Psalms119

Psalm 119:113 - Double Minded?

2009-06-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

Psalm 119:113 - "I hate those who are double-minded..."

This is a great verse to follow 119:112 "I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes..."

There are a lot of 'religious performers' out there today.

And never stop to think that you ( or I ) may be one... at any given moment we are fully capable of putting on a religious veneer and appearing to be something we are not. Many make it a way of life and never know it... This is to the heart of Jesus' comment to the Pharisees ' You are white-washed tombs'... look like one thing on the outside and dead on the inside. The worst part is even when confronted with it they did not see it. ( see also Luke 18:9-14 ) God desires our heart and will to be directed to Him... Our actions then follow ( Psalm 119:105-108) Instead we hold on to our will and direct our heart wherever we please and then throw Him a few religious actions once or twice a week. Hosea 6:6 - "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings". He wants us to long for Him like a young couple in the beginning of courtship long for each other. He wants us to ache for Him when we lose track of where He is. He wants us to simply love Him...

Instead we love what we want and often never give Him a second glance. What kind of marriage would we have if we treated each other the same way we treat God. What kind of relationship would that be? Isn't this why we are given the examples in Ephesians 5 - Philippians 2 - and 1 Timothy etc... What kind of preacher should we seek: one who speaks well or who is a 'one women man', one who is a great manager or one who is a great father?

We live in a world that does everything it can to pull a mans attention in every direction and corrupt him. And then offers hope in anything except the Lord... we are truly like sheep led to a slaughter. Wide is the road that leads to destruction. We also live in a world that promotes 'religion' and accepts a man who is on the outside 'religious' and on the inside corrupt and vile.

They are often our Sunday School teachers... Choir directors... youth pastors... and even pastors. But what you must see... they are all first men, husbands, and fathers. The attack today on the home is unbelievable and even worse is that it starts in the elementary schools... kids are being raised to put on a mask; not believing in anything or standing for anything other than political correctness. And then when they get home what do they see.... When they get to a church ( if they even do ) what do they see? What do they hear? Do they hear religious words - empty theology that sounds great but isn't explained. Do they see dad putting on his mask every Sunday? Or do they see a man serving others and stumbling after his God? Why should they believe what the world is teaching is so wrong when they observe 'dad' playing with religion on Sunday and being entertained by the world all week?

We must stop doing Christian things and start being truly Christ like. Take off the stupid mask... it really isn't hiding anything. I agree with David... I hate those who are double-minded - mainly because I often see it in me.

Psalm 119:112 The first thought of the Day...

2009-06-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

"I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes Forever, even to the end."

Is the first decision you make when your feet hit the floor in the morning "I am going to be faithful to the Word of God today"? Is He before your eyes when you first open them? Is your heart leaning in His direction or yours?

If you don't move your heart in His direction first your feet will never go alone...

It's always about the inclination of the heart not the "Religious action"

He simply wants you to want Him. ( James 4:5 )

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart...

What Happened to Capitalism? - Thoughts on Psalm 119:109

2009-06-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

There is a lot being said today about Capitalism and Socialism. A free market society based on a democracy without the government sticking it's hands in and trying to control it all. We as Americans have always fought and stood for our "freedoms"... and rightly so. Many Americans have died in the past so we can have the freedom we have, and take for granted, today.

So what does this have to do with Psalm 119:109? "My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Thy law."

What makes a Democracy and Capitalist society great is the underlying values that support it. A "Self-governing", morally based, hard working, caring society; all of which are founded on Christian principles and a mindset that "the world does not revolve around me" and "Love your neighbor as yourself". But when you take the foundation out of the equation you have the whole thing fall apart. Now you have selfish ambition and greed that takes advantage of the next guy for the sake of self. When such freedom and power is left into the hands of a Godless individual nothing good comes out of it. In His providence God gave us freedom but not without rules and divine laws. We have systematically over the past 30-40 years removed God from the home, workplace, and schools. He no longer influences the young nor those in higher learning. His ways are not observed nor is He thought of when we make daily decisions. Sunday is another normal workday and Wednesday prayer meetings are now ignored and we play golf instead. I don't have to go into the entertainment world and how much it has fallen over the years. We are increasingly entertained by the things that turn Gods stomach. Our marriages are rarely the example of Christ and His church and the Bible is hardly looked at in our homes much less lived by; it seems self-control is something we have forgotten all about. We have earned the situation our society and country has fallen into; notice:

Dictatorship leads to a Tyranny - Tyranny leads to Anarchy - Anarchy leads to a Revolution - Revolution leads to a Democracy - Democracy leads to Socialism ( because of a lack of self restraint) and Socialism leads to a Dictatorship... such is the pattern of history. With freedom comes great responsibility... responsibility is a word we have all but forgotten.

This is what happens when you leave such freedom in the hands of a people that do not observe the law of God.... no wonder "Capitalism" is under such attack. The problem is not Capitalism... it is in the hearts of the people. An atheist today will recognize man as being corrupt and fallen. He just runs to man made principles to solve a God sized hole in the heart of man. And why not, most professing Christians aren't showing the surrounding culture anything different.

