“Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.” (Psalm 119:53)
Do we get upset when we meet people who have totally ignored the Law of God? They go on their way as if God’s Law does not apply to them. If you point that out that the Law is important they shrug it off as not relevant for today.
What about Christians who feel that the Law of God has no relevance for them today? Yes, I know that we are not under the Law with its ceremonial righteousness, its judgment but the Law is much more than that.
The Law shows us that we are sinners and that we need a Saviour. The Law shows us the character of God. We know that God is truth because He said that we should not lie, we know God is faithful because He said that we should not commit adultery, we know that God is sufficient because He said we should not covet. Remember that the Law is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and we can know God by looking at Him but we can know Him by looking at the Law.
But there is another reason why we should not forsake the Law. The Law is really the promises of our God. He said that we should not commit adultery, or lie, or steal and we can trust God to keep us from those things. We also know that God is sufficient for all our needs because He told us not to covet.
We don’t live by the Law but we have not forsaken the Law.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Ancient Laws
“I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.” (Psalm 119:52)
What do you take comfort in? Is it your family, your career, your position, your faith? The Psalmist found comfort in God’s Laws. Jeremiah knew that there was comfort in God’s law. He said, ‘This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ Jeremiah 6:16.
When young King Josiah was bring about his reforms and restoring the temple Hilkiah, the priest, found the book of the Law and they took it to King Josiah. Now is not the time to comment on the absurdity of having the temple of God but losing the Law of God but rather to see how Josiah handled the situation. He was upset that he was doing these reforms without the Law of God. He knew that it was important that if his reforms were to having any lasting effect then they must be grounded in the Word of God. When he read the Word of the Lord he took comfort in the fact that his reforms would bring people back to God. However, we see that the people did not heed Josiah’s leadership and God did bring judgment upon the people.
Some people only want to read the Gospels find comfort in them, others find comfort in the Psalms or other writings. Have you ever met someone who said that they found comfort in the Law? When we understand the depth of the Law and that it not only reveals the character of God and the will of God but it also reveals the promises of God then we find comfort.
What do you take comfort in? Is it your family, your career, your position, your faith? The Psalmist found comfort in God’s Laws. Jeremiah knew that there was comfort in God’s law. He said, ‘This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ Jeremiah 6:16.
When young King Josiah was bring about his reforms and restoring the temple Hilkiah, the priest, found the book of the Law and they took it to King Josiah. Now is not the time to comment on the absurdity of having the temple of God but losing the Law of God but rather to see how Josiah handled the situation. He was upset that he was doing these reforms without the Law of God. He knew that it was important that if his reforms were to having any lasting effect then they must be grounded in the Word of God. When he read the Word of the Lord he took comfort in the fact that his reforms would bring people back to God. However, we see that the people did not heed Josiah’s leadership and God did bring judgment upon the people.
Some people only want to read the Gospels find comfort in them, others find comfort in the Psalms or other writings. Have you ever met someone who said that they found comfort in the Law? When we understand the depth of the Law and that it not only reveals the character of God and the will of God but it also reveals the promises of God then we find comfort.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Arrogant
“The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.” (Psalm 119:51)
We have a tendency to classify sins. Some sins such as adultery, drunkenness, etc. are considered to be worse than those of envy, pride, arrogance, etc. However, if we were to classify sins as the Bible sometimes does then our list is upside down. Many times the hot blooded sins remind us of our weaknesses and our weaknesses drive us to someone who is greater than us, someone who we depend upon to help us in our time of need.
The cold blooded sins have the opposite effect. Pride tells us that we can make it on our own and we do not need any other help. That is why the Bible condemns the sin of pride. Pride leaves God out of the picture and puts us on the throne.
The Bible tells us to humble ourselves. The choice is ours. We can humble ourselves or God will humble us as he did Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2.
We have a tendency to classify sins. Some sins such as adultery, drunkenness, etc. are considered to be worse than those of envy, pride, arrogance, etc. However, if we were to classify sins as the Bible sometimes does then our list is upside down. Many times the hot blooded sins remind us of our weaknesses and our weaknesses drive us to someone who is greater than us, someone who we depend upon to help us in our time of need.
The cold blooded sins have the opposite effect. Pride tells us that we can make it on our own and we do not need any other help. That is why the Bible condemns the sin of pride. Pride leaves God out of the picture and puts us on the throne.
The Bible tells us to humble ourselves. The choice is ours. We can humble ourselves or God will humble us as he did Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Born Crucified
I have been reading L. E. Maxwell's book Born Crucified. It was a book published in 1945. Here is a quote from that book.
"Mark well, O popular Christain and worldly-wise preacher, venturing how far you must go with the world in order to win the world: never had the Church so much influence over the world as when whe had nothing to do with the world."
Remember that was written 65 years ago.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Comfort
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:50)
Have you ever tried to comfort a child? Maybe that child has broken a favourite toy or lost a pet. You may explain the situation as logically as possible using simple words only to find that the child is still upset. The child doesn’t care about explanations but they care about promises. Promise the child that you will fix the toy or get a new pet and the child is comforted.
So it is with us. We don’t live on explanations but on promises. When the Psalmist suffered he didn’t get his comfort from the explanations regarding his suffering but from the promises of God. Maybe that is why Scripture has three hundred sixty five promises, one for each day of the year.
But when we have been comforted we are called to comfort others. Isaiah said, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Isaiah 40:1. Paul told the church at Corinth, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Do you need comfort today? Go to God’s Word and read His promises, they will bring you comfort.
Have you ever tried to comfort a child? Maybe that child has broken a favourite toy or lost a pet. You may explain the situation as logically as possible using simple words only to find that the child is still upset. The child doesn’t care about explanations but they care about promises. Promise the child that you will fix the toy or get a new pet and the child is comforted.
So it is with us. We don’t live on explanations but on promises. When the Psalmist suffered he didn’t get his comfort from the explanations regarding his suffering but from the promises of God. Maybe that is why Scripture has three hundred sixty five promises, one for each day of the year.
