MasterTruth

God Feeds Birds French Fries

That’s just one of the great things we know about God. In the four verses we are looking at today from Ps. 119, we see he identifies with us in our trials, but doesn’t give us a pass to feel wimpy. Instead, he provides himself an example of how to handle it.

We also see that God’s judgments are righteous, and they are not always the way we would judge. Praise God for that, or none of us would be here today.

Finally, the friends we should be the closest to are the ones who walk closest with him. David himself demonstrates that. There’s plenty to think on today.

Ps. 119:61  The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.	I’ve never been robbed, but I’ve been treated unjustly. In that, God taught me a lesson that I have not forgotten (mentioned in a previous blog). 1Pe 2:19-23  For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  (20)  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.  (21)  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  (22)  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  (23)  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. This applies to so many situations. It’s worth memorizing.
(62)  At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.	His judgments are the way he handles a case. We see many examples in scripture. The written accounts of how God handled “situations” moved David to get up in the middle of the night to thank God. The building of the tower of Babel is one David could have pondered: Gen 11:4  And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. This was not pleasing to God. Notice that his judgments don’t always end with the offenders wiped off the face of the earth. Here’s God’s righteous judgment in this case. He said in Gen 11:7-9  Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.  (8)  So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.  (9)  Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. God didn’t wipe them off the earth, he scattered them throughout the earth. I want to meditate on the awesomeness of that righteous judgment.
(63)  I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.	David said he was united or knit together with all them that fear God and of those who keep God’s precepts. That knitting happens naturally when we find like-minded believers. Jonathan was the one David’s heart was knit to the closest. And why was that? Because Jonathan feared God and kept his precepts. They thought and acted alike. Before David ever laid eyes on Goliath, Jonathan had whipped his own group of Philistines. Unbeknownst to anyone, Jonathan took his armor bearer to the military post of the Philistines.1Sa 14:6  And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. Read what happened. It’s amazing. So then David killed Goliath. Before he did, he told the giant, 1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. After the deed was done, Jonathan overheard David answer his father Saul’s questions about killing Goliath. 1Sa 18:1  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. May our best friends be those who fear the Lord and keep his precepts.
(64)  The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.	David is thinking beyond the mercy he sees in his own life. He’s talking about the earth—creation—being full of mercy. We know God feeds birds. Mat 6:26a  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Sometimes it’s seeds, sometimes worms, sometimes french fries. Truly, Richmond and I have marveled how God provides birds with french fries as we wait in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s and watch birds pluck fries from the parking lot and dumpster. Birds are only one example. David says the earth is full of his mercy. It’s something to watch for. And so, David asks God to teach him his statutes or prescribed actions. Maybe his thought is, “God, you do so much good. Show me from your word what I’m supposed to do.”

Use Your Solitary Time Well

What’s the best way to react with God’s word after I finish my quiet time and close my Bible? David is a great example of someone who obviously hid God’s word in his heart and thought about it and applied it throughout the day.

That says something positive about his solitary profession. He was a shepherd. He had time to reflect—out there with the sheep. He took an instrument with him and made up songs. He handled his solitary time well. He came up with the most excellent reflections on God. In fact, God inspired him. David is one of the writers of the Scriptures.

Today, there are some excellent level-setting verses in our Monday look at the next set of eight verses in Ps. 119. We are on verses 57-64. Today, I just had time to look at the first four, and they are so rich. Have a look with me.

 

Ps. 119:57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.	Portion means inheritance or possession.  This will seem crude and ungodly, but this verse reminds me of when I got my iPhone. It came with a pamphlet explaining what all I could do with the phone, and I devoured the manual. In the same way, I have Jesus, and I have the book that explains not only him, but the spiritual realm he is over and the God who he is and how he thinks and how he has worked from creation and his plans for my life and the world. He is my portion and I have his words. I want to commit myself afresh to keeping his words, not just reading them. I want a greater passion for applying God’s word than my initial passion for my iPhone manual.
(58)  I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.	Very interesting, because intreated means sick or weak. Favour means face or presense. David is saying “I was sick and weak for your presense with my whole heart.” I wish I was that way all the time, but it often takes trials to produce that passion. His resulting prayer was “be merciful unto me according to thy word.” He appealed to God based on his word, and God’s word says God is merciful. In fact, that is part of God’s own description of himself in Ex. 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. David knew this verse. I know it too, and I have readily prayed for God’s mercy and goodness through the years. It’s one of the best-kept secrets of the Bible. We can ask for and expect mercy. I learned it from David.
(59)  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.	Self-reflection is a good idea and a lost art. This is a good reminder for me. Since I walk 3 miles each morning, I should use that time to think on my ways compared to God’s word and turn my feet to his testimonies. Psa 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. May I reckon it so.
(60)  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.	This is a great attitude. Any parent loves it when their children immediately do what they were asked. God is a parent, and he is the same. He certainly noticed David’s obedient heart. Look: Act 13:22  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. David made haste and delayed not to keep God’s commandments.

