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What Do You Remember

A few weeks back my Mom came to stay for a several days. At 94 her memory isn’t as sharp as it once was but she still has a good memory for someone her age. It’s always fun for me to talk with her about things that we did as kids – places we lived, friends we grew up with and special times we had as a family.

Dad was a blue-collar worker so we never had lavish gifts or big vacations. What we had instead were times of fishing at the lake, picnic lunches from the tail gate of the station wagon and day trips to the National Parks. We fed salt water taffy to the chipmunks in Zion, caught trout on salmon eggs and had rain water pour through the rotted roof of a travel trailer. (big smile) Yes, wonderful memories.

I also have wonderful memories of when our children were growing up and we saw the Lord do numerous miracles in our day to day life. Miracles of healing and provision, miracles of safety and protection. Answered prayers and expressions of God’s faithfulness.

Oh, how I love God’s word! It is such a joy to read it and know that for thousands of years it has never failed or been proven false and God will continue to protect it and bring it to pass. It won’t fail me or my children or my grandchildren.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall never pass away” Matthew 24:35

We’re about 1/3 way through Psalm 119 and I hope you are enjoying our study and that the Lord is ministering to you personally as we cover each segment.

“Remember your promise to me, your servant. It gives me hope. 50 You comfort me in my suffering, because your promise gives me new life.
51 People full of pride are always making fun of me, but I have not stopped following your teachings. 52 I remember the laws you gave us long ago, Lord, and they bring me comfort. 53 I am overcome with anger when I see wicked people, who have stopped following your teachings. 54 Your laws are the songs I sing wherever I am living. 55 Lord, in the night I remembered your name, and I obeyed your teachings. 56 This happened because I carefully obey your instructions.” Psalm 119: 49-56

Remembering God’s promises should give us hope and create an excitement in our hearts just like it did for David. I once heard it said that God has never had anyone, other than Jesus, qualified working for Him yet so don’t get hung up on your shortcomings. Look at those who God has used. Abraham was too old; David was too young. Mary Magdalen was a prostitute; Peter denied the Lord and Paul, the Apostle, killed Christians. (Just to name a few.)

We can either get puffed up with pride or become discouraged if we compare ourselves to others but when we see that God gave His promises to common everyday people, just like us, we know that His word isn’t just for a select few or the very elite. One verse that is ringing in my memory this morning is my favorite verse in the Bible. If you’ve been reading my posts very long at all you will know that I am talking about Numbers 23:19.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

God doesn’t lie – that gives me hope! He doesn’t lie about salvation, healing, peace, joy, comfort, protection, prosperity, wisdom, victory…He doesn’t lie! And what’s more, He tells us to remind Him of His word. Not because He’s old and senile and might forget but because He wants us to boldly trust our relationship with Him.

“Turn to the Lord! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near. 7 Give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the Lord our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins. 8 The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. 10 “Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat.
11 That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:6-11 CEV

Moses instructed the nation of Israel to teach their children the things that God had done; deliverance from Egypt, the miracles in the wilderness and the victory of entering the promised land. Then Peter says that it was important for him to remind the believers of all that God had done for them so that they, we, wouldn’t be deceive and fall away from God’s plan.

In Hebrews we are instructed to come BOLDLY to the throne of grace to find help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) That boldness can only come as we stand on God’s word and rely on Him to be faithful and loving. Each time I think of this verse I remember an incident that happened when our kids were small. We live out in the middle of nowhere, and I do mean nowhere; thirty miles from the closest small town and 70 miles from Phoenix. We were farming 900 acres of alfalfa – we had told the kids that on Friday we would go to the Dairy Queen. That was a big deal! We had promised!

So Friday when the kids got home from school they quickly reminded us that this was Friday and we had said we were going to Dairy Queen. Of course we went – tired but we went – we had promised! We didn’t scold the kids for reminding us – they weren’t being arrogant or demanding – they were being kids and we had promised so they expected that we would have kept our word.

If we as natural, earthly parents make promises and keep our word to our children should we think that God in all His power and glory would do any less? If He didn’t want us to believe that He was faithful, then He shouldn’t have included promises in His word but He did and He IS!