America - Mr. President - Governor - Employer - Husband/Father - Teacher and Coach; if only we had not forgotten Him and His ways... our freedom's may not have slipped away as they seem to be. But no matter what God is just as Glorious as He has always been and repentance is still available... Start in your home and pray for the home across the street and leave the rest in God's hands... He is not asleep at the wheel.

Best,

Scott

Psalm 119:105 THIS IS A FIRST!

2009-05-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just taken a verse a face value and never tore into it? I have heard since I was a kid that "the word of God leads you through life" - Sure... I believe that. But explain that to me...

Well this may be old to you... but it's a first for me:

It sure is fun to meditate on scripture...

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet..." - this indicates looking at where you are presently standing. This is an illumination at yourself and your present position, stance, situation, heart attitude, etc... Notice he is looking at his own feet. He is looking at his own condition. The beginning of it all is an inward look. The word of God must first shine it's Light on and at you! ( ie. "Get the log out of your own eye first"...)

"And a light to my path..." - This is in addition to the first. Yes the Word of God leads us through life. But it starts with us... then when your heart and "feet" are in the right place it then can lead you in the right direction. Something tells me God is more concerned with who you are more than where you are going. Compare yourself to the Light of scripture rather than to the people around you... they sin, you'll compromise. Scripture is perfect, you aren't. You'll deceive yourself... scripture will tell you the truth. You want to look at the world... scripture makes you look at God. This is Who we were created to look at... we just get distracted way to easily...

also look at Proverbs 6:23

What is the purposes of the Commandments? ( see Romans 7:5-25 )

What is it's teaching? ( Galatians 3:24 )

What is the purpose of reproof and discipline? ( Hebrews 12:5-11 )

also look at James 1: 21-26

-scott

Thoughts on Psalm 119:97-104 / James 1-4:17

2009-05-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

All in the context of "wisdom" - defined as the knowledge of how to regulate one's relationship with God, knowing how to judge circumstances and "life situations" that we find ourselves in and how it ( the circumstances) plays in our closeness to God. You can see what's happening around you and determine what it has to do with you and God... what He is doing and why. The Greeks just observed the course and motions of the heavens, ascending to the mountain top to gain a better view of all things around them. Watching the sky to determine the course of the storm. What is a godly man to be looking at and watching?

Skillful, watchman, experience, prudent, balanced, truth, sensible, expert, wise.

How are these character traits developed?

Read Psalm 119:97-104 and at the same time read James chapter 1 through chapter 4:17

Key points:

Wisdom gained through hard times and trial...

Learning to know the difference between trials and temptation...

Being real... ( an effectual doer of Gods word not just appearance only )

So speak and so act...

The heart of man as seen (heard) through the man's mouth...

Pure, Balanced...

Peaceful closeness to God...

Making the right decisions in one's daily walk...

Best,

-scott

Decisions, Wisdom, Understanding, and seeing in the Fog

2009-05-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Question:

How do you make a decision when everything around you seems to be in a fog? Are you even supposed to make a decision? Are you being led by God into a fog for discipline and training or did you stray into yourself - or both? Which way do I go; which way do I turn? Do I stay here until the fog lifts or do I try to walk in a certain direction? Do I ask the typical question, "What is the will of God" or do I accept the fact that He is in control and this fog is part of His will? ( by the way... I'm not asking if we should consider if He is in control. He is...) The ultimate question is if I know He is in control why do I so often act like He's not!

I have noticed that foggy days can be nice...

The air smells cleaner...

Things seem to slow down a bit...

My focus becomes more narrow ( this is a good thing if you tend to work too much like me)

My coffee tastes better...

I take smaller steps...

I ask more questions and stop assuming and taking things for granted... ( I don't want to step in anything )

I'm afraid of moving to fast and hitting something or someone and hurting them and myself...

I get very concerned about every move I make... I don't want to make the wrong one.

I pray more...

I read more scripture...

I look harder...

I meditate more...

I listen more... ( hopefully speak less )

I stop reacting quickly to things... I tend to analyze everything and every detail...

...and in a crazy way things become more clear.

uh... Thank You Lord for foggy days!

Read:

Psalm 119:97-104; 105-112

James 3:13-18

-scott

Where are you at?

2009-04-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I have posted anything. I have been reading a lot; just to busy to actually post anything.

In spite of all the economic and political issues we seem to be hearing daily, things are good... God is still Sovereign, and nothing has slipped by Him. We just have our priorities out of order as a people. Seems like we are back to the tower of Babel all over again trying to build our little thing to reach the sky. As Jeremiah said, ( and I paraphrase) "You cut down a tree... burn part of it and warm yourself... make the other half into an idol and bow down to it!??!" Man continually worships and serves the creation rather than the Creator... Man continually professes to be wise and shows himself the fool. And God continually gives man over to a depraved mind... Just listen to the nightly news and you will hear it daily... man showing just how ignorant he can become when he refuses to acknowledge God. God sits on his thrown and scoffs... and so He should.