But when we have been comforted we are called to comfort others. Isaiah said, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Isaiah 40:1. Paul told the church at Corinth, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Do you need comfort today? Go to God’s Word and read His promises, they will bring you comfort.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Remember
“Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.” (Psalm 119:49)
Sometimes I think that it is a strange request to ask God to remember His word to us, after all, God is all knowing and the only thing that He has said that He will not remember is our sins which He has forgiven. It is not for God’s benefit that the Palmist asks Him to remember but for his own benefit. We are the ones that forget. We are the ones that think that God has forgotten His promises to us.
What gives me hope? I have hope because I remember what God has done for me in the past and I know that He will do the same in the future. I remember His promises and I rely on His faithfulness to us. That gives me hope.
Does God need to remember? Yes, but not because He forgets but because we forget and as we remind God of what He has promised we renew our hope.
Sometimes I think that it is a strange request to ask God to remember His word to us, after all, God is all knowing and the only thing that He has said that He will not remember is our sins which He has forgiven. It is not for God’s benefit that the Palmist asks Him to remember but for his own benefit. We are the ones that forget. We are the ones that think that God has forgotten His promises to us.
What gives me hope? I have hope because I remember what God has done for me in the past and I know that He will do the same in the future. I remember His promises and I rely on His faithfulness to us. That gives me hope.
Does God need to remember? Yes, but not because He forgets but because we forget and as we remind God of what He has promised we renew our hope.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
I Will Lift Up My Hands
“I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees."
(Psalm 119:48)
I remember the first time I saw someone raise their hands in worship at our church. I think I was shocked by their behaviour. Now thirty years later everyone seems to raise their hands. Sometimes I think that they raise their hands without thinking about why they are doing it or to Whom they are raising their hands. There are times that I would rather knell or just bow my head than raise my hands.
Why do we raise our hands in worship? Is it to enhance our worship? Is it to show that we are open to God’s commands? If our answer is to enhance our worship then we should stop and examine who we are worshipping. Remember, it is not about us but it is about Him. Enhancing our worship is not so much about Him but about us.
When we lift up our hands to His commands we are saying that we are willing to do whatever He asks of us. We are open to Him and His leading.
(Psalm 119:48)
I remember the first time I saw someone raise their hands in worship at our church. I think I was shocked by their behaviour. Now thirty years later everyone seems to raise their hands. Sometimes I think that they raise their hands without thinking about why they are doing it or to Whom they are raising their hands. There are times that I would rather knell or just bow my head than raise my hands.
Why do we raise our hands in worship? Is it to enhance our worship? Is it to show that we are open to God’s commands? If our answer is to enhance our worship then we should stop and examine who we are worshipping. Remember, it is not about us but it is about Him. Enhancing our worship is not so much about Him but about us.
When we lift up our hands to His commands we are saying that we are willing to do whatever He asks of us. We are open to Him and His leading.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Delight
“For I delight in your commands because I love them.” (Psalm 119:47)
What do you delight it? In Psalm 37 the Psalmist said, “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Paul said, “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.” If we take delight in anything but the Lord and His commands then to die is not gain but loss. If we delight in our family, our position, our wealth, etc. then death separates us from them and our delight is gone. But if we delight in the Lord and His Word then death does not separate us from Him but brings us closer.
If you see God’s commands as rules to obey then we will not delight in them but if we see them as the promises of a loving God then we can rejoice in the goodness and greatness of our God. Many times our delight is in how we see things. One person may delight in something that another finds to be anything but delightful. Let us see God’s commands as His loving word to us rather than rules to obey for then we can say with the Psalmist that we delight in God’s commands because we love them.
What do you delight it? In Psalm 37 the Psalmist said, “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Paul said, “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.” If we take delight in anything but the Lord and His commands then to die is not gain but loss. If we delight in our family, our position, our wealth, etc. then death separates us from them and our delight is gone. But if we delight in the Lord and His Word then death does not separate us from Him but brings us closer.
If you see God’s commands as rules to obey then we will not delight in them but if we see them as the promises of a loving God then we can rejoice in the goodness and greatness of our God. Many times our delight is in how we see things. One person may delight in something that another finds to be anything but delightful. Let us see God’s commands as His loving word to us rather than rules to obey for then we can say with the Psalmist that we delight in God’s commands because we love them.
Friday, July 23, 2010
I Will Speak
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:14)
Jeremiah said one time, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9
Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
When you know good news you want to make it known. Jeremiah was frustrated because the people did not want to hear the message but when he wanted to remain silent he found that he could not do it.
There was once a town crier who was constantly crying out the message of destruction but no one paid him any heed. When he was asked why he kept crying out the message when no one listened he said that he had to or else he would not believe the message himself.
Jeremiah said one time, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9
Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
When you know good news you want to make it known. Jeremiah was frustrated because the people did not want to hear the message but when he wanted to remain silent he found that he could not do it.
There was once a town crier who was constantly crying out the message of destruction but no one paid him any heed. When he was asked why he kept crying out the message when no one listened he said that he had to or else he would not believe the message himself.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Freedom
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45)
The Christian life is often compared to a walk. We are told to walk worthy of the one who has redeemed us. However, we can walk in fear or bondage or we can walk in freedom.
Enoch was a man who walked in freedom. In the short account of this man’s life we are told that he walked with God and God took him home without dying. Someone describe his walk with the Lord this way. One day God and Enoch were out walking together as they usually did each day but this day they had traveled too far so God said to Enoch, “It is late and it will be dark when you get back to your home. Why don’t you come home with me?” So God took Enoch home.
The prophet Amos asks the rhetorical question, “Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3
To walk with someone in whom you do not have agreement would not be freedom. However, to walk with a friend as Enoch did, we have freedom. We need to study and know the Word of God, His precepts, if we want to know how we can walk in freedom.