When I remember God’s word, His promises and how He has provided in the past it causes me to sing. Just this last week, while I was out on a walk, I had been battling discouragement in a particular matter. As I focused not on the problem but on God’s faithfulness, I began to recall times in the past when God had “come through” and shown Himself faithful. There were so many times – large and small. It didn’t take me very long before I was singing praise to God.

“Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” Jeremiah 32:17

Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing. Nothing is too difficult for thee!!

Put God in remembrance of His word today!

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What Do You Reflect

This morning’s verses deal mostly with other’s reaction when we choose to stand on God’s word. Their response isn’t always favorable. Think back to a time when you weren’t really interested in spiritual things or in bringing honor to the Lord. Did you avoid or ridicule those you considered religious?

We should desire to reflect God’s purpose and teachings.

“41 Lord, show me your faithful love. Save me, as you promised. 42 Then I will have an answer for those who make fun of me for trusting what you say. 43 Let me always say what is true. I depend on your judgment to be fair. 44 I will follow your teachings forever and ever. 45 So I will live in freedom, because I do my best to know your instructions. 46 I will discuss your rules with kings, and no one will embarrass me. 47 What joy your commands give me! How I love them! 48 Not only do I love your commands, but I also honor them. I will study your laws.” Psalm 119:41-48

I want us to take a walk through the Bible and look at folks who took a stand for God and met with adverse reaction.

Noah – laughed at by his neighbors when He said God was going to send a flood but he and his family escaped.

Joseph – told his brothers the vision he had from God and they sold him into slavery. Then Joseph was set up to save his brothers from famine.

Moses – he tried to defend the Israelites from the Egyptians and they rejected him and God. But then he led them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea.

David – said he could defeat the giant and his brothers accused him of being arrogant and a braggart. He saved Israel and went on to be king.

Daniel – stood for God and his time of prayer and was thrown into the lion’s den by his co-workers because of it. God saved him and his enemies were destroyed.

3 Hebrew children – would only worship God and not the king so they were thrown into the fiery furnace. God rescued them and the king promoted them.

Jesus – spoke God’s truth and was crucified. He rose from the dead and provided salvation for us all.

Peter – was thrown into prison and beaten for preaching Jesus. He went on to become known as a leader among Christians.

Paul – was beaten, stoned, and imprisoned for preaching Jesus. He wrote over ½ of the New Testament.

Early Christians – martyred in the Coliseum for preaching Jesus. They gave their lives gladly for the cause of Christ.

I have a couple of personal experiences to share. At my 20th High School reunion, I had a man come up to me and tell me that he had gone to a youth meeting I had invited him to and accepted Christ as his Savior. I never knew. I was teased and unpopular in high school because I stood boldly for my faith.

There was a man who traveled with us when we went to rodeos in AZ. We would hold Bible Study and Sunday services for the cowboys and those in attendance. This man was so excited about Jesus that he was always met with one of two reactions. Either people flocked to him to hear what he had to say or the turned around and ran the other direction. There was no indifference.

All of these verses today reflect David’s rejection from his peers because of his stand for God. Maybe you have been embarrassed to share your relationship with the Lord with others. Or maybe you have been bold enough to share it and faced the taunts and jeers of others.

I’m not telling you to try and beat someone over the head with your Bible or to shove Jesus down their throats but be open to live your life committed to bringing God glory. Folks will notice and they will either want to know more or they will make fun and ridicule. It’s our job to be a testimony, 24/7, and the job the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

I leave you with the words of Paul. “I am proud (not ashamed) of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and now to save those who are not Jews. 17 The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself. God’s way of making people right begins and ends with faith. As the Scriptures say, “The one who is right with God by faith will live forever.”Romans 1:16-17

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The Main Thing

What’s the one thing you desire most? I would like to say that my one thing is to honor and serve the Lord, but many times my days are so wrapped up in my own pursuits that the Lord is put somewhere further down the line. Just bein honest folks – if we aren’t honest with ourselves we can’t and won’t serve the Lord the way we know we should.