Where does wisdom come from? Where is understanding? Where is "True Knowledge" found?

Where can we get trustworthy council? Where can we lean and hope? Where is security? Where is comfort? Where can we just escape? ( yes you can put down the remote and the video game controller) - SCRIPTURE!

Read Psalm 119:97-104, 105 ( I won't comment yet, but would love to hear yours )

I've also started reading through Kings and Chronicles... along with finishing up teaching in the Book of John.

Where are you at?

How Much do We take God for Granted?

2009-02-26T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest; the past few months have been a struggle. I guess it really started around the holidays, and continued through the first of the year. Nothing but business and a crazy schedule...mixed with free time and a lack of discipline on my part. A week of missing solid times in the Word easily turned into a month and so on. With my travel schedule the way it was I missed the solid accountability of my brothers at church and became more influenced by work. My mind has been pulled away from meditating on Gods Word and my discipline to stay in it has been replaced with a discipline to work. Not saying that my work is wrong... Just saying my priorities are out of whack... and I have found myself truly missing the Lord. It is amazing how faithful He has remained to me when I haven't been very faithful to Him. It's also amazing how empty you can become without spending valuable time with Him... A confirming affirmation to me that I am truly born again is the simple fact that I used to not feel this way when I went a short time without reading the scriptures. I used to not long for Christian brothers to just be around... It used to not feel like the world had actually been lifted from my shoulders when I walked through the church doors. I used to not feel like I had abandoned my best friend when I left my Bible on the shelf. Now I do.

All that brings me to Psalm 119:97-104. Interesting timing... I won't type it all, but read it.

I'll comment on 97... ( I will later go back to 89-96)

"O how I Love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day." - 119:97

All I have to do is give you the lexicon definition for "love" with it sitting in the verse it is in, in context with the month I have had... and you should see where the conviction hits the hardest.

Love - ( as used in verse 97 ) An ardent vehement inclination of the mind and a tenderness of affection at the same time. Used to describe the close attachment between parents and children... the close ties of friendship. Jesus instructed us to "Love" (using this word) God more than anything else or anyone else, which Jesus indicated was one of the two main pillars upon which the entire O.T. rested.

Do you love the word of God like this? Or like me... have you taken it (and Him) for granted lately? When will my stinkin' flesh come to the reality that it isn't just putting a book on the shelf but actually God Himself... - Oh God forgive me.

-scott

Psalm 119:73 "Give me Understanding"

2008-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119:73 - Thy hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments.

We can be quick to acknowledge God as our creator and "tip our hat to Him"; to claim to "believe" in Him and so on... but are we really interested in Him? Do we actually seek to know Him and His purpose for "making and fashioning" each one of us? Are we tangled in the world and can't see the forest for the trees?
Do we step back each day and ask "Lord, Give me understanding"? Do we actually think we know it all... are we that ignorant of ourselves. ( The answer is YES!) The first thing we need to understand and not be blind to is our own sin and self. Ignorance does not equal innocence.

Ask yourself a few questions:

1. What do I think about; what consumes my thoughts?
2. What do I focus my attention on?
3. What do I design my life around; how do I prioritize my schedule?
4. What do I love; what do I sacrifice myself for?
5. What do I fear the most; what am I afraid of losing?
6. What brings me the greatest joy?
7. What brings me the most sorrow?
8. What stirs anger in me?

Read these verses and comment/question:

Isaiah 44:9-20
Hosea 7:2-11
John 9:39-41
Ephesians 4:17-19
Psalm 119:80

...to be continued.

Psalm 119:65-72 - JUNKFOOD

2008-11-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

The main verse that hit me was 119:70a - "Their heart is covered with fat".

Being in Mexico for the majority of October gave me a different perspective on everything; especially with the outcome of our Presidential election and the outcry for the government to give more handouts. The other thing I saw was American's attitudes toward material restraint, or lack of, during economic hardship. We are facing an economic downturn that none of us have really had to face and yet people are still standing in line to buy the new Blackberry that was just released. This shows a serious heart problem not an economic problem. Our country is where it is because our hearts are where they are...

Images that came to mind ( I'm an artist/illustrator... I can't help it) are of Las Vegas, Shopping malls, large city's, sports arenas, buffet tables, Walmart, expensive cars, more and more gadgets like Iphones, Ipods, and never ending computer upgrades, $4.00 coffee, and so on...

I had a conversation with a guy I work with in Mexico and the overall observation of America is that we are selfish... just about sums it up! We only think of ourself and what new toy we can add to our pampered life, and if anything threatens that we'll sacrifice everything including our morals to prevent our pampered lives from being messed with; not to mention the debt we'll pile up to sustain an image/lifestyle that we think we have to have.

