prime example

Here is a prime example of why I firmly believe the most important thing we can do in life is to "read the Bible every day, without fail."


I've had some things preying on my mind lately. I was thinking them last night as we went to bed - as I lay there tossing & turning.

This morning, I wrote them down in my journal - I entitled it, "Things I need to face?".

There were 13 of them - none of them good.


Now, I didn't know where I was supposed to read this morning, nor what I would be reading there.

I'm reading in Isaiah right now, as well as Psalms (always), Mark, & Philippians.

Since Isaiah comes after Psalms, I read the chapter/psalm first.

(Usually I read the Old Testament reading first, but didn't this morning.)


Didn't know today's psalm would hold this message, especially after writing down 13 bad situations I may need to face down.

Was this a coincidence?

I'm sure many will think so.

Since I've started reading the Bible every day, without fail, since January, 2003, these kinds of "coincidences" happen quite frequently.

Here' the psalm I read right after writing down those 13 things...

Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—

  so why should I be afraid?

The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

  so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me,

  when my enemies and foes attack me,

  they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,

  my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

  I will remain confident.


4 The one thing I ask of the LORD—

  the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

  delighting in the LORD's perfections

  and meditating in his Temple.

5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

  he will hide me in his sanctuary.

  He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6 Then I will hold my head high

  above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

  singing and praising the LORD with music.


7 Hear me as I pray, O LORD.

  Be merciful and answer me!

8 My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."

  And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming."

9 Do not turn your back on me.

  Do not reject your servant in anger.

  You have always been my helper.

Don't leave me now;

  don't abandon me, O God of my salvation!

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,

  the LORD will hold me close.


11 Teach me how to live, O LORD.

  Lead me along the right path,

  for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 Do not let me fall into their hands.

  For they accuse me of things I've never done;

  with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness

  while I am here in the land of the living.


14 Wait patiently for the LORD.

  Be brave and courageous.

  Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.