Dark… Walking around in the dark is dangerous. You can veer off of where you intend to walk. You never know what is there…could be a hole, something to trip over, a snake in the grass…..
It is wise to use a light. When you have light, you dispel darkness….you are able to see.
Scripture uses the concept of light/darkness often. As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119, I come to one of my favorite verses. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (v. 105)
God’s Word, what He has said, is the light that reveals the dangers we encounter. When we use His Light, we are able to see those things and escape harm. We can see where we need to walk, avoid falling into a pit, tripping up, falling and getting hurt. We can avoid the snake lying ready to strike…..
And he is there.
Are you able to see?
I confess with the psalm writer. “I keep putting my life in danger.” And I purpose that
“I won't forget to obey your law.”(v.109)
What God says, He has very good reason for. There is a snake…
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Instructions...
Instructions… Do you read them first?
I admit it, I usually don’t. I arrogantly assume I will know how. But I will also confess…most of the time I end up going to the instructions.
We have been given instructions. How to live has instructions. How to have relationships, how to conduct business, how to deal with conflict, how to care for our bodies, maintain health, on and on and on the list goes… Instructions.
But we never have to read them.
Putting together something without using the instructions can be done. Sometimes we can get it put together pretty good. Other times it comes out all wrong. Sometimes it can be corrected. Other times we’ve damaged it in some way that leaves it warped and beyond repair.
So it is with our lives. We can opt to live it without going by the instructions, and sometimes get by without much damage.
But life is not an entertainment center. Regardless of how you try to make it one. And living it ignoring the instructions will eventually prove that fact. And eventually, it will be far from entertaining…
As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119, I read these phrases… “Your commands make me wiser” (v.98) “ I have more insight..”(v.99) “I have more understanding..”(v.100)
“I gain understanding from your precepts.”(v.104)
Following the directions, (obedience),…. brings about wisdom. Knowledge alone doesn’t make us wise….only the application of knowledge (obedience).
Reading the directions is useless unless you put the entertainment center together like it says.
Father, help me to “..keep my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.”(v.101) Help me to remember and to believe, that what You say, You say for very good reasons, always and only for my greater good.
I admit it, I usually don’t. I arrogantly assume I will know how. But I will also confess…most of the time I end up going to the instructions.
We have been given instructions. How to live has instructions. How to have relationships, how to conduct business, how to deal with conflict, how to care for our bodies, maintain health, on and on and on the list goes… Instructions.
But we never have to read them.
Putting together something without using the instructions can be done. Sometimes we can get it put together pretty good. Other times it comes out all wrong. Sometimes it can be corrected. Other times we’ve damaged it in some way that leaves it warped and beyond repair.
So it is with our lives. We can opt to live it without going by the instructions, and sometimes get by without much damage.
But life is not an entertainment center. Regardless of how you try to make it one. And living it ignoring the instructions will eventually prove that fact. And eventually, it will be far from entertaining…
As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119, I read these phrases… “Your commands make me wiser” (v.98) “ I have more insight..”(v.99) “I have more understanding..”(v.100)
“I gain understanding from your precepts.”(v.104)
Following the directions, (obedience),…. brings about wisdom. Knowledge alone doesn’t make us wise….only the application of knowledge (obedience).
Reading the directions is useless unless you put the entertainment center together like it says.
Father, help me to “..keep my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.”(v.101) Help me to remember and to believe, that what You say, You say for very good reasons, always and only for my greater good.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
It is what it is....
It is what it is… I heard that phrase used the first time by my daughter-in-law.
She used it in the context of discussing something she didn’t like, but could not change. I’ve used the phrase many times myself since hearing it from her. Sometimes a bit flippantly, I admit. I am prone to excuse myself from situations without really putting forth the effort to bring about any change.
This morning as I continue to reflect on Psalm 119, I discover this in scripture ! “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (vs. 89)
It is what It is. What God says, IS. His Word is spoken and settled. Not one single act of denial or rebellion changes that fact.