“Lord, teach me your laws, and I will always follow them. 34 Help me understand your teachings, and I will follow them. Obeying them will be my greatest desire. 35 Help me follow your commands, because that makes me happy. 36 Give me the desire to follow your rules, not the desire to get rich. 37 Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way. 38 Do what you promised me, your servant, so that people will respect you. 39Take away the shame I fear. Your laws are good. 40 See how much I want to obey your instructions! Be good to me, and let me live.” Psalm 119:33-40

David had a “one thing” mentality. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s heart. He wanted to serve God will all his natural ability but that wasn’t enough, he wanted more. He knew he needed God’s help if he was truly going to follow God’s word.

David didn’t just sit by each day and have harps playing in the background, eating grapes and contemplating the greatness and vastness of God. His life was full – he had a kingdom to run, he had wives and children, there were enemies to defeat and battles to be won. Yet his priority was God’s word – he wasn’t seeking wealth or power – but those things came to him. He was “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things were added to him.” David was living the very thing that Jesus taught but he was living it hundreds of years before Jesus delivered the message.

I’ve heard people say, “I don’t really study the Old Testament, there isn’t much in there for me.” Well, that’s all that David had! In fact, he had the first five books of the Bible and then the book of Job; the rest of it was being written as he lived it and after his death. He took God’s command to Joshua seriously – meditate in the book of the Law day and night and then you shall be prosperous and have good success.

David search the Scriptures daily and his advisors did as well. His writing of the Psalms let’s us see how vitality important he knew them to be.

“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. 2 Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. 3 They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 CEV

Have you ever sat and looked at a single day in the life of Jesus? Talk about a full schedule. From the time He got up until late at night he was busy. His daily life was filled with walking, sailing, healing, teaching, facing his critics and then raising the dead. When he did take time to pray and be alone, people would seek him out and interrupt his prayer time. He had learned the Scriptures from his youth and was living them out each and every day.

Jesus said “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38

It’s not that we have to do nothing but study God’s word all day long. It’s that we live what we read. Reading one verse and living it all day will have more of an impact on our lives and the lives of others than reading chapters and walking away and not having it change us.

I like this next part in today’s verses. “Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way.” There was a time that David looked at worthless things and it got him into a lot of trouble. He was up on his roof top and looking down he saw Bathsheba – he committed adultery and murdered her husband all because he was looking at the wrong things. He knew firsthand how destructive it can be to take your eyes off the Lord. It begs the question “what worthless things am I looking at”?

Lord, my heart’s prayer is this – don’t let me look at worthless things but let me focus on You.

Like David, our goal should be to live in a way that people know we are depending on the Lord, trusting Him and making God’s way known to the people around us. He was God-minded and his “one desire” was to know God more.

Don’t just read the Word today – live it!

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White As Snow

Yesterday morning after I had written and posted my blog I took Glory on a morning walk. There’s a new house being built down the road and we stopped to good through it. It was interesting to see the bedrooms, the closets, the bathrooms – it was all framed in. We had walked by when they were clearing the lot and when the footing was being dug and even the day the concrete trucks came and poured the foundation. But I hadn’t seen it up close since they started the framing.

While I was there I noticed the concrete. As often happens in this area, there were some cracks in it. Those will be covered over soon and no one will realize they had ever been there. That made me think again about what I had written on “No Shame” just that morning. As I finished my walk, my mind was racing considering the other side of the coin.

When we follow the Lord he won’t lead us to do anything that we need to be ashamed of. However, we all know that there are things in life that we aren’t proud of and would prefer to keep covered. Things of our own making, things God had nothing to do with. It could be something as simple as being a High School dropout; an arrest record; a failed marriage; a bankruptcy; an affair; an abandon relationship; or whatever event or action you would know about yourself that no one else does.

The Lord knows how to deal with those areas of shame.

“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:1-3 KJV

These words were written by King David when his son Absalom was trying to kill him and take his throne. David said that the Lord was his shield of protection and the lifter of his head.

When you’ve experienced shame in your life it’s hard to look others in the eye. Someone who has been shamed will walk around head down but the Lord comes in, forgives our failure and our intentional sin and lifts our head. He brings a change to our countenance and restoration to our lives.

