Tonight’s Bible reading was exactly the Word I needed to hear this night. Is it okay to be a Christian and yet still be afraid?  Is it okay to quake at what might be around the corner even though I know in my head the Lord will be there holding me?  It’s getting my heart to grab onto that saving truth that comes under fire when challenging times hit. Psalm 107 is my new favorite psalm.  The refrain that is repeated several times is this: Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from … Continue reading Psalm 106-107 – Just in time!

This is by far the shortest passage I’ve come across in my Bible Reading Challenge — just one psalm…and it only contains 3 verses.  Yet what power and truth resides in these words: 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. “Life forevermore” is what … Continue reading Psalm 133: In unity, firsthand peace

I don’t remember learning about the mighty men who helped David in his quest for the kingship.  But I read about them today.  There were three very special men — the Bible calls them The Three — and then there were several others who were especially skilled in soldiering. It’s inspiring to read these words of old and see the hand of God so vividly.  God often shapes our lives through the “mighty ones” he sends to help us achieve the goals He has for us. Who are your “mighty ones?” I’ve had different Mighties throughout my life.  We have … Continue reading 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1Chronicles 11-12: The Mighty Ones

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. I am so grateful.  The Lord is compassionate and slow to anger…unlike me.  Today I had a mini mamma fit while driving my daughter to a field trip. … Continue reading Psalm 102-104: From the East to the West

Among all the records of the Israelite genealogy was a long list of over 200 men whose jobs were to serve as gatekeepers.  When I think of a gatekeeper, I remember the classic scene from The Princess Bride: However, these gatekeepers did not turn and run when faced with a threat.  They didn’t protect a mere castle: their job was to safeguard the Tabernacle and its furniture, the oil and flour and all things necessary for its upkeep.  Some people were in charge of counting the number of loaves of bread that went in and that came out.  Everything was … Continue reading 1 Chronicles 7-10: The Gatekeeper