Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: February 2022

Unfailing Love

In today’s world “unfailing” and “love” are two words that, for most individuals, are left to one’s imagination or personal interpretation. “Unfailing” for some would be interpreted as not giving up “until I get bored,” or “until I find something more interesting to do,” or “I’ve taken my turn, now it’s up to someone else,” or “let’s try something more exciting!”

And the meaning of “love” for many is interpreted by the personal attractiveness of another and only lasts until someone more glamorous or interesting or challenging comes along. More often than not there is no personal cost involved in loving another or a willingness to be bothered or inconvenienced by another’s needs. It does not have an enduring or eternal quality attached to it. It’s for “this moment only” and “not to be counted on for the long haul.”

With God it’s different. The Psalmist wrote, “May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant.” The little prefix “un” means “never giving out” or “inexhaustible” and makes a very powerful statement about the nature of His love.

We have no difficulty in believing that God loves us when everything in our world is “perfect” - every problem solved, every bill paid, and everyone in the family is healthy and smiling at one another. Life’s good!

But then, tragedy strikes. Is life still good, is His love still unfailing, and will He now provide His comfort?

The answer is locked-up in the word “promise.” We can search every verse until our eyes grow dim and hearts stop beating: if God said it, He meant it, and we can believe it.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the promise of Your unfailing love. We give ourselves to You for we know that, though others may fail us, You will not! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

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When What Is - Is Not Enough

Many doubt that our God is the creator of all that is and that He is in control of what we see as well as what we cannot see. The Psalmist is not one who has any doubt about this fact. He goes far beyond the majestic statement that we hold dear: “In the beginning, God created...” In simple words, he acknowledged that “Your hands,” (God) “have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding that I may learn Your commands.” In other words, he realized that he was more than a creature that began in the mud. He was the most important part of God’s creation and needed God to give him His understanding of things.

“God,” he declared, “You not only took time to make me, but You fashioned me for a specific purpose in this, Your universe. I need You, God, to tell me what that purpose is!”

The word “fashioned” is a term that refers to the work of a potter making an object out of clay. Although the same clay may be used for different vessels or objects, each one has been “fashioned” for a specific purpose. The size, shape, and purpose of each vessel the potter makes are always determined in the mind of the potter before he begins to form it on his wheel.

So, it is with God. His Word tells us that “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I knew you...I set you apart...I appointed you...” Although God has a plan for us, the Psalmist says we must look to Him for that plan and search His Word to understand it. He made us in His image, but we must allow Him to fashion us for the specific purpose He has for us.

Prayer: Father, You made us so You understand us. Please give us an understanding of Your will and a willingness to follow it all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73

Better Than Silver And Gold

A pastor who served people in a ghetto was visiting a family that was going through a difficult time of making ends meet. As he got up to leave, he noticed an old, well-worn Bible on a shelf. As he neared the door, he said, “I saw something in this room that has more value than any amount of money. I wonder if you will ever find it.”

A few days later while dusting the shelves, one of the children discovered the Bible. Holding it very carefully, she took it to her Dad, and asked, “Could this have been what the preacher-man saw? Wonder if this is what he meant.”

Holding it very carefully, he placed it on the table and took great care to open it. Then he looked down and noticed a verse that was underlined with a red pencil: “The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”

He began to weep quietly as his wife and children sat silently around him. Finally, he was able to speak and said, “This is my mother’s Bible. Before she died, she gave it to me and asked me to read it every day, and I promised her that I would. But, I let her down, and I’ve let you - my family - down. Maybe God led us to this difficult time in our lives so we would find this verse she underlined to help us, encourage us, and give us strength.”

God works in many strange and subtle ways. He even brings times of difficulty and desperation into our lives to get our attention. He has never promised that our days would always be filled with sunshine and blue skies. But, He has promised that when we look to Him and His Word, we will find salvation, hope, and encouragement.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to realize the wealth we will find in Your Word when we have nothing else left. Then, teach us to mine the riches found there. And Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Psalm 119:72

What - Not Why

“I wouldn’t go through my experience with cancer again for a million dollars,” said a friend to me recently. “But then again, I wouldn’t take a million dollars for it, either.”

Could it be that the most painful experiences in life are sometimes the most profitable? Is it not true that after we have struggled through one of the most challenging times in our lives we take a deep breath and say, “Thank You, Lord. That ended up as a great blessing! I sincerely appreciate Your presence and peace during the dark days and long nights. I would not have made it without You.”

“It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees!” said the Psalmist, after his ordeal.

