The Word for You Today

Against Terrors That Come by Night

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We joyfully announced our upcoming trip to Israel! We were not surprised that Satan attacked to discourage us.

Journal, 2-21-2020: I’m on the last day of my fifth round of Prednisone. I decided to update my license to a real ID. I kept waking up worrying about it. I’m moving ahead on the trip despite these allergy flares. …

Psalms 31:2, “Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“Psalms 31 is a prayer for help with the typical elements: complaint and petition…along with affirmations of trust and praise…is unique because the expressions of praise/trust begin, end, and pervade the psalm, giving it a character similar to the psalms of trust.” Common English Bible Notes on Psalms 31:1-24

* * * * * * *

2 Samuel 16:12, “Perhaps the Lord will see my distress; perhaps the Lord will repay me with good for this cursing today.” Common English Bible

February 21, 2020: Psalms 31, 55; 2 Samuel 16; Psalms 3-5.

Journal, 2-22-2020: The tear duct in my right eye is clogged again. I have red hives under my eyes. I decided to switch from Allegra to Claritin for a few weeks. …

(The Allegra builds up in my system and I have to take a break. I’ve been on a double dose all winter. That is not normal!)

…We have gone over my list of triggers. A week ago, I ordered a new coat. I am allergic to feathers and the “encapsulated feathers” are poking through. The coat is red and the red dye is a possible trigger. I went through the cupboards checking for it. Thank God, Aldi does not add it to their products!

I found it in my favorite dressing. I mixed “red dye-free” ketchup with mayonnaise. Then added some relish to make my own “1000 Island Dressing.” Each day I ask God to show me anything I can do to stop this reaction. …

2 Samuel 18:4, “The king said to them, ‘I will do whatever you think is best.'” Common English Bible

February 22, 2020: Psalms 6, 8, 64; 2 Samuel 17, 18.

Journal 2-23-2020: The tear duct in my right eye is closed. My eyes are swollen with red hives. I used a warm wet compress and flushed them with saltwater. Then I used a sinus rinse and washed my hair in the tub. I hoped the rinse would run into my upper sinuses and run down to unclog that duct. …After church and the nursing home service, I took Benadryl and went to bed.

Somehow, I got off on my list of chapters! I read the ones assigned to the 24th! I didn’t notice it until the 25th!

Psalm 18:27, “You are the one who saves people who suffer and brings down those with proud eyes.” Common English Bible

I sure don’t have proud eyes today! Makeup was out of the question. I know God saves those who suffer. There is hope.

February 24, 2020: 2 Samuel 21, 22; Psalm 18.

Journal 2-24-2020: …I moved Valentine’s Day Decorations and red candles from boxes to clear totes. (I decorated for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday.) My goal is to eventually move all my storage into clear totes. Dust is a huge trigger. …

Psalm 20:4, “Let God grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans.” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

Psalm 20:14, “And save me from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing.” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“Blameless: The word does not mean sinless. It means “completeness, wholeness,” and is sometimes translated “integrity” (see Psalm 18:25). Listening to God’s instruction and being forgiven by God, the psalmist will be fully in relationship to God.” Common English Bible Notes on Psalm 20:14

February 25, 2020: Psalms 19-21, 65-68.

Journal 2-25-2020: Exercise. Journal. Devotions. I wrote a post about going to Israel. Then I checked the 2021 April Bible Reading Guide. …

Psalms 61:8, “Then I will sing praises to your name forever, and I will do what I promised every single day.” Common English Bible

I found I am off on the chapters by a day. Somehow, I missed February 23rd. I read it today.

February 23, 2020: Psalms 61, 62, 89; 2 Samuel 19, 20.

Journal 2-26-2020: Both eyes are almost swollen shut!!! I took pictures and sent them to my doctor. Then I made an appointment.

He replied, “More Prednisone!”

I canceled the appointment. Every few hours, I boiled purified water; I poured it over 2 washcloths; let it cool 10 minutes; then put them on my eyes and mouth for 10 minutes. I have hives around my mouth now, too. (Sigh.) I switched back to Allegra. …

…David picked up more meds. I took them and finished my devotions. No post today. I just can’t see! …

…I sent a picture of my eyes to the worship pastor, the head of the E3 cafe, and Derek, saying, “Just between you and me, I can’t see! This is an allergy flare. I’m out for tonight!”

