Bible Pathway - July 15
Read Psalms 119
Highlights:
The Word of God is exalted in every verse. This magnificent alphabetic acrostic (each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet occurs eight times in the 22 sections) magnifies the Word of God. The Book of John tells us that Jesus is the Word and as He brings Light to all who trust Him, so does the written Word as shown in this chapter. Can you list the various ways Word is used throughout this reading? Law and precepts.
O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation (Ps.119:97-99).
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. In reading through it, you will find several topics discussed, some things more than once.
We find that many times throughout the Word of God this is the case. The Bible is written in a way to build upon the messages that God seeks to convey to us. Lessons are reiterated, sometimes over and over, to make sure we get a grasp on the things God is wanting to do with our lives. Subjects such as grace, mercy, separated lifestyles and service to God are shared through different accounts multiple times.
The psalmist does this same thing in speaking of his love for the law of God. This is a love for God's Word. He goes as far as to say that “it is my meditation all the day”. We are all called to be students of the Word of God. Would not our lives be totally transformed if we studied God's Word this much? Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (1 Tim. 4:15).
The psalmist goes on to show that this is very true for his life. He has found himself to have more wisdom because of following God's commandments. This would be true for anyone that would apply the laws and precepts of God towards the making of decisions. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105).
If we follow after the Bible and live by its teachings, we will find that the choices of our life will continually take us to the places that God desires us to be. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Not only will we find ourselves positioned by God, we will have better understanding of why we are there. This is not always the case for those who make their own life choices. Often times, they have no clue where they are in life or how they arrived there.
The psalmist repeats himself about meditating on the things of God. We can learn from this by keeping a quiet time for the Lord. This time belongs to you and God everyday. This should be a time with no distractions. While it is true you can pray while doing other things, and you might even be able to listen to a recording of the Bible while you are busy. This is not the same as quiet time. We need time with God alone so we can truly hear from Him. Meditate on the things of God daily.
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe (1 Thes. 2:13).
Thought for Today:
ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16).
Christ Revealed:
By the psalmist who delighted in the Commandments of God (Ps. 119:47). Christ said: I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me (John 6:38; John 15:10).
Word Studies:
119:1 undefiled, blameless; 119:7 uprightness of heart, sincere intentions; 119:25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust, I am very discouraged; quicken thou me, restore my life; 119:28 melteth for heaviness, is weary because of grief; 119:83 am become like a bottle in the smoke, shrivel like a wineskin in the smoke.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Ps. 25:11).
Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8