Satan has done his job very well. He doesn't need to attack us like something out of a movie to get us away from God. He only has to entertain us to death... Man is already by nature "all about self" so all Satan has to do is feed that by throwing everything we want at us. Like a little kid that can't take his eyes off the banana split and won't eat dinner. We are filling ourselves with everything that will make us sick and later kill us. We are left with no appetite for what God really wants us to have and that is Him.

Listen to Davids words in contrast to the "heart covered in fat":
vs. 65 = Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant...
vs. 66 = Teach me discernment and knowledge
vs 66 = I believe in Thy commandments...
vs. 67 = Before I was afflicted (disciplined by God through circumstances) I went astray. But know I keep Thy word
vs. 68 = Thou art good and doest good... Teach me Thy statutes
vs. 69b = With all my heart I will observe Thy precepts
vs. 70 = I delight in Thy law
vs. 71 = It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes
vs. 72 = The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

We need to stop living on the junk food that the world is feeding us everyday. Youth are educating themselves on how to maintain life according to the world's system and twisting their faith to fit what they want while at the same time silencing God. In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." The question we need to ask ourselves everyday is "what/who am I following" and "what is shaping my appetite"... is it the junk food the world offers or the solid meat of the word of God?

-scott

Psalm 119:65

2008-11-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

I think my traveling days are going to be slowing down soon (I'm currently in Mexico) and I'm looking forward to getting back to spending more time in Psalm 119. While on the road it's hard to blog... there's just so much to do.

I'm keeping this one short and sweet. Not because I'm trying to just fill up a post, but because when you think about it... this verse says a lot by itself:

119:65 - Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word.

This is past tense; looking back, David can see where he was and where he currently is. He can see the hand of God in his life maturing him through circumstances. His conclusion is God has "dealt well" with him... taken care of him, handled him, lifted him up, taught and matured him. Through all the bad times and good times he credits God for handling him well.

He also calls himself a servant... meaning he has submitted Himself to Gods mercy and control and has not regretted it. He's not ashamed of his master and His masters way of dealing with his life.

He recognizes that God is his Lord and that everything is according to His word. Gods word is sure and is the sufficient means to walk by. His life has been "joyfully handled and sustained by God's word" and then in verse 119:66 he wants more of it...

"Taste and see that the Lord is good..."

Can you look back throughout your life's history and say the same thing. Can you see God handling you? Is your daily life according to His word? Have you submitted everything to Him and trust Him to "deal with you according to His word"? Is He disciplining you as a father and maturing you daily... is He ever present in your daily life and thoughts?

Do you really know Him... and does He really know you? Are you in a relationship with him?
Is there a history to your relationship? Think about it...
-scott

Thoughts on the Election...

2008-11-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of conversations going on about the recent election and our new President elect Barak Obama. Some people are in tears and very excited and some are worried and very angry. What I've noticed, people are passionate on either side and there aren't many in the middle. Plus everybody wants to ask the question; "What do you think about the election?"

This is the perfect opportunity to really get to the heart of the issue. "Christ is our hope, not the government" I'm actually hopeful at the whole thing... not that a liberal and apparent Socialist is going to be running our country, but the fact that there seems to be no more grays in the discussion. You know what he stands for and what he is going to do. You also know what the country wants and is looking for based on how they voted. Look at the picture I have posted here and ask yourself what are they truly excited about? What do they want out of life, and what are they searching for? Why did they vote the way they did? How did it get to the point where a country that fought to keep Socialism out has now voted it in. Liberty, Capitalism, and what our founding Fathers died for is being changed by an excited majority. The world around us is getting darker by the day by those who think they are actually doing the opposite. And the hope is: The gospel will shine brighter! The Church doesn't need to picket and boycott... it needs to pray and seek the Lord harder in His word. Look at some verses in Psalm 119...

Psalm 119:19-20 = I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Thy commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing after Thine ordinances at all times

Psalm 119:23-24 = Even though princess sit and talk against me, Thy servant meditates on Thy statutes.

Psalm 119:41-42 = May Thy lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word; So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Thy Word.

Psalm 119:46 = I will speak of Thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be ashamed

Psalm 119:51 = The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Thy law.

Psalm 119:61 = The cords of the wicked have encircled me, But I have not forgotten Thy law

Psalm 119: 69-70 = The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Thy precepts. Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight in Thy law.

"It is good for us that we are afflicted, that we may learn His statutes." -119:71
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word...

The opposition we may be facing, in increased measure, should only drive us closer to Him, and give Him the opportunity to shine brighter through us. - this is a good thing and not something to be depressed about! Also, there are still some out there that will come to Him... let's go after them for His glory!

Also read this older post! It relates in a big way: Liberty
-scott

Psalm 119:57-72 In Mexico

2008-10-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

These verses actually fill up two sections; I'm floating between the two. I like the connection between verse 59 - "I considered my ways, and turned my feet to Thy testimonies" and verse 67 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word".

This makes me think of Galatians 5:16-17 when he says " Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."