As he struggled and strained with deep fears and high anxieties, he did not ask, “Why are these things happening to me?” Instead he asked, “What can I learn from them?”

“Why” is often a useless word. Most of the problems we face or the difficult issues that challenge or confront us cannot be answered if we ask, “Why?” Asking a different question is usually more beneficial: “What, God, are You trying to teach me?” usually brings the best answers.

“A.J.” was a very successful leader. Nearly everyone looked up to him. He had answers to questions and insight to issues that others overlooked. One day he was in an accident and lost his sight. He did not ask, “Why Lord?” After realizing that his condition was permanent, he asked, “What can I do for You now, Lord?”

Prayer: We pray, Lord, that we will learn to ask, “What can I do for You with the ‘unusual gifts’ You give me?” Help us to recognize that our suffering can be a tool for You to use in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:71

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Suffering And Obedience

A member of a tourist group noticed a shepherd carrying food to one of his sheep. He was very curious and asked, “What happened? Is one of your sheep having problems?”

“Yes,” came the reply. “I have a sheep with a broken leg.”

“What happened? Did he fall over a cliff? Did an animal bite him?” he asked.

“Oh, no,” said the shepherd. “I broke it.”

“My goodness,” said the tourist. “You broke your sheep’s leg on purpose? I thought that shepherds loved their sheep more than anything else. I’ve even heard stories about shepherds searching for a lost sheep all night long. How could you do such a thing? Were you angry? Don’t you love your sheep?”

“Of course, I love my sheep,” replied the shepherd. “That’s why I broke its leg. This was a ‘wayward’ sheep. When it strayed from the flock, it led other sheep with it. Something had to be done to preserve the life of this sheep and to prevent it from leading other sheep astray. I broke its leg and reset it to teach it obedience. Now, it waits for me to feed it and eats out of my hand. It will never leave me again and will stay by my side. Finally, it is obedient.”

There was a Psalmist who must have had an experience like the sheep in this story. In writing of his experience, he said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your voice.” Suffering has a purpose.

Prayer: No one likes to hurt, Lord. Yet, we ask that You do whatever is necessary to keep us close to You. Discipline us so we will be good disciples. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your voice. Psalm 119:67

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Friends, Followers And Faith

Will and his friends had an enjoyable afternoon playing in his back yard. Suddenly, there was a severe disagreement and he shouted, “Go home. I can play by myself.”

His father heard the “noise” and asked, “What happened, Son?”

Angrily he said, “They wouldn’t let me have my turn on the teeter-totter, so I told them to go!”

“Well,” said his Dad, “let me see how it works with you on one end and no one else on the other.”

Life is very much like a teeter-totter. We need others to make it “work.” And, no matter how many friends we may have, it seems like there is always room for another one.

But, who we choose to have as friends is very important. Our friends tend to tear us down, may give us strength, or cause us to stumble. Often, they lead us closer to the Lord or, unfortunately, come between us. A wise proverb reads, “Tell me whom you are with, and I will tell you what you are.”

We are not like roses. If we find a bush full of beautiful roses in a field of weeds, it will not take away from their fragrance or beauty. Friends are different because of the influence they have on us. And, it seems more likely that it is easier for them to get us involved in their vices than we are to get them involved in our virtues.

Wisely, the Psalmist said, “I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts.”

Prayer: Guide and guard us, Lord, as we choose our friends. Make us aware of their influence on our lives so that we will choose carefully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts. Psalm 119:63

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Midnight Thanks

There is a story of a young girl who was demon-possessed and a qualified fortune teller. A group of men saw an opportunity to make large sums of money from her talents, so they formed a syndicate, bought her time and talents, and made a good deal of money.

Not long after they formed their syndicate, an evangelist and his young associate saw the girl and felt sorry for her. The evangelist stood before her, addressed the demon in her and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” Instantly, the demon left her when he heard the voice of the evangelist.

When the owners of the girl realized that their investment and future income was gone, they succeeded in having Paul and Silas arrested. They were given a bloody beating, and then thrown into a dungeon, and their hands and feet were clamped into stocks.

When we look at this story up to this point, we see two men imprisoned for doing what was good and right, yet they were deeply wronged. Did they stop and pity themselves and complain to the God they were serving? Indeed not! At midnight they began to pray and sing praises to God, and a revival broke out. In fact, the jailer was converted.

One thing that cannot be taken away from a Christian is the presence of Christ. With Him and in Him there is a freedom that only He can give - even at midnight. No doubt they were familiar with the words of the Psalmist: “At midnight I rise to give You thanks.”

