Day 22: (Do the Write Thing) High on life

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 22

Psalm 9:1-2,7-12

Pollyanna.
Unbridled optimist.
Bright-sider.

The psalm section for today was written by someone in a GOOD mood.
Today is one of those days for me.  It's just starting off well and this passage underlines and bolds it.

Try some unbridled optimism on for size today.  
It suits you!

Song - Lemonade (Chris Rice)

Lord, this world is full of good days and bad days (and many sprinkled with both).
Remind me to relish the good.
And lean on you in the bad.
Keep me in your Word.
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 21: (Do the Write Thing) Calm my storm!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 21

Psalm 107:28-32

Wild storms.  There's nothing else like them.
Thunder crashing so loud it shakes the house and rattles your nerves.
Lightning so close your hair stands on end.
Wind whipping the rain and tipping the trees sideways.

Sometimes feels like your life is like that, eh?
And then...

"He quieted the wind down to a whisper,
  put a muzzle on all the big waves.
And you were so glad when the storm died down,
  and he led you safely back to the harbor."

Song - Calm My Storm (Tyler Price)

Lord,
Your eye is on the sparrow.
If you care that much for something I don't even pay attention to, 
let that remind me how much more your eye is on me.
Calming my storms.
Routing those hurricanes around me in ways I can't even imagine.
Quiet my pounding heart and sweating hands.
Grant a quiet spirit within me.
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 20: (Do the Write Thing) [A Silent prayer]

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 20

Psalm 69:30-36

Sometimes words fail me.
Like right now - trying to find a cohesive thought or theme in this passage.
There are plenty in there - but my brain isn't connecting the dots.

Pastor mentioned a similar situation that we feel sometimes as it relates to prayer.
Words fail us.  It's either something so big we can't wrap our minds around it or so small we wonder why God would want to bother with it.

And God has sent a helper - his Holy Spirit - to say the words for us.  To offer the most elegant, eloquent and excellent prayer on our behalf.  
And He does.  Without fail.

Prayer

[Holy Spirit - can you take this one?]
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 19: (Do the Write Thing) Lost and found

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 19

Psalm 28:6-9

Our worship today focused on the time in Jesus life when he went to his first Passover festival with his parents (at age 12) - and hung around afterwards talking with the top spiritual leaders.  This was while mom and dad (Mary and Joseph) headed up the road on the 75 mile journey back to Bethlehem.

One day mom and dad realize Jesus isn't with them.  Three days (THREE DAYS) later they find him in the temple in Jerusalem.  Mom (Mary) says - "Son, why have you treated us like this?  Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.".

Jesus replied by asking "Why were you searching for me?  Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  

In other words - Jesus wasn't lost.  His true Father (in heaven) knew exactly where he was and what he was doing.  

How often am I Mary - asking Jesus why he has treated me this way.

Jesus really poses the same question back to me.  
"Why are you searching for me?  I'm right HERE (pointing at your heart of faith)!"

I thought today's Psalm echoes the same thought.
The psalmist is talking about the end of their search for God.
"He's proved he's on my side, I've thrown my lot in with him; now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him."

Song - And Now My Lifesong Sings (Casting Crowns)

Lord, 
I once was lost but now I'm found,
I once was blind but now I see,
I once was dead but now I live,
And so my lifesong sings.
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 18: (Do the Write Thing) Thanks-living?

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 18

2 Corinthians 9:12-15

This passage reminds me of a phrase I heard a few years back.
"Thanks-living".  

Not the one-time or when-I-happen-to-think-of-it "thanksgiving".
But "thanks-living".  An ongoing process of living in the thankful reality of the gift of God's grace.  Priceless, un-buyable, gifted grace in Jesus Christ.

Such a huge precious gift that I can't help but share it.
Let it spill out all over my life.

Video - Thanks-living (Eric Samuel Timm)

Thank you Lord.
That really doesn't cut it, does it.
At least I have trouble getting to the thanks-living from just thanks-giving.
Words. Actions. Re-actions.
That's what you're looking for.
Help me get there through the people I live with and love on today!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 17: (Do the Write Thing) Protection from sob stories and arm-twisting...

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 17

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

I really enjoyed reading and writing the passage today.  It paints such vivid pictures.
It's talking about giving back to God - the what, the why, the how.
And the mindset we should have while thinking about it and doing it.

"Take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give.  That will protect you from sob stories and arm-twisting.  God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."

Song - God Loves A Cheerful Giver (Steve Green) - 
From one of my favorite Christian albums - the Hide 'em in Your Heart series.

God,
Hide a cheerful giver spirit in my heart today!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 16: (Do the Write Thing) Not a day goes by...

