Bible Study - Rhythm (5) - GOD'S Word is Always Relevant - Psalm 119:89-96 - January 1, 2017

Bible Study – Rhythm (5) – GOD’S Word is Always Relevant – January 1, 2017

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Spoken: The Rhythm of GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 119:89-96.

GOD’S Word reflects HIS character and power – and always will.

Do you want to know GOD? Then study HIS Word and apply it as led by the Holy Spirit. Often, we try to use GOD’S Word like an Ouija Board or something to look to the future. First of all, attempting to look into the future is abominable to GOD. We learn that by studying the Bible.

I heard a story many years ago that went something like this:

A man decided that he would be guided by the Bible. He needed direction for his life. So he got his Bible and decided that he would open it randomly and randomly place his finger on a verse and do whatever it said. He did and his finger landed on a verse that stated, “And he went out and hanged himself.” 

That did not sound right so he determined that he would try it a second time. So he opened the Bible randomly for a second time and randomly placed his finger on another verse and read it. It stated “what thou must do, do quickly.” The man decided that random blind selection was not the proper way to use the Bible to get direction for his life.

Some of us may try random methods for discerning GOD’S will for our lives. GOD can lead us to certain passages of scripture and reveal direction to us. 

The Holy Spirit calls us and GOD often confirms HIS call with scripture. What is a calling? It generally means that we have a yearning in our hearts to do something, go somewhere or any number of things GOD considers important for us to do.

Living for CHRIST and obediently serving GOD is all about relationship. We build our relationship with GOD by obediently serving JESUS and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us as HE determines for our lives.

We learn the attributes of GOD by studying HIS Word and applying what GOD reveals as we walk with HIM. One thing is for sure, HE says what HE means and HE means what HE says. We, also, see in GOD’S Word, that there are times that GOD is willing to flex, often to let us see that HE is correct in HIS judgment.

The Advanced Bible Study, winter 2016-2017, written by Dr. Bryan Beyer, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Columbia International University, Columbia, SC, page 60:

“Psalm 119:89-96 highlights the eternal relevance of God’s Word. God has established the earth and governs it by His judgments (vv. 90-91). The psalmist recognized his life depended on the blessing God’s Word provided (v. 92). He would never forget God’s precepts and would ask for Him to bring His salvation (v. 94). The wicked ultimately would not prevail over him (v. 94). Life provides many examples of limits, but God’s commands are limitless in their relevance (v.96).”

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Psalm 119:89-91:

Lamed – The Twelfth Letter in the Hebrew Alphabet.

GOD’S Word Is Timeless.

89 Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.

The beauty of GOD’S Word is that it is eternal. It guided those in the Old Testament days, the New Testament days, today and it will continue for all the days to come. This has amazed me as I have studied and applied GOD’S Word in my life to see how it fits both the time and the circumstance. The Holy Spirit gives the interpretation, relevance and application.

GOD’S Word is as relevant today as the day it was written. The Holy Spirit provides the relevance of GOD’S Word to our lives at the moment of need.

90 Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth, and it stands firm.

GOD is consistent. HE is not fickle. The false gods referred to in the Old Testament times were fickle and many disinterested in the affairs of mankind. The One True GOD, Yahweh does not say one thing one day or to one generation and another to another day or generation. That is why the psalmist had found that GOD’S Word was timeless. Just as GOD established the earth and it has remained and functioned as it should throughout the ages so will GOD’S Word and GOD. GOD makes history. History is not random possibilities but designed according to GOD’S plan and purpose. Nothing is by chance but by design.

Once GOD established the order of the universe and the earth it has remained and so will GOD’S Word.

91 They stand today in accordance with Your judgments, for all things are Your servants.

“They” refers to the permanence and eternal evidence of GOD’S Word, GOD, GOD’S laws and GOD’S faithfulness. When we, as humans, consider GOD’S rule against the backdrop of what we can see and experience e.g. the order and permanence of earth, its cycles and ability to support life upon earth and the order of the universe, we see that all things are servants of GOD. GOD is sovereign. All the earth and universe reflects GOD, HIS power, HIS love, HIS care and the list goes on. GOD’S judgments represent the final conclusion based upon HIS knowledge of all things as applied to HIS plan and purpose.

HIS judgments are sound and can be relied upon because they reflect HIS perfect will. GOD’S desire is for all humans to acknowledge HIM and obediently serve HIM and have a personal relationship with HIM.

In order for that to happen, The Word became flesh and becomes a reality when we place our faith in GOD’S Only Son, JESUS, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and obediently follow HIM.

