Today we're going to be digging deep into Psalm 119.....are you ready for the challenge? Let's begin with one more thought about yesterday's topic of double-mindedness. We looked yesterday at several Scripture references that give us insight into what it means to be double-minded. Perhaps this reference came to mind as well.....Revelation 3:14-22. Read that passage carefully and consider what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea. How does this relate to being double-minded?
Think back over the entire samekh stanza. We have spent some time in our study of Psalm 119 looking at those who don't follow God. Looking at this stanza specifically, what do you learn about the benefit that both the psalmist and those who don't follow God had access to. How do you know they both had access? What have they done that shows us this? If you're stuck, here's a hint: look carefully at verse 118.
Let's examine verse 114 a little more closely. This verse contains a phrase that is rich in comfort for us...."my hiding place and my shield." See what you can learn about this phrase from cross-references in Scripture (use your concordance) as well as from other study tools you have access to. Remember, we are digging deep today! Take your time, and please don't let this assignment scare you away! You can do it!!! Once you've completed your research, review your findings. How can you apply what you have learned to your life? Be specific.
The final verse of this stanza (verse 120) focuses on fear. What does "fear" mean in this context? Is this an appropriate response to a God who judges sin? Remember that the loving God of Calvary who has reconciled us to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son is also a holy God. Consider those in the Bible who had direct encounters with God. Think about how they responded. Does this fit with the psalmist's assessment. If you're not sure where to look, start with Saul on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9). How did Saul respond when he had a direct encounter with the Lord? Can you think of other examples?
Today has been a "heavy duty" assignment, hasn't it! Take your time......don't rush through. And be sure to take time to evaluate how what you learn applies to you personally.
And here's one more thing.....a sort of "bonus" assignment if you have time for it. Take a look at the word "wait". What Hebrew word is used? Check out other ways the word "wait" is translated. Consider what waiting on God meant to the psalmist. How can we apply that to our lives?
My posts for the next couple of weeks will be rather sporadic. We will be traveling, so my time at the computer will be limited. My plan is to post when I have opportunity, although the topics may deviate a bit from Psalm 119. Keep checking in to see if there's a new assignment. This brief interlude may give you time to "catch up", and will also give you plenty of time to complete today's assignments. Remember that there are free on-line resources available to aid you in your study (http://www.blueletterbible.org/ and http://www.biblegateway.com/ are examples).
And one more thing.....I think the "comments" problem is fixed, so feel free to leave a comment or share an insight in the comments section here or on Facebook. I would love to hear from you!
"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."
(Hebrews 12:28-29)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Making a Choice
Today is one of those days when it is obvious I am not planning to leave the house and am not expecting any guests! It's a cold morning up here on the mountain (low 30s and it's almost May!! Yikes!!). This morning I am wearing a hot pink sweater with some purple sweat pants, accompanied by some black socks with orange leaves on them. If that sounds in any way to you like it goes together......trust me, it doesn't! But I'm warm!! What does that have to do with Psalm 119? I hear you asking that question!!!! Think about it this way.......I'm sure you will agree with me that what I have described to you sounds at the very least like a rather disjointed "ensemble". As we think about life in our world in the 21st century, wouldn't you agree that it, too, is rather disjointed?!! Think about the economy, politics, earthquakes and other disasters, the circumstances of your personal life. Does thinking about that give you a headache? Is it not just a bit out of kilter? Don't we long for some stability and security in our world? That brings us right back to Psalm 119!
Let's turn our attention to the samekh stanza, Psalm 119:113-120. Read those verses slowly and deliberately, asking questions of the text as you read. By now you are familiar with the synonyms used by the psalmist to refer to God's Word. As you come across all those words for the Word, what do you learn from these verses about the Word of God? One of the things that jumped out at me as I read is verse 116...."Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope." It's the word "hope" that really grabbed me as I read. Isn't that what we all want, especially when we find ourselves in the middle of some difficult circumstances?
Look again at the way the psalmist begins the stanza. He has some pretty strong words about those who are "double-minded." What does it mean to be double-minded? Are people double-minded today? (If you have any doubt about that one, just listen to a political speech or watch a news broadcast!!!) Can you think of other places in Scripture that give us any insight into the double-minded? Check out these references and see what you can learn. As you read, consider what causes double-mindedness and think about whether there are any similar situations in your own life. What lessons do we need to personally apply? How can knowing and applying these lessons give us security and stability in our lives?
"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Let's turn our attention to the samekh stanza, Psalm 119:113-120. Read those verses slowly and deliberately, asking questions of the text as you read. By now you are familiar with the synonyms used by the psalmist to refer to God's Word. As you come across all those words for the Word, what do you learn from these verses about the Word of God? One of the things that jumped out at me as I read is verse 116...."Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope." It's the word "hope" that really grabbed me as I read. Isn't that what we all want, especially when we find ourselves in the middle of some difficult circumstances?
Look again at the way the psalmist begins the stanza. He has some pretty strong words about those who are "double-minded." What does it mean to be double-minded? Are people double-minded today? (If you have any doubt about that one, just listen to a political speech or watch a news broadcast!!!) Can you think of other places in Scripture that give us any insight into the double-minded? Check out these references and see what you can learn. As you read, consider what causes double-mindedness and think about whether there are any similar situations in your own life. What lessons do we need to personally apply? How can knowing and applying these lessons give us security and stability in our lives?
- James 1:2-8
- Joshua 24
- Matthew 6:16-34
- 1 Kings 18:21 (read the entire chapter to get the full story)
"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
What Makes Him Different?
As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, we arrive today at the samekh stanza. We will see this stanza as the "stanza of stability"......and don't we all long for stability, especially in these uncertain times? Let's jump right in this morning and see what we can learn. As we begin, let's read Psalm 119:113-144, the samekh, ayin, pe and tsadhe stanzas. This will put us into the overall context of this section of the Psalm. As you read, note the contrast between those who follow God and those who don't.
Once you have completed this assignment, go back and read the verses again. This time look for what you learn about the psalmist's adversaries. Making a list will be a helpful tool for remembering what you learn. And there's something about making the list, actually writing things down, that will help you be more alert as you read. Once you have finished your list, review your findings. How would you say the psalmist is different from his adversaries? Are there specific attitudes or actions in his life that keep him from following the attitudes/actions of his adversaries? What is the application here for your own life?
That's all for today. Think carefully over what you have discovered, and we'll dig into the samekh stanza specifically tomorrow.
Once you have completed this assignment, go back and read the verses again. This time look for what you learn about the psalmist's adversaries. Making a list will be a helpful tool for remembering what you learn. And there's something about making the list, actually writing things down, that will help you be more alert as you read. Once you have finished your list, review your findings. How would you say the psalmist is different from his adversaries? Are there specific attitudes or actions in his life that keep him from following the attitudes/actions of his adversaries? What is the application here for your own life?
That's all for today. Think carefully over what you have discovered, and we'll dig into the samekh stanza specifically tomorrow.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Welcome to Monday
Is it Monday again already! I remember being told by my mother when I was a child that time would pass much more quickly as I got older. Of course, I didn't believe her! But, it turns out that she was right.....as she was about so many things!