Prayer: It’s easy, Father, to give thanks when things are going our way. Give us the strength that we might also give thanks in our trials. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: At midnight I rise to give You thanks. Psalm 119:62

To Think Or Not To Think

Someone said that there are two types of people: those who stop to think or those who stop thinking. If someone stops thinking, life will go on without them. On the other hand, it is important for those who do think to think about things that matter.

There is a good example of this principle in Psalm 119:59: “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes.” What we spend our time thinking about matters more than anything else in our lives. It is our thinking that enables us to discern right from wrong, good from bad, what is helpful from what is hurtful. And the list goes on. Thinking leads to choices, and our choices determine our destiny. In fact, that’s what the Psalmist wrote about: “When I stopped to consider what I was doing and where I was going, it led me to change my course of direction and follow the laws of the Lord.”

Many are too involved in the things of this world to “stop and consider” where they are going or whom they are following. Life becomes a blur and there is not much difference between night and day: everything looks like a long piece of grey flannel that has no beginning or end.

The Psalmist said, “I considered - I turned.” It does not take much time to see the difference between God’s way and the world’s way. And, when one sees the benefits of what God has to offer us in contrast to what the world takes from us, the choice is clear: life or death. It is wise to stop, consider our choices and turn to God.

Prayer: We have in You, Father, all that we need for today and after “today” a life with You in Heaven. Call to our minds the direction we are going and where we need to go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes. Psalm 119:59

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What's In Your Name?

One of the greatest musicians to ever lead any band was John Phillips Sousa. He followed the musical legacy of his father and achieved world acclaim as both a musician and writer of band music. Most people who have ever played in a band have played one of the many marches he wrote, many of them becoming favorites of people around the world. Eventually he became known as the "March King," and when his marches were played, people could identify him as the composer.

Names were once used to identify a person’s place of origin or their vocation or occupation. They had a great deal of significance because they gave away so much information about a person. Today they have little significance and tell us little, if anything, important.

In the Bible, however, names and words have meaning and purpose and were selected very carefully. For example, when we read the different names that were given to God, we soon realize that they were given to Him as a way to describe or recognize what He was doing for His children or something that He wanted to do for His own.

A beautiful example of this is found in Psalm 119:55. One of His very own had a very particular need, and he needed help immediately! So, he prayed, “In the night, Lord, I remember Your name.” When we read the word “night” in the Bible, it usually refers to a “time of distress.” Not wanting to be overcome by defeat, he knew that his God was with him at that moment and that His power was available to keep him from defeat.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that Your presence and power are available in nights of distress or days of delight. Help us remember Your Name when we feel darkness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: In the night, Lord, I remember Your name. Psalm 119:55

Promises! Promises!

He spent many years living alone not having the necessities of life. One day in his despair, he looked at the top shelf of an old bookcase cluttered with pictures and the mementos of his life. As his eyes passed from item to item, he noticed his mother’s Bible that he had not touched since her death.

Slowly, he opened the well-worn Book and very carefully began to leaf through its pages. As he made his way through Genesis, he found $1,000.00. He did the same with Exodus and found another $1,000.00. His excitement grew as he went from book to book and found $1,000.00 in each one of them.

Imagine having $66,000 within arm’s reach and not even knowing it was there, waiting to be discovered. We may fault the old man for living in poverty when it was totally unnecessary when riches were available. We might say, “How sad! Why didn’t he look sooner?”

But, sadder than the fact that the money was in his mother's Bible waiting for him to discover it, is the fact that there are 3,573 promises in the Bible waiting for us to discover and claim. Our good and gracious God placed them there for each of us. Yet, most of us do not know where to find them, so they go unclaimed.

The Psalmist said, “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promises preserve my life.” Each promise is a benefit God has placed in His Word waiting for us to claim. Jesus addressed this same issue when He said, “For everyone who asks receives.” Don’t go without!

Prayer: The best things in life, Father, are ours for the asking. Increase our faith to meet our needs. Revive us when we feel defeated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50

Why God Forgives

One of the most agonizing questions all children ask comes in one word: Why?

That endless, searching, penetrating, obnoxious, and even threatening question sometimes causes controversy, other times resentment, and even - would you believe it - anger.

Most of us do not enjoy having to give a reason for what we do or say. It disturbs our peace of mind and forces us to clarify our words or deeds. Many times, it is a good question for the same reasons it is a disturbing question: we have to examine and explain things we had done in the past simply without thinking about or even taking time to evaluate them.

Although David did not ask the “why” question, he did answer it without thinking about it. “Why” would God forgive him? His love. And then he answered another “why” question without asking “why” - because our God is a “good” God.