There’s a Prize at the End For Keeping God’s Testimonies

I remember a time when I was stuck spiritually. I was stale and starting to faint. I confessed to my pastor that I was only reading the New Testament and had no desire to read the Old Testament. I just couldn’t bring myself to read what I thought was boring history that had nothing to do with my life.

We prayed that day that I would have a desire to read the Old Testament, and then I started dutifully reading through it. A whole new world opened to me. There were so many stories of how God works that presented principles I could live by. The Old Testament was exactly what I needed, and still need. It’s there I find so many testimonies. I see mistakes I should avoid (and why I should avoid them!). I see faith I should emulate. I see God’s love and forbearance with his people I should remember and appreciate. I see the faithfulness of God and some of his choice servants. That’s why testimonies is my favorite word for the word in Ps. 119.

We’re on our last three of the verses today. I’m sad to see it end, because this study has refreshed my soul with some of the great Old Testament stories and principles. David wrote Ps. 119, and he clearly loved the Old Testament stories he had available to him. Little did he know that his life would provide me with additional testimonies to know, love and apply.

 

Psalms 119:157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.	David surely had persecutors and enemies. Among the testimonies he had available to him was Joseph’s life: Gen 50:18-20  And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.  (19)  And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?  (20)  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. David could see from this that God has his unseen-at-the-time purposes. He refused to push those testimonies aside. To me, Joseph and David are testimonies of Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Psalms 119:167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.	I also love God’s testimonies. Does my soul keep them? As long as I can remember them, I try to keep them. One of them is how to be a good wife. 1Pe 3:4-6  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  (5)  For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:  (6)  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. That’s a hard testimony to keep, except in combination with another testimony. Pro 21:1  The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Psalms 119:168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.	Why did David (and so why should I) keep his precepts and his testimonies? Because my ways are before him. Heb 12:6-7  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? I want a testimony like the Apostle Paul’s, Php 3:13-14  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  (14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

God Repeats His Ways

Whatever God did once in the Bible, we can count on him to do it again, because it’s his testimony. God is not wishy-washy. He is faithful. We get principles to live by from his testimonies.

I have always marveled at the way God handled the Israelites in the wilderness. They acted obnoxiously; God sent trials; they were sorry, repented and cried out to God; and he delivered them—every time. For years I read those stories, and my predominant thought was, “Wow, were they stupid. If I was God, I would have wiped them off the face of the earth. Good thing I’m not God.”

But eventually, my thinking changed. Now I read those stories, and I’m so thankful for them. I marvel at the forbearance, mercy and love of God. Those stories are a testimony of God’s character and God’s ways. What he did for them, he’ll do for me. I find comfort in that.

Below are more lessons to learn about God’s testimonies as we are close to wrapping up our study of the word testimonies in Ps. 119.

 