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 16

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Not a day goes by...
I usually hear this phrase when someone is thinking about revenge, or remorse, or guilt.

In our passage today it is talking about grace!
"Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making a new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace."

Way better than revenge, remorse or guilt!

Song - It Is Well With My Soul (Wintley Phipps) [song starts at 1:48]

Jesus,
May the words from my mouth bring you praise!
Thank you!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 15: (Do the Write thing) Thanks why?

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 15

Psalm 147:1-7

What's the best thanks you ever received?
What made it the best?
Because it was spontaneous, unrehearsed and/or unexpected?

That's today's Psalm writing/reading in a nutshell.
Right now you are blessed by something or someone.
Thank God for it or them.
Now!

Song - Thank You God (My Pingu)

Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 14: (Do the Write thing) Self-service?

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 14

Psalm 116:12-19

Self-service.
Service dog.  
Worship service.
Service your car at regular intervals.

So many kinds of service.
When this passage asks God to make me a servant - what service is it talking about?

Actually - when you write out the whole passage (and read the rest of the Psalm) it is self-explanatory.

Song - Make Me A Servant (Maranatha Singers)

Oh, Lord,
I am such a contradiction.
I "want" to serve you.
But I "really want" to serve myself first.
Help me get my priorities straight!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 13: (Do the Write thing) Whoa!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 13

1 Chronicles 16:23-36

Whoa! Did you see that truck with all those mattresses?
Whoa! Did you see that shooting star?
Whoa! Did you see her time on that run?

I my life - I don't have a lot of "Whoa!" moments.
But when they happen they are special and unique.

Our reading today collects a lot of "Whoa!" moments in one place.
So many that I have a hard timing deciding what to write in this little devotion...
Whoa!

Song - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Chris Rice)

Mighty God,
No one comes close to you.
Everything I see, touch, hear, smell - is here because you created it.
Most amazing - you created me.
Thank you.
How may I help?
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 12: (Do the Write thing) Wonders and miracles and God, oh my!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 12

1 Chronicles 16:8-14

Wonders and miracles.
Those are some of the things this passage talks about but we do not typically think of as "normal" in our everyday life.

But they are.
Spend a few moments with a young child and you'll experience wonder through their eyes.
See the miracle of absolutely anything being born.
All we need to do is use our God glasses and it's plain as day.

Song - I Will Call Upon The Lord (Some kids and a band)

Lord - open my eyes to experience your creation as you intended it.  Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 11: (Do the Write thing) Remember this...

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 11

Psalm 136:13-26

Repetition is helpful when you need to remember something important.
Repetition is helpful when you need to remember something important.
Repetition is helpful when you need to remember something important.

Song - Forever (Chris Tomlin)
[I know, I know - he always sings under pitch - but the words are the important part!]

Lord,
You opened my eyes this morning, your love never fails.
You guided me safely to work/school/wherever I needed to be, your love never fails.
You stand ready to help me make any decision today, your love never fails.
And You did that yesterday and the day before that and the day before that, your love never fails.
You will do that every day until I join you in heaven, your love never fails.
Hallelujah!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 10: (Do the Write thing) Quitter!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 10

Psalm 136:1-12

Name one thing you do that you keep doing.  You never quit.
Something that you consciously choose to do.
I'm not talking about breathing or your heart beating.
Can you name one thing?  I can't.

Everything I start - I quit doing at some point.
No matter how fun, how productive, how helpful, how enjoyable it is.

This psalm shows how God doesn't do that.
He is SO opposite from me.

The earth doesn't stop rotating.
The sun doesn't stop shining (even when I can't see it - it's shining).
My heart doesn't stop beating - just to take a quick break.

Song - One Thing Remains (Jesus Culture)

Oh God,
You are God and I am not.
I quit praying, praising and giving thanks.
And go back to whining, complaining and giving grief.
And I quit doing that too.
Your love never fails.
Thank God!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 9: (Do the Write thing) Bravo! Bravo!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 9

Psalm 100:1-5

Ever had that spontaneous moment when you're in a crowd that jumps to their feet in applause/appreciation of a job well done?
Ever had that moment where someone tells everyone to stand up and show their appreciation?

Feel the difference between the two?

Today's verses are talking about that first one - when the God who made us is "in the house".  

"Enter with this password: "Thank you!".
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him.  Worship him."

Song - Hallelujah Chorus (Canadian Brass + organ)

When he comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew His song we'll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 8: (Do the Write Thing) ...most excellent harmonies!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation - or at least click the link and read through it...)

Day 8

Phillippians 4:4-9

Celebrate, celebrate, listen to the music!
Celebrate good times, come on!
There is joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!
"Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. ... Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
Be still.  And know that He is God.
Be still your soul.

