Self Control

We also both like cappuccino, and routinely stop on the way in for one, which is the catalyst for my story. The other factor is the single cup holder in a car that has two cappuccino drinkers.

Well, we missed the bus, so we grabbed a cappuccino and then returned home, because I forgot my work ID. I got out of the car and set my cappuccino on the dash in front of me to get my ID. I then returned to the car and sat down.

Jeri took off and I didn't think to grab my drink. Suddenly, 24 ounces of steaming hot cappuccino poured into my lap, resulting in a pretty hot enema. I yelled (but not like a girl) and jumped out of the car, dancing in circles and yelping like an injured dog. During this tirade, my car door was slammed rather forcefully. In fact, the door was slammed forcefully enough that it didn't actually shut, and wouldn't shut no matter what I tried.

Long story short, the door had to be removed and put back on, as the bolts holding it on had been moved enough to set it off it's track. This didn't cost much (thanks Kent!) and I got off relatively easy, but it was a shining example of how I need to watch my self control.

And how can I improve my self control? I can ask God to work in my life more and trust in Him.

Yours in Christ,

p.s. This week we're going to really get into the Psalms. Just remember that these songs are intended to keep you on the right path. They allow you to look behind, see where you are, and look ahead to what's coming up. The more you read them, the more important they will be for you. Isn't it amazing that words written thousands of years ago are still just as relevant in this day and age, if not more so?

I also believe some of these Psalms came through David as prophesy. David mentions the preaching of God's Word to people of every speech and in every nation, not just Israel. He also acknowledges that with the coming of the messiah, overwhelming defeat would be handed to the agents of sin. I'm sure there's a lot more here, but these are the highlights I found as I read this day's reading.

Day 2

Some of these Psalms in this reading serve to foretell the future of Israel. In retrospect, many of the statements seem crystal clear to me, but I wonder how many people in David's time understood what he spoke of. The question, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" asked by Jesus from the cross is one of the most famous questions in the history of mankind. Also notice the mention of scorn and insults, which preceded the crucifixion. The piercing of hands and feet. The casting of lots for discarded clothing. Those are all powerful images of the death of Jesus. And the glorious resurrection can be seen in verse 28: for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. Psalm 22 has become a new favorite chapter of mine for these very reasons.

Psalm 23 is probably the most famous of them all, though. I'll roughly break some of it down.

• "The Lord is my shepherd." In Biblical times, the shepherd walked ahead of the flock to see that the way was safe and there would be provisions before the sheep could follow. This shows the protection God places over us.
• "He makes me lie down in green pastures" Have you ever wanted to do something that may have hurt you, but something held you back? I know I have. Perhaps a time of rest was needed and who would know that better than our creator?
• "He leads me beside quiet waters" Sheep cannot swim, and their wool would quickly become heavy with water, causing them to drown even faster. The shepherd needs to find a safe, calm place for the sheep to drink or they will be terrified and will not approach the water. God makes sure we are able to accept our blessings.
• "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." A reminder that there is someone in charge is comforting to me. If God didn't hold sway over everything, chaos would soon take over. The boundaries set by God are wonderful showings of His love for us.

Day 3

Let the beautiful Psalms continue! David is saying here that with God on your side, who can be against you? God is the only thing that we should seek as well. And He is worth waiting for. David's years are nearing their completion and he is looking forward to his opportunity to stand with God.

God was the one who healed David's spirit after the fiasco that he created. God forgave his sins. God was the one who David counted on to deliver him from the eternal consequences of his actions. God was the one that turned David's sorrow to joy.

Keeping all of his sins within himself had been tearing David apart. This was only relieved when he acknowledge to God that he was guilty because only God has the final authority of forgiveness. No wonder this reading ends with a cry of rejoicing!

Day 4

David does his best to define the good and the wicked here. Much of this is actually defined as who keeps the commandments of God and who exhibits the fruits of the spirit, if you want to simplify the criteria. This also seems to be his closing instructions to the people of Israel. He tells them to seek Gods ways so they may prosper and not be overtaken by enemies, but sinfulness would spell their doom. The reading ends with a plea to God to accept him when he passes.

Day 5

We are reminded to keep ourselves free of sin, for God alone knows the predetermined number of our days. And in those days, we are not to try and struggle for wealth, but look to Him for our hope. Our God is wiling to reach into the dank recesses of our sins and pull us out, setting us on firm ground again. Do you see what this means? You may be plagued with doubts, fearing that you are just not good enough for God, so why bother? But God is the one reaching out to you despite your shortcomings, to place your life in order and put a song in your heart. Wow!

Day 6

David points out yet again that God is the only rock that one can be sure will never falter. If your trust is in Him, nothing can change that. Even the difficult times in our lives are ways for God to teach us lessons. What's the lesson here? When it's tough, lean on him. Does that sound overly simple? Yes? Good.

Day 7

David is speaking about the power and majesty of God here. You will note that David doesn't ask for the power to conquer his foes, he asks God to take care of business. The Psalms also end with a praise to the one who accomplished the task...God. The trials of this world are too much for us without His assistance. There are so many pitfalls in our paths that it's impossible to bypass them all unless He is guiding our way.

And speaking of guiding our way, David asks god to teach His way to him. Even in his later years, David never stopped seeking to learn how to please God. He did so with songs of praise and the lifelong attempt to keep himself pure.

Weekly Link http://www.foulds2000.freeserve.co.uk/economists.htm This is a humorous depiction of the stock market and how closely it's watched. From the site, you can move your mouse to show market trends and the brokers will watch every move closely. If the stock value drops too low, they get pretty agitated as well. This site is good for about five minutes of fun! That is five minutes longer than most of my links, though!

I hope you enjoyed this e-zine. If you know anyone else who would enjoy this newsletter, please forward this e-mail to them or direct them to http://www.coffeeswirls.com/weeklybible/
Thanks for sharing my goal of reading the Bible in its entirety this year!