Tag: Daniel

Psalm 119.1-24

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 119.1-24

Aleph (א) verses 1-8

This section presents the key to understanding this particular psalm (all the Bible really). It is to walk in the ways of God. The nature of such a man is found in the actions he takes. He walks in God’s ways, keeps God’s laws, and seeks God’s truth. When Paul tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, he is applying what these verses are telling us (2 Corinthians 10.4-6).

When we do this, we are allowing God to work in and through us, which, in turn, allows us to live the life for which He created us. This life is one that is increasingly characterized by the leaving of sin, which produces shame, and the turning to God (2 Timothy 2.22 and 1 John 1.5-2.1, 3.9, and 5.18). To truly live the life God called us to live, we must go from knowledge to practice.

The Word in Life Study Bible (1997) presents this chart for Psalm 119.2:

119:2 THE BENEFITS OF OBEYING THE BIBLE

Psalm 119:2 promises blessings for obeying God’s Word (or “testimonies”) and seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart. The psalm goes on to mention or allude to a number of these benefits:

  • Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
  • A motivation and basis for praising God (119:7, 171).
  • A pure lifestyle (119:9).
  • Readjustments in our priorities (119:14, 92) and values (119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).
  • Insight into our purpose on earth (119:19, 32, 125).
  • Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
  • A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (119:23, 41–42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
  • A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
  • Encouragement, hope, and comfort (119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81–83, 114, 166).
  • Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172).
  • A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163).
  • A sense of freedom (119:45).
  • A source of new songs (119:54).
  • An accurate basis for self-examination (119:59).
  • Fellowship with like-minded believers (119:63, 79).
  • A solid foundation for our faith (119:66, 89–90).
  • Protection and peace (119:114, 165).
  • The ability to discern right from wrong (119:136, 138–139, 158).
  • A motivation and basis for prayer (119:169–170).
  • The Lord’s help (119:173–174).

Which of these are you not experiencing today? This is an area of prayer and discipline for you.

Beth (ב) verses 9-16

When my life is planned around God’s Word, I will live a life that is pleasing and holy to Him (Romans 12.1-2). The sure way to accomplish this is through Scripture memorization that leads to acting upon what is memorized. Remember that memorization is not for the moment but for life. If you truly have memorized a verse or passage that becomes your guide throughout life. You know it. You apply it. You do not forget it.

Gimel (ג) verses 17-24

The study of God’s Word needs to be a regular exercise done on a daily basis. This would include meditation, which is to eat as a cow would chew cud. Chew for a bit, let it digest for a while, chew on it again, let it digest again. Repeat this process throughout the day. When we daily meditate on God’s Word, He brings joy into our life. Read these couplets to see the connection Psalm 119.15-16, 23-24, 47-48, 77-78.

A great verse to pray when beginning any Bible study is verse eighteen. The psalmist implores God, as should we, to open his eyes to the wonderful truths or principles in God’s Word. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and is necessary to understand what God’s Word means and how we can apply it to our lives (Daniel 5.11-14, John 16.13-15).

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 130

This Psalm takes us from the depths of our sins to the forgiveness of our sins. The only hope for such forgiveness is looking to the only hope for forgiveness and that is Christ alone. Have you done this?

Psalm 130

Another Song of Ascents.

Verses 1-2-This cry is found in all of us (Lamentations 3.55). We desire God to hear us in our pain. We even expect Him to hear us in our sin and desire Him to deliver us. And, we expect Him to answer.

Verses 3-4-He is asking God to forgive him of his sins (1 Kings 8.39-40; Daniel 9.9; and Jeremiah 33.8-9). We are to proclaim His holiness in our forgiveness.

Verses 5-6-Do you wait on the Lord (Psalm 103)? When we do, we are watchful for what He does. The Psalmist is sitting in the dark awaiting the morning. Sin does that to a person.

Verses 7-8-This is a call for all the nation to come to God in repentance.

This Psalm takes us from the depths of our sins to the forgiveness of our sins. The only hope for such forgiveness is looking to the only hope for forgiveness and that is Christ alone. Have you done this?