Psalms 138:3, 7, “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength. …Whenever I am in deep trouble, you make me live again…” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

Psalm 141:1, “I cry out to you, Lord: Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I cry out to you!” Common English Bible

February 26, 2020: Psalms 138-141, 143-145.

Journal 2-27-2020: I dragged through exercise. My mouth and eyes have red, swollen hives. …I soaked them four times today. …

…Kenny V. called. His mother passed away. He asked me to accompany his cousin at the funeral. I should be tapering off of Prednisone by Monday. I agreed. He dropped off music to the hymn she wanted – “Tell Mother I’ll Be There.”

2 Samuel 23:2, “The Lord’s spirit speaks through me; his word is on my tongue.” Common English Bible

I will be there.

February 27, 2020: 2 Samuel 23, 24; 1 Chronicles 21.

Journal, 2-28-2020: David woke me up when he left for work. I drug myself out of bed. I boiled water for a warm compress and went back to bed.

I took another picture of my eyes and sent it to the doctor. Some of my lashes were stuck together when I woke up. I wondered about an infection.

He ordered more Prednisone. Three days ago, he increased the dose by half. Now I will be on a high dose for 6 days, not three. I went back to bed. …

…At noon I put a pork roast in the Crockpot and had devotions. I checked it at 3:30 p.m. I didn’t turn the Crockpot on. (Sigh. Life on Prednisone.) I put the meat in the refrigerator and texted David. He brought home pizza with white sauce. I take Benadryl at night to go to sleep.

Psalm 2:12, “…But all who take refuge in the Lord are truly happy.” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“…The necessity of taking refuge in God shows that true happiness doesn’t mean the absence of threat or suffering…” Common English Bible Notes on Psalm 2:12.

February 28, 2020: 1 Kings 1, Psalms 2, 110; 1 Chronicles 22.

Journal, 2-29-2020: I’m tired. David picked up the Prednisone refill – 1000 milligrams! …

…I worked on the song for the funeral and practiced for Sunday. Brenda is sick. Derek had to change two songs. …

…I asked to have the Worship Team Christmas Party moved to my house. (Yes, it’s been a hard winter.) I made a gallon of sweet tea and a gallon of lemonade. Then I baked a Chocolate Chip Torte and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. …

…Rachel called at 4 p.m. Another family is out sick. We postponed again. David froze the cake and I put the pork roast in the oven. Then I went back to bed!

1 Chronicles 24:5, “They divided both groups by lots because they were holy leaders, even outstanding leaders, …” Common English Bible

Goal – an outstanding leader.

February 29, 2020: Psalms 30, 91, 92; 1 Chronicles 23, 24.

Journal 3-1-2020: Soaked my eyes. Washed my hair. I’m tired, in a Benadryl fog and wondering if I should give up. I read my Bible.

1 Chronicles 28:9, 10 “As for you, Solomon, my son, acknowledge your father’s God and serve him with enthusiastic devotion, because the Lord searches every mind and understands the motive behind every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever. 10) Now then, since the Lord has chosen you to build the temple for him as the sanctuary, work hard.” Common English Bible

Journal 3-1-2020: …Set up and practiced. I stayed backstage. At this level of Prednisone, my immunity is lower. Derek and Rachel had a meeting in Mt. Pleasant. We tore down the drums and her keyboard during the offering. …Back at home, I put on pajamas and crawled into bed. I stayed there.

I didn’t give up and abandon God. I know I’m chosen for worship. I worked hard to do the tasks assigned to me. I am devoted to God.

Search my mind and motives, God. I turn it all over to you.

March 1, 2020: 1 Chronicles 25-28.

Journal 3-2-2020: I woke at 5:15 a.m. and put on the clothes I wore to church. David had to be at work at 7 a.m. …

…I took a picture of my eyes which are still red and puffy. I sent it to the doctor and asked to taper off anyway. …He told me to drop 10 mg every 3 days.

…I took a shower and went to the funeral home early. I signed the book with my gloves on. I went back to the piano and stayed there. I only had contact with 3 people. I stayed in that back room until everyone left and it was time to pick David up for lunch. I waited in the van.

