September 15 - Inclinations of My Heart

Today's Reading: 
Genesis 5:1-7:24
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 3:1-8 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses:
Genesis 6:5-9
5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.
 

Insight:
We've barely gotten a start in the Bible's account of human history, and the creator is ready to start over! The wickedness of humanity had become so great so quickly that God was grieved to have created them. Noah, however, stood out among the people of his time and found favor with God. He walked with God, turned away from the evil around him, and pursued righteousness.

Response and Action:
What are the inclinations and thoughts of my heart? Do I grieve the heart of God? Do I turn away from the wickedness? I need God to flood my life and wipe out the wickedness in me. I need to be made new and walk with God in righteousness. Though evil is so prevalent, with God's gracious help and direction I can be different and pursue righteousness. Jesus Christ has made a way for me to have new life!

O Lord, I do not want to grieve your heart. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Thank you for giving me a new start through Jesus. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, please lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 
Romans 8:1-2
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Resources:
How To Read Genesis
by Tremper Longman

September 14 - Blood Cries Out

Today's Reading: 
Genesis 3:1-4:26 
Luke 1:26-56 
Psalms 2:1-12
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Genesis 4:8-10 
8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?" 10 The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.
 
Insight:
Sin not only separates us from God, as we see in Genesis 3, it also separates us from each other. Sin and selfishness are so destructive to the human heart that even efforts to know and worship God can result in social strife and violence. When envy, anger, pride, and sin master the human heart, the result is conflict, hate, and bitter competition. Instead of living in harmony with each other, people become disconnected—restless wanderers fearful of others.

This animosity gets passed on from generation to generation. The strife of two brothers becomes the strife of cities. The vengeance of seven people becomes the violence and murder of seventy-seven. Only in Christ Jesus can we find the healing and grace we need to be right with God and right with others. Only with humility and surrender to God can we break the chain of retaliation and hostility that divides individuals, people groups, and nations.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize the ways sin, jealousy, lies, pride, and selfishness destroy my relationships with others. If I want to understand and overcome conflict among people (nations, families, neighbors, religions, siblings, races), I need to recognize the underlying causes of sin.

When I am in conflict with others, I will humble myself and prayerfully examine my heart and mind for sin. If I want to live in harmony with others and be a voice and influence for peace, I must seek to be right with God. I must love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, soul, mind and strength if I am to be able to love my neighbor as myself.

O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is despair, hope; where there is doubt, faith; where there is darkness, light. Grant that I might not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that I receive, it is in pardoning that I receive pardon, it is dying that I am born to eternal life. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 12:17-19
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Resources: 
A Just Forgiveness: Responsible Healing without Excusing Injustice
by Everett L. Worthington, Jr.

September 13 - Prepared for the Lord

Today's Reading: 
Genesis 1:1-2:25 
Luke 1:1-25 
Psalms 1:1-6
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Luke 1:16-17 
16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
 
Insight:
The Old Testament prophets spoke of a future hope that Israel had yet to see. This hope was more than the rebuilding of Jerusalem, more than the return of the Jews from exile, and more than the restoration of the temple. They spoke of the coming Messiah who would save his people. He would bring redemption and give new hearts. He would bring freedom and eternal life.

The coming Messiah would be announced by a special messenger who would shout, "Prepare the way of the Lord." An angel appeared to Zechariah and said, "Your son is going to be the messenger who proclaims the coming of Christ." It's exciting to see that the first words of promise in the New Testament are the fulfillment of the last words of promise of the Old Testament (Malachi 4:6).

Response and Action:
I am thankful for God's unfolding story of redemption and salvation. By faith, I embrace the promises of the prophets. By faith, I believe that Jesus is God's promised Messiah. By faith, I believe that God is present in the world today, still working toward redemption and salvation. By faith, I have given and continue to give my life to Jesus. By faith, I have entered the unfolding story of redemption, and pray that God will direct and use me for his redemptive purposes as I serve and follow Jesus.

O God, thank you for your son Jesus, who for us and for our salvation became incarnate from the virgin Mary and was made man. Thank you that for our sake, he suffered death, but rose again on the third day as the victor over death. Help me to love and follow Jesus, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen. 

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:3-4
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Resources: 
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

Reading Schedule for September 13-19

Tips for Bible Readers
Reading Schedule for 2015-16

Sunday, September 13
Genesis 1:1-2:25 / Luke 1:1-25 / Psalm 1:1-6

Monday, September 14  -
Genesis 3:1-4:26 / Luke 1:26-56 / Psalm 2:1-12

Tuesday, September 15  -
Genesis 5:1-7:24 / Luke 1:57-80 / Psalm 3:1-8

Wednesday, September 16  -
Genesis 8:1-10:32 / Luke 2:1-35 / Psalm 4:1-8

Thursday, September 17  -
Genesis 11:1-13:4 / Luke 2:36-52 / Psalm 5:1-12

Friday, September 18 -
Genesis 13:5-15:21 / Luke 3:1-22 / Psalm 6:1-10

Saturday, September 19 -
Genesis 16:1-18:15 / Luke 3:23-38 / Psalm 7:1- 9
 

September 12 - Things to Do

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:169-176
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:169-176