Before I was converted/born again there was no war going on inside me between the two (flesh and Spirit) I just did what I wanted to without any real concern... yes there was some understanding that what I was doing was wrong, but nothing like a strong conviction; I would just make excuses and rationalize away the sin I was involved in. Now it's different... there is a war inside me. I here the two (flesh and spirit) screaming at each other. Each time I sin or make a wrong decision I feel "afflicted" in my gut and the worst thing I can do is ignore it. I also sense it before I sin... like a radar or warning signal to turn the other way... Now I "keep His word" not perfectly but the direction I aim at rather than my flesh. My decision making is based on "is this Biblical" or "will this honor God". The sad thing is I'm not perfect at it, but it's solid assurance that He is there because He is afflicting me like a father discipling his child.

His continual presence is an amazing reality. Even when He pulls away because of my sin; His pulling away is felt. Everything does, and should, revolve around Him.

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes."
"The law of Thy mouth is better to me thatn thousands of gold and silver pieces." -119:71-72

I'm Back...for a day.

2008-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

What a month it has been: Mexico for two weeks, home for a week, Aruba for a week, home for a day, and now back to Mexico. I long to be in one place for an extended period of time. I wanted to keep up with this blog but it has been quite hard. In Aruba we didn't have the internet (or I actually wouldn't pay what they wanted me to pay for it) plus all the running around and traveling has made it difficult. I've noticed how easy it is to get caught up in the craziness and go a few days without really spending time in the Word. After a few days I feel like something is wrong somewhere; like being out of place. We don't realize just how easily we can wander off and never know it, and at the same time think everything is OK. Remember when Mary and Joseph left Jesus in the temple? They left Jerusalem and traveled a day before they "started looking for Him" and realized He wasn't with them. (Luke 2:41-49)

This is so much like us... we get caught up and carried away with stuff and take off and leave Jesus behind. Not that we mean to or that we are deep in sin; I think it's a good "wake-up-call" that we really need to pay attention to where we are and to where Jesus is and fight daily to stay next to Him. Every time we wander off we are in danger... we may be up to our ears in lion country and never know it. This is not the time and these are not the days to get lazy. (Have you been watching CNN and the political battle!!?)

As for Psalm 119; I am floating between verses 49-72. I will be posting more on those later...
-scott

Psalm 119:49-64 Mexico Summary

2008-10-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

I know this is a weird title for this post, but I didn't know what else to call it. I've been in Queretaro Mexico for over a week now on business and feeling a bit like a stranger. It's amazing how much we take for granted in our "Christian comfort zone" back in the states. Here, there are no churches, nothing on the radio (that I would understand) and no fellowship. You are alone with God... I'm not saying that is bad; but it's hard. You get to know yourself and how easily distracted you can be. I feel like my soul is hungry and my ears burn for solid preaching. Words in Psalm 119 take on new meaning:

Remember the word to Thy servant, In which Thou hast made me hope.
This is my comfort... that Thy Word has revived me

I have remembered Thine ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself.

Thy statutes are my songs...

The Lord is my portion...I have promised to keep Thy words

I entreated Thy favor with all my heart...be gracious to me according to Thy word...

I'm not trying to be overly dramatic...just real. We don't realize just how important the Word of God is until that's all you have. I've realized while being here on business I've been busy working and haven't read my Bible as much as I should...I physically feel it. I feel a deep longing that goes away only when my Bible is open in front of me. I long for Christian fellowship... I long to here a choir sing... I long for my family.

My God truly is everything. There is truly nothing to be desired more than Him.
"This has become mine. That I observe Thy precepts"-119:56
-scott

Psalm 119:41-48 Third Read

2008-10-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

"I considered my ways, And turned my feet to Thy testimonies." - Psalm 119:59

This is something a lost man will not do. He may consider... but he never turns. That turning is called repentance. In the life of a believer this must be an everyday routine. Consider your ways, think about your day before you start it and in the evening before you go to bed. "Are your feet turned in the direction of His testimonies? Are you thinking of Him? Are you spending time with Him? Has He been spending time with you? If you are facing the wrong way... TURN AROUND!

"Entreat His favor with all your heart" -119:58
and "make yourself a companion of those who fear Him and of those who keep His precepts." -119:63 Peer pressure is good when you are around godly men... it helps you stay turned in the right direction.
-scott

Psalm 119:49-56 Second Read

2008-09-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Thy law. -Psalm 119:51

It is one thing to be able to stay consistent to God’s word while in the middle of all your Christian friends. It’s another thing to stay consistent when everyone around you is not a Christian and they are poking at you for what you believe. The real question is do they even notice that you’re different or do you blend right in? We don’t need to be confrontational for the sake of be confrontational all the time... but a Christian who is walking in the Spirit will be different by his very presence. It should be apparent to those around you, if you are a believer, that you follow a different path than everyone else. Your family should really notice there is a difference because they know you best, they should see Christ in your behavior and attitude...

