Friday, February 5, 2010 Reading - Psalm 119:169-176

As we continue in the Word, may we be as faithful as the psalmist to keep coming back to God and asking for understanding and a love for His word. As we continue in His word, may we be moved to praise Him. May we recognize that we too are like lost sheep who need to continually listen to and follow the shepherds voice.

This has been a fun journey through Psalm 119 with you. I hope this is just the beginning of a long, enjoyable, faithful journey...

Thursday, February 4th Daily Reading Psalm 119:161-168

My attention is is alerted when I see opposites in the same verse, like hate and love. In verse 163 we see that the psalmist hates falsehood, but loves God's law. Falsehood could speak of an outright lie, a principle that promises what it does not deliver, or a lifestyle that is inconsistent with a persons stated beliefs. However, God's word is genuine, consistent, and trustworthy. Being IN THE WORD helps one lead the authentic Christian life, void of any pretense or falsehood because in comparison these are abhorred. I admit that when I am not IN THE WORD personally and regularly there are areas in my Christian walk where I "fake it". I just put on the 'mask" of being a Christian. Being IN THE WORD guards me against such falsehood, causing me to hate it. I obey His Word because when I am in it I am reminded "all of my ways are known to Him" (vs 168). It keeps me real, honest, and authentic.

God today may I hate and abhor falsehood, and love your law with my thought, my actions, and my attitudes.

Wednesday, February 3rd Daily Reading Psalm 119:153-160

It is an interesting thought to consider that my life is preserved (154,159) by His Word. I love when I get an answer from God's Word. I loe when I get encouragment from God's Word. I even love (in the long run) when I get conviction from God's Word. How about those days in God's Word when I just don't seem to "get" anytyhing. May I be reminded that on these days in the very least me life is reciving the needed ingredients to preserve it. Keep it fresh and far from decay. Today God as I meet with you IN THE WORD may I be reminded that my life is being preserved.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Reading - Psalm 119:145-152

In the midst of our despair we often cry out (as in complaining), but do we cry out to God with all our heart as the psalmist is in this passage? He declares to God that he wants to keep His decrees, and he puts his hope in God's word. He stays awake at night to meditate on God's promises. That's inspiring. I can tell you that I have laid awake many nights in the midst of stress, but most of that time was not spent meditating on God's promises, rather it was spent worrying - that is, meditating on my fears. I wonder how much I might've grown and been comforted had I changed my focus from my fears and lack of resources to His promises and infinite resources.

May we continue to learn from the psalmist.

Monday, February 1st Reading Psalm 119:137-144

"No matter what!" This is a statement of great confidence considering there are so many things that are unknown and unseen. It is a bold statement, a somewhat defiant statement. Challenging anyone or anything to try and get you to change. This psalm is somewhat of a statement like that. God I will trust in your Word no matter what . . .

other people do (137-139).
other people say (140-141).
I feel like (142-143).
I have to live through (144).

It is not a confidence in self, but a confidence in the rightness and trustworthyness of God's word - may we not be moved.

Sunday, January 31st Reading Psalm 119:129-136

Another reading on obedience. How simple the command - obey. When will I realize that obedience is not optional. It is not restrictive, but freeing. It is not supposed to be difficult to do, but helpful. The psalmist says that he obeys because God's statutes are "wonderful". To me His statutes are often dry (I admit with a sense of guilt). I know that the problem lies within me and not within the word. In verse 130 I gain some perspective. God's word must "unfold" in my life. That takes time and care. I must allow the word time to open up. I must still myself . . . mediate . . . concentrate. That s when the simple like me will move from the dry and gain understanding.