The Christian life is often compared to a walk. We are told to walk worthy of the one who has redeemed us. However, we can walk in fear or bondage or we can walk in freedom.
Enoch was a man who walked in freedom. In the short account of this man’s life we are told that he walked with God and God took him home without dying. Someone describe his walk with the Lord this way. One day God and Enoch were out walking together as they usually did each day but this day they had traveled too far so God said to Enoch, “It is late and it will be dark when you get back to your home. Why don’t you come home with me?” So God took Enoch home.
The prophet Amos asks the rhetorical question, “Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3
To walk with someone in whom you do not have agreement would not be freedom. However, to walk with a friend as Enoch did, we have freedom. We need to study and know the Word of God, His precepts, if we want to know how we can walk in freedom.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Always
“I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.” (Psalm 119:44)
I was trying to help this couple who were always fighting. One thing I noticed was that they used the words “always” and “never” a lot. I pointed out that they really didn’t mean “always” but maybe they meant “most of the time.” I think they saw my point. We often say, “You never do …” or “You always do…”
However, when David said that he would always obey God’s law he meant that he would always obey the law. Does that mean that he never broke the Law of God? No that is not what he meant. What he was saying that it was his heart’s desire to always be in obedience to the Law of God. It would have been wrong for him to say that he obeyed the Law most of the time because if he said that he was saying that there would be times that he would not feel like obeying the law so he would not do it.
I was trying to help this couple who were always fighting. One thing I noticed was that they used the words “always” and “never” a lot. I pointed out that they really didn’t mean “always” but maybe they meant “most of the time.” I think they saw my point. We often say, “You never do …” or “You always do…”
However, when David said that he would always obey God’s law he meant that he would always obey the law. Does that mean that he never broke the Law of God? No that is not what he meant. What he was saying that it was his heart’s desire to always be in obedience to the Law of God. It would have been wrong for him to say that he obeyed the Law most of the time because if he said that he was saying that there would be times that he would not feel like obeying the law so he would not do it.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Hope
“Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.” (Psalm 119:43)
Hope is one of the wonderful words that Christians use all the time. Paul said that there were three enduring things, faith, hope and love. Hope is sandwiched between the faith in God and the love of God.
The Christian hope is not a “hope so” kind of hope but rather the assurance that comes from believing the Word of God. God has given us promises and we can put our hope and trust in those promises. Someone said that we are like children and as children we do not live by explanations but by promises. Explanations can explain away anything that should bring us doubt but they cannot give us hope.
When my children were small they would ask why and when I gave them the explanation they would ask many more questions. However, when I gave them a promise instead of an explanation they were satisfied.
Where does our hope come from? Our hope is not in who governs us or what laws are passed. Our hope is not in our economy or our jobs. Our hope is not in our health or our medical care. Our hope comes from the Word of God because it reveals the God of truth.
Hope is one of the wonderful words that Christians use all the time. Paul said that there were three enduring things, faith, hope and love. Hope is sandwiched between the faith in God and the love of God.
The Christian hope is not a “hope so” kind of hope but rather the assurance that comes from believing the Word of God. God has given us promises and we can put our hope and trust in those promises. Someone said that we are like children and as children we do not live by explanations but by promises. Explanations can explain away anything that should bring us doubt but they cannot give us hope.
When my children were small they would ask why and when I gave them the explanation they would ask many more questions. However, when I gave them a promise instead of an explanation they were satisfied.
Where does our hope come from? Our hope is not in who governs us or what laws are passed. Our hope is not in our economy or our jobs. Our hope is not in our health or our medical care. Our hope comes from the Word of God because it reveals the God of truth.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Taunts
“Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.” (Psalm 119:42)
David understood what it meant to be taunted by the enemy. When he went to the camp of the Philistines he had heard Goliath come out and taunt the Israelites. He responded then as he said in this Psalm, “I come in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”
When Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness to tempt Him Jesus responded to Satan using Scripture. Sometimes we rely on our own logic or cleverness but as the writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Word of God is powerful. Paul tells us that it is the sword of the Spirit.
Where do we put our trust; in our arguments or in the Word of God? People will taunt us for what we believe. They will tell us that it is not relevant for today and we should get up to date but the Word of God is forever relevant. Do we trust in the Word of God?
David understood what it meant to be taunted by the enemy. When he went to the camp of the Philistines he had heard Goliath come out and taunt the Israelites. He responded then as he said in this Psalm, “I come in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”
When Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness to tempt Him Jesus responded to Satan using Scripture. Sometimes we rely on our own logic or cleverness but as the writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Word of God is powerful. Paul tells us that it is the sword of the Spirit.
Where do we put our trust; in our arguments or in the Word of God? People will taunt us for what we believe. They will tell us that it is not relevant for today and we should get up to date but the Word of God is forever relevant. Do we trust in the Word of God?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Salvation
“May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise.” (Psalm 119:41)
When we talk about salvation we need to ask two questions. What are we saved from? And what are we saved to?
We could give a number of different answers to the first question. We could say we are saved from our sins, from hell, from our past, from our addictions, etc. However, what we are saved from is God Himself. Romans 1:18 says, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” You cannot just phone someone to tell them they need to be saved, they need to know what they are in need of being saved.
When we ask the second question we could also give a number of different answers. We could say we are saved to an abundant life, to eternal life, to a new future, etc. However, we are saved to God Himself. He has called us to Himself.
We are saved from God to God. From His wrath and judgment to His love and acceptance.
When we talk about salvation we need to ask two questions. What are we saved from? And what are we saved to?
We could give a number of different answers to the first question. We could say we are saved from our sins, from hell, from our past, from our addictions, etc. However, what we are saved from is God Himself. Romans 1:18 says, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” You cannot just phone someone to tell them they need to be saved, they need to know what they are in need of being saved.
When we ask the second question we could also give a number of different answers. We could say we are saved to an abundant life, to eternal life, to a new future, etc. However, we are saved to God Himself. He has called us to Himself.