If you are persecuted for being a Christian, or made fun of... they shouldn’t be persecuting you, they should be persecuting Him. “And this is the judgement that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light...” -John 3:19-20a
He is the Light in us... they see Him in us and run. They either run to Him or away from Him because He exposes them for who they are. It’s imperative that we stay consistent... and “not turn aside from His law”.

Here is what is so important; we are not to “pick the side we are on and not bend or defect to the other side”. We are to spend so much time with the Lord and His word that it would utterly hurt to turn from Him, to deny Him after all He has done for us would break our heart. I don’t turn from Him because I love Him so much. I don’t cheat on my wife because I love her so much, not because it’s just what I’m not supposed to do. This is what Jesus said was the greatest commandment, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength...’ If you truly love Him you won’t be able to turn away from Him. He and His word are all you have. (“This has become mine, That I observe Thy precepts” - Psalm 119:56) Others will notice this...and so they should.

-scott

Psalm 119:49-56 Second Read

2008-09-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

One line caught me... "Thy statues are my songs..." -119:54
As an artist I understand that 'real art' comes from the heart. It is not 'art' if it has no meaning, it has to say something. It's not just skill and training. I would rather look at a Van Gogh, which has his life poured into his paintings, than some photographic image that someone reproduced. I would rather listen to a blues guitar player that can make you cry rather than a classical trained musician that just plays a bunch of well organized notes. - get the point?

In Matthew 15:18 Jesus said, "The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart..." He was saying this in relation to where the actual source of sin is - the heart.
You can see what is on the heart of a culture by what kind of art that culture produces. (paintings, music, literature, etc.) Look at the movies, posters and books/magazines (be careful) and you'll see real fast the condition and heartbeat of our culture. Move ahead in time 400 years and look back at the "art" of today and you'll know what's been on our heart... the answer is Jesus' conclusion in Matthew 15:19 = "Evil thoughts, murders, fornication, theft, lying, slander" - this is painted all over the media, and this is what people sing about today. Have you heard a Rap song lately? Have you payed attention to the covers at the movie store?

David was a song writer; a real one. The book of Psalms is David pouring out his heart to God in song. It wasn't something he just decided to do one day. He couldn't help himself, it was a natural outpouring of his heart. A real artist isn't one who just paints well; he is able to see the world in a way others don't, and then paints what he sees. Music is in the heart, the ear, the soul; the instrument is just a tool to get the real music out. Visual art is in the eye, the heart, and the mind; the paint brush is just a tool as well. Too many people spend a lifetime trying to develop the instrument (tool) and the hand forgetting all about the heart. We want to get to the applause over the song or the painting which is nothing but sick pride. Spend time with God developing your heart... the rest will, and should, come naturally as an overflow of the heart.

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

Psalm 119:49-56 First Read

2008-09-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

119:49-50 - "Remember the word to Thy servant, In which Thou hast made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, That Thy word has revived me.

Notice the writer is not asking God if He remembers. This is not a question it is a statement. Remember means to impress on the memory, to recollect, to record, to recite. The writer has put something in and God is bringing it back up. Everyday we make a deposit (spending time in the word) and everyday God brings back up what we have put in. Interesting timing for a few guys in my class. Everyday is a classroom; so what are we learning?

God's goal/will for us is to 'conform us to the image of His Son'. This is what the purpose of every day is. This is what 'He cause all things to work together' toward - sanctification. We learn by reading and studying His word. We meditate on verses to get all we can out of the scriptures. Then when we have the principle fully rooted in our brain God puts us through circumstances and trials so that what we have deposited we have to put into practice. This develops Wisdom and Godly experience. Not only have we learned it, but we have also practiced it. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control, all are perfected in trials and affliction. Christ was the perfect example and standard to these fruits. He didn't just do them...He was them. It wasn't something He learned and did, it was who he was from the core of His being.

I place my hope in the fact that God knows what He is doing with me. He will bring to my mind what I need when I need it. I will be comforted in knowing that His word will revive me, and that it is His wisdom that is applying it to each circumstance. Now I can look at each day as an opportunity to fully learn and 'develop' (developing wisdom) what it is to be 'Christ-like'.

Everyday is a classroom - He is the teacher - His word is our text... and we are all freshman.
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord"

Psalm 119:41-48 Fourth Read

2008-09-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Liberty is a word that used to carry a lot of meaning in America. It's slowly losing it's value to debt. You aren't free if you are owned by another; if you have debt you are a slave to the lender. The U.S. economy is held up by debt. Our government is held up by debt. Most homes are held together by debt and borrowing; so much so that 'living within our means' has become a distant cliche. We have worked ourselves into a situation where socialism seems to be the only answer to a lot of people, and that's scary! People have lost all restraint and self-control and they want a government that is equally out of control to come bail them out. People today are willing to give up 'Liberty' and promise for a bowl of soup (Remember this is what got Esau in trouble).