“Why would You forgive me God?” As I understand it, God, it is according to, or consistent with the fact that You love me. “Thank You for Your love, God.”

“But then, God, why would You love me when the sin I committed is horrible even in my own eyes?” And God answered, “Because I am good, David.”

“Love” and “good” are two simple facts about the very character of God. But, they also go together. If God is love, He also has to be good. Otherwise, His love could be selective. But because He is good, His love is for all of us.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for a love that does not depend on anything except the fact that You are good. Your promise revives us and gives us comfort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50

Nothing Is Beyond Him

When God calls us to do something, He will give us the skills and ability to do whatever He calls us to do. It may seem to be impossible and unreal at the time of His call, but He will never allow us to embarrass Him. If He calls us, He will equip us.

This is an important fact for Christians. There may be times when we “think” God has called us to do some “thing” because it is “attractive” or “appealing” or “glamorous” or “may give us power over people” or “no one else can do it.” But it’s not God calling us at all. It is our “ego” wanting attention, and we “put it on” or “blame God” for whatever we may want to do and then try to “obligate Him” to make it work.

The Psalmist made an interesting observation when he said, “For I delight in Your commands because I love them.” When God calls us to serve Him, He puts a love in our heart that will not be diminished when the days seem longer than usual, or the tasks are seemingly unbearable, or the demands far beyond us. When God calls us to serve Him, He will give us whatever strength we need to do whatever He has called us to do.

Do you remember the story of a tall, well-built boy carrying a smaller child, who was unable to walk, on his back? A stranger asked, “Do you carry him to school each day?” “Yes, I do,” he replied. “Isn’t that a heavy burden for you to carry?” “Oh no, Sir. He’s not a burden, he’s my brother.” God’s commands are not a burden - they are a delight when we truly love them!

Prayer: Father, give us hearts that delight in serving You because we love the privilege we have to serve You. Your love for us teaches us to love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: For I delight in your commands because I love them. Psalm 119:47

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Making His Message Known

God chose many ways to make Himself known. We hear Him speaking through His prophets and writing His standards in stone. There was a bush that burst into flames and birds that brought food to starving people. There were clouds that led people in the day and pillars of fire that led them at night. Angels were sent to speak on His behalf and announce the birth of His Son. A sea was once parted and His “chosen” walked through it to safety. In many ways and on many separate occasions, He did what He had to do to get the attention of people to hear or see His message of love, salvation, and hope.

But, one method that no Christian can ignore is contained in the final words of Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” If we remove the letter “p” we have the word “reach.” Then, if we remove the letter “r” we have the word “each.” So, Jesus is commanding us to “preach” His message so that we may “reach” “each” person He brings into our lives.

The Psalmist took this responsibility seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he started at the “top” of the ladder: “I will speak of Your statues before kings and will not be put to shame!” Imagine him standing before a king and saying, “Excuse me, Sir, but I need to begin our conversation with a message from the Lord. It is rather brief and will only take a few minutes.”

The limitless love of God is not limited by one’s title or address. His message is for kings and servants, family members and friends. Wherever we are, we are to preach His message.

Prayer: Lord, it is difficult to share Your Word. But if we take our responsibility seriously, we have no choice. Embolden us so we might speak without shame. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame. Psalm 119:46

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Universal Truth

Jim, the Chairman of the Deacons, had been ill for quite some time. His pastor had been very faithful in visiting him several times each week. Every time he visited him, he would read a passage of Scripture from his Bible and pray with him.

On this particular day he forgot his Bible and asked, “May I borrow your Bible, Jim?”

“Certainly. Son,” he shouted, “bring my favorite book. The Pastor wants to read something to me.”

Immediately his son appeared and handed the Pastor his “favorite book” - the TV Guide.

A Psalmist spoke of his favorite book with these words: “I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word...never take Your word of truth from my mouth for I have put my hope in Your laws...I will obey Your laws for ever and ever.”

Notice the significance of what the Psalmist read: When he sought the “ultimate” truth he turned to the Word of God. No matter who challenged his beliefs, he would answer them with God’s truth. In God’s Word we find the best way to live and the most comfortable way to die. It answers all our questions, contains a solution for every one of our problems, and has a cure for all of our ills.

It also provides the reason for being optimistic. “I will walk, in freedom!” No bondage. No worries. No fears. No doubts. Nothing in this world can take away the gracious gifts God gives us if we accept His Word.