We are saved from God to God. From His wrath and judgment to His love and acceptance.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Longing
“How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.” (Psalm 119:40)
What are we longing for? Some people long for material things, others for power, still others for pleasure. All of these longings are empty. When we have achieved a position of material comfort then we desire for more. Empty longings only lead us to more desire more hoping that we will finally be fulfilled.
The Psalmist longed for the precepts of God. He knew that the Word of God revealed God and God would fulfill our deepest longings. If our desire is for acceptance, God accept us through His Son Jesus Christ. If our desire is for riches then we have untold riches in Christ because we have been declared joint heirs with Him. If we desire to have meaning in our life then we have meaning in Him. John Piper has written that we are to desire God passionately.
The results of longing for what the world has to offer will leave us empty. The Psalmist says that if we desire God and His Word then our life will be preserved and it will be preserved in righteousness.
What are we longing for? Some people long for material things, others for power, still others for pleasure. All of these longings are empty. When we have achieved a position of material comfort then we desire for more. Empty longings only lead us to more desire more hoping that we will finally be fulfilled.
The Psalmist longed for the precepts of God. He knew that the Word of God revealed God and God would fulfill our deepest longings. If our desire is for acceptance, God accept us through His Son Jesus Christ. If our desire is for riches then we have untold riches in Christ because we have been declared joint heirs with Him. If we desire to have meaning in our life then we have meaning in Him. John Piper has written that we are to desire God passionately.
The results of longing for what the world has to offer will leave us empty. The Psalmist says that if we desire God and His Word then our life will be preserved and it will be preserved in righteousness.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Disgrace
“Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.” (Psalm 119:39)
When we lived in an eastern culture the people were always afraid of “losing face”. They would do anything to “save face” including lying. Those of us who live in a western culture do not like to be disgraced as well. We often resort to hypocrisy and lying so that we will not be disgraced before our friends.
Our pride will bring us disgrace. Solomon wrote, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2. We try to “save face” because of our pride.
Saul was afraid to be disgraced before the people so he asked Samuel to honour him before the people.
Our sin also brings disgrace. Again Solomon wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
So how do we avoid disgrace? We need to remember the promises of God that comes from His Word. He has told us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If there is no condemnation then there is no disgrace. God has said that He has removed our sin from us as far as the east is from the west and therefore we are blameless before Him. If we are blameless then we have no disgrace. The Law of our God is good.
When we lived in an eastern culture the people were always afraid of “losing face”. They would do anything to “save face” including lying. Those of us who live in a western culture do not like to be disgraced as well. We often resort to hypocrisy and lying so that we will not be disgraced before our friends.
Our pride will bring us disgrace. Solomon wrote, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2. We try to “save face” because of our pride.
Saul was afraid to be disgraced before the people so he asked Samuel to honour him before the people.
Our sin also brings disgrace. Again Solomon wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
So how do we avoid disgrace? We need to remember the promises of God that comes from His Word. He has told us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If there is no condemnation then there is no disgrace. God has said that He has removed our sin from us as far as the east is from the west and therefore we are blameless before Him. If we are blameless then we have no disgrace. The Law of our God is good.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fulfill
“Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.” (Psalm 119:38)
Today people are seeking fulfillment in their lives. They are seeking fulfillment in their jobs, in their relationships, in pleasure and entertainment. Soon they find that these do not satisfy but as Jeremiah called them they are empty cisterns. People who have tried to find fulfillment in financial gain soon find that they do not have enough and desire for more.
God always satisfies. If we seek Him then He shows us that our satisfaction is in Him. We can be sure that His promises will be fulfilled if we claim them. For us to claim His promises we have to know the promises of God. We need to spend time reading, studying and meditating upon the Word of God.
Our desire should be for God Himself. He has promised that He will never leave us but be with us to the end of the age. We can be sure that wherever we go He is with us. The Psalmist said that if he was to descend to the very depths of the ocean or the highest peaks in the mountains that God would be there.
In this section of the Psalm we find many petitions: Teach me; give me understanding; direct me; turn my eyes away from worthless things; fulfill your promises; take away the disgrace and preserve my life. However, these were not just empty petitions but rather he knew that there was an obligation that was his as God fulfilled His promises. One of the obligations was that we would fear the Lord.
Today people are seeking fulfillment in their lives. They are seeking fulfillment in their jobs, in their relationships, in pleasure and entertainment. Soon they find that these do not satisfy but as Jeremiah called them they are empty cisterns. People who have tried to find fulfillment in financial gain soon find that they do not have enough and desire for more.
God always satisfies. If we seek Him then He shows us that our satisfaction is in Him. We can be sure that His promises will be fulfilled if we claim them. For us to claim His promises we have to know the promises of God. We need to spend time reading, studying and meditating upon the Word of God.
Our desire should be for God Himself. He has promised that He will never leave us but be with us to the end of the age. We can be sure that wherever we go He is with us. The Psalmist said that if he was to descend to the very depths of the ocean or the highest peaks in the mountains that God would be there.
In this section of the Psalm we find many petitions: Teach me; give me understanding; direct me; turn my eyes away from worthless things; fulfill your promises; take away the disgrace and preserve my life. However, these were not just empty petitions but rather he knew that there was an obligation that was his as God fulfilled His promises. One of the obligations was that we would fear the Lord.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Turn My Eyes
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to your word." (Psalm 119:37)
There are many things that catch our attention through our eyes. There are houses, lands, money, cars, clothes and many other things. We are bombarded daily with things to buy, things that we cannot live without. However, the Psalmist reminds us that they are worthless things. None of these things can renew our life. Someone may feel that if they bought a new house then they would be able to live again. Jesus told us that if we were to gain the whole world but lose our soul then we would have gained absolutely nothing.
