Corona Devo 2035

Do we ever wonder where to start in reading the Bible?  

Which Book?  (Romans?  Mark?  Genesis?  Revelation?)

Which verses?  
  • John 3:16?  (For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  ~John 3:16) 
  • Romans 3:23?  (...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  ~Romans 3:23-24) 
  • Isaiah 40:31?  (...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  ~Isaiah 40:31)

Personally, I prefer to read the Bible straight through (one day at a time, of course), but there are times and situations where I (quite) literally just open the pages of this Divinely-inspired book and let the Lord minister to my spirit through whatever page and verses He presents there.  

And He does.

Where to read in the Bible today?  

The answer is: there is no wrong answer.  
The correct answer is: Yes, we should read our Bible today.  

How can we ever be sure where to start in the Bible?  The answer is: just start.  And when we do, God does too.  He'll meet us right there.   

If we're not sure where to start in our conversation with the Lord for today...He starts it (in His Word). 

And I always find that (of course) the Lord says, and knows, and speaks on a level that is far greater/deeper/more-astute/appropriate than anything I can produce.  

You know what?  Enough talk...let's just start:

~~~

(65) You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.   ~Psalm 119:65

His Word (the Bible) promises (over and over) good things for those that hope in Him, and...can we just step back?  Pause.  Reflect.  Look back over our lives.  At how the chips have fallen.  At what we deserved...and then at what we got and are still getting.  

We're not worthy, Lord.  You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised (Psalm 119:65).  We praise You today for Your benevolent love for us.  Amen.

~~~

(66) I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.  

(67) I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.  

(68) You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.  ~Psalm 119:66-68

Oh, how You know us, Father: our wandering and our sin.  Our wandering off.  And yet like a child with a wind-up toy: You just keep picking-us-up, pointing us BACK in the right direction (Yours), and winding-us-back-up for forward motion...TODAY.  You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees today, Father.  Amen.

~~~

(69) Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.  (70) Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. 

(71) My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.  (72) Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.  ~Psalm 119:69-72

Can we (finally) admit that our suffering was good for us?  
To open our eyes.  
To wake us up.
To rely on God (genuinely).  
To remove the superficialities of life.  
To submit to God's sovereignty instead of the facade of our own.  

Almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing God: My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.  (72) Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.  Amen.

~~~

(73) You made me; you created me.  Now give me the sense to follow your commands.  ~Psalm 119:73

Amen!

~~~

(74) May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.  ~Psalm 119:74

Father, such a prayer is the goal and aspiration of our entire lives.  
Oh, that our lives and WE would bring joy to others because of our faith and hope in You and your word.  This--THIS is the goal, Father. May it be so.  Amen. 

~~~

(75) I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.  (76) Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.  (77) Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.  ~Psalm 119:75-77

There's so much that the Lord lays out here for us, and all of it applies to us.  Verse by verse, and verse after verse, an "Amen" rises in our throat and our spirit. 

We started here, in Psalm 119 with you today, Lord, and we finish here with Your words on our lips.  

We face and embrace today, but never alone and without You.  

We have started with Your Word today, Father.  

Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.  (77) Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight (Psalm 119:76-77).
Amen.

Blessings, 

Sarah 

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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