“And I will forgive the wrongs they have done, and I will not remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:12ERV

“His love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. 12 And he has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is as kind to his followers as a father is to his children.” Psalm 103:11-13 ERV

“I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 ERV

Our failures, our shame, our sin should by all rights keep us separated from a perfect and just God. In our own efforts we can never be good enough to remove our own shame. God knew that and He had a plan, a wonderful plan.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” Romans 8:6-10 CEV

What a great way to start the new year – shame removed! Head help high, walking in peace with God!!

“But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” I John 1:9 ERV

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No Shame!

Have you ever felt like you were all alone in your journey? No one to support you or to encourage you. It might seem like you’re doing this all on your own; at times you feel weak and like you really don’t want to go on. You’re ready to quit but don’t!

It’s ok to be honest with God? Today’s verses are heart-felt and filled with honesty.

“I lie here like a dying man. Say the word, and I will live again. 26 I told you about my life, and you answered me. Now, teach me your laws. 27 Help me understand your instructions, and I will think about your wonderful teachings. 28 I am sad and tired. Say the word, and make me strong again. 29 Don’t let me live a lie. Guide me with your teachings. 30 I have chosen to be loyal to you. I respect your laws. 31 I follow your rules closely, Lord. Don’t let me be put to shame. 32 I do my best to follow your commands, because you are the one who gives me the desire.” Psalm 119:25-32

I Samuel 30 tells a heart wrenching story. King David and his men had been out fighting and when they returned to their home town of Ziklag they found it had been burned and all the women in the town taken captive; their wives, mothers and daughters. They were distraught and the Scripture says they all cried loudly and they wept until they were weak and could weep no more.

These men, mighty warriors, were so overcome with emotion that their bodies were physically and mentally exhausted and they had no more tears – they were hopeless. Have you ever been there? Almost but not quite to that extent but almost! I can imagine the questions – why God, why? This isn’t right!! WOW! David’s men were ready to stone him they were so sad and angry. Now watch what David did…

“…The men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God…8 Then David prayed to the Lord.” I Samuel 30:6-8

One version of this verse says David “encouraged” himself in the Lord. In the midst of trouble, he didn’t go seeking advice from Dr. Phil, Oprah, Fox News, his local pastor – he went to the Lord. And the Lord answered him and told him how to overtake his enemies and recover their families and not one life was lost.

I remember one time in particular that I was at a very low point. Things were not good and I was at the end of myself. I was a basket case. I left work and drove to the beach. A friend of mine had told me it was ok to be honest with God; He knew what I was thinking whether I spoke it out loud or not. So there, overlooking the sand and waves, I began to cry.

I told God that he was failing me. I told Him that I had been praying and asking for things to change and He wasn’t answering. I think I even cussed a time or two as I was telling Him how HE was letting me down. And then I got quiet and told the Lord that I knew that He wasn’t the problem. That I had walked with Him long enough to know that He was always honest and that He could never fail – I knew that. So I asked Him to show me my failure and how He wanted me to be going forward.

Peace came. The situation didn’t change immediately but from that day it began to get better…

Back to Psalms. This segment of the chapter conveys heartbreak and disappointment but what it doesn’t do is blame God for the problem. It seeks him for the answer. If we find ourselves blaming God, then He becomes our problem and it makes it very hard to find the right answer. God is the only “right source”.

“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

In distress and trouble what’s your first reaction – cuss or pray? Cussing doesn’t help – it’s not the answer. Praying brings us to God’s presence and then the Holy Spirit can bring us the answer that we so desperately need. That’s what David did – he let the Lord lead him and he was able to recover everything the enemy had stolen. We have an enemy, a very real enemy. His name is Satan and he tries to steal from us but once we recognize who the enemy is, God will give us wisdom in how to take back what has been stolen.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

When Jesus was tempted of Satan, He countered each temptation with “it is written, it is written, it is written”! If Jesus needed to use the word of God, shouldn’t we do the same? We can’t fight with our own weapons, we won’t be successful but when we use God’s we are promised victory.

One of the last things we find in these verses in Psalms is that if we follow God’s word we won’t be put to shame! Follow Him carefully – He’ll never lead you astray.