Proverbs 3:5-6: (KJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Trust comes from knowing based upon experience. Notice this as we read the next verse.

Let’s read Psalm 119:92-93:

GOD’S Word Is Life-giving:

92 If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.

The psalmist learned that he could trust GOD’S instructions because GOD, based upon HIS perspective, can see the full picture and the microcosm that the psalmist’s life fits into the grand purpose of GOD.

GOD’S Word is not static but has life-giving properties. It is relevant to any time in a person’s life and as such is the perfect guide for those who seek GOD’S will and purpose in their lives. As such, the psalmist has concluded that ----

93 I will never forget Your precepts, for You have given me life through them.

What the psalmist has distilled from living in relationship with GOD has given meaning, purpose, joy and assurance to him as he has lived upon earth and walked with GOD.

Have you experienced the joy of knowing GOD in a personal, intimate way? If not, ask GOD to help you build such a personal relationship with HIM. A start is to read and study GOD’S Word. As we begin a new year, make reading and studying GOD’S Word a priority. Ask HIM to reveal the truth of HIS Word as it applies to you and the ministry GOD desires for you as you obediently serve HIM.

The psalmist expressed that his life would have been a waste if he had not diligently studied and applied GOD’S Word to his life. As such, he will never forget GOD’S precepts because they are the essence of life upon earth. But it is a two-way street. GOD’S precepts are to be internalized as a person acknowledges GOD and seeks a true relationship with HIM. After the passion of JESUS, we can begin to see and understand the reality of GOD and HIS uncompromising love for every person who has lived or will live upon earth.

GOD imposed the death penalty for sin upon mankind but in HIS love HE also established HIS plan to redeem all who would place their faith in HIS Only Son, JESUS. The choice is yours to make. Will you?

Let’s read Psalm 119:94-96:

GOD’S Word Is Perfect

94 I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts.

I know I tried to figure GOD and JESUS out many years ago. I tried to live the Christian life in my own strength but failed miserably. It was only when I came to the end of my ability that I said “LORD, I cannot live the so-called Christian life take my life like it is, the good and the bad, and YOU help me live it.” In the twinkling of the eye HE did and JESUS and GOD became a reality. My life has not been perfect but I have known that I was GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The psalmist commits his life to GOD. The psalmist has studied GOD’S Word and he seeks salvation. He realizes that he cannot save himself. He has searched (or sought) for salvation in GOD’S Word but he realizes that salvation comes from GOD and from nothing he can achieve on his own except yield his will to GOD.

GOD’S Word reveals how much we, as humans miss the mark. What a blessing it is to know that GOD knows that we miss the mark and we are all in need of a Savior and that Savior is JESUS the CHRIST.

Before the coming of JESUS, the Jews were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. Since JESUS has come and fulfilled HIS passion, we look back at that critical event. Salvation is through faith in JESUS and is a person’s only way to GOD. We, today, know that truth. We need not understand it but to accept it as GOD’S plan to redeem all who place their faith in JESUS. We may say it is silly or question, how can that be? It is GOD’S plan and HE offers it to all who will accept it. The choice is simple and yours to make. How do you choose?

You may say, “Well, I did choose JESUS at one time in my life but I have committed grievous sins and am unworthy to walk with GOD.” That is Satan’s lie. Confess your sins, repent (stop doing them), ask GOD to forgive you and for HIM to give you the strength to live for HIM each day. Your part is to confess and HIS Part is to forgive, cleanse and to restore you. HE cleanses you with the shed blood of JESUS and covers you with HIS grace so that you are always HIS child. Once you are born into GOD’S family, you will never become unborn. Don’t let Satan rob you of the joy of fellowship with GOD and walking with HIM each moment of your life.  

95 The wicked hope to destroy me, but I contemplate Your decrees.

The world offers no hope but the psalmist’s has diligently considered GOD’S Word and has found it to be true as he has applied it to his life. GOD brings life and the wicked bring death.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your command is without limit.

Our humanness leads us to look at our inability but GOD looks at our capability when we walk in relationship with HIM, through faith in JESUS.  

Do you remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (all who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God in Him.

JESUS took our sin upon Himself so that all who place their faith in HIM will become the righteousness of GOD. We become the righteousness of GOD through the process of sanctification, which begins at the instant of salvation. All Christians are a work in progress until they meet JESUS face to face as they exit their earth suits. When we see HIM, we will be like HIM – perfect.