1 Chronicles 29:17, “Since I know, my God, that you examine the mind and take delight in honesty, …” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

Proverbs 2:2, 3, “Turn your ear toward wisdom and stretch your mind toward understanding. 2) Call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding.” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“Strategic thinking helps you plan, to become more efficient, to maximize your strengths, and to find the most direct path toward achieving your God-given assignment in life. (1) Strategic thinking simplifies the difficult… (2) …helps you ask the right question… What should we do next? …” The Word for You Today, March 2, 2020

March 2, 2020: 1 Chronicles 29; 1 Kings 2.

Journal 3-3-2020: I debated canceling all our plans before our trip and just staying home. I shouldn’t be in crowds on this amount of Prednisone. I wondered if I would be able to enjoy the trip? …David shared his concerns about his knee. Someday, down the road, the doctor wants to replace it. Of course, it has been bothering him recently. He wonders if he will enjoy this trip? …

1 Kings 3:5, “The Lord, appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream at night. God said, ‘Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.'” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

John 15:7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” Common English Bible

Lord, we ask you to heal us!

Proverbs 3:5-8, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. 6) Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight. 7) Don’t consider yourself wise. Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8) Then your body will be healthy and your bones strengthened.” Common English Bible

My body will be healthy and David’s bones will be strengthened!

March 3, 2020: 1 Kings 3; Psalms 45, 72, 127; Song of Solomon 1, 2.

Journal 3-4-2020: …We went to the last meeting for the Israel trip. I was nervous. (Prednisone.) I don’t feel like I fit in. David was outgoing and talkative. That made me feel shyer. …

…The sermon was about discerning: gather evidence, prove it, and then decide. …

…The care pastors, Dana and Linda, came to pray with me. They know what’s going on. I was talking to Pastor Peggy about the trip. I shared our struggles with her and Pastor Brant and Bethany. Not only did they pray for us, but they also shared two other people with health battles who are going to Israel with us. We are surrounded by prayer warriors. Now when I think of our health struggles, I will pray for Jaimie and Nicole!

Song of Solomon 3:7, 8, “Picture Solomon’s bed – sixty heroic men round about it all from the heroes of Israel, 8) all of them skilled with the sword expert in warfare, each with his sword ready at his thigh against terrors that come by night.” Common English Bible

It’s at night that I worry about the trip to Israel. I think of what could go wrong. We have heroes to battle the terrors by night and win!

Proverbs 4:23, “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.”

Common English Bible

March 4, 2020: Song of Solomon 3-8.

And to everyone encouraging me to write a book? I think I just did!

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The Temple of Your God

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April 3, 2019: 2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22-24.

This is my second year using “time study” sheets. It starts at 4:00 am and ends at 9:00 pm. Every half hour I record what I did.

The morning is easy. I enter “Write” and draw an arrow down to my completion time. I can easily see my “time wasters.”

“Don’t plan without God. …‘Make every minute count,’ Ephesians 5:15-16.”

Pastor Monte Knudsen, April 3, 2019

Today I turned my time study sheet into a planning sheet. My task list is too long! There are not enough hours in a day. No wonder I rarely complete it.

And I have no breaks or downtime. Things will have to change. I may have to get creative.

“Creative thinkers:

  1. Explore every option. …Albert Einstein said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ Why? Because it looks for new ways to put your knowledge to work.
  2. Embrace ambiguity. Creative people don’t feel the need to stamp out uncertainty.
  3. Celebrate the offbeat. Creativity explores off the beaten path.
  4. Are not afraid of failure. …They refuse to let the ideas that don’t work prevent them from coming up with ones that do.”

The Word for You Today, April 3, 2019

Joash had a plan to repair The Temple. He even implemented his plan. But it didn’t work.

2 Chronicles 24:4, “He got the priests and Levites together and said, ‘Circulate through the towns of Judah every year and collect money from the people to repair The Temple of your God. You are in charge of carrying this out!’ But the Levites dragged their feet and didn’t do anything.” The Message

Why didn’t it work? He left God out. He referred to it as the Temple of your God.

Joash never did make God his God. He feared and respected Jehoiada. But after he died Joash deserted The Temple, (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

* * * * * * * *

I’m glad I wrote my plan in pencil. With God’s help, I will have to erase a few things!