Psalms 119:144  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.	If God doesn’t give me understanding into his righteous testimonies, I won’t live. I’ll faint. Who better to recognize that than David. Unless God came through for him as he ran from Saul and from his own son Absalom, He would have died. Here’s his testimony, demonstrating that he had understanding of God’s testimonies: Psa 27:12-14  Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.  (13)  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  (14)  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalms 119:146  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.	David talks about keeping God’s testimonies. How? I can see learning from them, but keeping them? It must mean keeping what I learn from his testimonies. In this verse, David cried to God to save him, with the promise he would keep God’s testimonies. He would keep what he learned from how God saved him. That reminds me of Zec 4:6  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Salvation won’t come by my efforts, but God’s. David seemed to know that, evidenced by the time he had the chance to kill Saul in the cave, and instead he cut off a piece of Saul’s robe (and felt guilty for it). God eventually was the one who saved David. David knew not to take matters into his own hands.
Psalms 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.	God’s testimonies are forever. Wow. What God did before, he’ll do again and forever. That’s why it is so important to learn from the stories/examples of the Bible. Because those principles last forever. Thank you God. When he turned the heart of the king (in Exodus,  in Esther, in Nehemiah, in Daniel…), it was because that’s what God does. Pro 21:1  The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. David knew things like that from when he was a kid. And he must have taught that to his son Solomon, who became a king and wrote those words. That lesson applies, I’m sure, not just to kings, but bosses and spouses and co-workers.

God Raises Us to be Dependent

I was so young the first time I heard my parents tell me they were kicking me out of the house at age 21 that I had nightmares of my 21st birthday. I fully expected that they would usher me to the front door, toss me in the air like a bouncy ball, and literally kick me out into the front yard.

Of course, now I know what that was all about. They started me young on the idea that they were raising me to be independent. They didn’t want me to think for a second that they were taking care of me for the rest of my life.

The way God raises us spiritually is completely opposite of that. He doesn’t, for a second, want us to depend on ourselves, but on him. Think of those verses in Proverbs that astound us each time we read them: Pro 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

That is his testimony throughout the Bible. We are studying the word and concept of testimonies in Ps. 119. The word is used 23 times in that chapter. The two testimonies verses for today made me think of examples of dependence on God and not on self ability.  

Psalms 119:129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

The testimonies of Christ are especially wonderful. More than 25 years ago, I soaked up how he handled unfair treatment, as I mentioned yesterday. To this day, I use Christ’s testimony as a guide to handling tough situations. Here it is again: 1Pe 2:22-23  (22)  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  (23)  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. That testimony is amazing. Can I remember to commit myself to him rather than fight for myself.

Psalms 119:138  Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

Sometimes his testimonies involve a commandment. Here’s one. The Spirit of the Lord is speaking in 2 Chron. 20:15&17  And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's…. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. So, they believed the testimony that God commanded, and they began to sing and praise God. And here’s the rest of the story: 2Ch 20:22  And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. God’s testimonies that he commanded here were righteous and very faithful. I learn from them. God raises me, not to be independent, but dependent on him. He wants to come through for me, not me for myself.

How to be a Silent Sufferer

Difficult times come, and often they start with the mouth of those who don’t appreciate us. We can spout back, or we can take it.

What? Absorb criticism? It’s a lesson I learned years ago from a testimony in the Bible. We are looking at testimonies in Ps. 119. The word is used 23 times in there. Testimonies are the stories we learn from.

To this day, if I can’t take suffering, then I didn’t really learn the most important testimony I can think of from the Bible.

Curious?

 

Psalms 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.	One testimony that comes to mind that I took as a heritage or possession more than 25 years ago is 1Pe 2:20-23  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.  (21)  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  (22)  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  (23)  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: A boss treated me unjustly, and Christ’s testimony came to my rescue. Even to today, I commit myself to him that judgeth righteously, and it helps me to be a “silent sufferer.”
Psalms 119:119  Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.	One of God’s testimonies is that he does put away the wicked like dross. He removes them. Think of the Egyptian army that drowned in the parted Red Sea, or in Esther’s day, think of the wicked Haman. The verse says God puts away all the wicked of the earth. There will come a day when all the wicked are put away like dross or scum formed on the surface of molten metal. That thought made David love God’s testimonies. God has put the wicked away before, he’ll do it again. Some day there will be no more sin.
Psalms 119:125  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.	What an awesome verse. I can read, enjoy, remember and recount the stories of the Bible. But what I need is to understand, recognize, perceive, discern or distinguish how the lessons of those stories apply.  When I know that, I will know God. I’ll recognize how he works and how he responds. His testimonies teach me those things.

How to Handle People Trials

It’s Monday morning and time for a new stanza of Ps. 119. We’re on 49-55. After reading through it several times, two things stand out. These eight verses are easiest to comprehend when looking at them in two-verse increments. And second, David presents his case for comfort. He was going through significant trials, and he encouraged himself in God by thinking on God’s word.

