Psalm 119:12-16

"Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

Again the psalmist requests God's help in learning His decrees and proclaims the benefits of knowing and following them. He compares his joy in this, to that of possessing great riches. He declares his complete enjoyment in following and knowing God's decrees and declares that he will not neglect God's Word.

What do you suppose it might look like, practically, to neglect God's Word? To my mind it could take a number of forms. First, the neglect of reading God's Word at all (in favor of some other activity perhaps) would seem an obvious answer. Second, there is the reading of God's Word, but neglecting to put it into action in one's day to day life (for example: commiting adultery despite the Bible clearly declaring it to be a sin). Then, there is a neglect which I believe to be more subtle and more easily fallen into: the neglect to truly study God's Word, instead of simply breezing through it at the speed you would a bedtime story or an interesting news article.

Unfortunately, many people, spend more time searching for depth of meaning in a piece of classic literary fiction and more time memorizing bits of scholarly texts, than they do studying their Bible.

Often times the Bible is turned to as a source of counseling in time of need- and that is good. The problem arises when someone flips open their Bible, reads one or two chapters at best and suddenly decides they know what those verses are trying to say and that they know the answer to their problem. Now, sometimes, yes, it can happen that way, but many times their are layers, and circumstances, and crossreferences which can cast an entirely new light on a given set of verses.

No portion of the Bible is meant to stand alone. As the true and living Word of God, it must all work together to present God's message. Where one verse may appear to say one thing at first glance, there may be another verse which seems to directly contradict it, again at first glance. Yet when you take those same two verses and add in their contexts and a thorough knowledge of the Bible as a whole, you may find that either a new understanding of one or the other of the verses is revealed, or that the two seemingly exclusive verses actually coexist.

*** I know that there are those who would say that portions of the Bible contradict each other and therefore we must carefully choose which to believe and which to discard, but I hold that this is an impossibility as God does not lie, and if it is not Truth than it is a lie. There are portions (such as cultural laws) which were circumstancially based, but there is still truth and a knowledge of God to be gained from them. I believe that the Bible must be studied and accepted in its entirety or not at all.

Note: As always, I include myself in any exhortations. I have no delusions of perfection. I welcome any comments and questions presented in a considerate, but honest manner.

Psalm 119:9-11

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

This is an obvious answer to my rhetorical question from the previous verses. These verses very clearly state that to think you can live a pure and sinless life which strictly follows Gods commands, without reading, studying, and memorizing God's Word, is pure foolishness.

In its plea for God's help in obeying His law, it clearly implies that we cannot attempt to do so on our own. Do not forget to include prayer in your day to day goings and comings. I vaguely recall an old saying about hemming a day in prayer to keep it from unraveling. Personally, I think of prayer and Bible study as sort of guard rails on either side of the road, keeping me from veering off course.

Before I end, let's not overlook the purpose of these endeavors: "that I might not sin against you."

Remember: God is how we live and why we live.

Psalm 119:1-8

"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me."

In verses 1-4, the psalmist proclaims the benefits, goodness, and rightness of obeying God's commands. In verse 5 he admits his failure in steadfastly obeying those same commands. Yet it is not with a hardened heart that he admits his sin, but with a broken one. He doesn't make excuses for his failings, but pleas for mercy and vows to overcome his failings- to continue to learn the Lord's laws and obey them.

How closely I can identify with these verses! How many times have I felt the shame of having sinned- again? How many times have I picked up the remote, talked on the phone, or otherwise whittled away time I might have spent studying God's Word? Yet how can I expect to obey commands which I have not commited to my heart and mind?

Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

What is faith?

Why would someone wish to please God?

One cannot approach that which they do not believe exists.

Why would someone seek something if they did not believe there to be some form of reward for their effort?

Where does faith come from?

Concluding thought:

You cannot give a present to a king who you do not believe exists, nor would you put forth the effort unless you expected there to be some reward.

Attention Christians!

Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God and therefore entirely TRUE?

If yes, continue reading.

Do you believe . . .

God Can Perform Miracles

The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.

(Ex 4:3-4)

Note that God did not explain what would happen when Moses picked it up. He just told him to do so. Would you have picked up the snake? Would you have hesitated?

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

(Ex 14:21-22)

Would you have volunteered to be the first to cross between the walls of water?

The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.”…….The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.

(Ex 16:11-15,31)

Would you have been the first to eat the quail? The first to try the dew flakes?

Do you believe . . .

God is the Creator of all things

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. . . . And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. . . . And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” . . . And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. . . . Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation . . .” And it was so. . . . And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. . . . And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let the birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” . . . And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds . . .” And it was so.

(Genesis 1:1,3,6,9,11,14-15,20,24, emphasis mine)

Do you notice how powerful God’s Word is?