The psalmist recognized his human limitations but with GOD all things are possible. GOD can take HIS children beyond human capability if they trust HIM and yield their wills to HIM.

As we begin a New Year, let’s reflect back over 2016. Do we know GOD more now than we did a year ago? Have we been diligent in the study and application of HIS Word? If the LORD allows us to live another year will we have built an even closer relationship with HIM?

Happy New Year and Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Rhythm (4) - GOD'S Living Word Saves - Osalm 119:41 and Luke 1:30-35 - December 25, 2016

Bible Study – Rhythm (4) – GOD’S Living Word Saves – December 25, 2016

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Spoken: The Rhythm of GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scriptures are Psalm 119:41 and Luke 1:30-35.

JESUS is the ultimate Word from GOD Who brings salvation.

What we are about to explore is likely one of the most profound Spiritual journeys a person can take to seek truth.

Where did JESUS come from? John 17:1-5:

Jesus Prays for Himself (JESUS knew that HIS physical life upon earth was close to accomplishing the intended purpose of GOD.)

1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You,

2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him.

3 This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent-Jesus Christ.

4 I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.

5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.

JESUS willingly left HIS home in Glory to become vulnerable to sin and physical death and live as a human with a purpose. JESUS IS GOD IN THE FLESH. The Apostle John stated in John 1:1-18:

1 In the beginning was the Word (JESUS), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.

4 Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. , 2016

5 That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man named John (John the Baptist) who was sent from God.

7 He (John the Baptist) came as a witness to testify about the light (JESUS), so that all might believe through him.

8 He (John the Baptist) was not the light, but he came to testify about the light (JESUS).

9 The true light (JESUS), who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him.

11 He came to His own (Jews), and His own people did not receive Him.

12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 (John (the Baptist) testified concerning Him and exclaimed, "This was the One of whom I said, 'The One coming after me has surpassed me, because He existed before me.' ")

16 Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness,

17 for although the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son- the One who is at the Father's side- He has revealed Him.

Link this with John 3:16-18:

16 "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

JESUS’ disciples, Thomas and Philip, asked JESUS pointed questions as recorded in John 14:5-11:

5 "Lord," Thomas said, "we don't know where You're going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus Reveals the Father

7 "If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."

8 "Lord," said Philip, "show us the Father, and that's enough for us."

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works.

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

GOD presented HIS plan to redeem mankind from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death, in Genesis 3:15:

15 I will put hostility between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your seed and her seed (JESUS). He (JESUS) will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

Satan’s desire is for all humans not to have a personal relationship with GOD and to be eternally separated from HIM. Notice “her seed” and then consider the virgin birth. JESUS is 100% human and yet 100% divine. JESUS left HIS Glory in Heaven to come to earth to live as a human and be subject to sin and physical death. In order to accomplish GOD’S plan and purpose JESUS had to live a sinless life and give HIS physical life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, the penalty for sin.

We must keep in mind that JESUS although 100% human had the capability to call in help as recorded in Matthew 26:53:

53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?

Having the capability is one thing and not using it is another. JESUS had a purpose. HIS Love for us as sinful humans compelled HIM to stay the course, suffer insults and ultimately give HIS life in exchange for all who will place their faith in HIM.

Striking the head is a death blow whereas striking the heel is a wound but one that is not fatal. JESUS died upon the cross by willingly shedding HIS blood for the redemption of all who will place their faith in HIM. The resurrection of JESUS from the dead is proof that the power of sin was broken by the birth, sinless life, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS into Heaven. This fact is the Holy Spirit, Who indwells every Christian, confirms he or she is the child of GOD through the miracle of rebirth.

JESUS willingly came from HIS Home in Heaven to be the perfect sacrifice to pay in full the penalty for sin, which is eternal death. The shed blood of JESUS paid, in full, the eternal death penalty imposed by GOD upon our earth parents, Adam and Eve. The shed blood of JESUS redeems all who place their faith in JESUS from eternal death. It is the love of GOD and the love of JESUS that compelled them to give mankind a second opportunity to regain eternal life and become GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth. JESUS told the Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus, this in John 3:1-14:

Jesus and Nicodemus

1 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 This man came to Him at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him."

3 Jesus replied, "I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

4 "But how can anyone be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked Him. "Can he enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?"

5 Jesus answered, "I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit.

All humans will die physically and enter eternity. Those who have experienced the miracle of rebirth in their spirit are reborn Spiritually. Spiritual rebirth is necessary for a person to become a child of GOD and dwell with GOD in Heaven for eternity. Those who reject JESUS as their Savior will spend eternity separated from GOD.

