Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 23, 2022
Read Psalm 119:105-112
105 Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. 106 I have sworn, and I fully mean it: I will keep your righteous rules. 107 I have been suffering so much LORD, make me live again according to your promise. 108 Please, LORD, accept my spontaneous gifts of praise. Teach me your rules! 109 Though my life is constantly in danger, I won’t forget your Instruction. 110 Though the wicked have set a trap for me, I won’t stray from your precepts. 111 Your laws are my possession forever because they are my heart’s joy. 112 I have decided to keep your statutes forever, every last one.
Good Morning, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!
The Bible is the best-selling book in the world. Many of us have multiple copies in our own homes that represent a variety of the many translations available to us today. I have Bibles that are new and some that are very old. Among the old Bibles are those that belonged to family members. It is so special to see notes that our loved ones have written in their own Bible and to discover their favorite or often-read verses. Even when the cover and pages are very worn, these Bibles hold special memories.
Despite the number of Bibles that are printed and sold every year, there are many who have read very little within the covers. It is easy to be intimidated by the number of pages. Another problem is the language that seems outdated in some translations. Of course, there is all of the history contained in the Old Testament that works through the lineage and names that we find difficult to pronounce. Many people get stuck in those very books of the Bible.
For me, I prefer to have those who want to read the Bible begin with the New Testament especially the Gospels and learn what Jesus taught. Then as you become comfortable with that, you move to Paul’s letters. Next, I would go to the prophets and find the writings that prophesied the coming of the Messiah. Finally, I would suggest slowly working through the Old Testament.
The Bible, which consists of 66 books, is to be taken as a whole body of work that contains the inspired Word of God. Through the Scriptures, we are given a guide, an instruction manual, or a map to lead us on our faith journey. When we are lost and can’t find our way, the Scriptures contain a pathway to the light. Daily reading opens our hearts, minds, and souls to the message of love.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We sometimes forget to take the time to read Your instructions for our lives. We will try to slow down so that we may include fellowship with You every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Daily spiritual practices yield abundant results.
Don’t lose the instruction manual! Pastor Liz
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