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

(Psalm 19:1)

When you look around this world, do you see the power of God’s Word?

Do you believe . . .

God is in Control

which God will bring about in his own time – God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,

(1 Timothy 6:15)

Pharoah’s officials said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?”

(Exodus 10:7 )

Do you believe that God can ruin the United States of America? France? Iraq? Saudi Arabia? Switzerland? China?

(Speaking to Abram)

“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you….”

(Genesis 12:2)

Do you believe that God can raise up any nation he so chooses, today?

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

(Daniel 2:20-23)

Do you believe that God is in control of time? Of the seasons?

Do you believe that God is in control of who becomes/stays president of the United States? Of Germany?

Do you believe God had control over whether Hitler came to power or not?

Do you believe that God is in control of how wise you become?

Do you believe that God is in control of how much and what knowledge you have?

Do you believe . . .

God is Faithful

God who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

(1Corinthians 1:9)

….And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

(1Corinthians 10:13)

Do you trust God not to allow you to experience anything more than you can handle through His strength?

a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

(Titus 1:2, emphasis mine)

Do you know all the promises God has made?

Do you believe . . .

God Cares

Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on the cross.

(Philippians 2:6-8)

Would you give up everything and become a slave in a third world country in order to minister to them, knowing that most would reject, mock, and persecute you? Knowing that it would cost you your life?

(This is a poor comparison.)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8)

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

(Luke 23:34)

In the midst of being murdered, Jesus forgave his murderers! Do you know of any more loving act?

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” …He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present….

(Mark 8:1-3, 6-9, emphasis mine)

Do you believe that God cares about your needs?

(Jonah tried to run from what the Lord knew was best for him.)

But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. “….But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good…..” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

(Jonah 1:17, 2:1,10)

Do you believe that God continues to care about you, even when you sin?

Would you have given thanks amidst such seemingly hopeless conditions?

What are you worried about?

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

(Matthew 6:31-34)

Do you believe that God, who created you and gave your body life, knows and cares about your daily needs?

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

(Matthew 8:23-27)

In the midst of the storms of your life, do not forget that God is in control!

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. … “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

(Matthew 4:25,29-31)

The wind did not suddenly appear. It was always there. The difference was “Peter saw it.” He took his eyes off Jesus and fear overcame him. It is only when we forget to look toward God that we begin to sink into fear and worry.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. . . . I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. . . . . The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. . . . The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

(Psalm 37:4-7, 25, 30-31, 39-40, reading the entire Psalm highly recommended)

It’s all about your focus! Do you find joy in the LORD or in things going your way? Do you trust in His timing or are you anxiously checking your watch every five seconds? Do you keep His Word in your heart and on your tongue? Do you know Him well enough to trust Him in times of trouble?

Philippians 4:6-9 contains two similar promises. Can you see them?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I’ve noted the promises in black, but note the rhythm of these verses: if you do this, I’ll do that.

I.E. If you present your requests to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving (giving your anxiety to God) His peace will guard your heart and your mind. And this peace will not depend on whether you understand your circumstances, or on whether your circumstances change so that it makes sense for you to have peace.

______________________________________________________

******************************************************

Check Your Status:

What are you seeking? Where is your focus? If you really want to be sure, try this:

Get out a sheet of paper. Make two columns on each side of the paper.

On the front side: Use the first column to list all major events which occupied your time this week and approx. how much of your time (i.e. television, work, school, cooking, crafts, sports, etc.). The second column for each verse/chapter that you have read, each time you sang worship to the Lord, and each time you performed a service/ministry in the Lord’s name.

On the back side: Use the first column for the things you have worried over for the last week (big or small). Copy the second column from the front side.

Which of these columns is longer and/or which totals a larger portion of your time?

The next time you catch yourself worrying, ask these questions:

Could God handle this issue?

Yes, with His Power. (He is in control.)

Why would God handle this issue?

For His glory and because of His Love. (He cares about me and those I love.)

In what way would God handle this issue?

With Wisdom. (He knows what is best.)

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge.

(Psalm 62:8)

Thank you for coming!

This blog was created by KMD as a means of sharing and discussing various writings and reflections on the Word of God. The title is derived from Psalm 119 : 35. It is hoped that those who visit here will be encouraged and inspired to find delight in the Word of God, by going beyond the Sunday or week night sermons and delving into a daily personal study.

I eagerly look forward to recieving honest feedback on the things posted here. Anyone may post. However, I reserve the right to edit and/or delete anything which I deem innappropriate and/or offensive.

If you have any questions or comments which you do not wish to post on the blog, please feel free to email me at:

thereifinddelight@yahoo.com

This is my first time blogging, so please be patient.