Prayer: How thankful we are, Father, for Your Word that contains a solution for every problem in our lives. We trust in Your Word for the right answer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Psalm 119:42

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One - Yet Everyone

There is an ongoing argument in society that is contradictory and even confusing. There are those who say, “One size fits all. We are all the same.” In other words, there are no differences in our needs. What affects me affects everyone else and what matters to me matters to everyone else.

The others say, “I’m different and cannot be compared to anyone else, and no one can understand me or my needs but me. So, don’t try to force me into someone else’s box!”

Who’s right? Both. Each of us are different from everyone else, yet, in the eyes of God we all have the same needs.

The Psalmist cried, “May Your unfailing love come to me, Lord, Your salvation according to Your promises.” There can be little doubt that when he looked at his life and his particular issues, he wanted God to recognize him. Perhaps he saw his sins as being more hideous and harmful than everyone else’s and the problems he created for himself as more difficult to solve and more painful than anyone else’s. So, he singled himself out and wanted the Lord to be sure that His “unfailing love” would include even him.

And, of course, it did. When Jesus said that “God so loved the world,” He was as much a part of that world as anyone else. We sometimes forget that the cross of Christ is the great “leveler” of mankind. No one is above His cross and certainly no one is beyond it.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for a love that has no limits or favorites. Thank You for including each of us. Thank You for salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise. Psalm 119:41

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Where's Worth?

“What’s this diamond worth?” he asked the salesperson.

“Well, it all depends,” came the reply.

“Depends on what?” he asked as though the salesperson was playing a game with him.

“Many different things,” he responded. “Its size and weight, its cut and clarity to begin with. But in the end, its worth depends on what you would pay for it.”

Worth is a purely personal thing. And the more desire we have for some “thing,” the more we are willing to give something up for it or make a sacrifice to get it.

This section of Psalm 119 is very interesting. Its author has a burning desire to have a close relationship with God. His desire for this relationship is very clear: “Teach me...give me...direct me...turn my heart...” are pleas he makes to God to enable him to “live” God’s “words” in his life. He speaks of God’s decrees, His laws, His commands, and His statutes. And, then he adds one very profound statement: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things, preserve my life according to Your word.” He realized the fact that his eyes were the gateway into his mind and that the things he looked at were the things that could draw him away from God’s Word and turn his attention to things that are worthless and most often destructive.

Someone has wisely said that “What the eyes do not see, the heart does not crave. But what the eyes admire, the heart desires.”

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to keep our mind on Your words and our eyes focused on things above. Help us set our priorities and hold them faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Psalm 119:36

Which Way Are We To Go?

A shabbily dressed man begging for money was asked, “When you awaken in the morning, how do you determine which way you are going to go?” Puzzled for a moment, he thought and then answered, “I always turn my back to the wind,” he replied. “Where I go does not make any difference.” In refusing to go against the wind, he always took the path of least resistance.

Not so the courageous man of God who declared, “Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees that I may follow it to the end. Direct me in the path of Your commands for there I find delight.”

Some individuals are destroyed because they are ignorant and do not want the insight or advice of anyone - especially God. They do not know which way the right way is, and rather than seeking answers to life’s questions, they follow any path before them - even if it leads to destruction and death. All along life’s journey we need to constantly pray, “Teach me, Lord, Your way.”

There are some who begin to walk in “the Lord’s way,” but when difficulties arise or if they are faced with challenges, they abandon the journey. They find that following “His way” may require too many sacrifices.

But, those who are willing to follow His path and obey His commands will “find delight.” Now, it does not mean that there will not be difficult days or long painful nights waiting to hear God’s calming, comforting voice. It means that obeying His way is what will finally bring us joy.

Prayer: Lord, we realize that apart from You there is no satisfaction. Teach us Your ways and cause us to walk in them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees that I may follow it to the end. Direct me in the path of Your commands for there I find delight. Psalm 119:33-35

Running With God

It’s not often that we read of a treasurer reading the Word of God. But we do read of one from Ethiopia who was doing exactly that. He’d been on a trip and was on his way home sitting in his chariot. We are told that he was reading it out loud and having a tough time understanding its message. God knew he was confused and said to Phillip, “Go and talk with him in his chariot.”

As soon as the Holy Spirit spoke to him, Phillip did not hesitate for one moment. He knew that God had something important for him to do. So, he ran as fast as he could to the chariot and began to talk to him about the Lord. As they rode along, they came to a small body of water.

“Look,” exclaimed the treasurer, “here is some water. What is there that could possibly keep me from being baptized?” Phillip answered, “You can - if you believe with all your heart.” The official replied, “I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!” So, Phillip baptized him.