We closed out last week thinking about that very familiar verse....."Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." You may be like me and seeking some answers, some direction concerning some issues that are nagging at you. If so, like me, you need to hold on to that truth.....that the Word is a lamp, not a headlight or a floodlight. The lesson here is to walk step by step in the light that we have, and more light will be available for the next step. This is a faith issue, a trust issue, an obedience issue. I've often heard Dr. Charles Stanley teach this principle - obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. I think that applies here as well. If we walk obediently in the light that we have, God will take care of the consequences AND He will provide light for the next step.
Are there other lessons that we can learn from this portion of Psalm 119? Begin by reading Psalm 119:105-112 again. Here are some questions for you to consider as you focus your attention on these verses today.
We closed out last week thinking about that very familiar verse....."Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." You may be like me and seeking some answers, some direction concerning some issues that are nagging at you. If so, like me, you need to hold on to that truth.....that the Word is a lamp, not a headlight or a floodlight. The lesson here is to walk step by step in the light that we have, and more light will be available for the next step. This is a faith issue, a trust issue, an obedience issue. I've often heard Dr. Charles Stanley teach this principle - obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. I think that applies here as well. If we walk obediently in the light that we have, God will take care of the consequences AND He will provide light for the next step.
Are there other lessons that we can learn from this portion of Psalm 119? Begin by reading Psalm 119:105-112 again. Here are some questions for you to consider as you focus your attention on these verses today.
- What is the psalmist's attitude in this stanza? What commitments does he make?
- Are you committed to remember God's Word and faithfulness to you? Are there any areas of your commitment that need attention today?
- In the nun stanza the psalmist pairs affliction and joy. How well do you pair joy with affliction? In your times of affliction, is your joy evident? How does the psalmist maintain his joy? (Look for specific behaviors.)
- Do you have joy in your life? What does it typically depend on?
- If you have time, you might want to take a little extra time to do some word study on the word "joy". Start by finding out which Hebrew word is used in Psalm 119:111. You might also want to look at other words which are translated "joy" in both the Old and New Testaments. Look up the verses where the words are used and see what you can learn. I think you will be blessed! (If you don't have a library of word study books, remember that you can use on-line resources such as http://www.blueletterbible.org/ or http://www.biblegateway.com/, for example.)
- The psalmist says "I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end." This statement reflects a purposefulness, a deliberate commitment. The New Bible Commentary says"the idea of deliberate commitment is strong in this section. The verbs express determination......We must not expect to drift by accident into devotion to the word." What about you? Do you have a settled, determined purpose, a deliberate commitment to be devoted to the word? Think about that today. I'm not talking about a legalistic attitude that requires you to read a pre-determined number of verses every day so that you feel guilty if you don't check that off your to-do list. Rather, I'm talking about a deep-seated commitment of the heart to be consistently in the Word of God and a deliberate commitment to be obedient to what God says to you through His Word, no matter what it is!
- Finally, think back over the benefits we have discovered in this Psalm that the Word of God provides. How would your life be different if you lived in light of those benefits? If you feel you are falling a little short in this area, prayerfully review your findings and then ask God to help you reap that benefit! You will be blessed!
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Familiar Passage....Continued
Yesterday we began looking at one of the most familiar verses in Psalm 119......"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Do you have a good visual of the imagery used here? A few years ago the headlights on my car were replaced. Having new halogen bulbs opened up a whole new world for me, especially when they were on the high beam. I was amazed at how far I could see, and in how much detail! What does that have to do with Psalm 119? Quite a lot, actually! If we are honest, I think we would admit that what we want from God and His Word is that kind of bright light on the pathway that we call life. We want to know exactly what's ahead of us, perhaps in great detail. But is that what the psalmist is saying we can expect from God and His Word? No.
The imagery the psalmist gives us is more comparable to a very dim flashlight or a kerosene lantern as we walk down a dark path at night. With that kind of a light source we would probably only see one, or perhaps two, steps beyond our current position. We would not see everything ahead of us.....the curves in the path, the potholes, any creepy-crawlies or critters that might be ahead. We would have to make our journey based on the limited information available to us.....step by step. I think that is an important lesson for us to grasp. It's called living by faith! God sees the beginning and the end and everything in between. That's His job! It isn't our job! Our job is to walk step by step, taking one step at a time with the light available to us.
How do we discover what's ahead? How do we know God's will? By walking in the light that we have!
"O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways,
And step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days."
-Strasser/Smith
The imagery the psalmist gives us is more comparable to a very dim flashlight or a kerosene lantern as we walk down a dark path at night. With that kind of a light source we would probably only see one, or perhaps two, steps beyond our current position. We would not see everything ahead of us.....the curves in the path, the potholes, any creepy-crawlies or critters that might be ahead. We would have to make our journey based on the limited information available to us.....step by step. I think that is an important lesson for us to grasp. It's called living by faith! God sees the beginning and the end and everything in between. That's His job! It isn't our job! Our job is to walk step by step, taking one step at a time with the light available to us.
How do we discover what's ahead? How do we know God's will? By walking in the light that we have!
"O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways,
And step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days."
-Strasser/Smith
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Familiar Passage
As we move ahead in Psalm 119, we come to what is probably one of the most well-known verses in the entire Psalm, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." But before we examine that in detail, let's look at the nun stanza in its entirety. You know what I'm going to ask you to do, don't you? So let's get to it! And if there are any of you reading this who haven't been along for this entire journey......if this is your first time to visit this blog and you wonder what I'm talking about......this is how we always begin......
Read through the entire nun stanza (Psalm 119:105-112). Look for answers to the who/what/when/where/why/how questions (and be aware that all the questions may not be answered!). Look specifically for synonyms the psalmist uses for God's Word and make note of what you learn about the Word in these verses.
Now look again at that very familiar verse and let's focus our attention there today. What word picture does the psalmist use for the Word of God? Note that nowhere in the passage does he refer to the Word as a "high-beam headlight"! The Word is a lamp! What's the difference?
Think about that today. And think about this as well. In decisions you have to make in your life from day to day, do you trust God when all you can see is the next step on the path? Even when you have limited light on your path, do you still trust? Do you step out in faith or do you hold back waiting for the whole road to be flooded with light?
What do you think the psalmist (or God through the pen of the psalmist) is trying to teach us here? Meditate on that today and we'll continue in this stanza tomorrow. There's so much here for us to learn!
"If only the next step is clear, the the one thing to do is to take it! Don't pledge your Lord or yourself to any steps beyond what you know......We don't walk spiritually by electric light, but by hand-held lantern. And a lantern shows only the next step - not several steps ahead."
- Amy Carmichael
Read through the entire nun stanza (Psalm 119:105-112). Look for answers to the who/what/when/where/why/how questions (and be aware that all the questions may not be answered!). Look specifically for synonyms the psalmist uses for God's Word and make note of what you learn about the Word in these verses.
Now look again at that very familiar verse and let's focus our attention there today. What word picture does the psalmist use for the Word of God? Note that nowhere in the passage does he refer to the Word as a "high-beam headlight"! The Word is a lamp! What's the difference?
Think about that today. And think about this as well. In decisions you have to make in your life from day to day, do you trust God when all you can see is the next step on the path? Even when you have limited light on your path, do you still trust? Do you step out in faith or do you hold back waiting for the whole road to be flooded with light?
What do you think the psalmist (or God through the pen of the psalmist) is trying to teach us here? Meditate on that today and we'll continue in this stanza tomorrow. There's so much here for us to learn!