Jim Elliot’s famous words still hold true for us today. When he was a student in college he said, “A man is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Less than a decade later Jim gave the ultimate sacrifice when he and four other missionaries died a martyr’s death in the jungles of Ecuador. What did he lose? Everything as far as this world would believe. What did he gain? Nothing according to this world. However, he gained another world, a better world.
Our eyes see many worthless things that the world calls valuable. We need to turn our eyes away and look into the Word of God and then we will renew our life.
There are many things that catch our attention through our eyes. There are houses, lands, money, cars, clothes and many other things. We are bombarded daily with things to buy, things that we cannot live without. However, the Psalmist reminds us that they are worthless things. None of these things can renew our life. Someone may feel that if they bought a new house then they would be able to live again. Jesus told us that if we were to gain the whole world but lose our soul then we would have gained absolutely nothing.
Jim Elliot’s famous words still hold true for us today. When he was a student in college he said, “A man is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Less than a decade later Jim gave the ultimate sacrifice when he and four other missionaries died a martyr’s death in the jungles of Ecuador. What did he lose? Everything as far as this world would believe. What did he gain? Nothing according to this world. However, he gained another world, a better world.
Our eyes see many worthless things that the world calls valuable. We need to turn our eyes away and look into the Word of God and then we will renew our life.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Uncle Erling
I went to a funeral today. It was a funeral for my wife's uncle. I will always remember him as a very gracious and humble man. He loved life, his family, his work, his hobbies, his music, his church and especially he loved his Lord.
When you attend a funeral you often think about your own mortality. So what would I want at my funeral? I want the cross to be central and the gospel proclaimed. I want everyone to know that the Gospel is what this world needs and it is what we as Christians need every day.
Turn My Heart
“Turn my heart toward your statutes, and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:36)
Our hearts are deceitful. We say that we trust in the Lord but we fret and worry about money. Money becomes so important to us that we sometimes scheme and plan how we can acquire more. Sometimes we even plan to get more money through selfish gain.
Today people are always buying lottery tickets which promise big prizes that will take all our worries away and give us peace of mind. Some people fall into the trap because they see it as the only way that they can ever get out of the rut and the helpless state that they find themselves in. "Maybe some day I will win the big prize and then all of my worries will be over" or so they think as they keep buying the tickets. They have heard the lie and bought into the dream, you cannot win if you don't buy a ticket.
But money does not keep our hearts pure. We can be selfish and greedy if we have money or if we don't have money. The dream of hitting it rich gives some people hope. However, our hope is in the Lord and if we put our trust in getting rich some day then we will find our hearts putting money on the throne of our lives. Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and money. Who do you want to have as your master?
Our hearts are deceitful. We say that we trust in the Lord but we fret and worry about money. Money becomes so important to us that we sometimes scheme and plan how we can acquire more. Sometimes we even plan to get more money through selfish gain.
Today people are always buying lottery tickets which promise big prizes that will take all our worries away and give us peace of mind. Some people fall into the trap because they see it as the only way that they can ever get out of the rut and the helpless state that they find themselves in. "Maybe some day I will win the big prize and then all of my worries will be over" or so they think as they keep buying the tickets. They have heard the lie and bought into the dream, you cannot win if you don't buy a ticket.
But money does not keep our hearts pure. We can be selfish and greedy if we have money or if we don't have money. The dream of hitting it rich gives some people hope. However, our hope is in the Lord and if we put our trust in getting rich some day then we will find our hearts putting money on the throne of our lives. Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and money. Who do you want to have as your master?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Delight
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” (Psalm 119:35)
What brings us delight? Is it the creative work of our God? Is it a majestic view of mountains or the sea or a sunrise or a sunset? Is it the majestic heavens with all the stars and the northern lights? Is it a beautiful garden with blooms of red and yellow and purple? Is it a new baby which is so perfect yet so small? Or do we delight in the work of man? A beautiful painting or a poem or something he has built with his hands?
The Psalmist found delight in the Word of the Lord. Some people delight in the Word because it brings them knowledge or power. Others delight because it gives them insight into life. The Psalmist delighted in the Word of God because it revealed God to him. He knew that if he was to know God he would have to obey the commands of God which were given through His Word. He didn’t study the Word to give him head knowledge but to show him his Creator.
It is a noble thing to want to study the Word of God to know it better but it is a nobler activity to study the Word of God to know the Author better. Paul said that he wanted to know Him and the power of His resurrection. Before he met Jesus on the Damascus road his desire was to know the law but after he met the Lord his desire was to know Him of whom the law revealed.
We should make it our desire to know God’s Word but in knowing the Word we should pray that we will know the Author of the Word.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Understanding
"Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it will all my heart." (Psalm 119:34)
We are living in an age of information overload. Information is doubling every few months. The Internet has made information available to anyone who can afford a computer. However, information is not knowledge. In order for information to become knowledge we have to understand what that information represents and if it is important. Much of the information that comes to us on the Internet is not important, in fact, much is incorrect.
It is much different with God's Word. There is nothing in the Word of God that is not important. There is nothing in the Word of God that is incorrect. Peter said that some of Scripture is hard to understand and we need to discipline ourselves to study the Word so that we have understanding.
Knowledge is important but knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom may come from knowledge but if we do not know how to apply that knowledge then we are not wise. True wisdom comes from God. James says that if we lack wisdom we are to ask God for wisdom and He will give it to us.
We don=t obey God's Word blindly. We first understand the Word and then we obey. We do not obey like trained monkeys. We obey because we understand. To understand and not obey is not wisdom. It may be knowledge but never will it be wisdom. Understand should lead to obedience and obedience to Wisdom. God give your people wisdom today.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Teach Me
"Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end." (Psalm 119:33)
I am a teacher. I have taught High School Mathematics for thirty years. In those years I have taught students who found mathematics to be drudgery and they couldn’t wait until the class was finished. However, I taught other students who loved mathematics and because of their love for the subject they excelled in it.