How has this happened and what does this have to do with Psalm 119? There are many social - economic reasons but one root source, Idolatry. We have worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever. We have exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man. God has given us over to a depraved mind... (Romans 1:18-32) Man loves man not God. Man serves man not God. Man wants what he wants when he wants it and nobody better get in his way. Now the debt is coming due and man can't pay the bill.

Another thing; Moses passed on his leadership role to Joshua, he had trained him to be his successor. But Joshua was to busy fighting and conquering and didn't train the youth around him in the ways of God; the result was the next generation was given over to idolatry and lost. God's people are always one generation away from apostasy - Spiros Zodhiates
This says it all doesn't it. One generation after another today seems to grow further from God and deeper into apostasy. So much so that most don't even know who God truly is; they just want back into Egypt where they can have food and a roof over there head rather than do the hard thing to be with God. The optimistic way of looking at this is we truly have a mission field full of hurting people all around us and it's growing daily. They don't need 'belief systems' and 'faith programs' they need to see the real God in us. We are supposed to be 'salt and light', and it's getting darker in this country by the day. It's all about REALITY folks, get to know Him for real and quite playing religious games! Then you will have an answer for him who reproaches you (119:42)

*Trust in His word (not your own) 119:42

*Don't allow His Truth to depart from your mouth (discipline and backbone...we need some) 119:43

*Wait for Him (stop pulling out the Visa and Mastercard!) 119:43 ...maybe He put you in a difficult financial situation so you could see Him and depend on Him more like Israel in the desert before the Red Sea. God made them go through the hard stuff so they would grow a little.

*Consistently walk in His Word and keep it diligently! 119:4, 45 He is truly the King and we 'really' need to obey Him... He 'really' is the Creator that 'really' needs to be listened to...

*True Liberty comes from seeking Him!!!! -119:45 We need to preach this!!!! And it's not financial liberty it's spiritual. This is what Jesus was offering in John 4.

*Speak of Him... -119:46 stop being ashamed of our God and his Son. Say the name Jesus... it's the most precious name there is. Don't let some stupid politician scare you from speaking the name of our savior... and yes, His name includes His words and what He stands for TRUTH!
which is what people today really need. You might get in trouble, but in Love let it fly.

*I shall delight in You -119:47 (delight in God not the junk the world seems to offer. Who wants to go in debt for cheap junk when God is offering Himself for free) Don't trade the birthright for a stupid bowl of soup! (Jacob and Esau - remember)

*Come to Him wanting Him...lift your hands to Him and not the local mall and the latest gadget -119:48

*Meditate daily on Him... one day this may be all you have -119:48
But it truly is all you need. -John 4:13-14, 32-34

"Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." -Jesus

Psalm 119:41-48 Third Read

2008-09-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Imagine this (Or Picture this):

As you get up in the morning and your feet hit the ground you're saying:
"May Thy lovingkindnesses come to me, O Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word"
"So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me..." -119:41-42

As your mind is coming to you and your becoming fully awake your heart cries:
"I trust in your word"
"Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Thine ordinances..." -119:43

As you are walking across the room toward the shower your mind is dwelling on:
"I will keep Thy law continually, Forever and ever..."
and will I will walk at liberty For I seek Thy precepts." -119:44-45

As you're in the shower thinking about what you have to do that day your heart says:
"I will speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed..." -119:46

While getting dressed and putting your wallet, cell phone, etc. in your pockets you say:
"I shall delight in Thy commandments (today) which I love..." -119:47

During breakfast; (if you eat breakfast) while filling your bowl you're thinking:
I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments which I love... -119:48

Then as you walk out the door into the world your heart declares:
I will meditate on Thy statutes... -119:48

This is beginning a day dwelling in the presence of God. The minute you wake up your heart and mind race toward His direction. He is in every decision, and every spare moment you find your self running back to Him. This has been Davids passion throughout verses 119:1-48; "God I just want You"... and this desire begins the minute your feet hit the floor and doesn't stop until your head hits the pillow.

Make this reality a goal in your life...
-scott

Psalm 119:41-48 Second Read

2008-09-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

I said in a previous blog that I hit a wall when I came to this section. I noticed that I was trying to "think up something to write"rather than letting the Holy Spirit work in my heart and mind first. I would rather not write anything than make up something on my own that sounds like it fits.

Here's a picture that illustrates well the heartbeat of the past few weeks in Psalm 119: Need, Selflessness, Longing, Stranded, Hope in Another, Prayer, Simple Thankfulness, Dependent, etc... This man's palms are turned up and empty waiting to be filled. This is how we come to God. This is what I believe is the meaning in 119:48 - "I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments." This is what we need, long for, hope in, and dependent on. This is what has been the ache of the first 40 verses: "God I have to have You and Your Word or I'm lost and a stranger with no hope". "Please don't forsake me, please don't leave me, please help me understand, please help me walk." This reminds me of Peter's answer to Christ in John 6:68 when asked if he was going to leave; "Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal life?"

