Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalm 97:1 (New Living Translation) The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad. I am logical, scientific, rational, and all those boring things. A coastland being glad? Are you kidding? That is just a place where land meets water. How can it be glad? Yet, here it is, right […]

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Psalm 103:15-17 (New Living Translation) 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. Simple verses that compare us and God. […]

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Psalms 46:8-11 (New Living Translation) 8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I […]

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Psalms 49:11-12 (American Standard Version) 11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, And their dwelling-places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names. 12 But man being in honor abideth not: He is like the beasts that perish. I love to build things (see, for example, this […]

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Psalms 51:10 (American Standard Version) Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. I use an older translation today. A little more poetic. I desire a clean heart. One that isn’t soiled with emotions that are bad for my outlook. Some examples: self-pity jealousy and envy hatred Oh […]

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Psalms 126:2 (New Living Translation) We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, had once again blessed them. They were filled with laughter and joy. They couldn’t contain themselves. And the nations about […]

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Psalm 17:7 (New Living Translation) Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. This is as simple as it can be; this is as powerful as it can be. God, please show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. Please God, today. […]

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Psalm 16:4 (New Living Translation) Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Do you have enough troubles in your life? I do. I suppose I could handle more, but why would I bring more trouble […]

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Psalm 119:73 (New Living Translation) You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Why is it that I struggle to do what I know is right? The Apostle Paul, among many,  wrote about this. I suppose this is part of the life of a person stained by sin […]

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Psalm 119:59 (New Living Translation) I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. ponder: verb, think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. Ever ponder the direction of your life? I have, probably too many times. The advice from the writer of this Psalm: […]

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