Psalm 119:123
“Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.” Waiting and hoping for the deliverance of the Lord can be a dreadful experience. Psalm 27:13-14 “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” His timing is not our timing. Many times, the Lord does not answer when we want Him to do so. Think of how Mary and Martha must have felt in the days after Lazarus died…but the Lord had a plan. While we wait, let us not be weary. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Even when we cannot see what lies ahead, we can wait in faith. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Though we may think that we know what is best for us, God’s plan is always best. The thoughts and ways of God are much higher than ours, so why would we want to argue with Him? Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Even when we don’t understand, we can wait in faith. Our deliverance may not come when or how we think it should, but we must remember that God is Faithful. He is always working things for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6 | Mark 8
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Psalm 119:120
“My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” The Psalmist was not afraid of his future, but rather the eternity of those that did not know the Lord. He trembled at the thought of the wrath of God being poured out on those around him. Can we say the same? John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” In Romans, the Apostle Paul pours out his heart for the same reason. He loved the people of Israel and wanted to see them saved, because he discerned that their profession was in vain. Romans 10:1-3 “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Paul spoke of the difference between knowing of Christ and knowing Him personally. The people had the knowledge, but lacked faith to confess and believe. Romans 10:8-10 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” We must have a burden to reach those around us that may know of Jesus and what He did for us, but lack a personal relationship with Him by simply confessing their sin and believing in Him by faith. The wrath of God awaits those that only have religion. Hebrews 4:1-2 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Do we fear the wrath of God being poured out on those who do not know Him? Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4 | Mark 7 Psalm 119:117
“Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.” The more we realize we are safe within the hand of God, the more we will respect His Word. Psalm 73:23-24 “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” At the right hand of the Father, our Saviour sits on His throne. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word in which God speaks to us today. He upholds us by His power. The same power He displayed when He made our sins as white as snow is the same power with which He provides and protects every day. Hebrews 1:1-4 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Seek Him through His Word today, and every day. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12 “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;” We are safe within the Hand of God. Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1-2 | Mark 6 Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” It is through the Light of the Word of God that allows us to discern the difference of every false way. This verse, like so many others, is often quoted, yet rarely lived. God has given us His Word to be both a Lamp and a Light as we walk with Him, yet so often we keep the Light in while the cover of our Bible is closed. A Lamp Unto Our Feet A Lamp provides just enough brightness to allow us to take the next step. We can have present direction because His Word is a Lamp unto our feet. God wants us to have the faith to trust Him each step of the way. He doesn’t show us the big picture of His will all at once, but through the Lamp we can develop faith that He will guide us through every step ahead. In order to shine, a Lamp must have oil. The Oil of the Holy Spirit provides us the understanding to discern the Truths of the Scripture. A Light Unto Our Path His Word shines Light ahead providing direction as to which path to take, and also allowing us to see that we are heading down the wrong one. The correction that the Word of God brings is seen through the Light. Praise God for those times in our lives that we have been redirected through the Scripture! When we apply the changes that are needed, we can then regain our fellowship with the Lord. 2 Peter 1:19-20 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” When we don’t know which way to turn, the Word of God lights the way! Psalm 119:130 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” The Word of God provides direction for both today and tomorrow. He instructs us through His Word in each phase and journey of life, if only we would take the time to read and apply His Truth to our life. Proverbs 6:22-23 “When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Allow the Word to be a Lamp & a Light in your walk with Him today, and every day. Bible Reading: Numbers 35-36 | Mark 5 Psalm 119:104
“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Through the Scriptures, the Lord gives us understanding of His will for our lives by having a relationship with Him. While Jesus Christ stood upon a mountain as He preached to the multitudes, He not only taught of what way they should go, but also which way they should avoid. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” If there are few that find the narrow way, many may profess to be Christians, yet their life tells a different story. Christ tells us there are many, and to beware of them. Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” There are many today that have a form of godliness, but deny His power. They appear to be godly followers of Christ, yet inside they are simply without Him. God gives us specific instructions of how to react when we come across them. 2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” We can discern between the good and evil by the fruits they produce. The fruit of our lives tells the truth about our walk with Him. Matthew 7:16-18 “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” We must make the choice to respond based on Biblical principles. All throughout the Word of God we are admonished to choose the right way while avoiding the wrong. Loving the sinner, while hating the sin. Having compassion, while taking a stand. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Are we willing to hate every false way that is contrary to the Truth? Bible Reading: Numbers 33-34 | Mark 4 Psalm 119:100