Oh, I can hear some say, “Well, I am separated from GOD now so what is the big difference?” That is Satan’s lie. In eternity you will know that you had the opportunity to become GOD’S child and rejected it. GOD places in every human the desire to return to HIS original intent for us as humans. HE gives us a choice to either accept or reject HIS offer of redemption from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. How do you choose? Spiritual rebirth is a mystery as JESUS continued to explain to Nicodemus.

7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.

8 The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

9 "How can these things be?" asked Nicodemus.

10 "Are you a teacher of Israel and don't know these things?" Jesus replied.

11 "I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony.

12 If I have told you about things that happen on earth and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you about things of heaven?

13 No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven-the Son of Man.

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

This was the foreshadow hundreds of years earlier when the Israelite’s were fleeing Egypt that JESUS would be lifted up on a cross to bring healing from the consequences of sin for all who will place their faith in HIM.

JESUS is the embodiment of GOD. HE left HIS home in Heaven to come to earth and dwell among us as 100% human, yet GOD. The love of GOD, The Father and The love of the Son, CHRIST, compelled them to redeem all who will place their faith in JESUS to be redeemed from eternal death and receive eternal life by placing their faith in JESUS.

Let’s continue to explore!

Let’s read Psalm 119:41:

Vav – The sixth letter in the Hebrew alphabet.

41 Let Your faithful love come to me, Lord, Your salvation, as You promised.

The psalmist longed to be fully redeemed from the ravages of sin. He looked for the day of GOD’S promised salvation. Since the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS we know that salvation has come or will come to all who place their faith in JESUS. We rejoice and know that JESUS’ shed blood has redeemed us from the consequence of sin which is eternal death. Faith in JESUS is GOD’S plan to restore all who will place their faith in JESUS to HIS original intent for mankind and that is eternal life in full relationship with GOD. All who place their faith in JESUS receive eternal life the instant they ask JESUS to forgive them for their sins and for JESUS to come into their lives.

Isaiah 7:14:

14 Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

This prophesy was given to the Prophet Isaiah by GOD about 700 years before JESUS was born. Immanuel means “GOD with us.”

Luke 1:26-29: Lead-in

Gabriel Predicts Jesus' Birth

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

Keep in mind Genesis 3:15 – the seed of woman. The seed of woman must be activated by a sperm to produce a human. The seed of the Virgin Mary (her egg) carried the ancestral lineage of King David.

In the conception of JESUS, the divine sperm of GOD, The Holy Spirit, activated the seed (egg) of the Virgin Mary.

In the Garden of Eden, when sin entered, the death penalty was activated. Both Adam and Eve lost their eternal life because both ate the forbidden fruit. Adam was rendered imperfect because of sin. In order for mankind to be redeemed from sin and its consequence death and for eternal life to be restored, GOD required a perfect, sinless sacrifice. Thus the second Adam was necessary, JESUS.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:45:

45 So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.

The physical death of JESUS by the shedding of HIS blood was necessary to pay in full the debt for original sin. The perfect for the imperfect. JESUS to redeem Adam, Eve and all who will place their faith in HIM. It took a decision to disobey GOD and it takes a decision to be forgiven and restored to full relationship and fellowship with GOD.

That is why no human can live such that he or she will be acceptable to GOD through his or her own effort. GOD requires perfection. JESUS was perfect and all those who place their faith in HIM are restored to perfection to become the righteousness of GOD. 

28 And [the angel] came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you."

29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

Mary had the right to be troubled because she was a virgin and intended to remain a virgin until she married to Joseph. But there was a big problem and that was with Joseph.

GOD’S plan and purpose is always complete. We read in Matthew 1:18-25:

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 

19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." 

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel , which is translated "God is with us." 

24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married her 

25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

Let’s read Luke 1:30-33:

30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

First, Gabriel put Mary at ease by telling her not to be afraid and then revealed to her that GOD’S grace was upon her. GOD’S grace is unmerited love that we as Christians have. Gabriel revealed to Mary in an unmistakable way that what he was about to reveal to her was straight from GOD. Gabriel tells her to pay special attention to what he is about to tell her as we read the next verse.

31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

Let’s read Luke 1:34-35:

34 Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?"

Very logical and practical question. It was not a question of refusal but a question for understanding. We, as GOD’S children can ask questions for clarification and understanding.