¹⁶⁹ May my cry come before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
¹⁷⁰ May my supplication come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise.
¹⁷¹ May my lips overflow with praise,
    for you teach me your decrees.
¹⁷² May my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.
¹⁷³ May your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶ I have strayed like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

Response and Action:

Do you long for understanding? Call out to God and consider his word.
Do you long for deliverance? Appeal to God according to his promises.
Do you want to give praise to God? Learn his decrees.
Do you want to sing of truth and righteousness? Delight in God's commands.
Do you want God's help and protection? Choose his ways.
Do you long for salvation? Enjoy the truth of Scripture.
Do you want long life to glorify God? Let his instruction sustain you.
Do you want to avoid straying from God? Don't forget his commands.

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.

September 11 - Seven Times a Day

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:161-168
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:161-168

¹⁶¹ Rulers persecute me without cause,
    but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶² I rejoice in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and detest falsehood
    but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I wait for your salvation, Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your statutes,
    for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your precepts and your statutes,
    for all my ways are known to you.

Response and Action:

How often do you turn your attention to Scripture and praise God for the blessing it is? Most of us would feel pretty good about seven times a week, but he psalmist says "seven times a day." Here are seven simple ideas that could help you weave Scripture into your day.

1. Follow the Useful Breath schedule and commit to reading each morning (plan).
2. After reading, copy a verse from your reading into a personal journal (focus).
3. Write a sentence that explains why that verse caught your attention (insight).
4. Think of a way that insight can shape your thoughts and actions (response).
5. Talk about what you read with a friend (share).
6. At the end of the day, read your journal entry again while reviewing your day (reflect).
7. Before going to bed, talk to God about how that day's Scripture has challenged or blessed you (pray).

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.

September 10 - Preserve My Life

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:153-160
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:153-160
¹⁵³ Look on my suffering and deliver me,
    for I have not forgotten your law.
¹⁵⁴ Defend my cause and redeem me;
    preserve my life according to your promise.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out your decrees.
¹⁵⁶ Your compassion, Lord, is great;
    preserve my life according to your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many are the foes who persecute me,
    but I have not turned from your statutes.
¹⁵⁸ I look on the faithless with loathing,
    for they do not obey your word.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
¹⁶⁰ All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.

Response and Action:

Sometimes it can be hard to feel like reading the Bible. Taking time to read and think about Scripture may not be my first inclination during times when I am suffering and feel like things aren't going well. Do I reach out for God's word when I'm being persecuted or feeling like things are falling apart? Sure, I cry out to God for compassion and deliverance, but do I also reach out for instruction and promise? Time in the Word isn't just for people who have their schedule worked out. It's not just for people with comfortable and stable lives with plenty of time for quiet and meditation. No, Scripture is for the stressed and the overwhelmed. It's for people with messy lives and reasonable fears. It's for the suffering and the persecuted. It's a lifeline of truth we can cling to.

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.

September 9 - You Are Near, Lord

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:145-152
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:145-152
¹⁴⁵ I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,

    and I will obey your decrees.
¹⁴⁶ I call out to you; save me
    and I will keep your statutes.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promises.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
    preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
¹⁵⁰ Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
    but they are far from your law.
¹⁵¹ Yet you are near, Lord,
    and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² Long ago I learned from your statutes
    that you established them to last forever.

Response and Action:

When believers set apart time for reading and thinking about Scripture, they do so in the hope and faith that God will be present in that time. When they consider God's decrees, they cry out to the Lord for answers. While they are considering God's statutes, they call out to God for his saving direction. In the morning, as they look to God's word for hope, they cry out to God for help. They not only believe that God's words are true, they believe that God is near to them. When we read Scripture, let's read in the hope and trust that God is with us in those moments to lead, help, and save us.

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.

September 8 - Your Words Give Light

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:129-144
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:129-144

¹²⁹ Your statutes are wonderful;
    therefore I obey them.
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant,
    longing for your commands.
¹³² Turn to me and have mercy on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.
¹³³ Direct my footsteps according to your word;
    let no sin rule over me.
¹³⁴ Redeem me from human oppression,
    that I may obey your precepts.
¹³⁵ Make your face shine on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶ Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.

¹³⁷ You are righteous, Lord,
    and your laws are right.
¹³⁸ The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
    they are fully trustworthy.
¹³⁹ My zeal wears me out,
    for my enemies ignore your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
    and your servant loves them.
¹⁴¹ Though I am lowly and despised,
    I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.
¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding that I may live.

Response and Action:

Believing that God's words are trustworthy and wise creates a desire to read, understand, apply, and obey the guidance they give. It also leads to a sense of sorrow for those who do not know or choose to ignore the direction that is available through Scripture. If the Scriptures give me godly insight for life, I should long for them, delight in them, and love them.

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.

