Days Six, Seven and Eight: Psalm 119:41-64
Playing catch up! It was nice to be away for the holiday weekend with no computer, but I honestly was missing this blog. It has been a busy weekend, and keeping up with quiet time has been a challenge, but with good rewards. I mentioned something last night at txt3, but I know many were gone for vacation. I really have found after this first week that for me the blessings that we are promised in this Psalms that will come from reading and applying what we learn from God’s word are not what I thought them to be when I started on Monday morning. I was thinking, “Awesome, I can’t wait to see what blessings I am going to receive by doing this.” Maybe something great will happen at work? Maybe financial? Maybe my parents will come and take my kids for a week just because they know I need a break? How selfish and shallow my thoughts can be at times. But, what I have learned is that these blessings aren’t necessarily ‘things’ or ‘events’. I have found they are ways to handle LIFE. When I ran into problems this week, I found myself feeling close to God and knowing He was alive in me and helping me handle things the way He would have me. What a blessing to feel His spirit working in me. And, it has made my prayer time so much more meaningful and easy! Which, perfectly, takes us into the focus of this week’s sermon from Kelly…prayer. I really loved Kelly’s point last night that we don’t always have to pray to thank God and ask for things. Sometimes we should be silent in our prayer and wait for God to speak to us. I can’t wait to have my quiet time tomorrow morning and see what He has to say to me. Happy Memorial Day!
May 25th, 2009 on 4:13 pm
Yesterday we were blessed to worship at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. It was an amazing experience. The song service was 65 minutes long with three choir specials and many praise songs with the whole congregation singing. After this the pastor, Jim Cymbala, spoke for about 50 minutes. Time flew by. It was a service full of praise and worship, and of ministering to the people in the congregation in a number of ways. As I continue reading Psalm 119, I am reminded of this wonderful service—this Psalm is full of praise to the Lord, of seeking His truth, and of clinging to His promises. When we spend time praising the Lord, worshipping Him and seeking His truth, we are blessed and fulfilled. Life has meaning and purpose. We can make it through difficult times and times when people around us disappoint us or ridicule us. Because God is our strength and our shield.
May 26th, 2009 on 12:04 am
Amy, you’re awesome. I knew you were setting yourself up for trouble by standing up for this, but I am grateful to you for doing it. It is encouraging to know that you and a few others are reading the same scripture as I every day – vs 63 “I am a companion of all who fear You.” There is a tree in my neighbor’s backyard, and I can see it from a high window I have in the bathroom – I can see it from the sink when I’m shaving or brushing my teeth. Last year, I could barely see any branches, but it has grown a LOT in the last year. I remember at times seeing the wind whip the branches around and I’m surprised they’re still attached, but I know the reason it’s growing stronger and more beautiful is because of the testing it receives from the wind. Glory to God that we can do the same – maybe lose a few weak leaves of wordly things, and grow stronger branches in relationships and things that really matter. Thanks again, Amy, you are an encouragement for me.