I also love to teach God's Word. If I was not a mathematics teacher I think that I would be a Bible teacher. Though it may be similar to teach mathematics or God's Word it is different in how we are to respond as students. I don=t think my students had their lives changed dramatically because they studied mathematics but God=s Word is different. God's Word is life changing. The truths that we are taught in mathematics class may help us to further our education or to get a job but they are only temporal truths. Some of the truths of mathematics have changed over the years. This is not true of God=s Word. The truths found in Scripture will never change. The principles that we learn from the Bible are principles that will guide us to the end.
It is also important to know that the decrees and principles found in God's Word will guide us to the end. They are not just for today but they are for every day of our lives. The principles that I learned yesterday still apply today and they will apply tomorrow. God's Word is an everlasting guide. Teach me to follow your decrees.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Run
"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psalm 119:32)
In the parable of the prodigal son the prodigal was on his way home. I can imagine that his feet were moving slowly along the path that led home. He didn't know how his father would receive him. He had gone over and over in his mind what he would say to his father when he finally came face to face with him. His feet didn=t want to run because his heart was not free.
However, when the father saw him coming he ran to meet him. It was undignified for a grown man to run but this father didn't care. His heart was freed from the burden of his lost son. His son was coming home and his heart was free. The freedom in his heart put wings to his feet.
Isaiah wrote, About those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grown weary, they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31).
When we have hope we have freedom and when we have freedom we can run.
In the movie, Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell refused to run on Sunday because he would be going against what he knew to be right. Later when he had opportunity to run his feet just flew because they were free. He brought glory to the Lord because of his obedience, his heart was free.
Do we run to do God's will or are we reluctant because our hearts are not free? Jesus came to set our hearts free, His blood will cleanse our guilty conscious and then we can run in the paths of His commands.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Hold Fast
"I hold fast to your statues, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame." (Psalm 119:31)
When I was a teenager I thought that I was invincible. Nothing would ever happen to me. I had grown up in Saskatchewan and I had never had had the opportunity to learn to swim. After we moved to Thunder Bay I would often go to my friends cottage at the lake and we would spend many an afternoon boating or in the water. My friend was convinced that if I would only let myself try I could swim as well as anyone else.
One day we were crossing the lake in his row boat and I was hanging onto the back of the boat. I thought that if I let go I would have to swim so I let go and down I went. When my friend realized what had happened he grabbed a life jacket and as soon as I surfaced he threw it. The life jacket circled my head and I hung on with all my strength. I called to him to throw me another life jacket because I didn't believe that one would hold me but my friend was too far away and he couldn't throw a life jacket that far.
As long as I held unto the boat I was safe but as soon as I let go I was in danger. Since that time I have learned to swim and though I still do not swim well, I can stay afloat in the water.
When we fail to hold fast to the truths of the gospel we are in danger. The Bible tells us that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who do not believe but there is no shame for us if we hold to the truth. It is when we abandon the truth and we rely on man's wisdom in our preaching, teaching, or witnessing that we find ourselves ashamed. The Gospel is the good news of God and we must be like the Apostle Paul and never be ashamed of the Gospel.
There are many shipwrecked lives of people who at one time or another forgot to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. Their end was shameful. If they had held unto the truth they would never have been put to shame.
When I was a teenager I thought that I was invincible. Nothing would ever happen to me. I had grown up in Saskatchewan and I had never had had the opportunity to learn to swim. After we moved to Thunder Bay I would often go to my friends cottage at the lake and we would spend many an afternoon boating or in the water. My friend was convinced that if I would only let myself try I could swim as well as anyone else.
One day we were crossing the lake in his row boat and I was hanging onto the back of the boat. I thought that if I let go I would have to swim so I let go and down I went. When my friend realized what had happened he grabbed a life jacket and as soon as I surfaced he threw it. The life jacket circled my head and I hung on with all my strength. I called to him to throw me another life jacket because I didn't believe that one would hold me but my friend was too far away and he couldn't throw a life jacket that far.
As long as I held unto the boat I was safe but as soon as I let go I was in danger. Since that time I have learned to swim and though I still do not swim well, I can stay afloat in the water.
When we fail to hold fast to the truths of the gospel we are in danger. The Bible tells us that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who do not believe but there is no shame for us if we hold to the truth. It is when we abandon the truth and we rely on man's wisdom in our preaching, teaching, or witnessing that we find ourselves ashamed. The Gospel is the good news of God and we must be like the Apostle Paul and never be ashamed of the Gospel.
There are many shipwrecked lives of people who at one time or another forgot to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. Their end was shameful. If they had held unto the truth they would never have been put to shame.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Chosen
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
Moses told the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 30:19 these words from the Lord, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
We are faced with choices every day. God has given us a free will to use wisely. However, even though He is sovereign he has given us the freedom to choose. That freedom is what makes us people who can have a relationship with God. He could have made us as robots but He made us free. Paul told the Galatians, “It is for freedom that He has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 Later he told them and us that we are not to use our freedom to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
We can choose life and live or we can choose death and die. The choice is ours. The way of truth has been revealed to us through the Word of God. We need to set our hearts to follow the law of God.
Moses told the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 30:19 these words from the Lord, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
We are faced with choices every day. God has given us a free will to use wisely. However, even though He is sovereign he has given us the freedom to choose. That freedom is what makes us people who can have a relationship with God. He could have made us as robots but He made us free. Paul told the Galatians, “It is for freedom that He has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 Later he told them and us that we are not to use our freedom to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
We can choose life and live or we can choose death and die. The choice is ours. The way of truth has been revealed to us through the Word of God. We need to set our hearts to follow the law of God.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Kept
"Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law." (Psalm 119:29)
Many times after we have gone through a difficult time we stop and thank God for keeping us from danger and harm. We are thankful when we see someone healed or when someone is kept from falling in a time of temptation. We should be thankful and we should not forget to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father.
