What comes to mind when you think of envy?
Read the definition here – Envy
Below is a powerful 4 part series on the subject of envy from John Eldredge’s excellent podcast. I personally found it to be a fascinating discussion and also extremely convicting. Can’t imagine there is another resource on the subject that compares to this series. So take some time to listen and then share your thoughts on envy by leaving a comment below.
Many phrases are used to refer to the abiding life but one of my favorites is the secret place. One of the most well-known Psalms begins by describing the life of those who live this way.
Please read Psalm 91:1-2 in your choice of Bible versions. Below are the AMPC and YLT which seem particularly helpful in a study of this portion of scripture.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him, I lean and rely and in Him I [confidently] trust! – Psalm 91:1-2 AMPC
He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually, He is saying of Jehovah, `My refuge, and my bulwark, my God, I trust in Him,’ – Psalm 91:1-2 Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
Are you dwelling in the secret place? Are you living every day with the King?
An excerpt from Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains a little about this kind of life.
…It is the privilege and comfort of those that do so that they abide under the shadow of the Almighty; He shelters them and comes between them and every thing that would annoy them, whether storm or sunshine. They shall not only have an admittance, but a residence, under God’s protection; He will be their rest and refuge forever…
-from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 91
I thank You for the bitter things
They’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the paths of ease
To storm the secret place.
I thank You for the friends who’ve failed
To meet my soul’s deep need;
They’ve driven me to the Savior’s feet
Upon His love to feed.
I’m grateful too, through all life’s way
No one could satisfy,
And so I’ve found in You alone
My rich, my full supply!
– Florence White Willett
If you’ve read the blog post – Social Media you may find yourself with a renewed interest in books and other activities that you enjoyed before the smartphone takeover.
Randy Alcorn recently wrote about why we should be reading more. He gives a little challenge that I hope you will decide to try.
“PLEASE turn off the television and open a great book and begin to read. Tell yourself you will read a minimum of ten minutes before watching something or looking at a device. I guarantee you that if you do this every day, some days you will never turn on the TV. An hour or two will go by and you’ll realize how much better reading is than watching.” – Randy Alcorn
Read the entire post from Randy Alcorn – Make Reading a Priority—and Let Books Change You—in the Coming Year
Here are a few suggestions
Many websites and blogs have a recommended reading page. Do you have some favorite authors? Author websites often have a page with links to reading resources. LifeWay has a separate new website devoted to cultivating a greater love of books – LifeWay.books
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. – Paul
– 2 Timothy 4:13
We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure time, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterward you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, “Bring the books” — join in the cry.
– Charles Spurgeon
Do you have a reading suggestion or a comment about books?
Please share ♥
I’m reading each morning in the One Year Bible this year. Psalm 19 was included in the daily reading this week on January 23.
Take a look at the first four verses in the NKJV and AMPC version.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NKJV
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.
Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.
There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard.
Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 AMPC
Don’t you think it is amazing that God is speaking to us each day everywhere in the world we live in?
Look anywhere and He is to be found if you want to see. Are you looking?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning says it so simply.
Do you have a daily Bible reading plan for 2019?
This year I’m using The One Year Bible. It is ideal for reading through the entire Bible over the course of a year with each day including a portion from Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
With so many different ways to go about reading the Bible, sometimes it is confusing to choose a plan. I invite you to join me in reading along in The One Year Bible if you are not currently using a different plan.
See below for links to access this Bible. It is available in paperback, e-book, and online.
Joining me? Let me know!
Have a different plan? Please share your Bible reading plan ♥
Check out the – Bible Study Page – for links to more great Bible resources