©2009-2019 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

Sticking to It

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March 21, 2019: Ecclesiastes 6-10.

I intended to watch the first part of the last “Financial Peace University” video. But I had an eye doctor appointment. It can wait. Two weeks ago he shared the secret book billionaires read over and over.

Ecclesiastes 7:8, “Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out.” The Message

* * * * * * *

Ecclesiastes 9:11, “I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is – The race is not always to the swift…” The Message

* * * * * * *

“…Your steps to success: (1) Recognize your gift. (2) Know your goal. (3) Dedicate yourself to the process no matter how long it takes. (4) Trust God to bless your efforts.” “The Word for You Today,” March 21, 2019

At the eye doctor’s I learned my distance vision has improved. My near vision didn’t. I needed new glasses.

It took me an hour to choose new frames. (My current frames steam up or slide down my nose.)

Google said, “A modified cat eye or rectangular frame is the most flattering for a diamond-shaped face.” (Oval frames work for defined diamond-shaped faces, not rounded ones.)

They didn’t have any green frames that I liked. I chose a pair with a touch of blue to enhance my gray/green eyes. It has adjustable nose pieces. They can move them away from my face to avoid steaming over. (Maybe that part in my left eyelashes will close.) Next time, I will only need to replace the glass.

Sue was shopping for her first pair of glasses. I told her the pros and cons of nose pieces. Her total seemed large to her husband.

“My glasses start at $500,” I informed them.

I know I could get them cheaper, but this eye doctor was a neighbor. Our kids are friends. I’ll gladly pay the difference to them. (I shop locally.)

But God had a surprise for me!

They took $30 off of my frames for their 30-year-anniversary. And their lab package special included everything I needed plus an anti-glare coating for $249. I got my $500 glasses for $349! Thank you, Jesus!

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Listen to Birdsong

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March 5, 2019: Song of Solomon 6-8; 2 Chronicles 1; 1 Kings 4.

 

Just an Ordinary Tuesday

 

Nothing exciting to report. David paid bills and I posted them to “Every Dollar.”

I finished reading “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. The first two chapters matched the first two chapters of “Battlefield of the Mind.” He spelled out wrong thought patterns but you have to go to a seminar to “retrain your brain.” Joyce Meyer gives you the scriptures to retrain your brain in her book.

“…your disappointment may turn out to be God’s appointment!”

The Word for You Today, 3-5-19

I started reading “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson. He wrote “The Prayer of Jabez.” I couldn’t put it down! I finished it before lunch. David started reading it on his lunch hour.

Mom stopped by and we visited for an hour. I published my post and made a grocery list. See, just a boring Tuesday. Maybe I should plan a weekend get-away.

Song of Solomon 7:11, “Let’s sleep at some way-side inn, then rise early and listen to birdsong.”

The Message

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God is On the Side of the Victims

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February 26, 2019: Psalms 140, 141, 143-145; 2 Samuel 23.

 

“In the upper room the disciples all looked for a prominent place to sit, but Jesus looked for a place to serve! …The world bases importance on the number of people serving you, but God is much more interested in the number of people you are serving.”

The Word For You Today, 2-26-19

Letters to Linda

 

Linda was my neighbor when I was a teenager. I admired her voice and her style. She carefully decorated her home and smartly landscaped her yard. She sang at our wedding.

They admitted her to a nursing home and gave her a year to live. I heard this in May 2008, the same month they took Bromfed off the market. Bromfed was an antihistamine developed in the fifties. It was the only one that worked for me. It looked like I was housebound permanently.

I decided to write a letter to Linda each week. I wanted her grandchildren to know about the neighbor I admired. When one year stretched into two, I started sharing the funny things my children said and did.

Today, I wrote my letter to Linda. She is a victim of a disease that put her in a nursing home decades early. This is her third nursing home. The doctors say she doesn’t have long to live. (Yeah, their first prediction was so accurate.)

I needed Linda. She gave me a reason to get up on Monday morning. I had to write a letter. She is the reason I put such detail in my journal. She made me a better writer.

Psalms 140:12, 13, “I know that you, God, are on the side of the victims, that you care for the rights of the poor. (13) And I know that the righteous personally thank you, that good people are secure in your presence.”