"If only the next step is clear, the the one thing to do is to take it! Don't pledge your Lord or yourself to any steps beyond what you know......We don't walk spiritually by electric light, but by hand-held lantern. And a lantern shows only the next step - not several steps ahead."
- Amy Carmichael
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Meditation
We finished our time together yesterday with some thoughts on meditation, so let's pick up where we left off. When the psalmist says he meditates on God's law all the day, what does he mean? Although meditation is something often viewed as something connected with some mystical eastern religion, I think we will discover as we examine the Scripture that it is much more than that. Meditation is a concept that appears throughout the Bible. Just looking at Psalm 119, we have already encountered this concept several times. Can you locate those references?
So, what exactly is "meditation"? If you have ever found yourself lying awake at night turning a problem over and over in your mind (can we all just go ahead and confess???), then you have experienced meditation in its negative connotation. But is that what the psalmist is referring to? I don't think so! Can you find any references that indicate the psalmist is meditating on his problems? When he mentions meditating, what does he say he is meditating on? What is his meditation? (Hint: read verse 97 again!).
The Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament gives us these definitions. The word meditate (verb) is the Hebrew word siyah which is defined as to ponder, to utter, to complain, to meditate, to pray. The word meditation (noun) is the Hebrew word siyhah meaning meditation, reflection, concern of one's thoughts, musing. This dictionary goes on to give this information: "The psalmist indicated the proper procedure for an individual's response to God's Law. Because of his love for God's Law, the psalmist was prompted to meditate on it all day long." Note again that he did not meditate "all day" on his problems, although he has already told us that he does have some significant issues he's dealing with. He meditates on God's Word!!!
Think about that for a minute, and compare the psalmist's behavior to your own. Are we all feeling maybe just a little nudge of conviction here? Let's take the thought one step further........who does the psalmist say is his teacher? And if that is true for the psalmist, is it not also true for us as well? (If you're stuck here, read the stanza again, slowly, and if you're still stuck, read verse 102.)
Here's one more question to ponder......did you notice a contrast between the way the stanza opened and the way it concluded. The psalmist began with "How I love Your law," and ended with "therefore I hate every false way." What about you? Are there any false ways you recognize in our culture? In your own life? How might we know what is a true and what is a false way?
Finally today, think about your own relationship to God's Word? Is the Word "sweeter than honey" (sweeter than chocolate??) to you? Is it sweeter than it used to be? Is it your delight? Is it your meditation all the day long? When troubles come, do you meditate on the troubles or meditate on God's Word? And consider this....do you "hate every false way" as the psalmist does? Not some false ways, but every false way. Do you hate the false way, or do you just accept it as "that's the way it is"? Spend some time thinking on these things today. Maybe you would like to spend some time pondering (meditating on!) these words from Joshua:
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be carefull to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (Joshua 1:8)
So, what exactly is "meditation"? If you have ever found yourself lying awake at night turning a problem over and over in your mind (can we all just go ahead and confess???), then you have experienced meditation in its negative connotation. But is that what the psalmist is referring to? I don't think so! Can you find any references that indicate the psalmist is meditating on his problems? When he mentions meditating, what does he say he is meditating on? What is his meditation? (Hint: read verse 97 again!).
The Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament gives us these definitions. The word meditate (verb) is the Hebrew word siyah which is defined as to ponder, to utter, to complain, to meditate, to pray. The word meditation (noun) is the Hebrew word siyhah meaning meditation, reflection, concern of one's thoughts, musing. This dictionary goes on to give this information: "The psalmist indicated the proper procedure for an individual's response to God's Law. Because of his love for God's Law, the psalmist was prompted to meditate on it all day long." Note again that he did not meditate "all day" on his problems, although he has already told us that he does have some significant issues he's dealing with. He meditates on God's Word!!!
Think about that for a minute, and compare the psalmist's behavior to your own. Are we all feeling maybe just a little nudge of conviction here? Let's take the thought one step further........who does the psalmist say is his teacher? And if that is true for the psalmist, is it not also true for us as well? (If you're stuck here, read the stanza again, slowly, and if you're still stuck, read verse 102.)
Here's one more question to ponder......did you notice a contrast between the way the stanza opened and the way it concluded. The psalmist began with "How I love Your law," and ended with "therefore I hate every false way." What about you? Are there any false ways you recognize in our culture? In your own life? How might we know what is a true and what is a false way?
Finally today, think about your own relationship to God's Word? Is the Word "sweeter than honey" (sweeter than chocolate??) to you? Is it sweeter than it used to be? Is it your delight? Is it your meditation all the day long? When troubles come, do you meditate on the troubles or meditate on God's Word? And consider this....do you "hate every false way" as the psalmist does? Not some false ways, but every false way. Do you hate the false way, or do you just accept it as "that's the way it is"? Spend some time thinking on these things today. Maybe you would like to spend some time pondering (meditating on!) these words from Joshua:
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be carefull to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (Joshua 1:8)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Mem
No, that's not a misspelling (the title, I mean)! It's the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet! We're moving today to the mem stanza of Psalm 119. How much of the Hebrew alphabet are you remembering? Have you practiced lately?
OK, let's get serious. After all, this is supposed to be about Bible study, right? Not about learning the alphabet in another language - although that is a fun side benefit! Today we are going to read verses 97-104 in the acrostic poem we know as Psalm 119. Just to review.....in Hebrew (although not in English), each letter of this stanza begins with the letter mem. I love this stanza! It's a beautiful picture of a heart wholly devoted to God's law.
I'm sure you can guess what I'm going to ask you to do first! That's right.....read the verses, find all the synonyms for God's Word and then note what you learn about the Word. Is there anything that particularly stands out to you as you make your list of what you learn about the Word? Is there anything that you particularly relate to?
Take a few minutes to consider the benefits that the psalmist says come from the Word. Also consider the actions the psalmist has taken. Make a couple of lists if that helps you. What are your thoughts on how the benefits and the actions relate? Then think about your own life. Does what you know about the Word translate into action?
Look at verse 97....."O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." Here's a question to ponder today.....do we meditate on God's Word because we love it, or do we love it because we meditate on it, or both? Think about that today, and we'll pick up that topic again tomorrow.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth." (Psalm 119:103)
OK, let's get serious. After all, this is supposed to be about Bible study, right? Not about learning the alphabet in another language - although that is a fun side benefit! Today we are going to read verses 97-104 in the acrostic poem we know as Psalm 119. Just to review.....in Hebrew (although not in English), each letter of this stanza begins with the letter mem. I love this stanza! It's a beautiful picture of a heart wholly devoted to God's law.
I'm sure you can guess what I'm going to ask you to do first! That's right.....read the verses, find all the synonyms for God's Word and then note what you learn about the Word. Is there anything that particularly stands out to you as you make your list of what you learn about the Word? Is there anything that you particularly relate to?
Take a few minutes to consider the benefits that the psalmist says come from the Word. Also consider the actions the psalmist has taken. Make a couple of lists if that helps you. What are your thoughts on how the benefits and the actions relate? Then think about your own life. Does what you know about the Word translate into action?
