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 119:17-32
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Psalm 119:19-20
19 I'm a stranger on earth. Don't hide your commands from me. 20 My heart is filled with longing for your laws at all times.
Insight:
There are times when one feels quite alone in a great big world that seems to be oblivious to what is true, important, and meaningful. This world's overwhelming needs, misplaced loyalties, political strife, selfish wars, and empty religion make it easy to identify with the words of the old gospel song that says, "I can't feel at home in this world anymore." Once you get a glimpse of God's truth and hope in Christ, you can begin to feel like a wayfaring stranger on the earth.
Seeing through the farcical self-important misguidedness of the world is a good thing. It stirs up a longing for what is true. It prods one to seek something better, real, and true. It provokes a hunger deep within the soul for God's word. It fills the heart with longing for God's guidance. It makes me reach for my Bible.
Response and Action:
When I am filled with the sense that I am following the beat of a different drum than the world, I will remember that it's a good thing. That sense is what drives me to seek out God's way, it moves me to pray, it move's me to read Scripture and to meditate upon what it means. I'd rather feel like a stranger and have the desire to seek truth, than to feel comfortable in a dark and clueless world.
O God, I long for your Word. I long to see what is real, what is pure, what is noble, what is uplifting, and what is beautiful. Make me comfortable about being uncomfortable in this world. Lead me on and brighten the path that leads to redemption, life, hope, and truth. Thank you for your presence, your Spirit, your promises, your people, and your Word. Through Christ, Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Recommended Listening:
That's What the Lonely is For
by David Wilcox
Click the link to listen.
When I get lonely ah, that's only a sign
Some room is empty, and that room is there by design
If I feel hollow - that's just my proof that there's more
For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for.