This group of eight verses provides an excellent example of how to make it through affliction, and particularly, people trials.

Also, in the last two verses, I see a hint of David wearing the armor of God. It might be a great study to go through the armor of God in Eph. 6 and look at David as an example of wearing and using each piece.

 

Ps 119:49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.  (50)  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.	I love that here David reminds God of the secret verse that came to his rescue when he needed it. I don’t know what David’s verse is, but I have a few secret verses, depending on the circumstances at the time, and I get hope. And those verses are my comfort in my affliction. Those secret verses raise my heart. Circumstances might be distressing, but those verses come to my emotional and spiritual rescue.
(51)  The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.  (52)  I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.	No doubt, Saul was the proud person that had David greatly in derision (scorning him). But David kept God’s law. And how did he handle it emotionally? He remembered God’s judgments in other cases—the way God handled other adversaries of the cause. In that, he found comfort. May I gather strength like that from the lessons the Bible teaches me.
(53)  Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.  (54)  Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.	I can picture David hiding in the cave as Saul pursues him to kill him. David feels horror. But, he’s a master at encouraging himself in God by turning to God’s word, in this case, God’s statutes or prescribed actions. He turns them into songs, which he takes with him on his journey.
(55)  I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.  (56)  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.	When David goes to sleep, what’s on his mind? The terror of his enemy? He remembers God’s name, and the fact that he hasn’t failed God’s law or his precepts. David is very conscientious in his obedience to the Lord. He’s a particularly good example of what a life looks like that wears the armor of God, and especially the breastplate of righteousness here.

Don't Let the Unfolding News Today Capture You

I flipped on the TV while I was on the treadmill this morning and heard the news about the Boston bombers—one being killed, the other still to be found. It made me wonder if there are others like them all over the place that no one suspects. It’s not the same country I grew up in. (I could get carried away with that.)

After I finished walking my 3 miles, I took out my Bible to continue down the Ps. 119 path looking at all the verses that mention testimonies. The next three were so good. They provide the perspective I need during times like this.

The news coverage will continue throughout the day as more suspects are found and caught. It will be gripping. But I have richer things to think about. Join me in looking at three testimony verses, and let’s get our minds off of the events of the day for a few minutes.

 

Psalms 119:88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.	If testimony is my favorite word for the word in Ps. 119, lovingkindness is my favorite characteristic of God. This is a great prayer. Lord, enliven me with your lovingkindnesses that you so amply provide, then I’ll apply what I know of your testimonies. Bottom line, I just need God’s help to keep his testimonies. I need God to come through for me and encourage and embolden me.
Psalms 119:95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.	If there ever was a time to become distraught over the wickedness surrounding us, this is it. The wicked, including Satan, is a destroyer. The message of this verse is one of focus. Yes, the wicked want to destroy us and our families, but rather than get carried away, consider his testimonies. Didn’t Saul want to destroy David? Look who won. God was with David because he was a man after God’s own heart. He was chosen by God. I’m chosen by God. Those who trust in God are winners. Destroyers are losers. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6)
Psalms 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.	Understanding is applied knowledge. Teachers may have knowledge, but I know how to apply knowledge when I meditate on God’s testimonies. Esther knew God’s greatness, but it wasn’t until she applied her faith and stood up for her people before the king, who had the power to destroy her, that she really meant anything to her people and accomplished God’s plan for her. I meditate on that, and it makes me want to trust God to find out and stand up for what I need to. The writer of Hebrews (13:6 above) got fuel for his faith from this O.T. testimony of David's: In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. (Psalms 56:11)

Here’s Something to Stand on Today

The anchor for my soul today is going to be God’s testimonies. I think I can live off of a few stories in the Old Testament that talk about folks who trusted God in trying times, and God came through in a huge way. If He did it for them, he can do it for me. Sign me up.

Let’s look at the next three verses in Ps. 119 that talk about the testimony of the Lord. Remember what we’ve learned so far. God’s testimonies are the Bible stories we learn from. Those stories teach us what God likes, doesn’t like and how he responds to certain actions, words and hearts.

There are 23 verses in Ps. 119 that talk about God’s testimonies. It’s my favorite word used for the word in Ps. 119.