The problem is, it’s not settled on earth. Jesus prayed for that to come about, and taught His disciples to pray in that way. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Luke 11:2)
Like Eve, there is still a tree of knowledge that I can choose to eat from. Every moment of every day, I am faced with decisions and choices. I walk around that tree and examine the fruit, often hearing the enemy lies and sometimes falling for his deceptions. Every waking moment it is my place to settle it. My will, or His?
It is settled in heaven. It is spoken to me, here on earth.
How will I settle the matter today?
Father, “Your laws continue to this very day“(vs.91) Help me to “never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life”(vs.93) “I've learned that everything has its limits. But your commands are perfect. They are always there when I need them” (vs.96) Your Word….. It is what It is, forever. Let it be settled in my heart and manifested in my life. Today and every day…
She used it in the context of discussing something she didn’t like, but could not change. I’ve used the phrase many times myself since hearing it from her. Sometimes a bit flippantly, I admit. I am prone to excuse myself from situations without really putting forth the effort to bring about any change.
This morning as I continue to reflect on Psalm 119, I discover this in scripture ! “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (vs. 89)
It is what It is. What God says, IS. His Word is spoken and settled. Not one single act of denial or rebellion changes that fact.
The problem is, it’s not settled on earth. Jesus prayed for that to come about, and taught His disciples to pray in that way. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Luke 11:2)
Like Eve, there is still a tree of knowledge that I can choose to eat from. Every moment of every day, I am faced with decisions and choices. I walk around that tree and examine the fruit, often hearing the enemy lies and sometimes falling for his deceptions. Every waking moment it is my place to settle it. My will, or His?
It is settled in heaven. It is spoken to me, here on earth.
How will I settle the matter today?
Father, “Your laws continue to this very day“(vs.91) Help me to “never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life”(vs.93) “I've learned that everything has its limits. But your commands are perfect. They are always there when I need them” (vs.96) Your Word….. It is what It is, forever. Let it be settled in my heart and manifested in my life. Today and every day…
Monday, August 22, 2011
Life....
Life… We have a heartbeat, we breathe, we move around…and we call it life.
We say ‘live it up!’ and do all sorts of things thinking that’s what we are doing….living it up. Yet the search is never ending. Where does it end….
I continue my study of Psalm 119 and identify with David’s words in verse 82. “My eyes grow tired looking for what you have promised”
I know what that feels like. Searching for that contentment, fulfillment, pleasure, purpose…call it what you like. It is endless....
Doing the do’s and not doing the don’ts. It is exhausting…
David also has the key in this section of his psalm.
“According to Your steadfast love give life to me; then I will keep the testimony of Your mouth” (Ps. 119:88 AMP)
Without being granted spiritual life from our Creator, we have a heartbeat, we breathe, we move around….and we wear ourselves out in efforts to find what He offers to provide.
Without the life that He in His steadfast love gives, we will never know how shallow and empty our so-called lives are. And we will never ever be able to line our lives up with a holy God and His Word.
Thank you that You have given life to me. Thank you Father for the power of Your Spirit, that enables me to follow You. “All your commands are trustworthy..”(vs.86) I want to simply believe what You say, and accept the help that you provide to me thru Your Spirit.
We say ‘live it up!’ and do all sorts of things thinking that’s what we are doing….living it up. Yet the search is never ending. Where does it end….
I continue my study of Psalm 119 and identify with David’s words in verse 82. “My eyes grow tired looking for what you have promised”
I know what that feels like. Searching for that contentment, fulfillment, pleasure, purpose…call it what you like. It is endless....
Doing the do’s and not doing the don’ts. It is exhausting…
David also has the key in this section of his psalm.
“According to Your steadfast love give life to me; then I will keep the testimony of Your mouth” (Ps. 119:88 AMP)
Without being granted spiritual life from our Creator, we have a heartbeat, we breathe, we move around….and we wear ourselves out in efforts to find what He offers to provide.
Without the life that He in His steadfast love gives, we will never know how shallow and empty our so-called lives are. And we will never ever be able to line our lives up with a holy God and His Word.
Thank you that You have given life to me. Thank you Father for the power of Your Spirit, that enables me to follow You. “All your commands are trustworthy..”(vs.86) I want to simply believe what You say, and accept the help that you provide to me thru Your Spirit.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Addiction....
