"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)
This is getting me in the mood for Christmas... :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Reading the Bible in a Year Post #2
Well, as you can expect, Mom and I have read A LOT since June.
We finished Numbers, and have read Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, 1 Kings, Obadiah, and Jonah. We've also read parts of Psalms and are currently in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. So out of the thirty nine books of the Old Testament we have read eighteen and are currently reading three others. That puts us about halfway finished with the Old Testament.
Our chronological reading plan has us jumping around a lot. I think I have like four different bookmarks in my Bible right now.
It was decided to wait to read the Apocrypha because my mother hasn't gotten the book yet. I'm going to get it for her for Christmas. So after that, we'll have to make a reading schedule for the Apocrypha on its own. I'll probably be reading some of it, because there are sections that are parts of OT books, like the extended versions of Esther and Daniel. She'll just have to catch up if we read those before Christmas.
So far, Proverbs was probably my favorite. But I already knew loved that book, its always been a favorite. Psalms has been harder than expected to get through, it helps if I read it aloud. Joshua was more boring than I thought it would be, so that was a bit of a disappointment, as was Jonah. I was all excited to read about the fish / whale and all that happened was "Jonah was swallowed by a fish. Jonah prayed. The fish spit him out." I was expecting a little more excitement.
Tonight, we start reading Isaiah.
We finished Numbers, and have read Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, 1 Kings, Obadiah, and Jonah. We've also read parts of Psalms and are currently in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. So out of the thirty nine books of the Old Testament we have read eighteen and are currently reading three others. That puts us about halfway finished with the Old Testament.
Our chronological reading plan has us jumping around a lot. I think I have like four different bookmarks in my Bible right now.
It was decided to wait to read the Apocrypha because my mother hasn't gotten the book yet. I'm going to get it for her for Christmas. So after that, we'll have to make a reading schedule for the Apocrypha on its own. I'll probably be reading some of it, because there are sections that are parts of OT books, like the extended versions of Esther and Daniel. She'll just have to catch up if we read those before Christmas.
So far, Proverbs was probably my favorite. But I already knew loved that book, its always been a favorite. Psalms has been harder than expected to get through, it helps if I read it aloud. Joshua was more boring than I thought it would be, so that was a bit of a disappointment, as was Jonah. I was all excited to read about the fish / whale and all that happened was "Jonah was swallowed by a fish. Jonah prayed. The fish spit him out." I was expecting a little more excitement.
Tonight, we start reading Isaiah.
Exciting Life Changes (I Think)
A few weeks ago, I had an epiphany. Okay, not really a sudden epiphany, it was more of a 'finally listening to God' epiphany.
What can I say? I'm stubborn.
Anyways, I realized that if I'm unhappy in my life then the first thing I need to do is get things right with God. I've been resisting giving things up that 'made me happy' and God finally got through to me that they aren't making me happy.
So I'm changing. Or at least trying to.
And of course, there's so much to work on. First thing I did was go through and delete a bunch of friends from Facebook. I'm leaving a group that I'm part of because I don't approve of several members lifestyles. Violently disapprove might be a better phrase. I'm trying not to judge but I think that what they're doing is wrong. So, leaving that group of friends.
Other things I'm trying to work on: dressing more modestly (although my mom says I don't dress that immodestly to begin with because I'm always conscious of my tattoos), watching my language, being a better daughter and a better friend, praying more, going to church more often and paying more attention in church and...
I joined a Bible study group! This makes me super happy because I have so few Christian friends and it gives me the chance to concentrate more on God. So far, I'm liking it. It's a group of mid twenties to upper thirties women, and we're all in different places in our lives. But we still have a lot in common.
The first book we chose to read was "Unglued" and let me say, it is the PERFECT book for me. I have major emotional issues. I'm four chapters in so far - Have one more to read by Monday. Quote that I loved from the fourth chapter: "My issues are a part of the equation but not the sum total"
After making the decision to change my life, I go to church and the sermon is on Romans 12.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Do NOT be conformed to this world. That's the line that really spoke to me. I've been conforming. And I really need to live a separate life. I am one of God's chosen. And I need to show it. Proudly. And if I lose friends, I lose friends.
I'm striving to live a better life right now. And to walk with God, every minute of every day. Will I be perfect and never make a mistake in this walk? Of course not. But I'm going to try. Because until I get things right with the man upstairs, nothing in my life is going to get better.
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” the last part of Joshua 24:15
What can I say? I'm stubborn.
Anyways, I realized that if I'm unhappy in my life then the first thing I need to do is get things right with God. I've been resisting giving things up that 'made me happy' and God finally got through to me that they aren't making me happy.
So I'm changing. Or at least trying to.
And of course, there's so much to work on. First thing I did was go through and delete a bunch of friends from Facebook. I'm leaving a group that I'm part of because I don't approve of several members lifestyles. Violently disapprove might be a better phrase. I'm trying not to judge but I think that what they're doing is wrong. So, leaving that group of friends.
Other things I'm trying to work on: dressing more modestly (although my mom says I don't dress that immodestly to begin with because I'm always conscious of my tattoos), watching my language, being a better daughter and a better friend, praying more, going to church more often and paying more attention in church and...
I joined a Bible study group! This makes me super happy because I have so few Christian friends and it gives me the chance to concentrate more on God. So far, I'm liking it. It's a group of mid twenties to upper thirties women, and we're all in different places in our lives. But we still have a lot in common.
The first book we chose to read was "Unglued" and let me say, it is the PERFECT book for me. I have major emotional issues. I'm four chapters in so far - Have one more to read by Monday. Quote that I loved from the fourth chapter: "My issues are a part of the equation but not the sum total"
After making the decision to change my life, I go to church and the sermon is on Romans 12.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Do NOT be conformed to this world. That's the line that really spoke to me. I've been conforming. And I really need to live a separate life. I am one of God's chosen. And I need to show it. Proudly. And if I lose friends, I lose friends.
I'm striving to live a better life right now. And to walk with God, every minute of every day. Will I be perfect and never make a mistake in this walk? Of course not. But I'm going to try. Because until I get things right with the man upstairs, nothing in my life is going to get better.
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” the last part of Joshua 24:15
God's Plans...Again :)
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:9
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:9
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Some Verses for Thought
Since it's been a long time, time to post all the verses I bookmarked for posting! lol
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
From my daily devotional, the New Living Translation is a little easier to understand:
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
My thoughts: Don't worry. Pray.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NASB)
I'm gonna make a whole post about this one cuz its really speaking to me right now.
Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
1 Peter 2:16 (NASB)
This daily devotional was about wearing a piece of jewelry (the author wears a toe ring) or a piercing to symbolize every day to yourself that you a slave of God. I kinda liked the sentiment.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NASB)
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I think this falls into that re-occuring theme of "God's Plans"
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9 (NASB)
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB)
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 (NASB)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Matthew 5:38-39
My devotional had this verse from the Message and I kinda of liked that version: "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.'" Matthew 5:38 (MSG)
and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15 (NASB) -- bold text added by me :)
Okay, there's that! Tomorrow I'll try to post an update on my Bible reading along w my growth in my walk with Christ, cuz let me tell ya, there's been some changes! And I'm excited to share them!
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