September 7 - Better than Gold

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:113-128
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:113-128

¹¹³ I hate double-minded people,
    but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Away from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!
¹¹⁶ Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
    do not let my hopes be dashed.
¹¹⁷ Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
    I will always have regard for your decrees.
¹¹⁸ You reject all who stray from your decrees,
    for their delusions come to nothing.
¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
    therefore I love your statutes.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles in fear of you;
    I stand in awe of your laws.

¹²¹ I have done what is righteous and just;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²² Ensure your servant’s well-being;
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
    looking for your righteous promise.
¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your love
    and teach me your decrees.
¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.
¹²⁶ It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.
¹²⁷ Because I love your commands
    more than gold, more than pure gold,
¹²⁸ and because I consider all your precepts right,
    I hate every wrong path.

Response and Action:

Double-mindedness is a pathway to failure and corruption. Singleminded devotion to the study and application of Scripture bolsters my hope, motivates me toward righteousness, guards me against self-destructive choices, nurtures care and discernment, and leads me away from every wrong path. That's why it's easy to love Scripture. It's better than gold.

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.

September 6 - To the Very End

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:105-112
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much;
    preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
¹⁰⁸ Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
    and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I will not forget your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have set a snare for me,
    but I have not strayed from your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² My heart is set on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.

Response and Action:

God's word is a light that shows me where to go. It brings me through suffering. It moves me to praise. It gives me courage. It helps me avoid the snares of the wicked. It helps me build a legacy. It gives me joy. That's why my heart is set on the word and why I will cling to it to the very end.

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.

Reading Schedule for September 6-14

Tips for Bible Readers
Reading Schedule for 2015-16

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

While we're waiting for the new reading plan to begin, I will be posting daily meditations from Psalm 119 that focus on the importance of Scripture in the believer's life.

Sunday, September 6
Psalm 119:105-112

Monday, September 7  -
Psalm 119:113-128

Tuesday, September 8  -
Psalm 119:129-144

Wednesday, September 9  -
Psalm 119:145-152

Thursday, September 10  -
Psalm 119:153-160

Friday, September 11 -
Psalm 119:161-168

Saturday, September 12 -
Psalm 119:169-176
 

September 5 - The Word Stands Firm

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:89-104
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:89-104

⁸⁹ Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
    you established the earth, and it endures.
⁹¹ Your laws endure to this day,
    for all things serve you.
⁹² If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
⁹³ I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.
⁹⁴ Save me, for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.
⁹⁵ The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
    but I will ponder your statutes.
⁹⁶ To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.

⁹⁷ Oh, how I love your law!
    I meditate on it all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser than my enemies.
⁹⁹ I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.
¹⁰⁰ I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.
¹⁰¹ I have kept my feet from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.
¹⁰² I have not departed from your laws,
    for you yourself have taught me.
¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.

Response and Action:

Circumstances change, but the word of the Lord is eternal. I change, families change, governments change, bodies change, neighborhoods change, churches change, economies change, friendships change, careers change, interests change, laws change, societies change, taboos change, but the word of the Lord endures forever. How sweet are God's words to my direction, my desires, my choices, and my actions!

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.

September 4 - My Maker's Commands

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:73-88
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:73-88

⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
    according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷ Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸ May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
    but I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹ May those who fear you turn to me,
    those who understand your statutes.
⁸⁰ May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
    that I may not be put to shame.

⁸¹ My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³ Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget your decrees.
⁸⁴ How long must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?
⁸⁵ The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commands are trustworthy;
    help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
⁸⁷ They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
⁸⁸ In your unfailing love preserve my life,
    that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Response and Action:

I seek the word of the God who made me and formed me. My creator is the one who knows why I am here, he can lead me into purpose. My maker knows my weakness and my trouble, he can comfort me, extend compassion toward me, and protect me. The words of the one who formed me has the words that can preserve my life.

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.

September 3 - I Have Considered My Ways

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:57-72
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:57-72

⁵⁷ You are my portion, Lord;

    I have promised to obey your words.
⁵⁸ I have sought your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ I have considered my ways
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
⁶⁰ I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.
⁶³ I am a friend to all who fear you,
    to all who follow your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.

⁶⁵ Do good to your servant
    according to your word, Lord.
⁶⁶ Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.
⁶⁹ Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷² The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. 

Response and Action:

When those who truly seek God read Scripture with humility and a genuine desire to learn, they find guidance and promise. The wisdom of God, through Scripture, helps me consider my ways. It shows me when I am going astray. It helps me understand how missteps have led me into trouble. It makes clear to me how much I need wisdom and guidance to avoid needless hardship. Nothing is more valuable for learning how to live, how to persevere, and how to make right choices.

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.

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.

September 1 - Strengthen Me

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:25-40
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:25-40

²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
²⁶ I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

³³ Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
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.
³⁸ Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Response and Action:
When life knocks me down, God's word can lift me up and help me understand my situation. In times of weariness and sorrow, God's word can guide and strengthen me. When I am self-centered, God's word turns my heart upward and outward. When I live within the boundaries and commands of the Lord, I find myself to be free. God's word helps me discern what is good and what is worthless. When I meditate on God's word, I am constantly given hope by being reminded of God's promises and faithfulness.

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.