35 The angel replied to her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

I can only imagine that Mary might have thought, “Oh, with GOD all things are possible.” We don’t have to fully understand. We may simply think or say, GOD said it and I believe it and that settles it. That is faith in action.

We do not know the exact birthday of JESUS. As I understand it December 25 was a pagan holiday and it was chosen so that Christians could celebrate the birth of JESUS. HIS Birth was likely in the spring of the year. The important point is that HE was born as a human and gave HIS life to break the sin barrier that all who place their faith in HIM will have eternal life. If you have not already done so, ask JESUS to forgive you and for HIM to come into your life and experience HIM.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Rhythm (3) - GOD'S Word Gives Courage - Psalm 119:17-24 - December 18, 2016

Bible Study – Rhythm (3) – GOD’S Word Gives Courage – December 18, 2016

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Spoken: The Rhythm of GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 119:17-24

Because of GOD’S Word, I can stand in a world that opposes me.

GOD’S Word is powerful. GOD reveals to us in HIS Word as recorded in Hebrews 4:12:

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

GOD’S Word is the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the return of the Holy Spirit to indwell all who place their faith in JESUS. However, we must keep in mind that GOD’S Word is not GOD. GOD’S desire is for all to build an intimate, personal relationship with HIM by placing our faith in HIS Only SON, JESUS. GOD’S Word reveals GOD and those who study it should cherish it but build their faith in JESUS as the path directly into the very presence of GOD. Remember what JESUS told HIS disciple Thomas in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The psalmist wrote this Psalm 119 before JESUS physically came into the world. HIS birth, life, death, resurrection, and so much more was prophesied thousands and hundreds of years before the birth of JESUS upon earth. We have the privilege of being able to read and know the complete revelation, coming through a physical birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of JESUS, all confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

GOD’S Word is a mirror. In the dark, it is hard to make out the images the mirror reflects but with more light we begin to see what is reflected. If the surface of the mirror is dirty or obscured by a film/filter, it makes it difficult to see what the mirror reflects. The intent of GOD’S Word is for all who read and study it is for them to be led to seeing GOD. It leads a person to know GOD and not to just know about GOD. Getting to know GOD is applying the truth of HIS Word to our lives as we obediently serve HIM.

Will we stump our toe along the way? YES! Why? Because it is very easy for us to start living by our own spiritual desires, which we may think are GOD’S. Just know that GOD teaches and allows us to run ahead of HIM or to get out of step with HIM to teach us a lesson. What do we do when that happens? Often, we get angry with GOD until HE hits us in the head with HIS wisdom stick to reveal to us what we have done. We had good intentions but our intentions were not HIS intentions. Pray, seek and wait upon GOD as HE leads and directs our lives. A team of horses must learn to work together. Christians are yoked with JESUS. Let’s explore!   

Let’s read Psalm 119:17-20:

Gimel – The Third Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.

17 Deal generously with Your servant so that I might live; then I will keep Your word.

As humans, our minds are likely to go to material prosperity when we read the words “deal generously with Your servant so that I might live.” The psalmist has a different perspective. He has discovered the value and richness that comes from studying and applying GOD’S Word. HIS Word leads him to a deeper knowledge of GOD and into a deeper relationship with GOD as he gets to know GOD in a more personal manner.

In essence, the psalmist seems to be saying “Dear LORD, continue revealing the wonders and truth in your Word to me so that I might live the abundant life. The more I know Your Word, I will apply it to my life and by doing so I will experience the full essence of living upon earth in full relationship with YOU.

18 Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in Your law.

In essence, the psalmist seems to be saying, “Dear LORD, only YOU can reveal truth from Your Word. I realize that I can be distracted by the things of the world and I confess that nature. My request is that YOU open my eyes to Spiritual truth such that it can be applied to my life as I seek to obediently serve YOU here upon earth. I realize that Your Word, the law, contains marvelous teachings which are revealed by You to help me to live life in abundance upon earth. I am not afraid to look deep into Your Word to discover truth because You are my teacher and enabler to live it.”

19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.

The psalmist’ yearning is to be in the presence of GOD and one day he will be but for the moment he lives upon earth. His heart reveals to him that earth is not his home and that his eternal home is with GOD. Therefore, his request is for GOD to reveal all the truth he can take in as a person who seeks the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with HIM that is possible, as a human.