Song - Be Still My Soul (Libera) or Be Still My Soul (Naturally 7)

Prayer
Listen to the words of the song...
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 7: (Do the Write thing): Looking but not finding...

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 7

Psalm 107:1-9

I think we've all done it.  We're looking for something and not finding it.  My glasses, my keys, my insurance card...
This passage reminds us of what we're really looking for and thanks God for finding us when we were wandering around lost and aimless.

Song - One Thing Remains (Jesus Culture)

Lord,
I wander. I get lost.  I purposely don't ask for directions.
Thanks for noticing me out here.
For bringing me the Water of Life in your Word.
For your mercy and love - especially because I don't deserve it.  Any of it.
Your love never fails!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 6: (Do the Write thing): Not what I wanted/Just what I needed

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 6

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

This reading contains quite a few things that I easily agree to - and then walk the talk in the other direction.  It's stuff I need to do - but don't want to (because of my sinful nature).

Things like:

• Overwhelm my leaders with appreciation and love!
• Be cheerful no matter what.
• Thank God no matter what happens.
• Be patient with each person.

Song - Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)

God,
Today - thanks for the reminder to "get over it!".
The me-first attitude that trips me up as soon as I get out of bed.
You show and tell me what I need to do.
Infuse me with your Word and power to do it!
Walkin' on sunshine!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 5: (Do the Write thing): Dressing up...

http://www.christart.com/clipart/image/true-religion

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 5

Colossians 3:12-17

What are you wearing?  

Are you bristling with anxiety, wary of everyone, just waiting for the next personal disaster?  You've got your suit of armor on and you're not going to let anybody in.

But our verses today tell us about a different set of clothes.
These clothes will definitely make the man or woman.
Topped off by saying "regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic, all-purpose garment.  Never be without it."

Song - Speak Life (TobyMac)

What's in my closet?

God, fill it with the clothes you want me to wear and stand with me as I make my apparel choices. 
For the day, for the minute, for right now.
Lord knows, I need the help!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 4: (Do the Write thing): I am not afraid!

http://www.christart.com/clipart/image/fearless

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 4

Isaiah 12:2-6

"You'll feel a little pinch and then it will be over."  That's what I was told on Thursday when I got my Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus booster shot.  She was right.  The pain of the needle and shot was quick.

I know the pain of living on this earth might feel like one loooooong pinch. And the feel is real.

But keep your eyes on the prize - trust and don't be afraid. For "The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.".

Song - He Never Sleeps (Take 6)

Ow, oh my Lord, ow.  (or perhaps some other word besides ow)
Ow!
Well - since I used your name there - let's make it a prayer...
Why do I keep thinking that I am the strong one?
Time and again - I'm proven wrong.
You alone are my strength and my defense.
And best of all, my salvation.
Thank You!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 3: (Do the Write thing): We're not giving up!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 3

2 Corinthians 4:15-18

This passage reminds me of the moment in every "the hero triumphs over adversity" story where they have choice to make - give up/give in or don't give up/give in.  We're not promised paradise (or even an easy time of it) here on earth - but "these hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us." as Christians.  Never give up!

Lord - Help me to see you in the details of my life - sewing the threads of my day together into a beautiful fabric.  The threads of the people I meet, the words I say, the weather I brave, the love I share.  Thank you.
Amen.

Song - The Old Philosopher (Eddie Lawrence/Aaron)
This is just an old comedy routine/song that came to mind, too...enjoy.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 2: (Do the Write thing): Wait for the Finale!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 2

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Taking life here on earth too seriously is a great way to get old fast.
Enjoy the show.
And especially waiting for the Finale! 

Song - The Show (Lenka)

Hi God,
I'm just a little bit caught in the middle.
Life is a maze, love is a riddle.
I don't know where to go;
I can't do it alone, I've tried!
I need help.  You know that and rescued me!
Thanks for leading me, guiding me along life's way.
And never giving up on me.
Looking forward to the big Finale!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Day 1: (Do the Write thing): Raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!

Do the Write thing 30-day series.  (write out this bible passage today - by hand! - in your favorite translation)

Day 1

Psalm 95:1-7

This section reminds me of our thoughts at this time in the church year.  The "End Times".

This is when we look ahead to the day when our Lord and King comes again - Judgment day!  And look back to the salvation Jesus Christ wrapped us in so that we have nothing to fear.

Song - Day One (Matthew West)

Lord,

So often I feel like it's all caving in on me...too much for me.

That's what happens when I am the center of my universe.

Make today Day One of the rest of my life, the best of my life.

With You, Jesus, as the center.

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?