Wednesday, September 02, 2015

September 2 - This Has Been My Practice

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:41-56
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:41-56
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
    for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
    for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
    and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
    because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
    that I may meditate on your decrees.
49 Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
    but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
    wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
    that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.

Response and Action:
When I make it a priority to read and meditate upon God's word, it becomes familiar enough to be "in my mouth." It's in my mind and on my lips when I'm being threatened or taunted. It's in my mind and on my lips when I am with the powerful or among the suffering. It's the theme of my songs. It's my traveling companion no matter where I lodge. Whatever my circumstances, the practice of getting into the Scripture makes it possible for the Scripture to get into me, and that's how I remember the promises and guidance of the Lord.

NEW 2015-16 READING SCHEDULE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
The Useful Breath reading schedule for 2015-16 starts up on Sunday, September 13th.
Click Here to view, print, or download the new 2015-2016 Schedule as a pdf document.

Today through September 12, I will be posting meditations from Psalm 119 that remind us of the ways Scripture shapes and informs the believer's life.

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