Psalms 119:46  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.	Who gets to stand before kings and discuss God’s testimonies and not be ashamed? David did.  He could recount God’s deliverance from Goliath to Saul and tell him what he told Goliath: Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (1 Samuel 17:45)  Daniel did. After surviving the outcome of the king throwing him into the lion’s den, he said, My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (Daniel 6:22) All these testimonies are recorded for us to know and share and trust and live. What’s my excuse for wimpiness?
Psalms 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.	So, I’ve just thought about David’s boldness and fearlessness in the Goliath battle, and I’ve thought about Daniel’s innocency and how God rewarded that with deliverance from the hungry lions. Now I think on my ways. I need to turn like David and Daniel to the living God. Lord, may I equally rely on you, keeping a pure heart and life before you? If I’ll do that, I can see that your deliverance is right there. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. (Psalms 56:3-4) Why? Because I know what God is like from David and Daniel's testimonies.
Psalms 119:79   Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.	This is David, who at times was running for his life from king Saul, asking God for good friends. The kind he asked for were those who fear God and that know God’s testimonies. I need friends, too, but not just any friends. Those who know what God can do. Thank you. It’s OK to ask for quality friends who equally love what God can do. David had a friend like that. Jonathan. Remember, he also faced war enemies alone and won the battle. They both had the same victory experience with God, and it’s probably why the Bible says, and it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1) I want friends like that.

God’s Testimonies are the Break That Refreshes

It’s natural for my first response to be frustration or panic when things don’t fall into place. I had that experience today while trying to gather some elusive information for an article I’m writing. I finally had to step away from my computer before I was tempted to pick it up and throw it.

What ultimately calmed me was taking a break in the Lord. I looked at the next three “testimonies” verses in Ps. 119 and meditated on them. Ahh. How refreshing.

Take a look at them with me. Then let’s pick up again tomorrow for the next three. God’s testimony is that he always comes through.

To find the next three, go to the chart of testimonies verses at the end of my last post. Here we go.

Psalms 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.	This may be my favorite verse for testimonies, because, yes, his testimonies are my counselors. Let’s train ourselves to encourage ourselves in God by first turning to his word in emotional emergencies. That is David’s testimony. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6) Find a testimony of God’s deliverance and draw counsel from it. How many times did he deliver the Israelites in the O.T.? Countless.
Psalms 119:31  I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.	I’ll stick to his testimonies when I recognize them, and I’ll trust him to not let me be put to shame by others when I do. Here’s one I’ll trust: I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Psalms 37:25) That’s a testimony of God David recognized and that I have stuck to for years
Psalms 119:36  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.	It’s a prayer I can pray. Lord, bend my heart toward your testimonies rather than things. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalms 23:1) That’s David’s testimony. When we focus on God, we won’t want: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33) God’s testimony is that he provided for David in the cave; Joseph in Egypt; Moses in the wilderness; Ruth and Naomi via Boaz; Abraham a ram in place of Isaac, etc.

Look for Jewels in Ps. 119

God’s testimonies are jewels. When I find them and observe them, I beautify my soul and my life with them.

God’s testimonies are the Bible stories I learn from. Those stories teach me what God likes, doesn’t like and how he responds to certain actions, words and hearts.

If I didn’t have the stories in the Bible to show me God, I wouldn’t know God.  Let’s observe each of the 23 verses in Ps. 119 that uses the word testimonies starting with the first three.

To the right of the verse, I’m writing my observations. You can do the same. At the end, I have the chart of all 23 verses. You can copy and paste them into a Word document and start your own worksheet. My aim for the space to the right is to write observations, prayers and examples of testimonies that help me to understand the verse.

 

Psalms 119:2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.	When I learn God’s testimonies (the things he likes and doesn’t like and responds positively or negatively to, based on the stories I see), then I’ll keep his testimonies. I’ll apply what I learn. In John 8, the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery and challenged him on whether he would deal with her according to the law (stone her). His testimony? Love and forgiveness. I should be like that. “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies.”
Psalms 119:14  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.	I have to admit, riches are something to rejoice in… no more worrying about finances. Imagine. But a deeper sense of joy comes from God’s testimonies. Here’s one. In Exodus, Moses wanted to see and know God. So God testified of himself to Moses, and we get to see. I have run miles with this. Exo 34:6-7  And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  (7)  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Psalms 119:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.	This one is tough, because one testimony is 2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Jesus did, we will. But I know from stories in the Bible that God can change people’s hearts on the behalf of those who walk close to him. David, who walked uprightly, keeping God’s testimonies, was often given respite from Saul’s terror. Saul would have changes of heart and quit pursuing David as an enemy. Pro 21:1  The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. I can pray to be removed from reproach and contempt because God works in hearts to make it happen. That’s his testimony.

