Psalm 119:80
“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.” Our hearts cannot be complete without the Word of God. The void that we sometimes feel within ourselves can only be filled by the Lord and His Word. Psalm 18:30-32 “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” We must daily fill our hearts with the Word of God, because we cannot stand on our own. He can make our way perfect, because His Way is perfect. Each time we apply the Truths of God’s Word to our hearts, we are strengthened by His strength. Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” The Word of God converts our souls by discerning our thoughts and intentions. We must not be satisfied with only a form of godliness, when God is offering His power to us through the Truth of His Word. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The Word of God cuts us like a sword; yet at the same time, It also binds up our wounds. There is a Balm in Gilead to mend our sin sick souls. Hosea 6:1-2 “Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.” If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must fill our hearts with His Word so that we can stand, by His strength, unashamed. Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6 | Mark 7 | Psalm 49
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Psalm 119:79
“Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.” The Psalmist prayed that God would bless his life with Godly People. His request was even specific that they know the testimonies of Word of God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?” We too should also desire and pray for our lives to be surrounded with Godly People. We are called to be a shining light to those around us, but sometimes we forget that our Light can shine brighter when it shines together with others reflecting the same Light. We can be more effective for the cause of Christ when we serve together with Godly people. Godly Correction Proverbs 27:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” A Godly friend or family member will not always agree with everything that we do. We need people who will caution us of any wrongdoing they see creeping into our lives. Instead of becoming defensive or upset that someone has rebuked you, if they have done so in love according to what the Bible says, we should be thankful they cared enough to do so. Godly Counsel Proverbs 27:6 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.” Along with correction, we need counsel from Godly people. We must not seek counsel from the things of the world, but rather of the Word. When we receive Biblical advice from someone who cares about us, it makes our heart rejoice! Godly Conversation Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Our lives needs sharpened by the Sword of the Word of God. There are few things sweeter than a discussion among friends centered on the Word of God, and what our Saviour has done for us. If you do not have someone to discuss the Word with, be that friend to someone else! God has given us the gift of friendship and family. What a pity it would be to waste what opportunities He has provided for us to be the Godly Friend that someone else needs. If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must surround ourselves with Godly People. Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4 | Mark 6 | Psalm 48 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. If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must pray for our enemies and those who have wronged us. Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1-2 | Mark 5 | Psalm 47 Psalm 119:77
“Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.” We cannot truly live without God’s Word being made manifest in our lives. It is by the Lord’s mercy and grace that we are able to come unto Him. Living in the Word releases God’s blessings in our lives. Psalm 119:17 “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.” Living in the Word remits God’s mercy in our lives. Psalm 119:77 “Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.” Living in the Word relays God’s strength in our lives. Psalm 119:116 “Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.” Life begins by hearing and believing the Word of God. We have the great responsibility to tell others that everlasting life is only found in Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are condemned to death. John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must begin by living in the Word of God. Bible Reading: Numbers 35-36 | Mark 4 | Psalm 46 Psalm 119:76
“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” He had read or heard God’s Word before. He knew what the Word of God said, and he was praying in faith for the Lord’s “merciful kindness” to be his comfort because he had heard It to be true! Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we know God’s Word, we can then pray according to His Word… Asking while believing that He is Able. Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Asking in His Name. John 16:24 “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Asking in faith. James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Asking while obeying. 1 John 3:22 “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” His Word has the answer, because He is the Answer...we need only ask Him according to His Word. He will not only answer, but He will also comfort, direct, guide, and provide for us. If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must ask according to His Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 33-34 | Mark 3 | Psalm 45 Psalm 119:75
“I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” In the midst of our affliction, we have to decide whether to allow the circumstances to distract us or remind us of what God’s Word says. He brings situations to pass so that we can learn Who He is in the middle of our suffering. Psalm 119:7 “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.” Unless we know His Word, we cannot give Him the praise He deserves. Our hearts cannot be right with Him, if we are not spending time in the Scriptures. Studying the Word shows us Who God is, and why He alone deserves our praise. Psalm 119:62 “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.” Unless we know His Word, we cannot give Him thanks for what He has done. When the storms of life rage around us, His Word can bring us comfort and peace. Knowing His Word in the midst of our storm allows us to give thanks to Him even in our darkest hour. Psalm 119:128 “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Unless we know His Word, we cannot understand the difference between right and wrong. In order to know which way is wrong, we must first know the right way. Jesus Christ alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We cannot be on the right way, have the Truth, or experience real life without Him. All of this begins with knowing His Word. Before we praise the Lord, we must know why He deserves our praise. Before we thank the Lord, we must know what He has done for us. Before we stand for God, we must know what is right. If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must begin by seeking to know His Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 31-32 | Mark 2 | Psalm 44 Psalm 119:74
“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.” When the circumstances of life get us down and it seems as if no hope can be found, there is hope in His Word. Whatever our situation, His Word has the Answer, for He is the Answer. Hope for our salvation. Psalm 119:81 “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” Hope for our safety. Psalm 119:114 “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Hope for our sorrow. Psalm 119:147 “I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.” We are justified by our faith in Jesus Christ, and our faith in Him brings us hope for His glory during the trials we face. Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” As we hope in His Word, we can rest in Him while we wait for Him to lead, guide, and direct us along the way. Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must hope in His Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 29-30 | Mark 1 | Psalm 43 Psalm 119:73
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.” Before sin entered into the world, God made us in His image. We were fashioned from dust after His likeness, as He breathed life into Adam. Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” He created us for His glory, and redeemed us so that He could fellowship with us through His Word. Isaiah 43:1-2,7 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee…Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Our Creator even gives us the desire to understand more of His Word. Just as He breathed life into us, He divinely breathed His Word into this world so that His creation could be complete in Him. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must seek to understand our Creator’s Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 27-28 | Luke 24 | Psalm 42 Psalm 119:72
“The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” We tend to seek counsel, encouragement, and pleasure from the people and things around us. David knew from experience that he could find all these things and more within the Scriptures, for he knew that the Word is better than anything money could buy. Psalm 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Wisdom is found within the Word. God desires to make us wise through our learning of the Scriptures. Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” David had his thousands of gold and silver, yet he esteemed the Word of God above all his riches. He willingly suffering affliction, because it caused him to understand the Truth of the Scriptures better. If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must acknowledge that the Word is better than anything we could desire. Bible Reading: Numbers 25-26 | Luke 23 | Psalm 41 Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” What a testimony to have during our trials! How we endure affliction speaks volumes of our faith. We too can say this when we remember that all the things the Lord does work together for our good. 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.” It is through affliction, we are able to learn more of the truths in God’s Word that we would not fully understand otherwise. The promises and truths found in the Scriptures become more real to us as we see God work each of them to be true within our lives. We will find that the Lord is near the brokenhearted, and faithful to deliver His children out of every affliction. Psalm 34:18-19 “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Though our afflictions are many, they give us the opportunity to see the beauty of the Lord and give Him glory through the suffering. Psalm 90:15-17 “Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” As Christians, we will suffer affliction and persecution. The Bible tells us that our days are few and full of trouble, but we must remember that the pain we feel here is only temporary. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “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.” If we want the Lord to order our steps, we must focus on the purpose of affliction…to learn more about His Word. Bible Reading: Numbers 23-24 | Luke 22 | Psalm 40 |
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