Imagine how this story might have ended if his heart was not sensitive to the Holy Spirit, or if doing the Lord’s work was not important to him, or, if he had walked and not run to the man. That man may never have come to know the Lord as his Savior. But, none of that matters. When God called - he answered. Immediately!

Perhaps he read Psalm 119:32 for his devotions that morning: “I run in the path of Your commands, for You have broadened my understanding.”

Prayer: At all times, Father, - no matter the cost – I want to be open to Your voice and obedient to Your call. I choose to pursue You so You can teach me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Psalm 119:32

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A Simple Way Out?

It often seems that the simplest way out of an uncomfortable situation or the easiest solution to a big problem is a little “deception.” Deception, or lies, have become part of most people’s everyday conversations.

For example, “I’m really sorry but my husband has suddenly developed a migraine headache, and we’ll have to cancel our plans for dinner.”

Or “You know, I really appreciate the invitation to go to prayer meeting, but I have to make a report to my boss first thing in the morning, and I’ll be working on it most of the night it’s so important.”

Then there’s the “I’m sorry but the manager is away from his desk right now” when he’s hiding behind his door.

And we’ve all heard the familiar phrase, “Well, I gave him the message, and I’m sure he tried to get back to you” when the message was immediately discarded.

Unfortunately, the first lie needs a crutch to stand on and then the second requires a brace and the third a wheelchair and the fourth a gurney. A lie just can’t stand by itself. It is easy to tell a lie, but one is rarely enough. One lie can’t stand by itself. It needs the help and support of other lies.

“Keep me from deceitful ways,” wrote the wise Psalmist. But that is not enough for Christians. So, he continued, “Be gracious to me and teach me Your law.”

God’s law also emphasizes the fact that we must speak the truth even when it may cause us problems.

Prayer: Lord, give us courage to keep any lie from leaving our lips and to be bold when the truth hurts. Guard us so that we do not lie to ourselves, either. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law Psalm 119:29

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From Beginning To End

Sitting across the desk from me were two heart-broken parents. They had followed the suggestions and recommendations of other parents on the best methods to raise children in a Christ-honoring home. However, their son had recently entered a recovery program for his addiction.

“How did this happen?” the father asked. I had been asked this question many times, and each time I attempted to answer the question, it became more difficult. After a moment’s pause, I tried, to the best of my ability, to explain that in the process of addiction the early experiences seemed to solve problems for people. After the initial experiment with drugs, what once was a problem solver became a problem creator and the “fun” or pleasure once associated with the drug vanished with the joy.

Then I told them the fable of a honeybee that discovered a large jar of honey with no lid on it. The bee decided to enjoy the sweet nectar without the amount of work it normally took to get the “joy of sweetness.” As it reveled in the honey, its wings slowly became glued together, and there it was - dying. The promise of pleasure ended up in the grip of death.

A Psalmist warned us of this process: “I am laid low in the dust,” he wrote. Another way to interpret it is “I am glued to the things of earth.” But he found an escape route: “Preserve my life according to Your Word.”

Stuck in sin? Struggling with an addiction? Release is ours through Christ!

Prayer: Please, Father, enable us to see the path to happiness goes through Your Son into eternal life! Protect us from seeking substitutes or replacements. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:25

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What Do You Think?

There are many things in the Bible that we do not understand. There are other things in the Bible that we think we understand. There are many things in the Bible that we cannot understand. But there are many things in the Bible that we do understand but simply choose to do nothing about.

So, what’s the problem?

If we want to know a person, we must spend time with that one. And more than anything else the Bible is about a Person. So, if we want to know that Person, we must spend time in the Bible. Now, there are two vital facts here. The Bible was given to us by men who God inspired to write it. Because it is God’s inspired Word, we need His Spirit to illuminate it for us. But we cannot expect Him to illuminate it for us unless we are willing to allow His Spirit to open our eyes to see Him as He is in His Word.

A child was born blind and spent years unable to see the world around him. Researchers finally found a way to restore his sight. Not knowing what the outcome would be, the surgeons were cautious not to give him too much hope. The day finally arrived when they were to remove his bandages. They led him to a window that overlooked a flower garden. When the bandages were removed, he stood in amazement and said, “Mom, why didn’t you tell me how beautiful the flowers are?”

“I tried,” she said, “but you have to see them for yourself.” So, it is with God. We must see Him for ourselves.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to see You as You are - in all Your loveliness - as we find You in Your Word. Open our eyes to really see. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:18

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Centered!