Look at verse 97....."O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." Here's a question to ponder today.....do we meditate on God's Word because we love it, or do we love it because we meditate on it, or both? Think about that today, and we'll pick up that topic again tomorrow.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth." (Psalm 119:103)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Listening Purposefully and Walking Worthy
For the last several days, everywhere I have turned I have encountered two concepts consistently.....in our Bible Study class at church yesterday, in devotional readings, in a message I heard on TV as I was getting ready for church yesterday morning, in conversation, in Scripture I have studied......the concepts of listening with a purpose and of walking worthy.
Now what does that all mean, and what does that have to do with Psalm 119? Well, I think it actually has quite a lot to do with what we are learning from this Psalm. Here's what I mean......let's look first at "walking worthy." To do that, please read these passages in the New Testament: Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:9-10, Colossians 2:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. The consistent message of these verses is "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." What does that mean? If you do some word study, especially on the words "walk" and "worthy", and if you read all these (and other) cross-references carefully in their context, I believe what you will find is the exhortation (instruction) to live your life in a way that is consistent with the faith you profess. In other words, walk your talk. We're not told to walk worthy so that by our behavior we somehow can earn our salvation. That is not the teaching of Scripture at all. What we are told is that our behavior, our conduct, our lifestyle, our choices should reflect what we profess to believe!
Listening purposefully is closely connected to walking worthy. For example, as you read this blog you have a choice to read quickly through it and then just as quickly forget about it. Or you can choose to use it as a guide to search the Scripture, "listen" to hear what God has to say to you, and then make a conscious choice to align your behavior or your attitudes with what He says to you. The same is true when you attend church on Sunday, or listen to a Bible teacher on the radio as you're driving in your car. Does what you hear go in one ear and out the other? Do you find yourself critiquing the speaker more than listening for what God has to say to you through them? Are you listening carefully with a clear intent to act on what you hear?
Are you at all like me and find yourself sometimes just "going through the motions"? This is an area where God has really been convicting me, and I am reaffirming my commitment to listen purposefully with the goal of walking in a manner worthy of my calling.
What does all this have to do with Psalm 119? If you think back over what we have studied so far, I think you may find it parallels the Psalm in a number of ways. Think back to the very first verse. Could we not view "those whose way is blameless" or those who "walk in the law of the LORD" as those who are walking worthy? Can you find other parallels in the Psalm? What about the psalmist? Did he "walk worthy"? Do you think he "listened purposefully" to the LORD? What evidence do you find in the portion of the Psalm we have studied so far?
And what about you? Are you listening purposefully and walking worthy? As we are just past the mid-point of Psalm 119, maybe it's time to pause and do some self-examination. What have you learned so far about the psalmist? About God's Word? About God Himself? Have you aligned your thoughts, your behavior, your attitudes, with what you have learned? If not, why not?
That's some pretty heavy thinking for a Monday, isn't it? Let's reflect on these things today, and we'll move ahead to the mem stanza tomorrow.
Now what does that all mean, and what does that have to do with Psalm 119? Well, I think it actually has quite a lot to do with what we are learning from this Psalm. Here's what I mean......let's look first at "walking worthy." To do that, please read these passages in the New Testament: Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:9-10, Colossians 2:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. The consistent message of these verses is "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." What does that mean? If you do some word study, especially on the words "walk" and "worthy", and if you read all these (and other) cross-references carefully in their context, I believe what you will find is the exhortation (instruction) to live your life in a way that is consistent with the faith you profess. In other words, walk your talk. We're not told to walk worthy so that by our behavior we somehow can earn our salvation. That is not the teaching of Scripture at all. What we are told is that our behavior, our conduct, our lifestyle, our choices should reflect what we profess to believe!
Listening purposefully is closely connected to walking worthy. For example, as you read this blog you have a choice to read quickly through it and then just as quickly forget about it. Or you can choose to use it as a guide to search the Scripture, "listen" to hear what God has to say to you, and then make a conscious choice to align your behavior or your attitudes with what He says to you. The same is true when you attend church on Sunday, or listen to a Bible teacher on the radio as you're driving in your car. Does what you hear go in one ear and out the other? Do you find yourself critiquing the speaker more than listening for what God has to say to you through them? Are you listening carefully with a clear intent to act on what you hear?
Are you at all like me and find yourself sometimes just "going through the motions"? This is an area where God has really been convicting me, and I am reaffirming my commitment to listen purposefully with the goal of walking in a manner worthy of my calling.
What does all this have to do with Psalm 119? If you think back over what we have studied so far, I think you may find it parallels the Psalm in a number of ways. Think back to the very first verse. Could we not view "those whose way is blameless" or those who "walk in the law of the LORD" as those who are walking worthy? Can you find other parallels in the Psalm? What about the psalmist? Did he "walk worthy"? Do you think he "listened purposefully" to the LORD? What evidence do you find in the portion of the Psalm we have studied so far?
And what about you? Are you listening purposefully and walking worthy? As we are just past the mid-point of Psalm 119, maybe it's time to pause and do some self-examination. What have you learned so far about the psalmist? About God's Word? About God Himself? Have you aligned your thoughts, your behavior, your attitudes, with what you have learned? If not, why not?
That's some pretty heavy thinking for a Monday, isn't it? Let's reflect on these things today, and we'll move ahead to the mem stanza tomorrow.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Focus
Is it Friday already? This week has gone by very quickly for me. I wonder if it has for you as well. We're going to finish out our week together in the lamedh stanza of Psalm 119. Begin today by reading that stanza, Psalm 119:89-96, and noting every synonym for the Word of God. What do you learn from this stanza about God's Word? What do you learn about God? Also think about this.....how does this stanza differ from the previous stanza in tone or mood?
You may remember that we talked about the psalmist's attitude in the previous verses (the kaph stanza). There was a sense of desperation or depression as he wrote of his affliction. Do you see that in this stanza? Or would you agree with me that the tone of this stanza is more hopeful? Why do think that is? Could it be because the focus is less on the circumstances (the affliction) and more on the Lord and His faithfulness? What verses would you use to support your answer?
Here's something else to think about......what does this stanza teach us about the stability and the duration of God and His Word? How long will it last? What difference does that make to the psalmist? What difference does it make to you? How can you apply the truths of this stanza in your own life?
There are a couple of curious phrases in these two stanzas (kaph and lamedh). Look first at verse 83....a wineskin in the smoke. What in the world does that mean? This is one of those times when understanding the culture in which the psalmist lived and wrote helps us to understand the imagery he uses. This might help (from The Manners and Customs of the Bible)...."Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of smoke from cook and camp fires.....When skin bottles were exposed to smoke, they became black, hard, and shriveled - good for nothing." So, what is the psalmist saying when he compares himself to a useless wine bottle? It seems that he is saying that even though he is in the middle of some really difficult circumstances, even though he has been "persecuted with a lie", even as he waits for God's comfort, even though he feels useless, even then he remembers God's Word and knows that God can revive him through His Word. What a great example for us in the middle of whatever our circumstances may be!
Another phrase that strikes me as a bit curious is in verse 96, "I have seen a limit to all perfection." What does that mean? This may make perfect sense to you, but it leaves me scratching my head a bit. Isn't perfection perfect? Does it have limitations? I've done some word study and I read the verse in several other translations and I like these two renderings best for trying to get a sense of what this means. "I have learnt that everything has limits; but your commandment is perfect." (GNT) And my favorite....."Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit." (NLT) Even what we as finite humans understand to be perfection has its limits, but our Perfect God and His Word have no limits! That's an awesome thought to end the week on, isn't it?
