We'll begin the 2010-11 reading schedule on Sunday, September 5. The new schedule will soon be available as a downloadable pdf.Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:33-48
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Psalm 119:36-37
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Insight:
There is always something vying for my attention and my energy. To what will I give myself? What will I focus upon? What will I seek after? What is worthy of my time and my heart?
The Psalmist understood that God's word needed to be a priority. He chose knowing God's word over selfish gain. He chose the Scriptures over empty things. He believed that God's word had a saving and enriching influence upon his life.
Response and Action:
I will be intentional about choosing to spend time reading, studying, and applying God's word in my life. I will set aside time each day to read and think about the truth and instruction I receive from the Scriptures. I will not let my daily Bible time get squeezed out of my schedule by work, appointments, television, sports, podcasts, facebook, movies, or anything else.
O God, help me to be faithful to spend time with my Bible each day. Give me the heart and the will to be consistent. Make me a person who loves your word. Help me to value your word over the lesser things that threaten to distract me. Give me such a hunger and love for your word and use it to guide and preserve my life. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Recommended Reading:
Transforming Bible Study: Understanding Scripture Like You've Never Read It Before
by Bob Grahmann