However, many of us forget to thank God for keeping us day by day from danger or from illness or from temptation. We take many things for granted and we do not realize that it Christ keeps us in His hand. Many of us enjoy trouble free lives because God has kept us from danger. We should be thankful each day for the good things that He gives us and from the deceitful things that He keeps us from.
It is only through God's grace that we are kept from deceitful ways. There is a great deal of truth in the statement that "expect by the grace of God that would be us" when we see someone fall into sin. God is not only our Saviour but He is also our keeper and He will keep us until He calls us home either through death or the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Earlier in this Psalm the Psalmist says that by hiding God's Word in our hearts our ways will be kept pure. It is through reading and meditating upon the Word of God that we are kept by the Word of God.
Many times after we have gone through a difficult time we stop and thank God for keeping us from danger and harm. We are thankful when we see someone healed or when someone is kept from falling in a time of temptation. We should be thankful and we should not forget to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father.
However, many of us forget to thank God for keeping us day by day from danger or from illness or from temptation. We take many things for granted and we do not realize that it Christ keeps us in His hand. Many of us enjoy trouble free lives because God has kept us from danger. We should be thankful each day for the good things that He gives us and from the deceitful things that He keeps us from.
It is only through God's grace that we are kept from deceitful ways. There is a great deal of truth in the statement that "expect by the grace of God that would be us" when we see someone fall into sin. God is not only our Saviour but He is also our keeper and He will keep us until He calls us home either through death or the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Earlier in this Psalm the Psalmist says that by hiding God's Word in our hearts our ways will be kept pure. It is through reading and meditating upon the Word of God that we are kept by the Word of God.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Strength
"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." (Psalm 119:28)
Many of us have felt that at times we need more strength to complete the task that is at hand. We have prayed for that strength only to find that the answer we get is the same as the answer that Paul received when he prayed that God would remove from him the thorn in his body. The Lord reminded Paul that it wasn't his strength that He wanted but his weakness. When we submit our inadequacies to God then He can work through us. As long as we strive to serve in our own strength God can only watch and wait until we realize our need of Him.
How does one receive the strength of God. Isaiah reminds us that they that wait upon Him will renew their strength. Strength comes from waiting upon God. The Psalmist tells us that we receive strength through the Word. As we wait upon God and mediate upon His Word, we receive the strength that we need. As we wait upon God we become aware of our inadequacy and His sufficiency.
Nehemiah reminds us that the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people. Joy is one of the evidences of the fruit of the spirit. When we joy in the Lord and do not look upon our circumstances then we will receive strength.
Often when we are weary it is hard for us to be joyful and to spend time in the Word of God. If, however, we will turn to the Word of God and rejoice in the Lord, not necessarily what He has done for us, we will receive strength. Remember, the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people.
Many of us have felt that at times we need more strength to complete the task that is at hand. We have prayed for that strength only to find that the answer we get is the same as the answer that Paul received when he prayed that God would remove from him the thorn in his body. The Lord reminded Paul that it wasn't his strength that He wanted but his weakness. When we submit our inadequacies to God then He can work through us. As long as we strive to serve in our own strength God can only watch and wait until we realize our need of Him.
How does one receive the strength of God. Isaiah reminds us that they that wait upon Him will renew their strength. Strength comes from waiting upon God. The Psalmist tells us that we receive strength through the Word. As we wait upon God and mediate upon His Word, we receive the strength that we need. As we wait upon God we become aware of our inadequacy and His sufficiency.
Nehemiah reminds us that the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people. Joy is one of the evidences of the fruit of the spirit. When we joy in the Lord and do not look upon our circumstances then we will receive strength.
Often when we are weary it is hard for us to be joyful and to spend time in the Word of God. If, however, we will turn to the Word of God and rejoice in the Lord, not necessarily what He has done for us, we will receive strength. Remember, the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Understand
"Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)
It is one thing to read God's Word but it is another thing to understand it. Much of Scripture is plain to the ordinary person. The plan of salvation is so plain that even a young child can understand it but there are other parts that are more difficult to understand. It is those that we need help in our understanding. Peter said, "His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do other Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16)
Notice that Peter acknowledges that some Scripture is hard to understand and that we must be careful how we interpret those Scriptures. He says that if we do it in ignorance then we can distort it and bring about our own destruction.
How do we get understanding? First, the Scriptures must be read to be understood. They must be read in context and Scripture must be compared to Scripture. Reading a single verse and then building a doctrine on that verse can lead to destruction.
Second, we need good Bible teachers. We should find ourselves in a church that preaches the Word of God clearly and accurately. The best teaching comes from a pastor that preaches consistently from the Word, often working through books or portions of Scripture. If we do not have such a teacher we should be in a Bible study where people are willing to study the Scripture and accept It's teaching. They should not come with their own preconceived ideas and try to force them on others.
Finally, we need the teaching of the Holy Spirit. He has promised to be our teacher and guide. We should come to the Scriptures prayerfully, waiting to see what God wants to reveal to us through His Word.
As we understand the Scriptures then we can meditate upon them and we will see the wonders of God revealed to us.
It is one thing to read God's Word but it is another thing to understand it. Much of Scripture is plain to the ordinary person. The plan of salvation is so plain that even a young child can understand it but there are other parts that are more difficult to understand. It is those that we need help in our understanding. Peter said, "His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do other Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16)
Notice that Peter acknowledges that some Scripture is hard to understand and that we must be careful how we interpret those Scriptures. He says that if we do it in ignorance then we can distort it and bring about our own destruction.
How do we get understanding? First, the Scriptures must be read to be understood. They must be read in context and Scripture must be compared to Scripture. Reading a single verse and then building a doctrine on that verse can lead to destruction.
Second, we need good Bible teachers. We should find ourselves in a church that preaches the Word of God clearly and accurately. The best teaching comes from a pastor that preaches consistently from the Word, often working through books or portions of Scripture. If we do not have such a teacher we should be in a Bible study where people are willing to study the Scripture and accept It's teaching. They should not come with their own preconceived ideas and try to force them on others.