The Message

Keyboard Tutorials

 

We are singing a new song this Wednesday in Mt. Pleasant. We will introduce another new song on Sunday in Fairfield. They sent me the keyboard tutorials to the second song.

I dutifully listened and wrote out the notes. When I practiced I found it was in the wrong key! I listened to 2 more tutorials. They have 3 different versions! I decided I’ll listen to the original and play it by ear.

“Romans 12:11, ‘Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.’ New Living Translation. ‘Whatever you choose to do, you have one other obligation, and that is to yourself. Do it with passion. If you’ve not yet found your passion, keep searching. You never know when it will find you.’ Condoleezza Rice”

“Hugs – Daily Inspirations for Women,” February 26

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David Organized His Forces

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February 22, 2019: 2 Samuel 18; Psalms 61, 62, 89.

 

I plugged our tax refund into the “Every Dollar” app. I set money back to pay the CPA next year. I overpaid for years when I did my own taxes. She knows what is due and where we can save.

I left the rest uncategorized until David and I can decide together. We tithe on and save 10% of our gross income. We won’t tithe on this again but we will give a designated offering.

It’s like a little army. We decide categories and then deploy each dollar.

2 Samuel 18:1, “David organized his forces. He appointed captains of thousands and captains of hundreds. Then David deployed his troops…” The Message

* * * * * * *

My friend Jill called. She is going on an extended trip and wanted to print off the 2019 March Bible Reading Guide. She said she read I was struggling to complete it.

“Yes,” I admitted, “I lost Ezra 4.” (Sigh.)

I sent her the March guide because I thought everything was good through May. It wasn’t.

I found Ezra 4 and moved things around to keep the average. Then I saw earlier I had moved things around in March!

I made corrections and emailed it to her. I called to let her know. She said they wouldn’t return until April and she would catch up the readings then.

I told her that would be difficult. I corrected April and emailed it to her. She thanked me and said she couldn’t believe I went through all of that work. I didn’t know how to respond.

Psalms 62:12, “Love to you Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day’s work.” The Message

* * * * * * *

“Make God’s will the focus of your life day by day. If you seek to please Him, you’ll find yourself satisfied with life.” Kay Arthur

“Hugs – Daily Inspirations for Women,” February 22

* * * * * * *

I ordered a shower and wedding gift for the bass player. Then David and I decided on a TV antenna. While going over reviews, we saw it was 1/2 price at Amazon. Why didn’t I order it with the gifts? I could have saved on shipping!

That prompted me to make an Excel spreadsheet for purchases. I listed all the stores where we shop. Next time, I’ll research it and find the best deal.

“…God has a plan for you that’s unique and personal. His methods may sometimes seem strange and His training laborious, but His results are always worth waiting for.”

The Word for You Today,” February 22, 2019

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I Have God’s More Than Enough

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February 21, 2019: Psalms 3-6, 8, 64; 2 Samuel 17.

 

Today I set my favorite Pentel blue pen aside and picked up a pencil. Satan wants us to write with ink. He wants us to see each scribbled-out word, scrawled-out sentence, and crossed-out paragraph. He wants us to believe our mistakes are permanent. He wants us to think we are a mess – just like our notebooks.

But with Jesus, everything is in pencil. He erases mistakes for us. We correct the error and go from there. We can even change our mind and write something new! We know where the erased mistakes are but no one else sees them.

I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and got up. That was a mistake! I was groggy at 8 a.m. – even after 3 cups of coffee. God reminded me that Jesus was napping in the boat when the storm hit. If Jesus could take a nap – so could I! I stretched out on the couch for an hour.

“But it’s not enough to know God’s will, you’ve got to do things God’s way. Moses was working from early morning until late at night, six days a week, with no vacations and no time off. He was eating on the run, planning appointments, meeting deadlines, and seeing everybody who wanted to see him. …‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ Exodus 33:14 New King James Version”

“The Word for You Today,” 2-21-19

* * * * * * *

I knew it was coming. The first verse I wrote down warned me that there would be a test.

David picked up the finished taxes on his lunch hour. As he was making his sandwich, he grumbled, “I wish I didn’t have to make my lunch.” We’ve had this conversation before and it still hurt my feelings. Without that nap, I would have reacted badly.

