ה He
33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.
A New Week!!!!!
A New Letter!!!!
HEY, is our letter "E". If you rotate a capital "E" counter-clockwise, it looks much like the ancient symbol that later became HEY and eventually "E". It is a picture of a man with his arms out stretched and it's meaning was, look, behold, WOW!! Or HEY!
So the next time you yell "HEY!!" to get someone's attention, you're speaking Hebrew.
It's meaning was expanded to also symbolize breath, or a sigh. When you behold something spectacular you gasp, or sigh as a reaction. So here we go!
This week I will pour over Psalms 119:33-40. I will behold it and look at it. It will be as much a part of me as my very breath. It will be the lens that I view my life through this week......"teach me, turn my heart, turn my eyes, Oh Lord!"
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
It is a perfect morning! Cold crisp air, clear sky, a blanket of frost across the field, I love this kind of weather. I wish I had a small fire with bacon & eggs in a skillet and a small pot of hot coffee simmering over the coals. That settles it, I'm sleeping out tonight!
I've been digging deep into God's word and bugging several friends about what obedience is supposed to look like in the life of a believer. I focused in on the Sabbath because it seems to me a commandment that most Christians just completely ignore and don't really understand, myself included. meditating on Psalms 119:25-32 this week has has been like pouring fuel on a fire. God is teaching me and giving me understanding......... Now comes the huge challenge, can I obey?
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
It is a perfect morning! Cold crisp air, clear sky, a blanket of frost across the field, I love this kind of weather. I wish I had a small fire with bacon & eggs in a skillet and a small pot of hot coffee simmering over the coals. That settles it, I'm sleeping out tonight!
I've been digging deep into God's word and bugging several friends about what obedience is supposed to look like in the life of a believer. I focused in on the Sabbath because it seems to me a commandment that most Christians just completely ignore and don't really understand, myself included. meditating on Psalms 119:25-32 this week has has been like pouring fuel on a fire. God is teaching me and giving me understanding......... Now comes the huge challenge, can I obey?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
HELP ME UNDERSTAND
It’s a pleasant morning, cool and damp, looks like we’ll get some rain today. I’m sitting on the tail-gate of my truck along the edge of the hay field, watching the eastern sky change colors as the sun begins to rise. I’m sorry I have not posted in a couple of days, but I have been asking folks I know about the Sabbath. I hope I am not coming across as some sort of zealot about this. I just need to get a peace about this before I can move on. So far I have not found anyone who can give me a solid, reasonable answer about why this commandment is just completely ignored. What I do get is lots of twisting and turning explanations, silence or obscure scripture references. Then I get trumped with the old, you’re legalistic about something that doesn’t matter. I think it matters, my heart is searching for answers and it’s telling me it matters. As I pray along with thousands of my fellow believers for spiritual revival, the issue of obedience stares me in the face and I know it matters.
Is anyone out there?
Does it bother anyone that we seem to be a people that just don’t really want to be obedient?
We want revival and blessings and purpose, without being inconvenienced…….
Can anyone help me?
25 My life is down in the dust;
give me life through Your word.
26 I told You about my life,
and You listened to me;
teach me Your statutes.
27 Help me understand
the meaning of Your precepts
so that I can meditate on Your wonders.
28 I am weary from grief;
strengthen me through Your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me Your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set Your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to Your decrees;
LORD, do not put me to shame.
32 I pursue the way of Your commands,
for You broaden my understanding.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Door.....
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
Daleth, this ancient Hebrew letter finds it's origins in the picture of a tent flap or a door. It can convey several meanings; to hang, like a tent flap hangs over an opening, to move back and forth or in and out, like someone coming and going through a door. The Root symbol is a door. This week as I meditate on Psalms 119:25-32 I am asking God to open doors into my life, shine His light of Truth into the closed up hiding places in my life.
Deuteronomy 6
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.[a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
Daleth, this ancient Hebrew letter finds it's origins in the picture of a tent flap or a door. It can convey several meanings; to hang, like a tent flap hangs over an opening, to move back and forth or in and out, like someone coming and going through a door. The Root symbol is a door. This week as I meditate on Psalms 119:25-32 I am asking God to open doors into my life, shine His light of Truth into the closed up hiding places in my life.