Finally, we need the teaching of the Holy Spirit. He has promised to be our teacher and guide. We should come to the Scriptures prayerfully, waiting to see what God wants to reveal to us through His Word.
As we understand the Scriptures then we can meditate upon them and we will see the wonders of God revealed to us.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Recount Your Ways
"I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees." (Psalm 119:26)
Someone has said that confession is good for the soul. Confession is important for a close walk with the Lord. It is important that we keep short accounts with God. We all commit sins. There are people that teach the doctrine of sinless perfection but this not according to scripture. "When they sin against you - for there is no one that does not sin - and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near. (1 Kings 8:46) The Scriptures clearly state that there is no one that does not sin.
When we sin then it is important that we confess our sins and He will forgive us. When John wrote to the Christians he said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
The Psalmist said that he recounted his ways and God answered him. I don't know when he did this recounting but it probably happened while he was reading and meditating upon the Word of God. God's Word is powerful for convicting us of sins. "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
I think it is important for us to know that there will be conviction at other times but the main sources of truth and what is right in our lives comes from the Word of God. It is imperative that we hear the Word, we study the Word, we meditate upon the Word. It is important that we take time to recount our ways.
Someone has said that confession is good for the soul. Confession is important for a close walk with the Lord. It is important that we keep short accounts with God. We all commit sins. There are people that teach the doctrine of sinless perfection but this not according to scripture. "When they sin against you - for there is no one that does not sin - and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near. (1 Kings 8:46) The Scriptures clearly state that there is no one that does not sin.
When we sin then it is important that we confess our sins and He will forgive us. When John wrote to the Christians he said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
The Psalmist said that he recounted his ways and God answered him. I don't know when he did this recounting but it probably happened while he was reading and meditating upon the Word of God. God's Word is powerful for convicting us of sins. "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
I think it is important for us to know that there will be conviction at other times but the main sources of truth and what is right in our lives comes from the Word of God. It is imperative that we hear the Word, we study the Word, we meditate upon the Word. It is important that we take time to recount our ways.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Renew My Life
"I am laid low in the dust; renew my life according to your word." (Psalm 119:25)
Today there is a great deal of talk about renewal. Renewal conferences are common in most cities. It is not difficult to find a renewal conference that is not far from where anyone of us may live. Many good things have happened at these renewal meetings but some have gone with the wrong motive. They feel that if they can only go to a conference then they will get a blessing and be renewed. The Psalmist was quick to point out that when he was at a low point in his life that renewal would come according to the Word of God.
How can we be renewed by the Word of God? How much time do we spend in the Word? Do we have a systematic reading schedule? Do we memorize the Word? Do we meditate upon the Word? We often need renewal because we have allowed sin to enter our lives and control us. The Word of God can keep us from sin. We just need to look at the eleventh verse of this Psalm.
In 2 Timothy 3:16,17 we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Teaching tells us what is right. Rebuking tells us what is not right. Correcting tells us how to get right. Training tells us how to stay right. If we spent time in the Word we would not only know what is right but how to stay right. When we need renewal in our lives we should first go to the source of truth, the Word
Today there is a great deal of talk about renewal. Renewal conferences are common in most cities. It is not difficult to find a renewal conference that is not far from where anyone of us may live. Many good things have happened at these renewal meetings but some have gone with the wrong motive. They feel that if they can only go to a conference then they will get a blessing and be renewed. The Psalmist was quick to point out that when he was at a low point in his life that renewal would come according to the Word of God.
How can we be renewed by the Word of God? How much time do we spend in the Word? Do we have a systematic reading schedule? Do we memorize the Word? Do we meditate upon the Word? We often need renewal because we have allowed sin to enter our lives and control us. The Word of God can keep us from sin. We just need to look at the eleventh verse of this Psalm.
In 2 Timothy 3:16,17 we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Teaching tells us what is right. Rebuking tells us what is not right. Correcting tells us how to get right. Training tells us how to stay right. If we spent time in the Word we would not only know what is right but how to stay right. When we need renewal in our lives we should first go to the source of truth, the Word
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Counselors
"Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors." (Psalm 119:24)
Today there is an abundance of Christian counselors. Many of them are God fearing, well-meaning counselors who have been educated in the art of counselling. However, there are also many who just see it as another gimmick to reach the susceptible public.
Why is there an increase in the number of counselors today? For one thing there is a need, at least a "felt need." There are people who do not have anyone to go to and they desire a listening ear. However, many of these have passed by the Counselor for earthly substitutes. Isaiah said that he would be called Counselor. Jesus Christ is the only true counselor and the Holy Spirit has come to make Him known to us through His Word. I believe that there would be far less counselors needed today if people would go back to the Word of God.
The Psalmist said that the statutes of God were his counselors. He knew that he must obey the statutes if he wanted to keep on the right path. Often advice from another person, no matter how dedicated and how sincere is only worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is foolishness to God.
There are times when a Christian will need to go to another for counsel but we must never let another person replace the Word of God in our lives.
Today there is an abundance of Christian counselors. Many of them are God fearing, well-meaning counselors who have been educated in the art of counselling. However, there are also many who just see it as another gimmick to reach the susceptible public.
Why is there an increase in the number of counselors today? For one thing there is a need, at least a "felt need." There are people who do not have anyone to go to and they desire a listening ear. However, many of these have passed by the Counselor for earthly substitutes. Isaiah said that he would be called Counselor. Jesus Christ is the only true counselor and the Holy Spirit has come to make Him known to us through His Word. I believe that there would be far less counselors needed today if people would go back to the Word of God.
The Psalmist said that the statutes of God were his counselors. He knew that he must obey the statutes if he wanted to keep on the right path. Often advice from another person, no matter how dedicated and how sincere is only worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is foolishness to God.
There are times when a Christian will need to go to another for counsel but we must never let another person replace the Word of God in our lives.
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