Psalms 4:1, “When I call give me answers, God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!” The Message

I told myself, “He’s having a bad day,” – several times. David likes a sandwich and chips for lunch. It’s not healthy. I quietly reminded him, “If I make your lunch, it will be a salad!”

* * * * * * *

I’m studying, “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. He recommends figuring your net worth every month. We made changes since starting “Financial Peace University.”

Curious, I printed off the form. I even looked up the value of our van at edmunds.com. I told David my goal was to have a net worth of X dollars. I added it up and we are almost to the next X!

Psalms 4:6-7, “Why is everyone hungry for more? ‘More, more,’ they say, ‘More, more.’ I have God’s more than enough, more joy in one ordinary day.” The Message

I traded more stuff for God’s “more than enough!” When Laura stopped by I shared some of the good things God has done. Then I gave her some old hand towels. The joy of living is found in giving!

Psalms 8:1, “God, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name.” The Message

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Thirty-Seven and a Half Tons of Silver

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February 17, 2019: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; 2 Samuel 11, 12.

 

I asked God for money to replace the shower.

He replied, “I sent it. You gave it to Dish.”

* * * * * * *

We are going over our expenses with a fine-toothed comb. We want to increase our retirement savings to 15%. That money has to come from somewhere!

When we signed up with Dish, we had three teenagers and 4 TVs. We ordered a “Hopper” and “Joey” for the girls and the same for the boys. The men’s “Hopper” is full of sports. The ladies “Hopper” has dramas and movies. When our kids started working full-time, they paid one-fifth of the bill.

As they moved out, we sent the “Joeys” back and got rid of TVs. We were down to 2 “Hoppers” and 2 TVs. It was nice knowing we could afford both “Hoppers.” But do we want that more than we want to remodel the bathroom? Do we want to be comfortable now or comfortable in retirement?

I added up what we spent on Dish over the last 10 years – $13,000. That would have given us a nice second bathroom!

* * * * * * * *

1 Chronicles 19:6-7, “When it dawned on the Ammonites that as far as David was concerned, they stank to high heaven, (7) they hired, at a cost of a thousand talents of silver (thirty-seven and a half tons!), chariots and horsemen…” The Message

The Ammonites sent 37½ tons of silver to the Arameans to hire them to fight. That was not a good investment. When the Arameans found themselves facing the best soldiers, they ran away!

1 Chronicles 19:14, “But when Joab and his soldiers moved in to fight the Arameans, they ran off in full retreat.” The Message

* * * * * * *

What was King David doing during this war? Taking it easy. He took a nap and then went for a walk admiring his kingdom.

2 Samuel 11:2, “One late afternoon, David got up from taking his nap and was strolling on the roof of the palace. From his vantage point on the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was stunningly beautiful.” The Message

Uriah stayed diligent. He had – as David Ramsey puts it – “gazelle intensity!”

2 Samuel 11:11, “Uriah replied to David, ‘The Chest is out there with the fighting men of Israel and Judah – in tents. My master Joab and his servants are roughing it out in the fields. So, how can I go home and eat and drink and enjoy my wife? On your life, I’ll not do it!’ ” The Message

Uriah’s priorities were in order: God first, his work second, and pleasure last. David let his priorities slip until “pleasure” had first place. His actions slipped to a place he never would have gone.

  1. He committed adultery with Bathsheba.
  2. He ordered the murder of Uriah.
  3. He had the gall to send Uriah’s death sentence with him to Joab!

2 Samuel 11:14, “In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.” The Message

* * * * * * *

In our discussion of canceling Dish, David said one thing that stuck with me. “It will all be on again.” We really don’t miss out – we postpone.

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. What is your focus today?”

“Hugs – Daily Inspirations for Women,” February 16

Keeping Dish instead of getting a new shower would definitely be settling for less!

“Satan tried to get Jesus to settle for less, and he’ll try the same with you.”

“The Word for You Today,” February 16, 2019

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He’s Been with Me a Long Time

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February 8, 2019 – 1 Samuel 29, 30; Psalms 35, 109; 1 Samuel 31

It’s been a hard winter. The storms just keep coming – 2 ice storms this week and 2 snowstorms in the forecast. There’s nothing I can do about the weather but I can remove all “snow” decorations.