 

Those verses are jewels. I want to interact with each of the 23 “testimonies” verses in Ps. 119. Come along with me. Let’s beautify our souls. Here is the verse chart.

Psalms 119:2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Psalms 119:14  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Psalms 119:22 ¶ Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:24 ¶ Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Psalms 119:31  I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
Psalms 119:36  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Psalms 119:46  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Psalms 119:59 ¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:79  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:88 ¶ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Psalms 119:95 ¶ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Psalms 119:111 ¶ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Psalms 119:119  Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:125  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:129 ¶ PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
Psalms 119:138  Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Psalms 119:144  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Psalms 119:146  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:152 ¶ Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Psalms 119:157 ¶ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:167 ¶ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Psalms 119:168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee

Find Mercy and Salvation Today

It’s Monday, and we’re on a journey through Ps. 119. Today, we have another group of eight verses to look at, and they are delicious. Read it with me. I’ll share my thoughts to the right, and I plan to memorize the first two verses (41 and 42). I’ve already written the eight verses out by hand, so I’ve interacted with each letter. I encourage you to do the same.

Psa 119:41-48  Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.  (42)  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.  (43)  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.  (44)  So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.  (45)  And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.  (46)  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.  (47)  And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.  (48)  My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

I’m praying for mercies and salvation (deliverance) for myself and others today. I’m recognizing with the Psalmist that those two benefits are according to God’s word. He promises mercies and salvation, so it’s perfectly within his will to grant those.  And when I have God’s mercies and salvation, I’ll have something to answer those who reproach me. That’s something I can hang on to. In vs. 45, I will walk in freedom, because I seek his precepts, which we learned are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives. There’s freedom in following God’s word. Freedom to speak God’s testimonies before kings without being ashamed comes when I hope and trust in God’s word (verses 42,43). The key is to love God’s word and meditate on it. The benefits are internal and eternal.That’s why a study of Ps. 119 is delicious.

Tomorrow we will start a close look at my favorite word in Ps. 119. Testimonies.

We Will Find Deliverance Today

Deliverance is what I need. Deliverance from those who don’t like me; from myself when I don’t like me; from staleness; and from general malaise. That deliverance will come when I grasp hold of God’s precepts.

Precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives. We’ve been studying them in Ps. 119, as they are mentioned 21 times in this chapter. We are looking at the last five of them today.

I just finished looking at them and comparing them with other verses to help me apply them. I use two free Bible programs to find verses: www.e-sword.net and www.biblegateway.com/  (though I have installed the Online Bible on my computer). If you don’t have either of these programs, consider adding them to your Bible tool belt.

Now, let’s learn about deliverance and God’s precepts.

Psalms 119:134 ¶ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.	In this case, the Psalmist requests deliverance from oppression (injury or cruelty) of man first. Then he will keep God’s precepts. A similar thought is spoken by John the Baptist’s father Zacharias in Luke 1:74-75  That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,  (75)  In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Enemies can be a powerful force, affecting our walk with God.
Psalms 119:141 ¶ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.	I may be insignificant, and even disliked, yet in spite of what others think about me, or what I think about me, I’m not going to forget God’s principles to live by.  The Psalmist comforts himself in God by remembering his precepts. I should learn to turn to God as readily when I feel small and despised. Here’s one to think on: The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (Psalms 118:6)
Psalms 119:159 ¶ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.	If I love God’s wisdom and principles, it will occur to me to ask God to enliven me by his lovingkindness, that is, his acts and words of love that he does for me, not because I deserve it, but because he is a kind God. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, (Ex. 34:6-7a)
Psalms 119:168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.	Before I’ll keep God’s precepts or principles, I have to have them before me. How to do that. Putting them to music is a good way. Writing them on 3x5 cards and keeping them with me and referring to them is another way. For sure, the only way I’ll keep his precepts is if they are before me. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11)
Psalms 119:173 ¶ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.	I’ll turn to God for help (rather than to others or the TV, books, magazines, the internet, etc.) when I’ve chosen God’s precepts or principles. It would be great if his word was so ingrained in my heart that my automatic response would be to turn to God for help. Here’s one to turn to: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

Let’s Start Our Day Together With Aha Moments

Parents guide their children toward independence.  God guides his children toward dependence… on him and his word. His precepts are one of the things we depend on.