Addiction… It is rampant in our culture. Think you are immune?
You don’t have to have a drug problem to be an addict. It doesn’t have to be alcohol…or cigarettes, although those are some common ones.
I am addicted to caffeine. I like coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate.
While I don’t share the addiction to television, I fear I am addicted to my computer and cell phone.
I don’t have any addiction to drugs, neither prescription ones or illegal ones. I don’t frequent porn sites, and I am not a gambler.
The reason I can say most of that however, is not because of some special thing about myself. I have just stayed clear of those things, choosing instead not to take the chance on having a problem or becoming an addict.
I have seen addiction. I have seen its destruction. I have heard the justifications for them, the excuses, the blame-laying. But addictions aren’t anyone else’s fault. The circumstances may not be our personal choice, but our response to the situation is.
An addiction can be anything. When we desire a thing so much that we will do anything necessary to get it…that is an addiction.
And an addiction is idolatry. The addiction has become god.
“Do not run after other gods until your sandals are worn out and your throat is dry. But you said, 'It's no use! I love those gods. I must go after them.” (Jer. 2:25)
We go after all kinds of things. Compromising all kinds of things. Then all those things end up bringing us harm. The very things we have pursued and sacrificed our character and principles for become the opposite of what we were seeking. Instead of blessing us, they becomes a curse.
“….when you are in trouble, you say, "Come and save us!' So where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come when you are in trouble!” (Jer. 2:17,18)
When the curse comes down on our head, we have no choice but to see the truth. The addictions in our lives bring nothing but trouble and heartache.
Praise God that His desire to restore us never changes.
"Return to me. I will heal you.”(Jer. 3:22)
Hallelujah.
You don’t have to have a drug problem to be an addict. It doesn’t have to be alcohol…or cigarettes, although those are some common ones.
I am addicted to caffeine. I like coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate.
While I don’t share the addiction to television, I fear I am addicted to my computer and cell phone.
I don’t have any addiction to drugs, neither prescription ones or illegal ones. I don’t frequent porn sites, and I am not a gambler.
The reason I can say most of that however, is not because of some special thing about myself. I have just stayed clear of those things, choosing instead not to take the chance on having a problem or becoming an addict.
I have seen addiction. I have seen its destruction. I have heard the justifications for them, the excuses, the blame-laying. But addictions aren’t anyone else’s fault. The circumstances may not be our personal choice, but our response to the situation is.
An addiction can be anything. When we desire a thing so much that we will do anything necessary to get it…that is an addiction.
And an addiction is idolatry. The addiction has become god.
“Do not run after other gods until your sandals are worn out and your throat is dry. But you said, 'It's no use! I love those gods. I must go after them.” (Jer. 2:25)
We go after all kinds of things. Compromising all kinds of things. Then all those things end up bringing us harm. The very things we have pursued and sacrificed our character and principles for become the opposite of what we were seeking. Instead of blessing us, they becomes a curse.
“….when you are in trouble, you say, "Come and save us!' So where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come when you are in trouble!” (Jer. 2:17,18)
When the curse comes down on our head, we have no choice but to see the truth. The addictions in our lives bring nothing but trouble and heartache.
Praise God that His desire to restore us never changes.
"Return to me. I will heal you.”(Jer. 3:22)
Hallelujah.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Understand...
Understand… Do you? Can you? How…..??
In reflecting on the next section of Psalm 119 I keep coming back to this one phrase from verse 73. “..give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.”
How is it that we come to ‘understand’? I can think of only these two ways…
Logic.
Experience.
When God issues a command, sometimes I fully understand why.
He says ‘don’t murder’ and I understand that if I murder, I have overstepped my own choices and enforced my will over another person, I am choosing FOR them…. to die, even if they choose to live.
That is wrong. It is not my choice. And wrong on many other levels.
God has said lots of ‘do’s and ‘do not’s that I understand with the logic that He has created in us.
Other things He has said, I have come to understand the same way Eve did. I found out for myself. Experience is a good teacher. I could list hundreds of lessons I’ve learned the hard way.
