how important God's Son is. It tells how God used to use prophets to convey his message, but this time he has brought his Son. It doesn't say the exact reason for this, but one could assume that this is his last-ditch effort to try and convince people of their impending doom. 

My help comes from the Lord...

Michelle

I played catch-up today since I was out of town for a few days.  

I think you read that right.  It does sound like that is the reason he brought Jesus.  They speak alot about the Angels in this reading too.  I'm not sure why I found that interesting.  I'm still processing it.

That's a great summary.  He is our help no matter the time of day nor what we are doing.

Day 677 - Philemon & Psalm 120

 Julie

I am not sure that I completely understand the point of Philemon. It seems like a random letter in the middle of a lot other things. However, Paul is making a plea for Philemon to take on Onesimus, whom apparently has previously wronged Philemon in some way. It seems like Paul is trying to vouch for Onesimus and explain that he has changed...

They seem to be asking God to protect and save them from those that are wanting to fight instead of be at peace.

Michelle

This is a short book, or letter as these have been.  And I think you are right.  He seems to be making an appeal for Onesimus.  It seems an example of someone who gets lost after believing and goes astray, only to be brought back to God for his glory.

It sounds like he has been living amongst those who would prefer war to peace.  He is asking God to be with him during this time.

Day 676 - Titus 3 & Psalm 119

 Julie

One of the things that Paul says here that really stands out is the reminder that regardless of our past and what we have done we need to remember that God's mercy has saved us. We need to remember that because of God's mercy we are forgiven and that we should be pledging to live our lives in a more righteous way in being kinder and more loving.

I don't recall whether or not I realized the first time that we read this that there is a common theme among each of these. Although this is long it really does say the same thing over and over...they are asking God to help them learn his rules and laws...statutes is the word used most in my Bible. Asking him to share his wisdom and knowledge for their righteousness.

Michelle

What stood out to me was in his final remarks, "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives."  I think this has been in the last few readings, really telling us to be better and help each other so that we are all productive and devote ourselves to God's teachings.

This is such a long psalm that I tend to get distracted.  This entire thing talks about keeps God's commands and laws and precepts and statutes and that God guide them in such things and that they will not forget them in all things.  We must stay in the word of God to find our way.

Day 675 - Titus 1-2 & Psalm 118

 Julie

It seems like he is saying here that we need to practice what we preach. We need to live our lives and show others how it should be done specifically those younger than us. The only way that young people will learn is to see the words of others in action. 

God's steadfast love endures forever. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Michelle

When I saw the title of this book, it made me think of that comedian.  I know that's not relative to this but there it is.  

This is another letter from Paul to someone.  Are all these last books letters from Paul, and why is his teaching so important compared to others?  This is instruction to do and be good.  It speaks of being and setting the good examples in our own behaviors, so that those we are bringing up or that are looking up to us will follow in the good example set forth and that we must remain in God through it all and teach those we are bringing up.

His love endures forever.  This psalm says that alot.  It also says that God has helped him thru many trials.

Day 674 - Psalm 117

 Julie

I believe that this is the shortest Psalm. It is to the point...his steadfast love and faithfulness endures forever.

Michelle

Very short.  Praise the Lord, his love endures forever.

Day 673 - 2 Timothy 3:10-4 & Psalm 116

 Julie

Paul is finishing his letter and inviting others to join him. He is also reminding them, and us, that believers in Christ will be persecuted, but he has shown how God has helped him each time he was persecuted. He also reminds us that we should share the Word of God with others. 

A psalm of thanks and love to the Lord.

Michelle

The part that stood out to me was the beginning of chapter 4.  "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge al the duties of your ministry."  I feel like this is alot of people today.  Everyone wants people to only tell them what they want to hear and not what is right.  Like they need justification for the wrongs they are doing.  

This psalm sounds like he is sharing all that God has brought him out of.  It shows us that God is there through all the pain and suffering and we come out through him that loves us.

Day 672 - 2 Timothy 2.14 - 3.9 & Psalm 115

 Michelle

This reading continued speaking of false teachers and what kind of behavior we should maintain in order to please God.  It talks alot about arguing and how the negativity can spread.  The beginning of 3 stands out because it sounds like people today.  Lovers of money, lovers of themselves, boastful, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, slanderous, unforgiving, without self-control, brutal, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.  It says, not to have anything to do with these people and how they can worm themselves into people's homes and lives and breed more evil.  Kind of sounds familiar when thinking about people now.

This is a reminder to Trust in the Lord in everything.  

Julie

It does sound just like people now and it's interesting because you have to wonder if we are one of those times that we have read over and over where God is giving us a chance and is about to clean house.

...and he will bless us.

Day 671 - 2 Timothy 1 - 2.13 & Psalm 114

 Michelle

Seems like another letter to Timothy.  First, he gives thanks to God for various things, then Paul appeals for loyalty.  The title says loyalty to Paul; however, it seems to me he should be asking for loyalty to God.  But as I read on, he implies he has been deserted by his friends for his belief and he urges us to keep the faith and remain working for God.  

I am not sure about this psalm.  I don't understand why the things of earth are fleeing from God.  Or maybe I am misunderstanding this reading.  The end tells the earth to tremble at God's presence.

Julie

As hard as it is we should remain faithful and trusting and God will always be there for us.

The explanation says the all natures obeys the Lord so this is a hymn of praise.

Day 670 - 1 Timothy 6.2 - 21 & Psalm 113

 Michelle

I had a really hard time reading this one.  My mind is running a hundred miles an hour today and not staying focused on one thing.  I even tried closing my ears to the noise around me and that didn't help.  So, here is what I got from this reading.  Based on the title it's talking about false teachers and love of money.  It seems they are saying that the false teachers of the time are only in it for the money and that money is a great corrupter.  They are only interested in controversy and negativity.  We should be content with what we have as we were brought into this world with nothing and take nothing from it.  It then speaks of the charge given to Timothy which is to flee from the corruption and pursue righteousness, which I believe we should all follow this expectation.  

This psalm says we should be praising the Lord from sunup to sundown and speaks of things he does for those in need

Julie

You nailed it on the head, "money is the root of all evil."

There is none other like God.

Day 669 - 1 Timothy 5 - 6.2 & Psalm 112

 Michelle

This section spoke of widows, elders and slaves.  It says that we should take care of the widows and elders in our family, so as not to put a burden on the church, so that they can help the widows and elders that don't have family.  The speaks alot about women and how they should be devoted to doing good deeds and pleasing the Lord by helping those in trouble, bringing up children, and washing the feet of God's people.  It says that young widows tend to bring judgment on themselves because of their desires.  I found this part interesting, that it counsels young women to marry and give the enemy no opportunity for slander, so to manage their homes and to have children.  This really just sounds like we need to be taking care of those around us that need help.  It also instructs us to not share in the sins of others, do nothing out of favoritism, and that the good deeds done will become obvious.  Even those that are slaves should respect their masters and their masters respect them.

This says that those who delight in and fear the Lord will be blessed for generations.  Those that are wicked will come to nothing.

Julie

I like your take on this. When I read it was thinking it was kind of harsh, but I don't think it was meant to be that way. You did a great job of summarizing it.

The one verse in here that I think could apply to so many and I know that I constantly need is..."He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting the Lord." We should not fear, but trust.