As we close out our week together, is there a single verse or a single concept that has really "grabbed" you this week? As you think about the circumstances of your life right now, or about the political and economic climate in our country, or the spiritual condition of our country.......is there something in what we've studied this week that you can hold on to, that brings you comfort, even as we cry out as the psalmist did, "when", or "how long", or "help me!" Why not talk to God about that right now?
"Forver, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations. You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants." (Psalm 119:89-91)
You may remember that we talked about the psalmist's attitude in the previous verses (the kaph stanza). There was a sense of desperation or depression as he wrote of his affliction. Do you see that in this stanza? Or would you agree with me that the tone of this stanza is more hopeful? Why do think that is? Could it be because the focus is less on the circumstances (the affliction) and more on the Lord and His faithfulness? What verses would you use to support your answer?
Here's something else to think about......what does this stanza teach us about the stability and the duration of God and His Word? How long will it last? What difference does that make to the psalmist? What difference does it make to you? How can you apply the truths of this stanza in your own life?
There are a couple of curious phrases in these two stanzas (kaph and lamedh). Look first at verse 83....a wineskin in the smoke. What in the world does that mean? This is one of those times when understanding the culture in which the psalmist lived and wrote helps us to understand the imagery he uses. This might help (from The Manners and Customs of the Bible)...."Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of smoke from cook and camp fires.....When skin bottles were exposed to smoke, they became black, hard, and shriveled - good for nothing." So, what is the psalmist saying when he compares himself to a useless wine bottle? It seems that he is saying that even though he is in the middle of some really difficult circumstances, even though he has been "persecuted with a lie", even as he waits for God's comfort, even though he feels useless, even then he remembers God's Word and knows that God can revive him through His Word. What a great example for us in the middle of whatever our circumstances may be!
Another phrase that strikes me as a bit curious is in verse 96, "I have seen a limit to all perfection." What does that mean? This may make perfect sense to you, but it leaves me scratching my head a bit. Isn't perfection perfect? Does it have limitations? I've done some word study and I read the verse in several other translations and I like these two renderings best for trying to get a sense of what this means. "I have learnt that everything has limits; but your commandment is perfect." (GNT) And my favorite....."Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit." (NLT) Even what we as finite humans understand to be perfection has its limits, but our Perfect God and His Word have no limits! That's an awesome thought to end the week on, isn't it?
As we close out our week together, is there a single verse or a single concept that has really "grabbed" you this week? As you think about the circumstances of your life right now, or about the political and economic climate in our country, or the spiritual condition of our country.......is there something in what we've studied this week that you can hold on to, that brings you comfort, even as we cry out as the psalmist did, "when", or "how long", or "help me!" Why not talk to God about that right now?
"Forver, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations. You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants." (Psalm 119:89-91)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Revive Me
Do you ever feel as though you need reviving? I confess that I'm dragging a little this morning, so that request of the psalmist is resonating with me! Now let me clarify that there is no particular reason - other than sleep deprivation, since for some reason I slept very poorly last night - for my need to be lifted up, re-energized this morning. Certainly I'm not facing any circumstances like the psalmist! At least so far as I am aware, no one is "digging a pit for me" (verse 85) and I'm not being "persecuted with a lie" (verse 86). Even so, I'm looking forward to this time in the Word today and to being revived. What a blessing to know that we can be revived by and find comfort in God's Word!
Today we are going to focus our attention on the kaph stanza, verses 81-88. We have already read this stanza a couple of times in the broader context of the segment of the Psalm we have examined this week. But let's read these eight verses again, slowly and prayerfully, and see what we learn from them about God's Word. As I have already noted, these verses teach us that God's Word can revive us and bring us comfort. What else did you notice?
As you read the verses, what did you notice about the psalmist's circumstances? (Yes, I have already given you some hints, but review is a good thing! And don't limit yourself to my observations!!) How does the psalmist respond to his circumstances? What questions does he ask?
Is there any way in which you can relate to the psalmist's circumstances? I don't mean necessarily that you are in the exact same circumstances, but is there any way in which you can relate to him? How would you react if you were persecuted with a lie? Are there any other examples elsewhere in Scripture that can help us answer this question? What about Joseph and Mrs. Potiphar? See Genesis 37 and Genesis 39-41 for the details of that encounter.
Read the kaph stanza one more time and think about this......what lessons can you learn from this stanza to apply to your own life? Try to be specific. In a broader sense, think about what it is like to live as a Christian in our culture. Are there lessons in this stanza, as well as in the part of Psalm 119 that we have studied so far, that can help you to stand strong in a culture that is increasingly turning its back on God and His Word? Give that some thought today, and may God's Word revive you today as it is reviving me! "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations." (Psalm 119:89-90) We'll talk about that tomorrow!
"With our culture's relativistic immorality, it's increasingly important for people to know truth. We can only do this by remembering God's statutes and refusing to forsake His precepts." - Pam Gillaspie
Today we are going to focus our attention on the kaph stanza, verses 81-88. We have already read this stanza a couple of times in the broader context of the segment of the Psalm we have examined this week. But let's read these eight verses again, slowly and prayerfully, and see what we learn from them about God's Word. As I have already noted, these verses teach us that God's Word can revive us and bring us comfort. What else did you notice?
As you read the verses, what did you notice about the psalmist's circumstances? (Yes, I have already given you some hints, but review is a good thing! And don't limit yourself to my observations!!) How does the psalmist respond to his circumstances? What questions does he ask?
Is there any way in which you can relate to the psalmist's circumstances? I don't mean necessarily that you are in the exact same circumstances, but is there any way in which you can relate to him? How would you react if you were persecuted with a lie? Are there any other examples elsewhere in Scripture that can help us answer this question? What about Joseph and Mrs. Potiphar? See Genesis 37 and Genesis 39-41 for the details of that encounter.
Read the kaph stanza one more time and think about this......what lessons can you learn from this stanza to apply to your own life? Try to be specific. In a broader sense, think about what it is like to live as a Christian in our culture. Are there lessons in this stanza, as well as in the part of Psalm 119 that we have studied so far, that can help you to stand strong in a culture that is increasingly turning its back on God and His Word? Give that some thought today, and may God's Word revive you today as it is reviving me! "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations." (Psalm 119:89-90) We'll talk about that tomorrow!
"With our culture's relativistic immorality, it's increasingly important for people to know truth. We can only do this by remembering God's statutes and refusing to forsake His precepts." - Pam Gillaspie
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Making Lists
Are you a list maker? I love to make lists!! I love the satisfaction that comes from having a to-do list and then marking off the things I have accomplished. In fact, if I do something that's not on my list, I'll probably add it to the list just so I can mark it off! I know.....that's more than a little wierd! I think I learned it from my mother.
We're going to be making lists today as we continue our study of Psalm 119. We're not making to-do lists, but rather are going to revisit the same section of the Psalm that we began observing yesterday and make some lists of the things we observe there. Then we'll examine those lists to see what we have learned and how it applies to us.
So, get your copy of the Word along with pen or pencil and some paper, and let's get started. Turn again to Psalm 119:81-112 and prayerfully read those verses. Here's what I want you to do with that pen and paper: make two columns and label them "Objective" and "Subjective". The "objective" list is for the benefits these verses give us about the Word of God. The "subjective" list is for the psalmist's feelings about the Word.