We are studying the word precepts in Ps. 119. Remember that precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives.

Just 2 minutes ago, I finished looking at and meditating on the verses on the left below, and wrote down my thoughts and responses on the right. I encourage you to do the same with the five remaining verses in Ps. 119 with the word precepts in them. The blank chart is at the bottom of this post. Copy and paste, work on them, and join me tomorrow for a look at them together.

Psalms 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.	Practicing precepts (Bible codes of wisdom and principles) gives me more understanding than my ancestors. Here’s one that most of my predecessors probably didn’t get: The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (Psalms 34:10) The precept of seeking the Lord to have my needs met is one to remember today and always.
Psalms 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.	By meditating on his precepts, I get understanding, or “aha” moments, and it makes me hate every false way. Here’s one: Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Prov. 31:30)  The false way that I hate is the emphasis on fashion and sex appeal. They are vain. Fear of the Lord provides  satisfying internal beauty that no one can resist.
Psalms 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.	The wicked are not my friends, and they want to trap me in their wickedness. (This can happen via TV or the internet as easily as anywhere else.) Yet, I haven’t tripped up from God’s precepts. Here’s a precept, or code of wisdom, to help with that: I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Psalms 101:3)
Psalms 119:128  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.	When I look at God’s precepts regarding any area of life, I have no doubt that they are right. I start with that assumption, and so, in comparison, I hate every false way. Here’s a precept I will assume is right and ponder today: The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Prov. 13:4) I want a plump soul, so I know it’s right that I be diligent in studying God’s word vs. being a sluggard, and wishing I was God-fulfilled, but doing nothing about it.

Study with me for tomorrow morning. As I think through the verses on the left, I think of precepts that come to mind that I can apply. At the top of your chart for tomorrow, copy and paste this statement: Precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives.

 

Psalms 119:134 ¶ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Psalms 119:141 ¶ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Psalms 119:159 ¶ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Psalms 119:168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Psalms 119:173 ¶ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

Let's Go Diamond Hunting Today

The Bible is like a multi-faceted diamond. Altogether, it is sparkly and beautiful, but it is more intricately beautiful when you turn it in the sunlight and capture all the different hues. There are names for all the different sparkly hues of the Bible highlighted in Ps. 119: the commandment, law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, word and judgments of the Lord. Notice, there are seven words for the word. It’s the number of perfection. And God’s word is perfect.

We are turning the diamond in the sunlight today and looking at the word precepts in Ps. 119, as we have for the past few days. We have discovered that precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives.

On the left, I have four verses in Ps. 119 that mention God’s precepts. On the right, I’m paraphrasing or responding to the verses and finding precepts that apply to the thoughts. Follow along with me. Several posts back, I have a chart of verses in Ps. 119 with the word precepts. Copy and paste that chart into a Word document and add your comments, thoughts and prayers.

Psalms 119:78 ¶ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.	Others may be proud rascals who act perversely toward me with no reason, but I will ponder God’s precepts. In this case, an appropriate precept to meditate on might be Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Luke 6:47-48)
Psalms 119:87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.	There are wicked people out there who seem bent on making my life miserable and eating me alive. But rather than focus on that and complain to others and wilt in anguish, my testimony will be that I hung on to God’s precepts.  Here’s one to hang on to: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)
Psalms 119:93 ¶ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.	Because God has enlivened me with his precepts when I needed them, I won’t forget them. For me, the precepts God quickened me with that are branded into my soul are For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:19-20)
Psalms 119:94 ¶ I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.	Save or deliver me, your child, right now, because I’ve sought and clung to your precepts, like this one: For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15)

I'm Going For Peace Today

Let’s see, what is a precept? I’m in Ps. 119, and I’m trying to grasp the word precept—which is one of the words the Psalmist uses to describe the word of God in this chapter. In fact, precepts is only used in 29 verses in the Bible and 21 of those times are in Ps. 119.