“I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Those who obey the Word of God, become wiser than their elders who forsake the Scriptures. Biblical wisdom allows us to become wiser than our years if we begin with a fear of Him. Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” The more we fear the Lord, the wiser we are. The more we know Him, the more we will understand. Ephesians 1:17 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:“ As our understanding and knowledge of Him grows, He begins to show us what He has called us to do for Him. Ephesians 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” As we have the desire and understanding to do His will, He reveals His great power in our lives. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power available to us today. Ephesians 1:19-20 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” Wisdom is waiting for us in His Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 31-32 | Mark 3 Psalm 119:81
“My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” As our souls begin to show the weakness of our flesh, we can choose to strengthen our faith through His Word. Hope begins with faith, and without faith it is impossible to please God. Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” To wait is to have faith and hope in what the Lord can and will do in our situation. When we wait upon Him through His Word, He renews His strength in us. As we yield to His strength, we can walk with Him and run for Him. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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.” We must renew ourselves daily by spending time with the Lord through His Word. Renewed strength and growth will only come as we die to our own will, and take up our cross for His glory. Luke 9:23-24 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Denying our will leads to following His; and following to serving Him. In the ministry there will be trying days when our flesh simply wants to quit. The Apostle Paul knew this by experience…yet he pressed on because he saw the reward ahead. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Choose to renew yourself daily through His Word. Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Bible Reading: Numbers 29-30 | Mark 2 Psalm 119:78
“Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.” Even in our service for the Lord, we will have enemies. Jesus had them, and He was without sin. If Christ was not without enemies, how can we think we wouldn't have them? Thankfully, Jesus Himself told us how to deal with those people. Matthew 5:43-44 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” In the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the multitudes of people how to react when confronted by their enemies. Some of which may have even been with them in the same crowd that intently listened to Christ as He compassionately spoke to them that day. When we pray for those that have wronged us, we receive both the blessing of obeying the Lord’s command and the absent of bitterness. How can we be bitter if we ask for the Lord’s help in the situation? Bitterness begins to grow when we talk to others about the problem instead of taking it to the Lord. Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies even while they crucified Him. Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Stephen even prayed for those who threw the rocks that caused his death. Acts 7:59-60 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” When we feel like stones are being thrown at us, we have the choice of how we react as we dodge them. We can become bitter at the stone thrower, or better by choosing to pray for them while spending time in the Word. When we pray for those that have “dealt perversely” with us, we become closer to the One Who wants to fight for us. Bible Reading: Numbers 27-28 | Mark 1 Psalm 119:63
“I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.” The company we keep is important. The phrase, “you are who you hang around”, is very true. Who we choose to be our friends, mentors, and especially our spouse sets the course to who we will become. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Wisdom begins with having a fear of the Lord. It is wise to surround ourselves with people whose lives display a fear of the Lord. Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” When needing advice, we must seek out godly counsel in order to make our decision in light of what the Bible says. Sometimes a trustworthy godly friend can offer a new perspective that perhaps we did not see beforehand. Proverbs 27:9 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.” The friend who has a close walk with the Lord will encourage us to walk closer with Him ourselves. Being able to share what the Lord has given in time spent with Him is a priceless gift from God. Thank the Lord today for the godly friends in your life, for they are blessings from Him. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Choose your companions wisely. Bible Reading: Numbers 25-26 | Luke 24 Psalm 119:55
“I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.” While we read the Word of God, we must remember the Lord of the Word. Not only remember Him, we must remember His Name. Psalm 34:3 “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Even in the night seasons of our lives, we must exalt the Name of our Lord. There is power in His Name, the power of salvation. Acts 4:10-12 “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Salvation lies within our faith in the Name of Jesus and what He did for us on Calvary. Where does our faith begin? Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As we remember His Name, we must also remember His Word for God magnifies His Word even above His Name. Psalm 138 “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” If at the Name above every name, the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, how much more powerful is His Word? His Words created every thing that we see and every thing that we are as He spoke the world and us into existence. His Word is where we see Jesus, the Word that “was made flesh, and dwelt among us”. His Word is where we behold His “glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” Remember His Name and remember His Word, today and every day. Bible Reading: Numbers 23-24 | Luke 23 |
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