Are you feeling a bit confused? Here's an example of what I mean: in the "objective" list you might write "all Your commandments are faithful" (verse 86); in the "subjective" list you might write "the law is the psalmist's delight" (verse 92). It will be helpful for you to list the verse reference where you find the things you are listing so that when you go back to review your list, or if someone were to ask you about it, you would be able to quickly locate your findings. (Note: it is always a good habit as you are studying and noting your insights to note the reference as well.)
Once you've completed this assignment, look over your lists. How do your feelings compare to the psalmist's? We know we should "delight in the Word", that it's supposed to be "a joy". But is that really true for you and me? Going back to a topic we considered earlier in our study, do we "consistently and continually" delight in the Word? How is that evidenced in our lives?
Having examined our subjective lists, let's also take a close look at the objective list. Are there any areas listed where you find yourself struggling to take God at His Word? Don't rush past this question, but take time to consider it carefully. Remember the Garden of Eden. "Ever since the Garden, the adversary has been whispering in our ears, 'Has God said?' and many of us let that sliver of doubt slide in more often than we'd like to admit. But if we are aware of his tactics we're more able to stand firm." (quoted from Sweeter Than Chocolate - Psalm 119) So I ask you again - are there any areas where you are struggling? If so, make that a matter of prayer today. If you need to do any business with God in any of these areas, don't delay......do it now! You'll be glad you did!
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 119, and thanks to Pam Gillaspie for writing the study (Sweeter Than Chocolate - Psalm 119) that inspired and challenged me to dig deeper into this Psalm.
We're going to be making lists today as we continue our study of Psalm 119. We're not making to-do lists, but rather are going to revisit the same section of the Psalm that we began observing yesterday and make some lists of the things we observe there. Then we'll examine those lists to see what we have learned and how it applies to us.
So, get your copy of the Word along with pen or pencil and some paper, and let's get started. Turn again to Psalm 119:81-112 and prayerfully read those verses. Here's what I want you to do with that pen and paper: make two columns and label them "Objective" and "Subjective". The "objective" list is for the benefits these verses give us about the Word of God. The "subjective" list is for the psalmist's feelings about the Word.
Are you feeling a bit confused? Here's an example of what I mean: in the "objective" list you might write "all Your commandments are faithful" (verse 86); in the "subjective" list you might write "the law is the psalmist's delight" (verse 92). It will be helpful for you to list the verse reference where you find the things you are listing so that when you go back to review your list, or if someone were to ask you about it, you would be able to quickly locate your findings. (Note: it is always a good habit as you are studying and noting your insights to note the reference as well.)
Once you've completed this assignment, look over your lists. How do your feelings compare to the psalmist's? We know we should "delight in the Word", that it's supposed to be "a joy". But is that really true for you and me? Going back to a topic we considered earlier in our study, do we "consistently and continually" delight in the Word? How is that evidenced in our lives?
Having examined our subjective lists, let's also take a close look at the objective list. Are there any areas listed where you find yourself struggling to take God at His Word? Don't rush past this question, but take time to consider it carefully. Remember the Garden of Eden. "Ever since the Garden, the adversary has been whispering in our ears, 'Has God said?' and many of us let that sliver of doubt slide in more often than we'd like to admit. But if we are aware of his tactics we're more able to stand firm." (quoted from Sweeter Than Chocolate - Psalm 119) So I ask you again - are there any areas where you are struggling? If so, make that a matter of prayer today. If you need to do any business with God in any of these areas, don't delay......do it now! You'll be glad you did!
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 119, and thanks to Pam Gillaspie for writing the study (Sweeter Than Chocolate - Psalm 119) that inspired and challenged me to dig deeper into this Psalm.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Exceedingly Afflicted
You probably saw the title of this post and were tempted to skip it! Go ahead and admit it! You're probably thinking......"good grief! Didn't we deal with affliction yesterday? Do we have to talk about it again?" And the short answer to the question is yes. We do have to deal with it because the psalmist deals with it, and if we are going to accurately handle this portion of the Word then we can't skip over the parts we don't like! So, we press on!!
We're moving today into a new segment of Psalm 119. The next four stanzas (kaph, lamedh, mem and nun) are where we will turn our attention today. We saw the psalmist's affliction in the previous two stanzas. Beginning in kaph, there is an even deeper sense of his affliction.....almost a sense of desperation or despair. That's one of the things I want you to be looking for as we read the Scripture today.
Take some time today to read these four stanzas (Psalm 119:81-112) and make your initial observations. As usual, note the synonyms that are used for God's Word. Watch for time phrases. If you are using your colored pencils, you might want to mark those time phrases with a little clock symbol or mark them in some other distinct way. Note any questions you might have as you read these verses, any words or phrases you might want to investigate further. As you read, be aware of (and perhaps mark in a distinct way) what the psalmist is asking God for. Also note any statements of trust or praise. Be sure to watch for words or phrases that show us the psalmist's attitude toward his affliction.....you might think of this as the psalmist's emotional state or the "mood" of the stanzas.
Finish your study time today by giving some thought to what you have learned from this Psalm as we have been studying. Has your thinking or your behavior been affected by what you have learned? Are there areas where God has been speaking to you? Are there attitudes and behaviors that need changing? Think about that today, and we'll dig deeper into these verses tomorrow.
"I am exceedingly afflicted; revive me, O LORD, according to Your word." (Psalm 119;107)
We're moving today into a new segment of Psalm 119. The next four stanzas (kaph, lamedh, mem and nun) are where we will turn our attention today. We saw the psalmist's affliction in the previous two stanzas. Beginning in kaph, there is an even deeper sense of his affliction.....almost a sense of desperation or despair. That's one of the things I want you to be looking for as we read the Scripture today.
Take some time today to read these four stanzas (Psalm 119:81-112) and make your initial observations. As usual, note the synonyms that are used for God's Word. Watch for time phrases. If you are using your colored pencils, you might want to mark those time phrases with a little clock symbol or mark them in some other distinct way. Note any questions you might have as you read these verses, any words or phrases you might want to investigate further. As you read, be aware of (and perhaps mark in a distinct way) what the psalmist is asking God for. Also note any statements of trust or praise. Be sure to watch for words or phrases that show us the psalmist's attitude toward his affliction.....you might think of this as the psalmist's emotional state or the "mood" of the stanzas.
Finish your study time today by giving some thought to what you have learned from this Psalm as we have been studying. Has your thinking or your behavior been affected by what you have learned? Are there areas where God has been speaking to you? Are there attitudes and behaviors that need changing? Think about that today, and we'll dig deeper into these verses tomorrow.
"I am exceedingly afflicted; revive me, O LORD, according to Your word." (Psalm 119;107)
Monday, April 12, 2010
It Is Good for Me.....
That's what the psalmist said......."It is good for me that I was afflicted....." (Psalm 119:71). So, that's what we're going to think about today......affliction. You're probably thinking, "I'd rather not think about that.....especially on a Monday!" But the psalmist mentions this topic three times in these two stanzas (teth and yodh), so it must be important. Look at what he has to say....."Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word," (v. 67); "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes," (v.71); "in faithfulness You have afflicted me," (v. 75). Thinking on those statements, what do you learn about the psalmist's view of affliction. How does your own view line up with his?