From all those hard lessons, I want most to learn and remember one thing… When God says something, there is a very good reason for it. I don’t have to understand it with my logic. I don’t have to experience it to know for sure. I can just take Him at His Word.
The Message puts that phrase very well. “… breathe Your wisdom over me so I can understand You”
He has done that for me time and time again. Given me His wisdom. “I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right.” (vs.75)
He is right every single time about every single thing.
Logic or no logic.
Experience or no experience.
Lord, Help me not to choose to experience. Especially those things that Your directions intend for me to avoid. Help me to learn from Eve’s mistake and not to make the same ones. I want to simply trust, simply obey. Forgive me for depending on my own logic. It is so flawed.
“May my heart be without blame as I follow your orders. Then I won't be put to shame.”(vs.80)
In reflecting on the next section of Psalm 119 I keep coming back to this one phrase from verse 73. “..give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.”
How is it that we come to ‘understand’? I can think of only these two ways…
Logic.
Experience.
When God issues a command, sometimes I fully understand why.
He says ‘don’t murder’ and I understand that if I murder, I have overstepped my own choices and enforced my will over another person, I am choosing FOR them…. to die, even if they choose to live.
That is wrong. It is not my choice. And wrong on many other levels.
God has said lots of ‘do’s and ‘do not’s that I understand with the logic that He has created in us.
Other things He has said, I have come to understand the same way Eve did. I found out for myself. Experience is a good teacher. I could list hundreds of lessons I’ve learned the hard way.
From all those hard lessons, I want most to learn and remember one thing… When God says something, there is a very good reason for it. I don’t have to understand it with my logic. I don’t have to experience it to know for sure. I can just take Him at His Word.
The Message puts that phrase very well. “… breathe Your wisdom over me so I can understand You”
He has done that for me time and time again. Given me His wisdom. “I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right.” (vs.75)
He is right every single time about every single thing.
Logic or no logic.
Experience or no experience.
Lord, Help me not to choose to experience. Especially those things that Your directions intend for me to avoid. Help me to learn from Eve’s mistake and not to make the same ones. I want to simply trust, simply obey. Forgive me for depending on my own logic. It is so flawed.
“May my heart be without blame as I follow your orders. Then I won't be put to shame.”(vs.80)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Before...
Before… I was thinner, before. I had less wrinkles, before. I had more years ahead of me, before. Before today, I was younger….
On this day of my birth 56 years ago, I come to the section of verses 65-72 in my study of Psalm 119 . This passage speaks so much to me personally today, both in encouragement, and in reprimand. Some much too personal to share in an open forum….
I pray with David this morning, “LORD, be good to me as you have promised.
Increase my knowledge and give me good sense, because I believe in your commands…”
Good sense…. Notice how that phrase is followed with ‘because’and connected to more of the sentence? Where does good sense come from? Certainly not years…not necessarily !
One of the phrases you may hear me say is ‘young and ignorant’. The younger we are, the less life experiences we have, therefore…ignorance. You just can NOT know what you do not know.
Each year that passes, I again reflect on how ignorant I am….recognizing again just how little I know and understand.
God HAS blessed me with knowledge and understanding, for I know and understand so much more than I did at one time.
Yet as I grow older I am faced with the reality of how powerless we really are, how utterly helpless to control any single thing except our OWN choices. And those are difficult…
I believe the wisdom that age brings is this very thing…being wise enough to know how ignorant you really are.
I have many flaws, many wrong thoughts, many wrong motive. I have made many wrong choices. I have caused suffering, and I have suffered.
I regret causing pain. And while I do not like pain, the suffering I have personally experienced has brought me much good. “Before I went through suffering, I went down the wrong path. But now I obey your word…….It was good for me to suffer. That's what helped me to understand your orders. ” (vs.67,71)
How thankful I am for His forgiveness, and that He doesn’t leave me to my own resources.
Father, help me to follow Your way with every part of me….nothing held back, never in my own effort, but always and only depending on You to orchestrate my life. Help me trust You more completely.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)