The word “heart” in the Bible refers to “the center of things” or the “inner man” or “the governing center” of man. There is no suggestion in Scripture that the brain is the center of our consciousness, our wills, or our thoughts. In fact, some Biblical scholars believe that the “First great commandment probably means ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart’ - that is with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” In other words, what is in our hearts is what comes out in our lives.

Looked at from this point of view, the heart is essentially where our thoughts and desires and goals and values originate. So, we can say that for the Christian, life is “lived from the inside out.” Sooner or later, if it’s on the inside, it will surface on the outside. Then people will know who we are and what matters most to us. Indeed, seeing is believing.

The Psalmist gave us this truth when he wrote: “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Jesus added His wisdom to this very basic truth when He said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart...For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

One of the most popular advertisements on TV is the one that asks, “What’s in your wallet?” But in the end, the answer to that question is not important. It’s “What’s in your heart” that matters most. If God’s Word is in our hearts, He will be obvious in our lives!

Prayer: Help us, Father, to spend time in Your Word and with Your Word so others will see Your Word in us. Help us to maintain the integrity of our relationship and witness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

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That's Why I Asked

James didn’t want to be a farmer like his Dad. He resented the long days, hard work and low pay. So, every time Dad asked him to do something, he would ask sarcastically, “Why?” or “Why should I do that?” or “Why me?” or “Why do you want that done?” It bothered his Dad who planned on leaving the farm to him when he died.

One day he gave him a basket with a rope on it and said, “Go to the well and fill it with water.” “Why?” asked his son. “None of your ‘whys’ this time - just do as you’re told.”

He dipped the basket in the well and pulled it to the top. He watched the water flow out between the spaces in the basket and became angry. “It won’t hold water,” he shouted. “Do it again,” said the Dad. Again, the water seeped out of the basket. “Do it again,” said his Dad. “I will not. You’re not going to make a fool of me! I’m not going to do it again! Take your old basket back!”

“Look,” said his Dad with a smile. “Now the basket is clean - which is what it needed, and you didn't have to ask ‘why.’ The water did what it was supposed to do. It washed away the dirt. Now it’s clean, and we can use it to put our crops in.”

How like God’s Word! We don’t need to ask God “Why” we need to read His Word. It’s the way it works - it cleanses us from sin and keeps us pure. The Psalmist had it right: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word.”

Prayer: Lord, give us a deep desire to read Your Word and allow it to fill our lives. Help us to become pure, and then to stay pure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word. Psalm 119:9

Living The Word

“Papa, what do you want more than anything else in the entire world?” asked my grandson, Keller.

We had been watching a commercial on his hand-held tablet during a football game, and he hadn’t blinked once during the entire advertisement. My first thought was that he wanted to know what was important to me. But, suddenly, the words of Jesus came to my mind: “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

“Well, Keller,” I said, “most of all I want to be like Jesus, and then I’d also like to be the best Papa I can be. That’s very important to me, and other than being like Jesus, I want to be a good example for you.”

Not long ago, I read a story of a man in a foreign country who wanted to “Be like Jesus.” So, he decided to memorize the New Testament and made it through the Beatitudes. One day, he ran into the missionary who led him to the Lord and baptized him. Immediately, he told him about his goal and began reciting the Beatitudes. After he heard him recite them, he said, “Good. Now put them into practice.”

A few weeks later, he met the missionary again and said, “You know I tried doing what you said, and it didn’t work out. I got confused. So, I started over with just the first one, and it worked better. Now I’m working on the second. I want to live what I know.”

Knowing the Bible is one thing. Living it is very different. The Psalmist said, “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to keep it simple but steady as we grow into the likeness of Your Son, our Savior. Teach us to walk one step at a time in strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees. Psalm 119:5

Constant Compliance

“I give up!” he shouted as loudly as he could.

Turning from my computer to the door of my office, I saw a student who had been struggling to live a godly life. He was faithful in reading and studying his Bible, had a solid prayer life, and did well in his classes. I was puzzled by his comment.

“What are you giving up?” I asked.

“Well, I was reading Psalm 119:3 and I just gave up. That verse is beyond the reach of everyone. I can’t imagine who he is referring to – ‘They do no wrong but follow His ways.’ I do my best to follow His way but I still do wrong from time to time. I must not be a Christian.”

“Why don’t you sit where I am sitting and type this paragraph from this commentary? I need it for a class I’m teaching,” I asked.

He sat and began to type the long paragraph. It was not long before he finished, and we went to the “spell checker” to see how well he had done.

“Oops – there’s a mistake,” I said. “Oh my – there’s another. I wonder,” I asked, “if you made two mistakes does that mean you do not know how to spell?”