The Hebrew word which is translated "afflicted" is the word anah, which means "to be afflicted, to be oppressed, to be humbled." We don't know exactly what the psalmist's afflictions were, although there are some hints in the text (verse 69, for example). Think about that word in the context of life in the 21st century, of the circumstances of your life, or of events you are aware of in your community or in the world. How would you define affliction?
Consider the following New Testament references which relate to this topic.
The bottom line here has to do with attitude. Do we sit in the corner and have a pity party? Do we give up on life? How do we handle it? Do we view it as good (as the psalmist did)? Do we view it as part of the "all things" that are working together for my good? (See Romans 8:28-29)
Whatever the circumstances of our life may be, perhaps the key is to view it all with eternity in view. Focus on the ETERNAL, not on the EXTERNAL. There's the challenge for us today!!
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
The Hebrew word which is translated "afflicted" is the word anah, which means "to be afflicted, to be oppressed, to be humbled." We don't know exactly what the psalmist's afflictions were, although there are some hints in the text (verse 69, for example). Think about that word in the context of life in the 21st century, of the circumstances of your life, or of events you are aware of in your community or in the world. How would you define affliction?
Consider the following New Testament references which relate to this topic.
- James 1:2-5
- Hebrews 12:1-17 (especially verses 10-11)
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The bottom line here has to do with attitude. Do we sit in the corner and have a pity party? Do we give up on life? How do we handle it? Do we view it as good (as the psalmist did)? Do we view it as part of the "all things" that are working together for my good? (See Romans 8:28-29)
Whatever the circumstances of our life may be, perhaps the key is to view it all with eternity in view. Focus on the ETERNAL, not on the EXTERNAL. There's the challenge for us today!!
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Finishing Out the Week
Can you believe it's Friday already! I hope you have had a great week! We're going to wind up our week in Psalm 119 by moving ahead to the yodh stanza, verses 73-80. Get your copy of the Word and read those verses. As usual, note the synonyms used for the Word of God and what you learn from this stanza about God's Word. Also note how the psalmist relates to or responds to the Word.
As you are making your initial observations of this stanza, here are some points for you to consider:
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I'll meet you back here on Monday. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through Psalm 119. You truly are such a blessing to me!!
"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD's commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
As you are making your initial observations of this stanza, here are some points for you to consider:
- What actions does the psalmist attribute to God in these verses?
- What requests does the psalmist make?
- Once again, we see the psalmist refer to his affliction. Does his view of affliction surprise you? How does what he says about affliction fit into the context of the Psalm so far?
- Look closely at verse 77. What is it that causes te psalmist to live? The psalmist delights in God's law, meditates on it, and seeks to keep it, but is this what causes him to live, or is it something else?
- What does the psalmist think is worse than being afflicted? (See verse 80.)
- How does this compare to the view of our culture? Do people in our culture prefer to be afflicted or ashamed? What does this say about our culture's view of God?
- Have you learned anything new about the psalmist in this stanza, or is there anything about him that particularly impresses you here? Have you found any attitudes or actions of the psalmist that you might want in your own life?
- Finally, what do you learn about God in this stanza?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I'll meet you back here on Monday. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through Psalm 119. You truly are such a blessing to me!!
"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD's commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
With All My Heart and Mind
Yesterday as we considered our view of God, one of the passages we looked at was Deuteronomy 6, and we saw there the command to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." This command is repeated by Jesus in the New Testament in Matthew 22, Mark 12 and Luke 10. The New Testament includes the command to love the Lord with all your mind. Let's focus on that command today. Note the repeated word "all". Guess what the word "all" means......it means "all"!! Knowing that, consider the following questions:
Here's something else to think about today.......is there a difference between loving God with all your heart and loving God with all your mind? Is one more or less difficult than the other?
Let's go back to a previous question......what does it "look like" in real life to love God with all your mind? How does that affect choices you make? How do we keep our minds "uncluttered" in such a way that we can love God this completely with our minds?
Consider the following verses and how you can apply them to your own life as you seek to love God with all your mind:
"With all my heart I will observe Your precepts." (Psalm 119:69)
- Would you say that the psalmist is one who loves God with "all" his heart, soul, mind, strength? Why or why not? What verses support your answer?
- What does it "look like" in real life in the 21st century to love God with all your heart? With all your soul? With all your mind? With all your strength? Be specific in your answers.
- Do you know someone who loves God in this way?
- Do you?
Here's something else to think about today.......is there a difference between loving God with all your heart and loving God with all your mind? Is one more or less difficult than the other?
Let's go back to a previous question......what does it "look like" in real life to love God with all your mind? How does that affect choices you make? How do we keep our minds "uncluttered" in such a way that we can love God this completely with our minds?
Consider the following verses and how you can apply them to your own life as you seek to love God with all your mind:
- Philippians 4:8
- Matthew 6:33-34
- Philippians 3:13-14
- Romans 8:28
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Romans 11:33
- Romans 12:1-2
- Hebrews 12:1-2
"With all my heart I will observe Your precepts." (Psalm 119:69)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What's Your View?
One of the things we examined yesterday was the psalmist's view of God as expressed in Psalm 119:68. We also examined how this view of God impacted his view of the circumstances in his life, specifically the affliction he has experienced (verses 57, 69, 71). Today we want to carry that a step further, and make our observations a bit more personal.
According to A. W. Tozer, nothing is more important than our view of God. That view affects every area of our lives. So that's where we will dig in today.
The questions for you to consider today concern your view of God. We have spent a lot of our study time over these last several weeks examining the claims the Bible (through the pen of the psalmist) makes about itself. Today we want to dig into the Scriptures to find out what God says about Himself. If you are wondering where to begin, think about this: the psalmist knew God's Law. He was familiar with the Torah (what we know as the first five books of the Bible). It was through these Scriptures that he learned about God, so why not use those books as well? Investigate these passages to see what you can learn.
"You are good, and do good." (Psalm 119:68)
According to A. W. Tozer, nothing is more important than our view of God. That view affects every area of our lives. So that's where we will dig in today.
The questions for you to consider today concern your view of God. We have spent a lot of our study time over these last several weeks examining the claims the Bible (through the pen of the psalmist) makes about itself. Today we want to dig into the Scriptures to find out what God says about Himself. If you are wondering where to begin, think about this: the psalmist knew God's Law. He was familiar with the Torah (what we know as the first five books of the Bible). It was through these Scriptures that he learned about God, so why not use those books as well? Investigate these passages to see what you can learn.
- Genesis 17:1-8
- Exodus 3
- Exodus 34:6-7
- Deuteronomy 6
"You are good, and do good." (Psalm 119:68)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Moving Ahead
It's another beautiful day morning here in the mountains....what a blessing! And what a blessing to be able to study God's Word with you! As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, we arrive today in the teth stanza, verses 65-72. If you have time, read through the entire Psalm again this morning. If time doesn't permit that, perhaps you will be able to read from the beginning through verse 72. This will enable you to see the psalmist's progression of thought. As you read the teth stanza, note repeated words and phrases. What are the psalmist's requests? What are his commitments? What do you learn about God's Word in this stanza?
As you read, here are some questions to consider:
And just one more question.....how's your Hebrew? Have you found yourself learning some Hebrew letters? Here's the part of the alphabet we have covered so far: aleph, beth, gimel, daleth, he, vav, zayin, heth, teth. That's nine letters out of 22 in the alphabet. Why not practice those today.....it's fun!! You can really impress your friends!
