May this be our prayer.
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
What Say You?
Month: August 2019
Take Courage!
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey through Psalm 119 [part 5]
He. – Psalm 119:33-40
“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep [follow] it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law and observe [obey] it with my whole heart. Lead [direct] me in the path of Your commandments [commands], for I delight in them. Incline [turn] my heart unto [toward] Your testimonies, and not for unjust [selfish] gain. Turn away my eyes from beholding worthlessness [worthless things], and revive me in Your way. Establish [fulfill] Your word [promise] to Your servant, so that You are feared. Turn away my reproach [take away the disgrace] that I dread, for Your judgments [laws] are good. Behold, I have a longing [how I long] for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.”
Would you like to see what loyalty to God looks like – look no further – right here it is…follow to the end. The Psalmist declares his loyalty to the Lord, to His Word, which he observes with his whole being. Continuing, he asks the Lord for direction, turning of heart an unselfish heart, and the turning away from worthlessness or covetousness. He desires God to confirm His ordinances to him as His servant (child).
If you took a ‘God loyalty test’ what would the test results confirm?
Where does your loyalty lie?
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey through Psalm 119 [Part 4]
Daleth. – Psalm 119:25-32
“My soul clings [I am laid low] to the dust; revive me [preserve my life] according to Your Word. I have declared [gave an account of] my ways, and You heard [answered] me; teach me Your statutes. Make me to understand the way of Your precepts; then I shall contemplate [meditate] on Your wondrous works. My soul collapses [weary with sorrow] on account of grief; strengthen me according to Your Word. Remove [keep me] from me the way of falsehood [deceitful ways], and graciously grant [be gracious to me and teach me] me Your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; Your judgments I have laid before me [I have set my heart on your laws]. I have stayed [hold fast to] with Your testimonies [statutes], O Lord; may I not [do not let me] be put to shame. I will run in the way [path] of Your commandments, when You set [broadened] my heart [understanding] free.”
What a prayer for understanding.
The Psalmist prayed for quickening over his weary soul; he found himself “laid low.” We are not told what troubled this Psalmist held, but he declares his situation to the Lord in full account. He goes to his Father God asking for revival – preservation of soul – according to the Word of the Lord. Seeking understanding, he prays to the One who can give. He acknowledges the Lord’s gracious listening hand in his life. He asked the Lord for strengthening, keeping, removal of deceitful ways that take resident within. He declares his “I will’s” to the Lord. He holds nothing back from running into the arms of God – searching alone the path of Truth. The Lord blesses his search, “Your broadening of my heart (or understanding) brings freedom.
- Is God hearing from you?
May we take heed the example set before us.
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey Through Psalm 119 [Part 3b]
Gimel. Psalm 119:17-24
“Deal kindly [bountifully] with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Open my eyes [to spiritual truth], that I may behold wondrous things from Your law. I am a sojourner [stranger] in the land; do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is consumed [crushed with longing] all the time with a longing for Your decrees [ordinances]. You have rebuked the proud [presumptuous and arrogant], those cursed, who depart [wander] from Your commandments. Remove [take] from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. Even if princes sit and conspire [talk] against me, your servant will meditate on Your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight and my counselors.”
- The Psalmist had one focus – God; his relationship with God was priority; the condition of his heart before God was priority – it matter more.
- The Psalmist has one home – Eternity; heaven.
- The Psalmist knew he wasn’t home but that didn’t stop him from living like he was home.
Today, many of us believe that we can have our cake and eat it too; we can have this world and God too, but it doesn’t work that way. It cannot work. God will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8; Isaiah 48:11).
Have you heard this statement? “This world has so many distractions” or maybe “I just have too”, either way we can all agree that this world does have “distractions” that do tempt or produce flesh-filled desires. Sin lures, but the truth of the matter is this: we do what we love –first.
I think the Psalmist got this. He saw his flesh for what is was.
He knew – he felt that draw of the flesh, thus seeking the only One who his soul needed. He prayed. He sought. He obeyed. He saw answers. He saw the power of God.
We don’t have to look very far in our lives to find out what we love. We spend time doing what we love. It comes natural even when it is wrong or sinful…it just comes easy. That is way the Psalmist asked God to open his eyes that he may see.
If you love sports, what do you do?
- You practice.
- You play.
- You watch.
- You talk about it.
If you love to shop, what do you do? If you love to craft, what do you do? If you love to boat, what do you do? If you love to lounge, what do you do?
What do you love? What do you dream about?
Now we are not going to pick on one specific thing, person or vise, but we must realize that our flesh wants what a flesh wants…whether it is crafting or drugs. Anything that replaces God in our life produces an idolatrous heart.
