More Than Just Words

Quite often we are limited in our understanding of words that come from different cultures and times. The meanings of most words change from one generation to another and the way they are used can be quite confusing.

For example, we all have some idea of what the word “tall” means. But, if someone were to ask us how many inches it took to be considered a tall person we might all have a different answer in mind.

Consider the words in Psalm 119:105, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” It would be easy to come to the conclusion that the writer is simply talking about a difficult time in life and that he had faith that God would take care of him. That's a beginning.

The word “lamp” in this passage is a symbol for life, joy and prosperity as well as guidance. So, the author wants us to know that if we follow the teachings of God’s Word we will live a life that will be filled with a quality of enduring contentment and happiness. Where we are or the circumstances that surround us do not matter. But, of course, it all depends on our being obedient to God’s rules. All of God’s promises contain the principal of “If/Then.” If we do what He asks, then we can expect His rewards.

“Light” is another interesting word. It refers to God’s blessings that include joy, happiness, security and peace. John wrote: “In Him was life and that life was the light of all mankind. That light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” God, then, is our Light!

How great our God is: In Him we “can have it all!”

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the assurance of Your joy, happiness, security and peace that we have in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

What Does It Really Matter?

We often hear that “the Bible is the best-selling book in the world.” But having said that has little significance if it has no influence in and on the lives of its owners. It is one thing to own a Bible, it is quite another thing to live by its teachings, accept its plan of salvation and live a life that honors God.

There was a time in the history of the world when it was the most influential book ever written. It was the most honored book that was ever published and was more highly respected than any other book in the world. It was held in high esteem by everyone - whether they knew its Author on not.

With little doubt the Bible has been relegated to an inferior role in the world. It has been replaced by scholars who worship scientific knowledge. In their eyes, if a fact cannot be proven, it cannot be believed. Often the factual foundation for what many believe may be badly flawed. They say with certainty, however, that what they believe will be proven some day - just wait. Science never fails.

It is interesting that many ridicule the Bible for scientific reasons. But consider this: The Bible was never written to teach science, but it is scientifically correct. It was not written to teach history, but its contents are historically accurate. It was not written to teach psychology, but its contents are psychologically sound.

The Bible was written to give us an understanding of God and His truth. “I have more understanding than all my teachers,” said the Psalmist. “You have taught me.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to put our trust in You and Your truth for in it we find salvation and life everlasting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:99a & 119:102b I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.

Relationships

Relationships come in all sizes and shapes. Some last longer than others and some are more important than others. Some are temporary while others are permanent. Some are by chance and others by choice. So, whenever a person, place or thing “invades” our life and “consumes” our time, it becomes obvious that we have a “relationship” with that “thing.” Well, so what?

When we say we “have” or are “in” a relationship with some object, it literally means that we are connected to “it.” And perhaps the most significant fact about the “connection” is the amount of time we stay connected to “it.” Time always tells the story about how much we value anything or anyone. If we spend much time with “it,” we know that “it” has much value to us. If we spend little time with “it,” we know that “it” has little value to us. Time tells the truth about the value of any of our relationships. The amount of time with “it” exposes our value of “it.”

Our Psalmist makes a very revealing statement about his relationship with God’s Word. He boldly states, “Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long!” In other words, he stays “connected” to God by “meditating” or being “connected” to His Word all day long.

Notice the results of his “connection” to God's Word: “Your commands are with me...make me wise...give me more insight...more understanding...for I obey them.”

If we expect our relationship with God to have value, we must invest time with Him. Staying “connected” to Him by meditating on and reading His Word works!

Prayer: Lord, help us to stay “connected” to You. May we hide Your Word in our hearts and think on it always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Who's Right?

If we want to be blest by God we must live lives that are blameless and walk according to His laws. Those of us who keep His statutes, as well as those who seek God with all their heart, will also be blest. The first two verses of Psalm 119 are very clear about whom God will bless.

The question then becomes: Where do we find God’s laws and statutes? And how do we know if we are truly seeking God with all of our heart? If we can know His laws and statutes, that is a beginning. But the questions that follow are, “Will they ever change? Is God one way today and another way tomorrow? Where’s our assurance? What do we need to know and do to please Him?”

With all of the power God has at His disposal, He can change anything and everything any time He chooses to. It’s His universe. He created it. It serves His purpose.

But near the middle of Psalm 119, the author gives us all the assurance we need: “God’s Word is established in heaven and His faithfulness can be seen in the way He treats every generation.” To further explain God’s dependability, the author encourages us to consider the “earth.” God created it and established the laws that govern it. Furthermore, the laws that God put into place have been constant since creation. Everything we know anything about depends on this fact. The seasons and stars, the oceans and tides validate this law consistently.

In verse 96 we find an amazing statement: When we look at the laws that men write, there is a limit to their longevity. God’s laws, however, are “boundless!”

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, that we can depend on Your Word. And if we accept it and live it we will be blest! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

The Lasting Legacy Of Our Lord

Voltaire, a famous French philosopher, was also a brilliant atheist. He wrote a number of articles deriding the Bible. On one occasion he declared, “One hundred years from today the Bible will be a forgotten book!”

Most people have never heard that quote, yet most people have heard of the Bible. After Voltaire died, for nearly 100 years, his home was used as the depository for the French Bible Society. How ironic that Bibles were sold from what once was the place where he lived and wrote his materials proclaiming that God’s Word would not last. Yet, it is he who is nearly forgotten while the Bible has become a “bestseller” year after year. That home, by the way, is now a museum.

Others have also attempted to destroy the meaning and the message of the Bible. No one has been successful. It has survived every assault and weathered every storm. It has been banned from continents and burned in public bonfires. It has been ridiculed and rejected, but it is still honored and held in esteem by those who seek the way, the truth and the life. It has been despised and disputed, debated and denied having relevance in today’s world, yet sought for when eternal questions need truthful answers.

The Bible is still the most read, the most published and the most translated book ever written. It continues to change lives and provide directions for those who seek a lamp for their feet and a light for their paths.

“Your Word, Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens,” wrote the Psalmist. His truth will last forever!

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the promises that Your love, mercy, grace and salvation will last forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:89 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.