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God is Kind

A few months back Dave started building a workshop at the back of our property. The first step was to get the foundation level. This was time consuming. He worked for days in the hard ground, breaking it up, adding sand under the concrete pilings, every thing had to be level and on square. If it was out of level the rest of the building wouldn’t come together right.

That’s how it is for us. Our building of life must be on a true foundation. Built square and level.

“Treat me with kindness, Lord, so that I may live and do what you say. 18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger. Don’t keep me from knowing your commands. 20 What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful, worthless nobodies who turn from your command 22 Don’t let them sneer and insult me for following you.
23 I keep thinking about your teachings, Lord, even if rulers plot against me. 24 Your laws are my greatest joy! I follow their advice.” Psalm 119:17-24 CEV

Once again we must remember who wrote this Psalm, David, and what he had experienced in his walk with the Lord. Time and again, David faced adversaries greater in number or stature than he was. He needed to see God’s goodness each day for his survival. When he went to battle against Goliath, the odds were staggering but David was successful in the fight because he depended on the promises of God to bring the battle to a successful end.

I think we often forget that the people in the Bible were “real” people just like you and me. They had families, went out each day to do specific tasks and faced obstacles as great as any of the ones we face. David was underestimated and underappreciated by his family and those around him. They saw a boy who was curious about the battle, they saw a cocky teenager who was overly confident and thought he was bragging when he said he would fight the giant.

Seasoned soldiers were afraid to face down Goliath as he blasphemed God each day. The whole army trembled and here was this “kid” who jumped and said let me go fight him. “I’ll stop him from speaking against our God”. David wasn’t out for his own glory or elevate his family’s standing in the community. He just knew, deep in his heart, that he couldn’t allow this “uncircumcised Philistine” to defy the army of the living God. (I Samuel 17:26)

Now that may seem like an insignificant phrase at first glance but it has great meaning. The Israelites had practiced circumcision since the Lord made a vow or covenant with Abraham hundreds of years earlier. It was a sign that God had made a promise that He would protect and provide for them. He would fight their battles and keep them safe. God promised and that was good enough for David. What he saw when he looked at Goliath was a man who had no promise from God but he did and that gave him the confidence to put his life on the line. God would go with him – he would succeed.

David knew he had a covenant, a contract, with God. That same covenant holds true for us and has even been expanded to greater depth because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Hebrews says we have a great covenant built on better promises!

I pray verses 18 and 19 all the time. Open my eyes to see your wonderful promises. Each time I read the word there are new discoveries that God brings out. It’s so great to read a book and have the author “in residence” to teach me exactly what was meant by what He wrote.

Verse 20 might need a little explanation. When Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites before they went in to the “Promised Land”, he gave them this admonition. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, choose life”. Folks aren’t cursed because God is angry with them or because “fate” wasn’t on their side. There are two sides to the coin – living blessed or living cursed – and we are the ones who get to choose. The proud made a choice; they chose to live dependent in their own intellect and independent of God’s guidance and direction. Just like our friend Goliath, depending on your own strength and knowledge will prove disastrous.

David knew doing things God’s way, following His laws and commands would look foolish to outsiders. Even his own brothers thought he was being arrogant and foolish when he said that he would fight Goliath. People are doing the same today; shaking their heads saying we’re old fashioned, our ideas and stand for godliness is antiquated. But GOD… I will follow God any day – His word has never failed.

Following God’s word, obeying His leading brings us to a place of rest and yes, joy. It feels so good to know that we don’t have to depend on our own efforts but that He is there to protect and provide.

Homework today. I would like you to read Deuteronomy 28 – find out what blessings God has for you to choose and what curses you can avoid. Get to know what God has promised so that in time of battle you know that you have been promised victory.

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Building With Purpose

Have you ever had someone ask, “if you could go back and live your life over, would you do it?” I don’t know what your answer is but mine has always been – No!

Yes, I’ve done things in my past that I’m not proud of, made some big mistakes and some little ones. But if I went back, would I do it any differently, would I make fewer mistakes or more? Can’t answer that one, however, I can answer this. I can live my life now, not looking back because I have been forgiven and I am a new creature in Christ – old things have passed away and all has become new. God has promised that he puts our sins as far as the east is from the west and He remembers them no more. So if He’s not dwelling on my failures – why should I?

“Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word. 10 I worship you with all my heart. Don’t let me walk away from your commands. 11 I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. 12 I praise you, Lord! Teach me your laws. 13 With my own mouth, I tell others the laws that you have spoken. 14 Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich. 15 I will study your teachings and follow your footsteps. 16 I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words.” Psalm 119:9-16

The very first thought is living pure as a young person. You do that by obeying God’s word and following it with your whole heart. This keeps you from making stupid mistakes and living with regrets. King David who wrote this lived his life as a young man serving God and following His word. He was single-minded in His obedience to God’s word and because of it David was selected by God to be Saul’s successor and the king of Israel. A young man still in his teens, David became known as a “man after God’s heart”.

As parents and grandparents we should be sharing the value of God’s word with the young people in our lives. Not beating them over the head with the Bible and a list of do’s and don’ts  but making it practical – showing them that God is real and can be trusted. The people in the Bible aren’t mythical stories but real just like they are and faced some difficult challenges and came through them trusting God and depending on Him. David was probably 17 when he faced Goliath; Joseph was but a young man in his late teens when his brothers sold him into slavery, he faced being seduced by his master’s wife, prison time and rose to power and never gave in to bitterness or hatred towards his brothers. Esther was a young woman taken into a king’s harem and she maintained godly character in a harsh and hostile environment.

How does a young man keep his life pure – by following God’s word!

Now for us who are a bit older – we can enjoy this trusting relationship with the Lord too. We can treasure God’s word above everything else and it will keep us from sin. Holding our tongue, refusing to be unkind, not caving to compromise when it could lead to our advancement at work; refusing to worry; fighting political correctness when it goes against God’s word; doing what’s right because it’s right will bring joy and happiness. These are the things that bring true success.

Each one of the Bible characters I mentioned above rose to power and prominence because they honored God. Those things didn’t come first, they followed. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Have the Holy Spirit show you today one thing – large or small – where you have been compromising, repent and then ask Him to show you how to follow in His footsteps. Find a verse that gives you instruction on how to deal with the area that needs correction – meditate it, memorize it. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

If you’re going to make a New Year’s Resolution make it one to follow God’s word and you will find true purpose.

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A Firm Foundation

This morning we are going to begin our study of Psalms 119. But why?

There’s a new year coming and it’s important to have a firm foundation. We don’t know what trials, struggles or life storms lay ahead but God does and he has promised that when we have built our lives on a sure foundation we will be able to withstand the storm.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

This past year we saw time and again pictures of those areas that were devastated by storms; Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas. Hurricanes, fires, flooding. Billions of dollars spent in restoration.

God has promised that His word, standing on His word, believing His word will provide us with a strength to withstand. It provides us with blessing.

“Our Lord, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong or turn from you. 4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings; 5 I don’t ever want to stray from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.

7 I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them! Don’t turn your back on me.” Psalm 119:1-8 CEV

When our kids were little we told them we have one rule, “be obedient”. Very simple, not a lot to remember – just be obedient. That’s what I hear the Lord saying in the start of this chapter. Obey My word – it’s the same as saying obey me.

Obey from deep within our hearts – not surface or superficial obedience; but one that is heartfelt and genuine. Knowing that God knows more and has a better understanding than we possibly could, so our obedience is a sign of respect for His infinitely greater knowledge.

Remember the old “Karate Kid”. Wax on – Wax off! Daniel was so frustrated with Mr. Miyagi. What good was all this “waxing” doing? There was a lesson being taught that wasn’t apparent to the young Daniel. I feel like that sometimes when the Lord is teaching me something – what’s the point? And then I go back to what I required of my children, “be obedient”. He’ll show me at the appropriate time.

This Psalm says that simply thinking about God’s word will keep me from doing foolish things – I certainly need that. Foolish mistakes can be very costly and I don’t want to waste time or effort in having to re-do what was done wrong.

“I will do right by learning to respect your laws”. Respect – that means giving honor, a place of pre-eminence, a valuing above others. Respect God’s word over the word of a trusted friend – seek God’s word above the counsel of the others.

God has a plan established for our obedience. Isaiah 1:18 says if we be willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land. I like that – I like good.

And finally, “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.” Psalm 111:10

To fear the Lord doesn’t mean that we are scared but that we have that respect that the verse above talks about. Respecting the Lord and His word, giving it credibility, will make us wise and increase our understanding.

Find one thing today in God’s word and be obedient! It’s worth it for sure.

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Learning from a Master Craftsman

You ever notice how we gravitate towards people we feel have a special gift or knowledge that we desire. Dave & I have some friends that are master boot makers. We love going to their shop and watching them create a wearable work of art. We have other friends who are masters at the craft of leatherworking and silversmithing.

I know that at one point my mother taught a young girl how to knit. This girl saw all the beautiful sweaters my mom made and so she would come to our home and learn from my mother. My father was a master mechanic and worked on and repaired those huge dozers, draglines, and ukes. Others take computer classes to learn to be more proficient and still others will pay to attend seminars on financial planning, interpersonal skills or public speaking.

We all have a desire to learn from the best and to excel in areas that interest us. Then how come it seems so difficult to find time in the day to read and study God’s word? We have God’s promise that if we obey His word we will prosper and succeed in the things of life.

When Moses had died and Joshua became responsible for the nation of Israel; he would be leading them into the Promised Land. There would certainly be challenges and there were enemies to defeat. He needed a mentor, a counselor, an adviser.

“Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. No one will be able to stop you all your life. I will not abandon you. I will never leave you.

6 “Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-9

The Lord promised Joshua that he would be prosperous and successful if he obeyed God’s laws. God also told him to be courageous and brave – it wasn’t going to be easy – it never is when you take a stand for godliness. But taking that stand puts you in good company, “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”! Now that certainly makes it all worthwhile.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at Psalm 119. All 176 verses deal with the life changing impact of studying God’s word. I want us all to grow more and more dependent on God’s word and in turn become more and more successful in our daily lives.

I hope you’ll join me as we learn about life from the Master Craftsman.

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The Story Continues

Did you think that the Christmas story recorded in Luke chapter two ends when the shepherds go home? It doesn’t. The story continues. According to Jewish custom there were sacrifices and the act of circumcision that needed to be performed on the first male child who opened the womb – that would be Jesus.

And there were people, two in particular who were waiting at the Temple in Jerusalem for the Messiah to come, Simeon and Anna. They had waited all their lives to see the Christ child.

“The time came for Mary and Joseph to do the things the Law of Moses taught about being made pure. They brought Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present him to the Lord. 23 It is written in the law of the Lord: “When a mother’s first baby is a boy, he shall be called ‘special for the Lord.’” 24 The law of the Lord also says that people must give a sacrifice: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.” So Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to do this.” Luke 2:22-24

The Scripture really doesn’t give us any insight to what happened for those first 7 days. We do know that Mary & Joseph were required by Jewish law to offer sacrifice for cleansing, a woman was considered unclean for 7 days following birth, and then a first born son also had a special offering to be made.

So did they just hang out in Bethlehem for the 7 days? We do know that they came to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer the proper sacrifices 8 days after Jesus was born. The trip to Jerusalem was only 5 miles.

Simeon was in the Temple going about his normal routine when his life was interrupted. This was the day he had been waiting for.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:” Luke 2:25-28 ERV

And then there was Anna, she had been dedicated to serving in the Temple for decades. She was waiting to see the Messiah.

“ Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. She had lived with her husband seven years 37 before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.

38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 ERV

How long have you been waiting for God to answer a prayer and bring a promise to pass? Have you been willing to wait with expectation for years? Oh to be like Anna and Simeon, to trust God and know that any day could be the day you are waiting for.

Now it was time to return home to all the relatives. Would there be a celebration or would they shun the young couple and child? Again we don’t have any information on the day to day life. Many times we wonder if God is concerned about the day to day life.

“After Joseph and Mary had done everything that the Law of the Lord commands, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him.” Luke 2:39-40 CEV

He is! He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to give us strength in all things. He has told us to pray without ceasing – to rejoice always – to come boldly to His presence in our time of trouble. Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:4, Hebrews 4:16

Today may have “unknowns” to you but just remember there are no “unknowns” to God. Trust in the Lord today and He WILL direct your path!

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