Psalm 119 Memorization Update

A while back, I set out to memorize Psalm 119. I started out excited and yet a little intimidated. I got cards made and had every intention of putting holes in them to keep them together. I didn't do that because I didn't have the binder rings that I needed. That was a big mistake. By the time I got the binder rings, I had misplaced half of my cards! I should have just use yarn or something in the meantime.

At any rate, I am back to it with a new determination. So far I can say the first 20 verses from memory. I can recite 21-23 with prompts. I love using the prompt system. It really does work for me.

Here is an example of the prompting system I use. I fold the paper over so I can only see the first letter of each word.

Psa 119:1

Batuitw,wwitlotL.

Psalm 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

I made a commitment last night to memorize 4 verses a week. I woke up this morning with severe stomach cramps. Coincidence? Of course not, but that's ok because I'm not letting go of God until He blesses me!

I'm looking forward to being changed through the memorization of God's word. I don't know about you, but I could use a good changing!

Bible Reading Plan

I especially love the Bible Reading Plan that I am using because it begins with the New Testament and only involves reading a few chapters a day. I love beginning with the New Testament because of all the stories and miracles of Jesus. I am able to "see" Him in action and really get to know Him as a person. So if you have tried over and over to read the Bible through and just can't seem to make it past Leviticus, try starting with the New Testament first.

I believe that reading through the Bible is important because when I'm just studying I tend to not read certain books or I just tend to skip certain parts of the Bible, partly because I'm just not all that familiar with what is in them.

Reading through the Bible on a regular basis helps me to become more familiar with the parts I don't know well and it creates a great habit. It also doesn't take long to read a few chapters and with the Bible on audio I can listen even while I am doing something else. I often like to listen as I am reading, especially when I come across difficult words. Alexander Scourby is my favorite when it comes to listening. He seems to have a special ability to make the word come alive.

My prayer is that as I read God's word and search for Him with all my heart, that my heart will be changed into His likeness. Happy reading.

Newness of Life

Therefore, If any man be in Christ He is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

As I think of the new year that is fast approaching, my mind is drawn to this verse. I am ready for the new year, ready for a new life in Christ. Don't we all love things that are new? New house, new car, new clothes-there is just something about newness that is appealing and exciting.

The beautiful thing about a new life in Christ is that the newness happens every single day. I love the thought of that. Today I renew my newness in Christ and I pray that it never grows old.

Whispers From God

Lately I have really been enjoying my time with the Lord and not that I don't always enjoy my time with Him, but recently it has taken on an extra special meaning. When I first started having time with God in the mornings, I was at a loss. I knew I should have time, but what in the world was I supposed to be doing during that time?

Believe it or not, not knowing what to do has actually kept me from having my time. When I think about it, it's really silly. Let's suppose I have a really good friend that I love to hang out with. Do I always decide what we are going to do before we hang out? No, because I just enjoy being with that person and by spending time with that person, I get to know them better and grow closer to them.

This has been my relationship with God. I sit in the stillness and listen to Him speak. Sometimes He gives me scripture to meditate on. Sometimes I already know the scripture and can just meditate on it. Sometimes, I only know a portion and have to look it up. Sometimes I am just clueless and He has to guide me all the way.

Other times He impresses my mind with people to pray for-people I haven't heard from in years, or even people I have NO desire to talk to!

Sometimes He remind me that He is a God of order and tell me to go and clean my room. What I love about this is that even in keeping my room orderly, I am worshiping God. WOW, what a thought.

Today He whispered to me that I need to do better at meal planning. :-/ I hate meal planning. I have no idea why, but I do. But I am excited about it because I know God is going to help me. He has already given me ideas to help me out. How can I not love a God like that?

Perhaps you are struggling with your time with the Lord. You don't have to have the perfect Bible study plan or really any plan at all. Just carve out some time and He will take care of the rest!

True Worship

This past week our Sabbath School Lesson was about worship. What I particularly liked about this lesson is how practical it was. It made me think of my everyday life in a different way.

Oftentimes we refer to worship as an isolated event, but closer study reveals that just at the 4 beasts worship day and night, so we worship day and night. The question then becomes, who are we worshiping. Every act of life from washing dishes and laundry, to our interaction with others is an act of worship.

How then do we know who we are worshiping? Our fruits tell it all. One writer says it this way:

" Unless we control our words and tempter, we are slaves to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He lead us captive. All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God, for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness."

Even the very words that we speak in day to day conversation are an act of worship. How important it is then to have all thoughts brought into subjection to the will of God.

Here are a few points that I gathered from this week's lesson that I thought were worth sharing:

1. God alone, the Creator of the Universe is worthy of worship and praise.

2. True Worship causes the old man to die.

3. True worship causes us to abhor self.

4. In the presence of God, a realization of our sinfulness rises before us.

5. True worship acknowledges who God is (Worthy, Powerful, Mighty, Wise, Just, True, etc...)

My prayer is that as I behold Christ, every thing that I do will reflect the fact that my worship is directed to Him and Him only. Let this mind be in me that was also in Christ Jesus.