Just ponder that for a moment. Christians have that personal intimate relationship with GOD when they place their faith in JESUS. The miracle of salvation through the miracle of rebirth in their spirit results in being born into GOD’S family. As Christians, you are GOD’S Son or Daughter and our citizenship is in Heaven. We, as Christians, have to live upon earth until GOD calls us home but in the meantime we need to prepare for Heaven. JESUS gives us clues in the model prayer HE taught HIS disciples such as in Matthew 6:9-10:

The Model Prayer

9 "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

For Christians to prepare for Heaven they are to live and function in obedience to the will of GOD, their Heavenly Father. The only way GOD becomes a person’s Father is for him or her to place his or her faith in JESUS, The CHRIST. The process of sanctification begins the instant of salvation, which is to be made more like JESUS.

20 I am continually overcome by longing for Your judgments.

We studied earlier about GOD’S judgments. HIS judgments are the light HE brings upon HIS Word as we study it. It is not how we interpret HIS Word but how HE reveals the truth in HIS Word to us as it is applied through our lives. Revealed truth is exciting when discovered and applied. Those who study GOD’S Word are continually overcome with joy and awe when truth, as rendered by GOD, is revealed to us. By the same token, we say “ouch” when GOD’S Word reveals the error of our way. When it does, we confess it, repent and seek GOD’S strength to stay the course. GOD forgives, cleanses and restores. Revealed truth is not only to be lived but it is to be shared with others as GOD gives the opportunity as led by the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Psalm 119:21-22:

21 You rebuke the proud, the accursed, who wander from Your commands.

22 Take insult and contempt away from me, for I have kept Your decrees.

There is nothing wrong with being proud but when it gives a person the sense of self-sufficiency then it becomes a hindrance to obediently serving GOD. We, as Christians, can get puffed up and become self-righteous thinking that we know how best to live our lives or to minister to the world.  This is a tool Satan uses to lead Christians astray. The psalmist is keenly aware he can lead himself away from obediently serving GOD. We can know the truth and wander away from the truth. GOD is truth and when our human nature rises up it can lead us astray.

It is easy for sheep to wander in search of green grass and in doing so are led astray. We can be led astray as the world seems to offer us better choices. The world’s choices have consequences designed to provide temporary satisfaction but ultimately destruction.  

The psalmist seems to be crying out and asking GOD not to let that happen to him. His desire is to stay true to GOD and what HE has revealed to him.

Let’s read Psalm 119:23-24:

23 Though princes sit together speaking against me, Your servant will think about Your statutes;

24 Your decrees are my delight and my counselors.

Those with earthly authority “princes” may attempt to advise or speak against the psalmist because he is led by GOD’S Word and not by their counsel. The psalmist will dwell/meditate/ponder upon GOD’S Word and rely upon the instructions from GOD to be his guide and counsel.

As I understand, “Princes,” generally, were those who were well educated or at least better educated than most of the populace. And they represented authority because of their relationship to the royal family. Princes along with other leaders would often sit together and discuss matters of importance to the kingdom. These decisions, coming from such gatherings, could impact positively or negatively the lives of those living in the kingdom. Regardless of human authority, the psalmist knew, based upon his confidence in GOD and the application of HIS Word, that his life was governed by GOD. He would rely upon the truth as revealed in GOD’S Word. He would be comforted by GOD’S Word and would allow it to will flow through his mind and assure him rather than yielding to the counsel of the world. He will not be distracted by earthly authority because HE is comforted by GOD’S Word and he is HIS servant.

The psalmist’s confidence is in GOD and HIS revealed Word. He delights in HIS Word and seeks counsel from HIS Word when he faces earthly authorities. 

GOD was his ultimate authority and sufficient for HIS life.

One caution, this is not speaking against seeking wise counsel from those gifted with giving wise counsel. Not all counselors are created equal. If you need counsel, pray and ask GOD to lead you to the person who can give you wise counsel along with discernment for you to make a wise decision by choosing the right counselor.

Considering what the psalmist has learned by studying GOD’S Word, does GOD’S Word give us that same degree of confidence? If not, why not? We must keep in mind that GOD’S Word is not GOD but the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in JESUS.

A person must embrace JESUS by placing his or her faith in HIM before he or she can embrace GOD. GOD reveals Himself through HIS handiwork. 

The physical world and the universe magnifies HIM. Embrace HIM by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come unto your life. JESUS stated it best in John 14:6. HE IS THE ONLY WAY to GOD! 

Satan would try to make you think differently because his desire is to destroy you. GOD’S desire is to shower you with HIS love and forgiveness and welcome you into HIS family as HE originally intended. The choice is yours to make. Please choose JESUS as your Savior and allow HIM to be the LORD of your life.

Blessings!!!