I decided to make my front window look like a Valentine envelope. I wrapped it in red lights and made a heart “sticker” with white lights.

The sun was shining brightly through my huge window. I took the long-sleeved tee-shirt off and worked in a tank top and jeans.

I was stretching to put the lights in the cup hooks around the window frame. A woman drove by, smiled and waved. It took me a few minutes to place her.

Verda was the bookkeeper at Fairfield Lumber for decades. She was honest and loyal. When Fairfield Lumber closed its doors for the last time, she retired. She had an honorable reputation.

1 Samuel 29:3, “…He’s been with me a long time. I’ve found nothing to be suspicious of, nothing to complain about…” The Message

I wish I had more on than a tank top when I saw her. I waved cheerfully and felt my upper arm wave, too. (Maybe I need to increase my weights to 10 pounds.)

I talked to God for a few minutes about my frustration with aging. I repented for worrying about how I looked but reminded God I want to finish strong. I want to be like Caleb and Moses!

“Religious-sounding clichés and the usual run-of-the-mill prayer request list can undermine your opportunity to connect deeply and personally with God. Open up to Him instead. Get down to the nitty-gritty where you talk honestly about where you’re coming from and what you feel, think, and desire. That’s what being friends with God is all about!” The Word for You Today, 2-8-19

I’m sure Verda did not see my less than toned arms as I waved. That thought comforted me.

1 Samuel 30:6, “…David strengthened himself with trust in his God.” The Message

©2009-2019 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Don’t Bother

/ Frugal Fish / Leave a comment

I opened my email and noticed one in the drafts folder. It was the correct email to WordPress with the video link. (Sigh.)

The “Happiness Engineer” replied, confirming she received music to “Joy to the World.” She mentioned my posts had both formats in them: Classic Editor and New Block Editor.

I remembered something in the video. Before typing each post, I copy the copyright information from yesterday’s post. That information could be in the “block format.” That may be why my posts revert into a block when I preview them. I decided to type a post and test my theory before answering the email.

* * * * * * *

Then I read the “Daily Digest for WordPress.com, on February 5, 2019” email. The subject was writing a good blog post.

“Focus on the story…

  • Set up: Explain why readers are here…
  • Conflict: …
  • Resolution: …”

“How to Write Good Blog Posts: A Quick-Start Guide,” by Karol K.

I could start each post with the date and assigned chapters from the “2019 Relevant Bible Reading Guide.” I can’t seem to get through a day without some sort of conflict. My resolution is always found in the Bible. Easy peasy!

I started…

February 5, 2019: 1 Samuel 22; Psalms 63; 1 Samuel 24; Psalms 57, 142, 7.

Wait! What happened to 1 Samuel 23? I looked at my February list. I wrote down the first chapter for February 4 and the rest of the chapters for February 5! I read the wrong chapters. Then I wrote a post about them. Maybe, I should read yesterday’s chapters today and save today’s post for tomorrow.

Psalms 37:1, “Don’t bother your head…” The Message

I read the chapters for the 4th but typed the post for today’s chapters. Everyone will know I made a mistake.

Psalms 37:1, “Do not be agitated…” Christian Standard Bible

Another thought popped into my head. I didn’t receive a confirmation email from Pinterest. Did my changed password email go to the hackers?

Psalms 37:1, “Don’t be angry…” International Standard Version

I opened Pinterest and changed the Password again. My “about” paragraph was empty. I retyped the blurb. There was an option to highlight 5 boards. I clicked the link and did it.

When I went back to the “settings” page, the blurb was gone again! I hit save and left. I’ll change the password again tomorrow.

Psalms 37:1, “Don’t be annoyed…” Contemporary English Version

Freezing rain started while David was home for lunch. I wanted to contact each of our grown children and ask them to text me when they got home.

Psalms 37:1, “Do not be preoccupied…” God’s Word Translation

I ignored the winter storm and started typing my post. I typed the copyright information and hit “Preview.” It was perfect!

I emailed my “Happiness Engineer.” I told her everything that happened. I apologized for sending music and included the video link.

Psalms 37:1, “Don’t worry…” New Living Translation

* * * * * * *

“The life of Moses can be summed up in two words: ‘He endured.’ …Stand firm.” The Word for You Today, 2-5-19

What was your conflict yesterday?

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