“Of course not,” came the reply. “I know how to spell. I just made two small mistakes that I didn’t mean to make. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t spell.”

“Well,” I said, “it’s also possible for one who is a Christian to commit an incidental sin from time to time and still remain a Christian. Besides, our God will forgive.”

Prayer: Our Father, help us to keep focused on You and to follow Your ways. But if we fail, please forgive us. Then, would You help us to forgive ourselves? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: They do no wrong but follow His ways. Psalm 119:3

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Going In Circles?

A big black lab was watching a little poodle chase its tail around and around. When it finally stopped to catch its breath, the lab asked, “Why are you chasing your tail?”

After a brief pause, the poodle replied, “I have been told that happiness is in my tail. So, as soon as I catch my tail, I’ll be happy.”

After a moment’s thought the big lab scratched its ear, looked at the poor poodle that was still panting and said, “I, too, know that happiness is in my tail. And, when I chase it, it also keeps running away from me. But when I go about my business, it comes along with me.”

Psalm 119:2 contains a description of the “business” of the Christian: “Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.”

This brief statement provides a “job description” for Christians who want God’s blessings. If we want God’s blessings, we must be obedient - or “comply” - to His laws. If we are serious about knowing these “laws,” we will study His Word and seek His truth and follow the teachings we find throughout Scripture. Perhaps the biggest issue for Christians is not the laws or requirements of God that we do not know, but the laws or requirements of God that we know but do not follow or keep.

The Psalmist then addressed the issue of motivation. We are to seek Him “with all of our hearts.” Here we find the Psalmist addressing our attitude – or, what motivates us. If our “heart” is right, our lives will be right. More than anything else, our heart is responsible for the way we live.

Prayer: We ask, Father, that Your Spirit trouble our hearts until we fill them with and live by Your laws. Give us the desire to seek You with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: – Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2

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Here's Happiness!

“You’re the happiest person I know, Bill. Why are you not only happy, but happy all the time?” asked Marie.

“Well, I wasn’t like this all the time. In fact, I’ve even considered suicide very seriously a time or two, to be honest with you. But, one day I decided to study happiness as a science and discovered how to be happy whether I’m happy or not. But, after all is said and done, it’s a choice.” Then, after he thought for moment he added, “You know, Abe Lincoln had it right. He said, ‘Most people are about as happy as they want to be.’ So, I guess there must have been a day when I just decided to be happy.”

But, the Bible has a different source for being happy. The Psalmist under the inspiration of God wrote, “Blessed - or happy - are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” There it is: God’s promise for our happiness! Simple, indeed. But it is not very easy!

In the center of the verse are the words, “whose ways” or more precisely, “who follow the instructions of the Lord.”

“Following the ways” of the Lord is to come first in the life of anyone who wants to be blessed or who wants true happiness. His ways are the ways to happiness!

Shortly after being discharged from the military, a soldier was being interviewed for a job. “What did you do in the service?” asked the interviewer. With no hesitation he answered, “I did as I was told!” Can Christians do less?

Prayer: Lord, teach us to seek happiness in ways that lead us to You rather than from You. Help us to maintain our integrity as we walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: – Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Psalm 119:1

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I Didn't Really Mean It

Marcie stood before her Dad looking at her favorite toy car. Suddenly she jumped up in his lap and said, “You know, Daddy, this is my favorite toy. But I want you to have it.”

Surprised, he asked, “Why, I know that you love this little car. Why are you giving it to me?”

“Because I love you,” was her reply.

A few moments later she climbed back into his lap and said, “Daddy, I want my car back. I guess I didn’t love you as much as I thought I did,” and took her car back.

Many Christians have the same attitude toward God. We give ourselves to Him and then realize that it’s going to bring about changes in our lives that we did not realize. So, we take back our “gift.”

In Psalm 118 we read of a “festal” procession with people going “up to the horns of the altar.” The people in this procession are taking a sacrifice to God. This is not unusual because throughout the Bible people take many different sacrifices to God. In this verse, however, the people in the procession are required to take their “bough” in their hands - their sacrifice - and “bind” it to the altar. Once the sacrifice was bound to the altar, it could not be taken back!

Paul wrote, “Give your bodies to God and let them be a living sacrifice.” The sacrifice he writes of in this verse is not for our sin but for our salvation. When we accept His salvation, He expects us to willingly “bind” ourselves to Him in loving service.

Prayer: Convict us, Lord, to become “willing” sacrifices and abandon ourselves in service to You forever. Only when we leave our ALL on the altar have we really given ourselves to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: – With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. -Psalm 118:27b

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