Deuteronomy 6
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.[a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments
And God spoke all these words, saying:
1 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me.
2 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
3 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4 “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5 “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not murder.
7 “You shall not commit adultery.
8 “You shall not steal.
9 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Well here we are, the official "work" week is behind us and the weekend is here. It is 6:00 am and all is quiet on a Saturday morning in my house. As usual I find myself wondering what it would be like to truly observe the Sabbath as God commanded. The last few weeks my bible study has confronted me with the law, commands, obedience,and loving God. I have asked God to change my heart and my understanding about obeying his instructions and trusting Him.
I've listed the "Ten Commandments" because they are probably ten Instructions from God that every believer agrees should be followed. God wrote them down on stone tablets for Moses to present to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. Christians today in America get all stirred up about posting them in schools, court houses, and Public squares. They are they only "Laws" of God you can extoll without being called legalistic, which is the most dreaded thing any Christian can be accused of. Then comes the Sabbath.......... and I realize even the "Big Ten" are really only the "Main Nine". Compare the number of sermons you've heard on tithing with the number you've heard on keeping the Sabbath holy. Even without getting all caught up on which day we should observe, the Sabbath or the Lord's day, just following God's instructions. These instructions were in place before Moses showed up. They were established in the beginning and enforced when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's One commandment.
This month Louisiana Southern Baptist are taking part in an initiative called "Awaken 2012". We are praying and fasting for revival. A 21 day journal with a daily focus is also part of the program. It is a great endeavor and spiritual revival is desperately needed...... Day 12 of the journal is titled "the Blessings of Obedience". What if? What would happen? What if all Southern Baptists purposed in their hearts to fully obey the "Fourth Commandment". On our Lord's day we would rest. We would not participate in anything that required others to work. We would fellowship together as families and worship together as believers and focus on God's goodness. What would that feel like? Would anyone notice? Would a lost world dying from a frantic, hectic, busy lifestyle stop and marvel? Before you answer think about the cost of obeying. No retail shopping, no electronic distractions, if you "earn" your living preaching or leading worship, oops, take the day off. Think about this, dwell on all the implications....... Now examine your response. I was ashamed. My main focus was " would I have to give up NFL Games? That's restful to me. Could I still go to Chili's for lunch? What if I need to run to Super One or Walmart? Are there any loopholes, exceptions? Who decides what counts and doesn't ? Wait! Which day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? ............ I'm just like a spoiled, self centered child. A loving parent gives an instruction and the heart leans toward rebellion instead of Obedience. Do we view God's instructions as loving gifts for our protection or punishing burdens under which we suffer? Have we taken the liberty of Grace so far that our hearts despise obedience. We want revival but not at the expense of our own desires. That is why we are an American Church that looks more like the culture than the pure bride of Christ, anxious for His return.
Wow. A long post today. I have far to go and much to learn.
The Ten Commandments
And God spoke all these words, saying:
1 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me.
2 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
3 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4 “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5 “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not murder.
7 “You shall not commit adultery.
8 “You shall not steal.
9 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Well here we are, the official "work" week is behind us and the weekend is here. It is 6:00 am and all is quiet on a Saturday morning in my house. As usual I find myself wondering what it would be like to truly observe the Sabbath as God commanded. The last few weeks my bible study has confronted me with the law, commands, obedience,and loving God. I have asked God to change my heart and my understanding about obeying his instructions and trusting Him.
I've listed the "Ten Commandments" because they are probably ten Instructions from God that every believer agrees should be followed. God wrote them down on stone tablets for Moses to present to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. Christians today in America get all stirred up about posting them in schools, court houses, and Public squares. They are they only "Laws" of God you can extoll without being called legalistic, which is the most dreaded thing any Christian can be accused of. Then comes the Sabbath.......... and I realize even the "Big Ten" are really only the "Main Nine". Compare the number of sermons you've heard on tithing with the number you've heard on keeping the Sabbath holy. Even without getting all caught up on which day we should observe, the Sabbath or the Lord's day, just following God's instructions. These instructions were in place before Moses showed up. They were established in the beginning and enforced when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's One commandment.
