37 Keep me from looking at worthless things.     Let me live by your word. 38 Keep your promise to me, your servant,     so you will be feared. 39 Take away the shame I fear.     Your laws are good. 40 How I want to follow your orders.     Give me life because of your goodness.  [International Children's Bible] Perhaps it is... Continue Reading →

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your laws,     and I will obey them at all times. 34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it;     I will keep it with all my heart. 35 Keep me obedient to your commandments,     because in them I find happiness. 36 Give me the desire to obey your laws     rather than... Continue Reading →

29 Remove from me the deceptive way,      and graciously give me your law. 30 I have chosen the faithful way;      I have set your ordinances before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies;      O Yahweh, do not let me be put to shame. 32 I will run the way of your commands,      for you will enlarge... Continue Reading →

25 My soul clings to the dust;     revive me according to your word. 26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;     teach me your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,     and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow;     strengthen me according to your word.  [English Standard... Continue Reading →

21 You tell the proud how angry you are with them.     All those who refuse to obey your word are cursed. 22 Don’t let me be ashamed and embarrassed.     I have obeyed your rules. 23 Even if rulers say bad things about me,     I am your servant,     and I continue to study your laws. 24 Your rules make me... Continue Reading →

17 Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;     not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. 18 Open my eyes so I can see     what you show me of your miracle-wonders. 19 I’m a stranger in these parts;     give me clear directions. 20 My soul is starved and... Continue Reading →

9 How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules. 10 I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions. 11 I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.... Continue Reading →

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast     in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame     when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart     as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees;     do not utterly forsake me.   [NIV] The implicit condemnation found in the... Continue Reading →

1 Happy are those whose way is blameless,     who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Happy are those who keep his decrees,     who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong,     but walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded your precepts     to be kept diligently.   [NRSV] What a way to start... Right... Continue Reading →

In past years, I have celebrated Lent by doing photo-a-day challenges and by daily blogging on the sayings and wisdom of Lord Baden-Powell. This year, Lent finds us in a greater need of hope than most years.  Inspired by a recent sermon by Pastor Kari Parsons, I decided that this year, I would reflect on... Continue Reading →