Psalm 119:41 "May Thy lovingkindness also come to me, O Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word; So I shall have an answer for him who reporaches me...For I trust in Thy word.

Have you ever heard your heart say these words to God? Think about it...
-scott

Imitation of Christ

2008-09-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Imitation of Chirst by Thomas Akempis is an incredible book and great to read along with Psalm 119. You know, in those spare times when you have nothing to do. I've been thinking and reading a lot in the past few days: Psalm 119, Imitation of Christ, Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, and The Practice of the Presence of God by brother Lawerence. No I didn't read the entire book on each... The books are more devotional and set up to read around and not like a novel that you read through cover to cover. I have added a Book section to this blog that links to these books online...

Here are some great quotes from Imitation of Christ that upply to where we are:

Seek to retire within yourself. Love to dwell alone with yourself. Seek no man's conversation, but rather pour forth devout prayer to God that you may keep your mind contrite and your heart pure.

If you completely conquer yourself, you will more easily subdue all other things. The perfect victory is to triumph over self. For he who holds himself in such subjection that sensuality obeys reason and reason obeys the Word of God (Christ) in all matters, is truly his own conqueror and master of the world.

Because few labor to die entirely to self, or tend completely away from self, therefore they remain entangled in self, and cannot be lifted in spirit above themselves. But he who desires to walk freely with Christ must mortify all his low and inordinate affections, and must not cling with selfish love or desire to any creature.

There are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace.

Living on earth is truly a misery. The more a man desires spiritual life, the more bitter the present becomes to him, because he understands better and sees more clearly the defects, the corruption of human nature...But woe to those who know not their own misery, and greater woe to those who love this miserable and corruptible life. Some, indeed, can scarcely procure its necessities either by work or by begging; yet they love it so much that, if they could live here always, they would care nothing for the kingdom of God.

How foolish and faithless of heart are those who are so engrossed in earthly things as to relish nothing but what is carnal! Miserable men indeed, for in the end they will see to their sorrow how cheap and worthless was the thing they loved.
-Thomas Akempis

A Lot to Chew On!

2008-09-11T19:15:00.001-07:00

I've been working through Psalm 119 for a couple of weeks now and feel like I've hit a wall. Not in a bad way but like the feeling you get when you have eaten too much and you can't get another bite in your mouth. I sense that I'm beginning to just go through it for the sake of going through it and moving on to the next post... which totally defeats the purpose. Also my mind keeps wandering back to what I've been reading rather than what I am reading. So I think it's time to slow down and digest what we've been through. I'm going to re-read 119: 1-40 for the rest of this week... there is some really solid stuff in 41-48 and I can't get my mind around it. So I'm going to do what 119:43b says, "I'm going to wait for God". I want to get closer to Him and not just zip through the verses and miss Him all together.

119:4 -Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep them diligently...

(not just read over them and move on...)

Psalm 119:41-48 First Read...

2008-09-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

119:45 says: And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Thy precepts.

"Walk at liberty" = Life of grace, free from legalism, the air is easier to breathe, not a lot of stress and anxiety, no fear (Matthew 11:28-30)

This type of life is achieved through walking with God... Seeking His precepts rather than the worlds. It's amazing how people are bogged down today... weighted down with all sorts of things... Have you felt the weight of any of these:

Afraid of getting caught because of a lie you told.

Afraid of someone walking around the corner and catching you watch something you shouldn't.

Afraid of someone checking the history on your computer a seeing the porn sites.

Afraid of someone you've been bad mouthing finding out it was you.

Afraid of being caught cheating on the exam.

Afraid of someone smelling the cigarette smoke or alcohol on your breath.

Afraid of people not hanging out with you and not talking to you.

Afraid of people making fun of your clothes or your body type.

How about:

Worrying about the debt collectors and the overwhelming pile of debt you have.

Worrying about being audited because you cheated on your taxes.

Worrying about not getting the promotion at work.

Struggling with the weight of a large car payment and a huge house payment.

Tired of living like you make $100,000. when you only make 30,000.00

The list goes on...

Life is so much easier when you aren't always afraid to look over your shoulder... worrying about what's around the corner, or getting caught. This is the result of sin and guilt; which is a good thing actually. The sad thing is some people have no conscience and actually live in gross sin without any care or worry at all. Feeling the weight of sin is good. Guilt and anxiety over a sinful life is good. You should feel guilty if you lie or cheat. You should feel shame if you're doing or looking at immoral things. This is God screaming at you that you're a sinner and fallen. Galatians 3:24 says the Law is a tutor (teacher) that leads us to Christ. God's commandments, precepts, statutes, take us by the hand and show us our faults then lead us to Christ; the only one who can fix our heart which is the root problem.

Trying to keep up with the world will only kill you in the end.

Truly walking with God and seeking His precepts is a life at liberty; a life at peace.

119:35 - Make me walk in the path of Thy commandments, For I delight in it.

119:37 - Turn my eyes away from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways.