Tidbits from Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible. There are many nuggets of wisdom contained in its many verses, as always the key is to apply them to our life. Here are a few of my thoughts.

2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Keep God’s word and seek Him wholeheartly.

16  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

The only way not to forget God’s word is by reading, meditating, and applying.

62  At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Wake up at night? Thank God for all He has done.

66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

Do you want good judgment and knowledge? Go to God.

89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

God’s word is God’s word, it is true, it is forever.

101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

I need to make a choice to refrain (H3607 to restrict by act (hold back or in)..) from doing wrong.

114  Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

God is the best hiding place. I am completely protected. Hide in Him and His word.

126  It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

This sounds like today, taking God and His word out of everything.

130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Let the word of God enter your heart. He will give understanding.

Psalm 119 (KJV)

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Standing firm

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? 4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Esther 3:1-4

The tide is changing, sometimes the tide turns slowly and takes many hours, however if you travel to the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia the tide quickly changes. Such is the “tide” of this chapter.

Mordecai was sitting at the gate and hears the news. Haman is promoted and he “is above all the others”. As soon as Haman appears all the servants bow and give him reverence. One of the meanings of reverence is “to worship.”

Mordecai “stood out” among the others because he would not bow or give reverence to Haman. Everyone was watching this display of noncompliance and questioned Mordecai. “Why are you not bowing down to show “respect” to Haman?” After much prodding Mordecai told the others he was Jewish. It appears that this is all he had to say. People around him obviously knew that Jews do not bow down and worship anyone but God.

The servants went to Haman to tell him what they had discovered. They were wondering if this would matter to Haman. Join me the next time to discover Haman’s reaction.

Lessons learned:

He was willing to stand alone.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 

I Corinthians 16:13

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Mordecai did not follow the crowd.

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Exodus 23:2

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  Romans 14:9

Mordecai remembered God’s word.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 

Psalm 119:16

He knew Who to obey

… We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

He knew Who to worship

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:14

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:6

There may be a time when we are called to “stand alone” for Jesus. Will we be strong and follow Jesus or hide in the shadows? Christ will give us the ability to do right, but we need to start now!

Do others know what you believe by how you live?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 

I Peter 2:12

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. I Peter 4:16

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Talking birds

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. Ecclesiastes 10:20

The first time I read this verse, I thought, “Oh, this is where the saying “A little birdie told me” came from. What exactly is Solomon saying? Use discretion; be careful of what you say and don’t be talking about others.

Time and time again, people have been “hung by their own words” when someone repeated what they said. Oh, when will we learn?

How many “kiss and tell” stories are on the market? Too many to name, unfortunately people love to carry tales, whether true or something they heard repeated.

Description of the wrong way to use words:

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 18:8 

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. Colossians 2:4 

For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. Psalms 59:12 

Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. Psalms 52:4 

Description of the right way to use words:

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs 17:27 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 

Description of God’s words:

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalms 119:103 

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalms 119:130 

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Mark 13:31 

Let’s watch our speech and the words we say, then we will not hear, “a little birdie told me”.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Idle talk

21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

People will talk. There is nothing we can do about what others say about us. Wisdom teaches us to watch our own tongues. I cannot stop what people say about me but I can stop what I say about others.

There are many verses to tell us to watch what we say. I have memorized many but need to confess sometimes I still have problems with my tongue.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Psalm 34:13 

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28 

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Psalm 119:172 

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:2 

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2 

As you do your daily chores this week meditate on how the Lord wants you to use your tongue. Let’s use it for His Glory! 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Midnight thanks

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62 

Do you ever get up in the middle of the night and thank God? Is your heart filled with admiration and gratitude for His “righteous judgments”?

Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night I will look out the window. The sky is covered, absolutely covered, with beautiful stars and constellations. Depending on the time of the night or the time of the season,  when they are “lower” in the sky I think I can  open the window and just reach out and touch the stars.

On the nights I do wake up and see the gorgeous night sky I thank God. I thank Him for His creation. I thank Him for my sight to see His beautiful creation. I thank Him for His mercy and grace.

The next time you just wake up in the middle of the night, spend a few minutes and thank the Lord for all His great blessings.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Man or Beast??

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

Man compared to beast (animals). Are we like animals? In one sense we are inclined to say yes, because both are born, both eat to physically strengthen themselves, both breathe air to live and both die.

Warren Wiersbe says,”For when man leaves God out of his life, he becomes like an animal. He lives like a beast and dies like a beast.” (Be Satisfied, loc 973, Kindle version)

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. II Peter 2:19-20

Man has body, soul and spirit. Animal has body. The similarities end there. Are we better than animals? I say yes, there are some that would disagree but let’s look at what God’s word says about man.

God made us in His own image

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 

God wants us to walk right

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Psalm 119:3 

God wants us to trust Him

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8 

God wants us to follow Him

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. III John 1:11 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1Thessalonians 5:15 

God wants us to obey Him

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9 

Next time you see an animal remember you are not related, but you were created in the image of God. Praise God for giving you LIFE!

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Restoring order

[9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. [10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. [11] Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. [12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. [13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. [14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.  Nehemiah 13:9-14

This last chapter in Nehemiah is all about restoration. In this portion, the chambers, it appears that Tobiah had more than one to live in, are cleansed and restored to the original use. The vessels and offerings were placed back in the chamber.

Nehemiah continues his investigation and finds that the Levites had not been paid and went “back to the field” to earn their living. He gathers the rulers to ask “why God’s house is forsaken”, bringing back the words they said to him when the covenant was made (Nehemiah 10:39).

Gathering the Levites, Nehemiah brings them back to the temple to perform their duties. Ever the organizer Nehemiah appoints treasurers to oversee and distribute the tithes brought into the treasury.

Through all this Nehemiah does not lose sight of why he is doing this. He prays and calls out to God. Commentaries call these prayers, ejaculatory prayers. In this brief but powerful prayer, Nehemiah asks God to remember him and not wipe out his good deeds for the temple.

God is with us, just as He was with Nehemiah. Our prayers do not need to be elaborate, but sincere from the heart.

Three things I learned from this portion of scripture:

Let God lead:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23  

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133 

Be organized:

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1Corinthians 14:40 

Be prayerful:

Pray without ceasing. 1Thessalonians 5:17  

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Points of the covenant

[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons: [31] And [if] the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, [that] we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and [that] we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt. [32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; [33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy [things], and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and [for] all the work of the house of our God. [34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law: [35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD: [36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as [it is] written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: [37] And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. [38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. [39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:30-39

What was in the covenant? The people had been away from God and His Word for so long, when they heard it (Nehemiah 8 & 9) they wanted to put it “into action”.

Here are the points:

~ Not intermarry with the “people of the land”
Deuteronomy 7:3
~ To keep the Sabbath, no buying of goods
Exodus 20:10
~ Seventh year rest of the land
Leviticus 25:4
~ Release of debt
Deuteronomy 15:2
~ Pay for the upkeep of the house of God
Exodus 30:16
~ Lots draw for keepers of wood for offering

~ First fruit offerings
Proverbs 3:9
~ Tithes and uses of
Numbers 18:26
~ Will not forsake the house of God – the assembly of themselves as well as upkeep of temple

After neglecting the Lord and His Word, they were now ready to obey and “do the right thing”.

At one time or another we all have neglected the Word. We neglect it by being “too busy”. We neglect it by not doing what it says or doing it half heartedly. Spend time reading God’s Word, not reading what people say about God’s Word.

Make a commitment today to spend time with the Lord in His word.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Goals 2012

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I sit and reflect on the past year I remember many things, some are positive and some are negative. As I wrote I thought, negative to whom? The Bible says, “All things work together for good to them that love God …” Romans 8:28

I usually set spiritual goals for myself each year, reviewing periodically to “stay on track”. One of the meanings for the word goal is “the end toward which effort is directed: aim “. My aim is to draw closer to the Lord to “know him and the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

Today I reviewed the goals I set last January. I kept or surpassed most of the goals. There was one that I didn’t even do, which I will again put on my list. I was encouraged by what I did accomplish.

Do you want to grow closer to the Lord this year? Set some goals. Do not start with big goals but with little goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep a prayer/praise journal. What can you write? Write prayers to the Lord. Write down answers to prayers. Write down praises, thanksgivings and gratitude to God.

… I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

2. Memorize verses that will help with a problem in your life i.e. gossip, anger, selfishness etc.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

3. Read the Bible daily.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

4. Pick up a daily devotional or sign up for an email devotional.

5. Be an encourager in your corner of the world. Send cards, emails or make phone calls to those hurting or those who need to be encouraged by a kind word or deed.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

6. Read nonfiction Christian books i.e. spiritual growth, biographies.

Everyone is in a different spiritual place in life. Don’t look at what others are doing, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

As you set goals for 2012, do not look back on what you did not do, look forward to what you will do, with the Lord’s help.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

July comes to an end

It has been a while since my last blog; July is always a busy month for me, with VBS as well as my job obligations. THANK YOU to everyone who helped with VBS. I have a great group of volunteers who are ready to help, no matter what task needs to be done. Fun was had by all, one little boy cried because it ended.

During the busyness of the month I made myself sit down and have my “quiet time with God”. Last week in the midst of the busyness I did not sit to read and pray and spend the quality time I need to spend to survive. All of a sudden the thought came to me “why are you having VBS?” My answer was "to teach children, most who are unchurched, about the Savior.” Oh, I get it Lord; I need to spend time with You even when I’m busy, especially when I’m busy.

I can’t let my guard down; I need to be in the Word. I need to spend one on one time with my Lord. The only way to be close to Someone is to spend time with Him.

How about you? Have you been so busy this summer that your quiet time has gone by the wayside? Every once in a while we need to reevaluate our priorities. Make sure you are not being drawn away from your time with the Lord, even to do ministry/church work.

Set time aside:
To seek Him
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1

To pray
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rom 12:12

Read the Bible
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Study
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

As I was writing I thought about this old hymn. We certainly do need the Lord, not just when things are going wrong but also when everything is alright.

I Need Thee Every Hour – Annie Hawks


I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

When should we be thankful?

Every morning and night
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; I Chronicles 23:30

Three times a day
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10

Midnight
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62

Always
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1Corinthians 1:4

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20

Forever
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. - Psalm 79:13

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. - Psalm 30:12

Be thankful,
Donna

God's Word

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

I am so grateful for the Bible. There was a time in my life when I knew nothing about the Word of God. I am so thankful that the Lord saved me by His Word. I am truly thankful that I can still read and study the word of God. There are many countries that do not allow the Bible to be read.

I thank God daily for the ability to hold his word in my hands. There is a reason why we are told to “hid God’s word in our hearts” there may be a time that we will not have God’s written Word. Do not think it cannot happen in the United States. Remember there is evil on man’s heart continually. (Genesis 6:5)

A few Facts about the Bible:

· It was one of the prohibited items not allowed in the Olympic Village during the 2008 Beijing Games.

· Wycliffe Bible translators have had a part in completing more than 700 Scripture translations. http://www.wycliffe.org/About.aspx

· The Bible is the #1 book on the list of best selling books of all time. It is speculated that as many as 6 billion copies of the Bible have been sold. The Bible is available in more than 2,000 languages.

· According to Voice of the Martyrs there are approximately 48 restricted nations. The definition according to VOM is :
RESTRICTED NATION
This includes countries where government policy or practice prevents Christians from obtaining Bibles or other Christian literature. Also included are countries where government-sanctioned circumstances or anti-Christian laws lead to Christians being harassed, imprisoned, killed or deprived of possessions or liberties because of their witness.
http://www.persecution.com/

· NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK 2010: Sunday, November 21 through Sunday, November 28.
WHAT IS NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK?
National Bible Association’s signature event has been celebrated the week of Thanksgiving every year since 1941. Our goal is to raise awareness of the Bible’s importance and relevance to our nation as a whole, as well as in the lives of individuals.
http://www.nationalbible.org/national-bible-week/

I found it fitting that national Bible week is always held during Thanksgiving week.

Today as I was sitting in church I thought of how truly blessed I am to be living in a free country. I can attend the church of my choice. I can read and study God’s Word. I can own as many Bibles as I want and will not be punished or penalized for it.

I thank God for His Precious Word.

Giving Thanks,
Donna