Saturday, January 23rd Reading - Psalm 119:49-56

When he needed hope or comfort or when he was being mocked, the psalmist sought God's word to meet his needs. That convicts me. I'm afraid that God's word is not the first place I turn when I am in need.

I like that the psalmist uses a phrase that we're all too familiar with - theme song. In verse 54 he says, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. I want to make God's word the theme song of my life - and thankfully we have some great music nowadays that is grounded in God's word that we can fill our minds with.

In the midst of this passage, one thing is obvious, God's word is at the center of the psalmist's life. He seeks it for comfort, he finds hope in it, he is encourage by it when he is mocked, he thinks about it throughout the day and the night, and he obeys it.

I will continue to strive for this kind of life.

Friday - January 22nd Reading Psalm 119:41-48

Confidence. That is the word that challenges my spirit as I read this passage. The psamist has an unwavering confidence in God because of the time spent IN THE WORD. Wether he is giving an answer to the one who taunts him (vs 22) or speaking to kings (vs 46) he has a boldness of spirit because of the word. Verse 45 caught my attention. He says, "I walk in freedom." He is not ashamed, he is not uncertain, he is not bound by fear - he is free. As Jesus says in the new testament, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."(John 8:32) Once again the psalmist describes his attitude toward the word. He hopes in it (vs 43), he del;ights in it (vs 47), he loves it (vs 48).

God change my attitude toward your word today that I may have confidence in your unfailing love finding me today.

Thursday, January 21st Reading - Psalm 119:33-40

The psalmist wants to desire God's Word. He knows that it brings purpose and joy to life, but for the psalmist, much like us, it must've been a struggle, because we get to overhear him in this long psalm begging God to help him love and obey the Word. He knows intellectually that it's good for him, but he wants to long for it in his heart and live it out in his life. Perhaps this can challenge us to ask God for similar help.

I like that in verse 33 he asks God to teach him to follow His decrees. That is, he knows what the decrees are, but living them out is a different story. Acknowledging the difference in our lives between knowing God's will and living it out is wisdom. And that is what the author asks for in the next verse (34), "Give me understanding and I will keep your law." As Andy Stanley has said, "If we could see as He sees, we would do as He instructs us to do."

The author goes on asking God to direct him in the paths of His commands, recognizing, "for there I find delight." Why do we run from God's ways so often when obeying them would bring us the delight we're seeking?

Turning to more of an introspective thought, the psalmist asks in v. 36 for God to turn his heart toward His statutes and away from selfish gain (the NLT translates this, "do not inflict me with the love of money." - nice phrase). And this is our ultimate problem isn't it? Let me speak for myself, whenever I find myself not seeking and obeying God, it is typically due to my seeking selfish gain. Yet again, intellectually I know that abiding in Him will bring me ultimate joy (John 15:11) - but there's some kind of disconnect between my head and my heart.

I want to begin to pray more often (in a begging fashion) verse 37 - "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." I waste so much time on useless things (TV anyone?!) it drives me crazy.

God may you grant me the ability to focus on what is real and eternal as I remain in Your Word.

Wednesday, January 20th Reading Psalm 119:25-32

What do I expect when I get IN THE WORD? The psalmist expects to be revived. In a time of great discouragement he expects to be revived by simply being IN THE WORD. I pray that I will be one who has right expectations when I an IN THE WORD. The NLT renders vs 29, "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions." That hit me between the eyes. Upon reading that I was convicted about how much time I spend listening to myself, and not God. Most of the time my thoughts are messed up by my own limited perspective, selfish viewpont, and arrogant conclusions. Throughout this section the psalmist is asking for help grasping and understanding God's Word. He values it. He expects his life to be changed as he understands it. God change my expectations as I continue IN THE WORD.

Tuesday, January 19th Reading - Psalm 119:17-24

Perhaps as we open God's word each day we should start by praying verse 18 from today's passage, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Isn't it amazing how you can learn something new from a passage of Scripture you've seen or heard several times? That is the Holy Spirit revealing something to us. Let me be more clear by stating this another way...that is God speaking to us. God's word is so rich and He uses it to speak into our lives. When we read it and He allows us to realize something "wonderful" we grow a little bit more in love with our Father. May we do this each day.

I also love the very next verse (19) where the psalmist recalls in his prayer to God that he is "a stranger on earth." Can you imagine how this would change our lives if we would live in this truth? We waste so much time on the things of this world, when we're really just visiting - our true home is with the Lord.

As we continue in the Word, may our souls become consumed with longing for God's ways (v. 20) and may we delight and take counsel in His instructions (v. 24).

Monday, January 18th Reading - Psalm 119:9-16

I love this it starts off with a question and then proceeds to answer the question. I like when it is this obvious. When my life is "pure" I am staying out of a pit, free from spiritual stench, away from the confusion of tug-of-war in my decision making - things become more clear. According to the psalmist I accomplish this by seeking God. That is the main reason i need to be IN THE WORD regularly and personally - to know God better. (I wish I had emphasized that point more in my sermon more yesterday.) It is not a duty, it is a relationship, me getting to know God better. This is accomplished as I stay close to the word (vs 10), memorize the word (vs 11), speak the word (vs 13), celebrate over the word (vs 14), as I meditate on the word (vs 15), and do not neglect it (vs 16). These are all great examples to follow, but rarely will someone experience all these daily. You are already experiencing one by not neglecting the word today. Today you are IN THE WORD. THAT IS AWESOME!

I pray as the psalmist prays "teach me your decrees" so I may know You more. Let me hear from you.

Welcome Message

Welcome to NORTHSIDE IN THE WORD. I hope that this site not only encourages you to get in the word, but also encourages you by the comments of your church family and friends as they journey through God's word along with you. Please take the time to post the observations and insights you gain from being in God's Word.