Although I have no real idea how many of you are out there taking this journey with me, I want you to know that I am thankful for you and am praying that this study will be a blessing to you, just as it is to me. I commend you for your commitment to study God's Word and would love to hear from you!
"You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:68)
As you read, here are some questions to consider:
- Note any time phrases that occur (any words or phrases that answer the "when" question).
- What does the psalmist have to say about any events in his life that changed his life?
- What is the psalmist's view of affliction? How does he respond to God in his affliction?
- How is the psalmist's view of affliction similar to or different from the way our culture thinks?
- How do you respond in times of affliction?
- What does this stanza tell us about the psalmist's view of God? (When you locate this answer, quote directly from the Scripture. This is a verse you might want to consider memorizing!)
- Do you know this to be true?
And just one more question.....how's your Hebrew? Have you found yourself learning some Hebrew letters? Here's the part of the alphabet we have covered so far: aleph, beth, gimel, daleth, he, vav, zayin, heth, teth. That's nine letters out of 22 in the alphabet. Why not practice those today.....it's fun!! You can really impress your friends!
Although I have no real idea how many of you are out there taking this journey with me, I want you to know that I am thankful for you and am praying that this study will be a blessing to you, just as it is to me. I commend you for your commitment to study God's Word and would love to hear from you!
"You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:68)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Satisfied
It's a beautiful morning here on the mountain. I'm back home after a few days away, celebrating the Resurrection in our "home" church, the church we attended through the early days of our marriage, where our boys grew up. It was great to see so many dear friends and to worship with them again. I'm loving the beauty of spring as it is trying to come to our mountain! It's good to be back in my favorite chair, with a good cup of coffee, and studying Psalm 119 with you again!
Did you take the challenge to do some word study last week? If so, you found that, although several different words are used by the psalmist to refer to the Word of God, the differences between them are really very subtle. You may be wondering why so many different words are used, and I'm not sure that we can really understand that unless we have a really deep understanding of the Hebrew language (and I don't!), but perhaps one reason is so that we will slow down and take time to at least try to understand! I think the slowing down is the main thing!! In our culture, we're always in a hurry, aren't we? We're conditioned to instant this and microwave that, so slowing down and taking time are sometimes foreign concepts.....almost as foreign to us as Hebrew. Perhaps if we think it through slowly and deliberately, we can see the completeness of the Word of God for us.......the use of all these different words show us the fullness, the sufficiency of God's Word for our lives. We see more than just the Law, but a code of wisdom. In the word mishpat, we see not only the definition "ordinance" (which could mean law), but we also see that it can mean "justice", which is an attribute of God Himself. If you found yourself a bit frustrated with all the definitions and the mechanics of looking up words which seem to all mean pretty much the same thing, perhaps you can find time to review your findings and consider them again in that light.
In the meantime, let's look once more at the heth stanza which begins with these words: "The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words." Before we camp out on that verse, let's look ahead to what else the psalmist says.......he considers his ways (v. 58) and we considered our ways as well in a previous assignment. Once the psalmist considers (thinks about) his ways, what does he do? He turns his feet to God's testimonies! He DOES NOT DELAY to be obedient! I don't know about you, but I am not always so prompt to be obedient!! Do you find yourself sometimes dragging your feet as well? This verse has really convicted me as I have been studying!!
Now, back to verse 57....."The Lord is my portion." What does that mean exactly? I looked up the Hebrew word used for portion and guess what it means? It means "portion"! That's not terribly helpful, is it? So, I looked the verse up in the "The Message", a contemporary paraphrase of the Scripture, and it reads this way....."Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say." Wow!! That really cuts to the chase, doesn't it??!!
Think of a portion of food on your plate, perhaps of your favorite food. If it's your very favorite food, you want a full portion, don't you......not a skimpy serving! That's the picture I'm getting here......a plate absolutely full of a favorite food, so full that when I eat it, I am completely satisfied and not needing anything else! The Lord is my portion......He completely satisfies!!
Because that is true, what am I going to do? The psalmist says "I have promised to keep Your words"......or as The Message puts it, "I promise to do everything you say." And where will we find "everything" God says......in the written Word, the Scriptures, of course......which is why studying is so important! How else will we know everything God says, so that we can do everything He says?!!
Thinking about this verse and how to apply it has brought to mind the words of an old hymn..."I am satisfied with Jesus, He has done so much for me." The hymn closes with these words, "But the question comes to me, as I think of Calvary, is my Master satisfied with me?"
Give that some thought today, and we'll move on to the teth stanza tomorrow.
Did you take the challenge to do some word study last week? If so, you found that, although several different words are used by the psalmist to refer to the Word of God, the differences between them are really very subtle. You may be wondering why so many different words are used, and I'm not sure that we can really understand that unless we have a really deep understanding of the Hebrew language (and I don't!), but perhaps one reason is so that we will slow down and take time to at least try to understand! I think the slowing down is the main thing!! In our culture, we're always in a hurry, aren't we? We're conditioned to instant this and microwave that, so slowing down and taking time are sometimes foreign concepts.....almost as foreign to us as Hebrew. Perhaps if we think it through slowly and deliberately, we can see the completeness of the Word of God for us.......the use of all these different words show us the fullness, the sufficiency of God's Word for our lives. We see more than just the Law, but a code of wisdom. In the word mishpat, we see not only the definition "ordinance" (which could mean law), but we also see that it can mean "justice", which is an attribute of God Himself. If you found yourself a bit frustrated with all the definitions and the mechanics of looking up words which seem to all mean pretty much the same thing, perhaps you can find time to review your findings and consider them again in that light.
In the meantime, let's look once more at the heth stanza which begins with these words: "The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words." Before we camp out on that verse, let's look ahead to what else the psalmist says.......he considers his ways (v. 58) and we considered our ways as well in a previous assignment. Once the psalmist considers (thinks about) his ways, what does he do? He turns his feet to God's testimonies! He DOES NOT DELAY to be obedient! I don't know about you, but I am not always so prompt to be obedient!! Do you find yourself sometimes dragging your feet as well? This verse has really convicted me as I have been studying!!
Now, back to verse 57....."The Lord is my portion." What does that mean exactly? I looked up the Hebrew word used for portion and guess what it means? It means "portion"! That's not terribly helpful, is it? So, I looked the verse up in the "The Message", a contemporary paraphrase of the Scripture, and it reads this way....."Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say." Wow!! That really cuts to the chase, doesn't it??!!
Think of a portion of food on your plate, perhaps of your favorite food. If it's your very favorite food, you want a full portion, don't you......not a skimpy serving! That's the picture I'm getting here......a plate absolutely full of a favorite food, so full that when I eat it, I am completely satisfied and not needing anything else! The Lord is my portion......He completely satisfies!!
Because that is true, what am I going to do? The psalmist says "I have promised to keep Your words"......or as The Message puts it, "I promise to do everything you say." And where will we find "everything" God says......in the written Word, the Scriptures, of course......which is why studying is so important! How else will we know everything God says, so that we can do everything He says?!!
Thinking about this verse and how to apply it has brought to mind the words of an old hymn..."I am satisfied with Jesus, He has done so much for me." The hymn closes with these words, "But the question comes to me, as I think of Calvary, is my Master satisfied with me?"
Give that some thought today, and we'll move on to the teth stanza tomorrow.
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