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 →