This month Louisiana Southern Baptist are taking part in an initiative called "Awaken 2012". We are praying and fasting for revival. A 21 day journal with a daily focus is also part of the program. It is a great endeavor and spiritual revival is desperately needed...... Day 12 of the journal is titled "the Blessings of Obedience". What if? What would happen? What if all Southern Baptists purposed in their hearts to fully obey the "Fourth Commandment". On our Lord's day we would rest. We would not participate in anything that required others to work. We would fellowship together as families and worship together as believers and focus on God's goodness. What would that feel like? Would anyone notice? Would a lost world dying from a frantic, hectic, busy lifestyle stop and marvel? Before you answer think about the cost of obeying. No retail shopping, no electronic distractions, if you "earn" your living preaching or leading worship, oops, take the day off. Think about this, dwell on all the implications....... Now examine your response. I was ashamed. My main focus was " would I have to give up NFL Games? That's restful to me. Could I still go to Chili's for lunch? What if I need to run to Super One or Walmart? Are there any loopholes, exceptions? Who decides what counts and doesn't ? Wait! Which day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? ............ I'm just like a spoiled, self centered child. A loving parent gives an instruction and the heart leans toward rebellion instead of Obedience. Do we view God's instructions as loving gifts for our protection or punishing burdens under which we suffer? Have we taken the liberty of Grace so far that our hearts despise obedience. We want revival but not at the expense of our own desires. That is why we are an American Church that looks more like the culture than the pure bride of Christ, anxious for His return.
Wow. A long post today. I have far to go and much to learn.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Hear, O Israel, The LORD is Our God, The LORD is One.
This is the "SHEMA" a Jewish prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4. This is the first scripture taught to Hebrew children and many Jews recite this verse as a prayer twice a day.
The verse that follows is the commandment that Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22).
This seems like the place to start if I truly want to obey and delight in His commandments.
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Jesus said this is the foundation that all the other commandments rest upon.
Tonight would be a great night to find a quiet place and read 1 John.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Hear, O Israel, The LORD is Our God, The LORD is One.
This is the "SHEMA" a Jewish prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4. This is the first scripture taught to Hebrew children and many Jews recite this verse as a prayer twice a day.
The verse that follows is the commandment that Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22).
This seems like the place to start if I truly want to obey and delight in His commandments.
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Jesus said this is the foundation that all the other commandments rest upon.
Tonight would be a great night to find a quiet place and read 1 John.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
1 John 2:3-5
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.
John 14:15-17
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.
John 15:10
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
So what are His commandments? If the measure of my Love for Him is obedience, and the desire of my heart should be to obey His word, what does that really look like in my daily walk?
Lord as I read your PSALMS show me how to obey You. Make me aware of every opportunity to please You as I walk through the day.
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.
John 14:15-17
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.
John 15:10
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
So what are His commandments? If the measure of my Love for Him is obedience, and the desire of my heart should be to obey His word, what does that really look like in my daily walk?
Lord as I read your PSALMS show me how to obey You. Make me aware of every opportunity to please You as I walk through the day.
Monday, January 16, 2012
ג Gimel
17 Deal generously with Your servant
so that I might live;
then I will keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wonderful things from Your instruction.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide Your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for Your judgments.
21 You rebuke the proud,
the ones under a curse,
who wander from Your commands.
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,
for I have kept Your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,
Your servant will think about Your statutes;
24 Your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.
17 Deal generously with Your servant
so that I might live;
then I will keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wonderful things from Your instruction.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide Your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for Your judgments.
21 You rebuke the proud,
the ones under a curse,
who wander from Your commands.
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,
for I have kept Your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,
Your servant will think about Your statutes;
24 Your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.
Lord I am torn and convicted. As I meditate on these scriptures I am challenged daily to Love and long for your law. I’ve learned to despise the law in favor of your grace. The law brought death and condemnation, it was nailed to the cross and died with You, grace was resurrected with You. Have I misunderstood? Do these verses reflect an old testament view that should be different now? Give me insight and understanding. Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful thing from Your instructions……
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Walk as a stranger on the earth.
ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
GIMEL
The Hebrew letter Gimel is where our letter "G" comes from. Letters started as pictures that were used to convey ideas. The Gimel was a picture of a foot. It symbolized walking, carrying, gathering. The modern letter Gimel still resembles a foot.
This weeks section of Psalms 119 is "Gimel". I am going to focus on my walk. As I meditate on and memorize this passage I'll ask God to teach me to walk in a way that pleases Him.
It is a new week!!! New challenges!! New opportunities!! Walk as a stranger on earth.
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
GIMEL
The Hebrew letter Gimel is where our letter "G" comes from. Letters started as pictures that were used to convey ideas. The Gimel was a picture of a foot. It symbolized walking, carrying, gathering. The modern letter Gimel still resembles a foot.
This weeks section of Psalms 119 is "Gimel". I am going to focus on my walk. As I meditate on and memorize this passage I'll ask God to teach me to walk in a way that pleases Him.
It is a new week!!! New challenges!! New opportunities!! Walk as a stranger on earth.
Friday, January 13, 2012
What's that look like?
BETH
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
This week has flown by and each day I carried this scripture around in my mind and jotted down on a small card. It really is amazing how often this small piece of God’s word was relevant to what was going on in my daily life.
I asked myself this question: Of all God’s commandments and statutes, where do I start? Jesus was asked that very question by a religious leader in His day. His answer was, “Love God and love your neighbor. Everything else is built on these two.” That’s Rick’s paraphrase, you can read it yourself in Matthew 22 or Mark 12. That is where I landed, do I love God? If I say I love Him, how is that demonstrated in my daily life? For me it came down to this; how much control of my life do I yield to God and am I faithful and obedient to Him.
It occurred to me that it should look very much like my relationship with my wife. I love her with all my heart and it looks like this; every morning I wake up with her on my mind, even when we are apart I think about her starting her day and if I need to do anything for her. I look for ways to let her know I’m thinking of her and that I appreciate her. I am faithful to her beyond just the letter of the law. What the heck does that mean? It means this; I am very careful to avoid any situation or conversation that could open the door to infidelity. I do not test my will power in the area of faithfulness; I have seen too many friends wreck their marriages by being careless. Everything I do affects our relationship and I am aware of this. I trust my wife completely because I know she loves me and we share this commitment to each other. Keep in mind the above description is between two human beings that are prone to selfishness and failure, but are committed to each other just the same.
So, is my relationship with God that real? Am I that committed? Do I guard my heart against unfaithfulness that closely? Do I TRUST Him completely? Am I always aware that everything I do affects the relationship? Do I seek his companionship? Do I look for ways to please Him? How much more does God love me and how much more perfect is His love than the love my wife has for me? Do I cheat on God? Do I take Him for granted? Would Melissa be satisfied with the same level of commitment I demonstrate towards Him?
Psalms 119 is working me over.
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
This week has flown by and each day I carried this scripture around in my mind and jotted down on a small card. It really is amazing how often this small piece of God’s word was relevant to what was going on in my daily life.
I asked myself this question: Of all God’s commandments and statutes, where do I start? Jesus was asked that very question by a religious leader in His day. His answer was, “Love God and love your neighbor. Everything else is built on these two.” That’s Rick’s paraphrase, you can read it yourself in Matthew 22 or Mark 12. That is where I landed, do I love God? If I say I love Him, how is that demonstrated in my daily life? For me it came down to this; how much control of my life do I yield to God and am I faithful and obedient to Him.
It occurred to me that it should look very much like my relationship with my wife. I love her with all my heart and it looks like this; every morning I wake up with her on my mind, even when we are apart I think about her starting her day and if I need to do anything for her. I look for ways to let her know I’m thinking of her and that I appreciate her. I am faithful to her beyond just the letter of the law. What the heck does that mean? It means this; I am very careful to avoid any situation or conversation that could open the door to infidelity. I do not test my will power in the area of faithfulness; I have seen too many friends wreck their marriages by being careless. Everything I do affects our relationship and I am aware of this. I trust my wife completely because I know she loves me and we share this commitment to each other. Keep in mind the above description is between two human beings that are prone to selfishness and failure, but are committed to each other just the same.