Does that mean that if we want God to be first in our life – we must live in cave, deny all, become a monk and reject everything from this Earth?
No. Our surrounds don’t change the heart. We don’t change our heart.
Even a monk, who lives in a cave, has a sinful heart. You cannot take the flesh out of flesh – but you can replace the flesh by the Spirit. Without God, the heart doesn’t change. With God, the heart changes.
Sports. Crafts. Shopping. Boating. Kicking up your feet – all have their place, but never to replace God. Pray before you do and include the Lord in your activities, but don’t forsake what will last for eternity.
The Psalmist heart should be our heart:
- He realized where he belonged – not where he currently lived. He was a sojourner. He realized he was just passing through. His end goal was what really counted for God. What is your end goal – is God there?
- His prayerful desire was that God would open his eyes (his soul) to spiritual truth – not his own truth, not the world’s truth, not even his own idea of God), but God’s truth (because is it the only truth). He wanted to see God from God in his life. He desired to see God’s wonderous blessings from His Word and from His acts. How’s your prayer life? Do you see spiritual truth?
- His soul broke with this spiritual longing for God in his life. Does your soul break to know God? Does your soul break to be more like Him?
- He knew that the Lord rebuked, chastened, punished those who do not keep His commandments. He didn’t want to be one of them. He feared, reverenced God. Do you?
- He asked God to remove what didn’t please God. That is usually something we fear or guard – because we usually love it. Is there something in your life that you need to confess to God and make right? He loves you. Sin has its moment – God has forever!
- The Psalmist had enemies. You would think, someone that is close to God would have a life filled with peaches and crème – no problems. Think again. Those who walk with God, in God, desire to please God – not everyone likes you. Sometimes this is harder than hard to live through. I remember a time, I call the “twilight zone” where other believers in our ministry acted like nonbelievers towards us. I felt like David when he wrote, “it would have nee okay if it was my enemy, but it was my friend” – someone he called a brother. Not all attacks are from the world. This must break the very heart of God when believers attack other believers. The Psalmist knew thus burden…YET, he kept his nose, heart, eyes, ears, soul in the Words of God. This is what we must do as well. God comfort is true. Is you find yourself in this situation, keep the faith, friend – stay close to Christ!!! God sees. God knows. God wins every time – righteousness will prevail! My soul prays for you!
- The Psalmist found God a delight. Wow. So many things tickle us, but do we find God a delight or do we find Him a chore? Does God tickle you with delight – that you long to be with Him, please Him or is God a chore? Do you want (desire) to go to church or do you have to go to church?
Take time this week with God – check with Him and ask “how am I doing?” You may be surprised. You may not be — whatever you are, be obedient!
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey through Psalm 119 [part 3]
Gimel. Psalm 119:17-24
“Deal kindly [bountifully] with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Open my eyes [to spiritual truth], that I may behold wondrous things from Your law. I am a sojourner [stranger] in the land; do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is consumed [crushed with longing] all the time with a longing for Your decrees [ordinances]. You have rebuked the proud [presumptuous and arrogant], those cursed, who depart [wander] from Your commandments. Remove [take] from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. Even if princes sit and conspire [talk] against me, your servant will meditate on Your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight and my counselors.”
Can you hear the deep thirst and hunger the Psalmist had for God?
He asked God to open his eyes to spiritual truth — so that he would see God. God consumed him and he had no bones about it. He also prayed for the removal of the wicked in his life. God is in the business of protection when it comes to those who seek Him.
So today, let’s ask God to open our eyes — that we too, may see Him and behold God’s wondrous law.
Proclaim Him.
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey through Psalm 119 [Part 2]
Beth ב — Psalm 119:9-16
“How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping [watch on himself] it according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts]. With my whole heart I seek You; do not allow me to wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience]. Your word I have hidden [treasured and stored] in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. With my lips I declare all the decrees of Your mouth. I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and keep my eyes on Your ways [the path of life established by Your precepts]. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
What a great question, “How shall a young man keep his way pure?”
- By proactively keeping watch over your soul – living in line with God’s Word.
- By seeking after the Lord with all your heart – inquiring and longing after God.
- By understanding, realizing you are capable of falling; wandering away [by ignorance or by willful disobedience]; and accessing the value, therefore understanding the power of prayer through seeking the Lord’s wisdom, will, protection, and strength.
- By hiding God’s Word in your heart for that is your priceless valuable weapon of defense; memorizing Scripture protects you from sinning.
- By being walking in humility through choosing to be moldable, teachable from God himself and by those He places in your spiritual life.
- By being God’s mouthpiece for His glory, not your own.
- By choosing to rejoice in God – having God’s attitude.
