Thursday, January 28, 2010

One Month Down

I have completed my first month of reading through the Bible. Whoo hoo! Technically it should be a habit by now. I don't know about that, but I sure do look forward to reading it everyday! I feel confident that the Lord is going to help me complete all 12 months of reading.

This week I read:
Matthew 9-10:20
Acts 13-15:21
Psalms 21-23
Genesis 46-50

Matthew
In Chapter 10, Jesus is sending out his disciples. He said to them, " I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." vs.16. Since we are disciples of Christ, this is his warning/advice to us as well. I am called to be wise, equipped, prepared but ever-vigilant of the enemy who is waiting to destroy me and my testimony. It is only by the power of Jesus that this delicate balance can be maintained in my life.

Acts
We are free from the law!!!
7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

We had an interesting discussion in my small group class at church on Sunday regarding the laws and regulations of various religions. It was pointed out that if Christians, even though we are not bound by the law, would follow our commission as diligently as many other religious groups follow theirs--the impact on the Kingdom would be remarkable. Something to chew on...

Psalms
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.


In death, LIFE!

Genesis
I am sad to leave this book. I know it is time to move on to Moses, but these guys were a blast. Reading this book gave me a much clearer picture of God's forgiveness and restoration. The accounts were almost always a reminder that even when God seems far, far away, he is still very much THERE. Also, He can do great things with some very BAD people.

If you are reading through (no matter what plan), please leave a comment to let me know what God is teaching you!

6 comments:

  1. Me too! Although, I can't say that I necessarily understand all that I am ready, lol! But I sure do feel good reading it everyday:)

    Cara

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  2. Fantastic Resolution for the new year, Great job Keelie!

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  3. Keelie,
    Thanks for stopping by and for the support. I think I have the video fixed now.

    I am doing a reading plan that has had me reading Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and now 1st Samuel.

    Over and over I see how God kept telling them to be strong and courageous. He continued to forgive them each time they turn to idols. I read in awe as they personally witnessed all of God's miracles, but yet they continue to turn away. However I still do the same thing. He may not be parting a sea or taking over lands for me, but he is working in my life daily. Why is it that I so quickly forget?

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  4. Keelie, I have a deep love for the scripture, but I am learning, that I am still avoiding some of the books of the Bible that I am not as familiar with. I began in with I Timothy for my New Testament readings and read all the way through Jude, but can't get started on Revelation!!! I have also read several of the books of the old testament. I read my Bible everyday, but am still working on being better at the longer daily readings. I'm probably not going to get through it in a year, but I am still going to continue.

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  5. I realize you might have been what specifically am I learing FROM the Bible.
    I am not as good at retelling as you are, but His word does definitely speak to me and I am always learning from it.

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  6. Good for you. I need some inspiration:)

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