So, is my relationship with God that real? Am I that committed? Do I guard my heart against unfaithfulness that closely? Do I TRUST Him completely? Am I always aware that everything I do affects the relationship? Do I seek his companionship? Do I look for ways to please Him? How much more does God love me and how much more perfect is His love than the love my wife has for me? Do I cheat on God? Do I take Him for granted? Would Melissa be satisfied with the same level of commitment I demonstrate towards Him?
Psalms 119 is working me over.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
DO I LOVE
Psalms 119
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Matthew 22
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Love God, Love our neighbor…… this is what I think of as a proportional command. The measure of the first is directly related to the measure of the second. If love for my neighbor is lacking it is because I am not exercising Love towards my Lord.
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Matthew 22
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Love God, Love our neighbor…… this is what I think of as a proportional command. The measure of the first is directly related to the measure of the second. If love for my neighbor is lacking it is because I am not exercising Love towards my Lord.
Monday, January 9, 2012
TRUST
BETH
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
Psalms 119:9-16
This week I start and end each day in this scripture. BETH, the ancient Hebrew letter is symbolic of a tent or dwelling place. This is where I will dwell this week. Knowing God’s testimonies, words, statutes, judgments, ways, precepts, and commandments, are the beginning of knowing Him. If I am not spending time getting to know God’s ways how can I ever come to the point of completely TRUSTING Him? It is when I trust myself more than I trust Him that I fail. That becomes the real issue about obedience, how does the old song go? “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
Psalms 119:9-16
This week I start and end each day in this scripture. BETH, the ancient Hebrew letter is symbolic of a tent or dwelling place. This is where I will dwell this week. Knowing God’s testimonies, words, statutes, judgments, ways, precepts, and commandments, are the beginning of knowing Him. If I am not spending time getting to know God’s ways how can I ever come to the point of completely TRUSTING Him? It is when I trust myself more than I trust Him that I fail. That becomes the real issue about obedience, how does the old song go? “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Night Watch
And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
I love sitting on top of my hill gazing at the night sky. Knowing that God placed the stars, planets and moon in their place for a reason just amazes me. Nothing in the night sky is insignificant The stars announced the birth of our Savior, leading the Magi to Bethlehem. The Shepherds were watching their flocks beneath a full moon the night that Jesus was born. A full moon hung in the sky the night before Jesus hung on the cross. The sound of the Shofar is heard in Jerusalem each new moon. The night sky reminds me that God is in control.
I love sitting on top of my hill gazing at the night sky. Knowing that God placed the stars, planets and moon in their place for a reason just amazes me. Nothing in the night sky is insignificant The stars announced the birth of our Savior, leading the Magi to Bethlehem. The Shepherds were watching their flocks beneath a full moon the night that Jesus was born. A full moon hung in the sky the night before Jesus hung on the cross. The sound of the Shofar is heard in Jerusalem each new moon. The night sky reminds me that God is in control.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Fresh Start
Psalm 119
ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
This time of year always makes me feel like a fresh start. A new year ahead of me, the busy Holidays are behind me. Even though I don’t usually make “new year resolutions” it seems appropriate.
ALEPH is the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, it opens Psalms 119 and it’s where I will spend my time opening 2012.
Each day:
I will seek Him with all my heart
I will walk in His ways
I will praise Him with an upright heart
I will keep His statutes
I will look at His instructions
I will learn of His righteousness
I will be diligent
ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
This time of year always makes me feel like a fresh start. A new year ahead of me, the busy Holidays are behind me. Even though I don’t usually make “new year resolutions” it seems appropriate.
ALEPH is the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, it opens Psalms 119 and it’s where I will spend my time opening 2012.
Each day:
I will seek Him with all my heart
I will walk in His ways
I will praise Him with an upright heart
I will keep His statutes
I will look at His instructions
I will learn of His righteousness
I will be diligent