- By meditating [allowing your path of life to be established by and through God’s precepts] on the Word of God.
- By delighting in God’s Word – in God himself.
- By not forgetting God’s Word – seeing it is more valuable than silver or gold.
How neat, the Psalmist answered his own question.
So, how will you keep your way pure?
If you don’t know where to start – begin with your Bible. If you do not have a Bible, there are numerous websites that you can access. If you need help finding one – I’d be happy to help.
Choose today to spend time with God and keep your way pure.
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey through Psalm 119 [Part 1]
Aleph. — Psalm 119:1-8
“Blessed [and favored by God] are those whose way is blameless [those with personal integrity, the upright, the guileless], who walk in the law [and who are guided by the precepts and revealed will] of the LORD. Blessed [and favored by God] are those who keep His testimonies, and who [consistently] seek Him [and long for Him] with all their heart. They also do no wrong [unrighteousness]; they walk in His ways. You have commanded [ordained] us to keep Your precepts diligently [carefully]. Oh, that my ways were [be] established to keep Your statutes [to obediently accepting and honoring them]! Then I shall not be ashamed, when I [look with respect] have my focus on all Your commandments [as my guide]. I will praise You [give thanks] with an upright heart, when I have learned [learn through discipline] Your righteous judgments [for my transgressions]. I will keep Your statues; do not [utterly] completely abandon me [when I fail].” (MEV/AMP)
Oh, how we give those Israelites a hard time.
- “How loooong did they wander?”
- “How could they not see God? I would have!”
- “Go back to Egypt – what were they, nuts?”
We are no different.
- We wander.
- We don’t see God.
- We go back to ‘our’ Egypt.
We give the Lord God Jehovah such a hard time with our excuses, whining, complaining, critical spirits. We compete with other believers, choose unforgiveness, gossip and slander brothers and sisters in Christ. Our striving hearts battle sinful attitudes and thoughts.
We all know it — we are human. I get that, you get that, the Psalmist got that. But if we were to put both lifestyles side-by-side — who do you think would be more like Christ?
This is not a boo-hoo everyone and not see the beam-in-our-own-eye- syndrome, but to honestly peer into our souls as we live as children of God.
God dealt with the Israelites and God will deal with us. Depending on how you view God — your response and life do reflect it.
The Psalmist, in verses 1-8, is incredible! He sees his sin for what it is – ugly, unrighteous before a holy God. He doesn’t glory in it, but rather prays earnestly to walk worthy, righteously with and before God.
He is overcome with the realization of how good it is to walk in God’s ways; how profitable it is to grow, to seek, to walk closely with God. He understands there is no greater way.
He oozes with adoration and love for/to God while rejecting the temptation of his own faults (sin). God blesses that kind of person. God could never not be good.
God takes us seriously.
- The cross should spur us to realize this – does it for you? If not, why not?
- God takes you seriously.
- How seriously do you take God?
May today, we take stock in what our relationship with God looks like. Check with God:
- Lord, how am I doing before You? (Stop and listen for Him to speak)
- Lord, are you pleased, glorified, honored through me? Am I moldable? If not, convict me of what I must repent of, confess it, forsake it. Make your relationship right with God.
- Lord, I want Your blessings. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Today, I choose to walk in Your precepts, delight in your ways without being ashamed of You. I will praise You!
Now commit:
- Obey without rebellion.
- Walk by faith without question.
- Learn Him without restrictions.
- Love Him without constraints.
- Serve Him without resistance.
May Jesus Christ be Praised!
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Journey 119: a Journey Through Psalm 119 [Intro]
Several months ago, the Lord pressed upon my heart to walk through the 119th Psalm. I must confess, the Lord kept tugging all throughout the month of May to start June first. I tried. The process began its beginning stages, but as the month continued, I found little time for blogging. Oh, did I feel His conviction! All throughout June then into the month of July. The Lord’s conviction hasn’t softened. This summer has been fabulous – seeing souls come to know Christ as Savior is beyond life itself; being a tool in the Master’s hand is humbling yet exciting all at the same time – it doesn’t get any better than that! But, I left blogging undone.
So today, through confession of spirit, repentance, forgiveness, and walking by faith through obedience, the journey through Psalm 119 begins.
I am nervous and excited to embark on a month long walk through the 119th Psalm. Each day, as the Lord directs, we will explore one letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in verse sections as written per the book of Psalm, in order. What the Lord has planned, I am unsure, but there is a reason which excites me. God is good. His transformation is good.
He will transform, but we must be yielded. Willing.
I hope that you will come along. Please comment when the Lord speaks to your soul.
See you tomorrow!
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
Psalm 121:8
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