I’ve already discovered that precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives. Before I go further looking at each verse in Ps. 119 that uses precepts, I want to have some precepts in mind. I’m going to find some to ponder:

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

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

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

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Now that my mind is primed with a few precepts or principles—statements of truth to guide my life… I’ll go on down the list of verses in Ps. 119 with precepts and better be able to interact with them.

Psalms 119:45 ¶ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.	I’ll have freedom as I go through this day, because my mind and my heart are going after his precepts. Here’s one to seek today: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Psalms 119:56  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.	This goes back to vs. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night and have kept thy law. I remember his name in the night because I keep his precepts.
Psalms 119:63 ¶ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.	Lord, help me to find companions who value and keep your precepts or principles. This reminds me of a Proverbs precept: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
Psalms 119:69 ¶ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.	Face it. Not everyone is my friend. There are backstabbers and critical, condemning people out there. But I won’t repay them evil for evil. Instead, I’ll keep God’s precepts. For this one, how about Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

How to be Stretched

I’m involved in a ladies group at church, and we are reading through Ps. 119 together. The 176 verses are divided into groups of 8 verses, called stanzas. We are studying one stanza per week, and this week is verses 33-40.  I’m asking God to show me things in those verses to apply to my life and picking out a memory verse from each one.

Today I’m taking an initial pass through Ps. 119:33-40. Read and observe with me.

(33)  Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  (34)  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  (35)  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.  (36)  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.  (37)  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.  (38)  Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.  (39)  Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.  (40)  Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Each of these verses has a prayer, and the first seven begin with prayers. Wonderful. These are prayers I can pray and I know God will hear because they will be according to his will. The first two verses say that If God will answer the prayers, the Psalmist will keep God’s word. Lord, if you teach me the way of your statutes, I’ll keep them. If you’ll give me understanding, I’ll keep your word. Two of the verses ask God to quicken the Psalmist (37, 40). Quicken means to enliven. I don’t want to be dull, I want to be alive. Lord, quicken me or make me alive in your way, and enliven me in your righteousness. In two of the verses, the Psalmist experiences fear (38, 39) He’s devoted to God’s fear (or the fear of the Lord) and he fears reproach.

 My favorite verse of the eight, which will be my memory verse is  (36)  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

God’s testimonies are something I grasp. They are the stories in the Bible that show what God is like. For example, he is forbearing or patient, and I know that because of his testimony of how he always took the Israelites back in the Old Testament when they cried out to him. Because of that, I know he will always take me back when I sincerely turn to him after I’ve failed. It makes me love God that much more. There are many more testimonies of God. I know he is faithful because of the examples I read in the Bible. He is just, because I see how he deals with the wicked in the Bible. All those things I see in the stories of the Bible are God’s testimonies.

So, my memory verse again: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Incline means to stretch. Stretch my heart, Lord, to your testimonies. May I get more satisfaction out of them than out of a new case of eye shadow or a new piece of jewelry or a new scarf. Those things bring a quickly fading material satisfaction. But God’s testimonies…. I want them to bring more, deeper, longer-lasting and fulfilling satisfaction.

Jody

Learn to Meditate on Precepts

Nearly all the verses in Ps. 119 talk about the word of God in one form or another: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments. We are taking the intriguing word precepts and examining it further. Precepts are codes of wisdom or principles to guide our lives.

I encourage you to copy and paste the chart in my last post that lists all the verses in Ps. 119 with the word precepts in them. I’m just going to write my thoughts, observations and prayers in the box next to each. You can do the same. Here are my first two:

Psalms 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.	Precepts are good to know, but I must go beyond knowing them and keep or apply them diligently.
Psalms 119:15  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.	To really get a precept, I must meditate on it. For example, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Meditate on that precept with me. 1Pe 5:5 …”Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

The best meditation would be to find other verses that amplify that thought. Remember, precept upon precept in Isa. 28:10. I use my Treasury of Scripture Knowledge in my e-sword Bible program (download it for free www.e-sword.net.)

Jas 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Job 22:29  When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

Isa 57:15  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

            Wow. I feel like I’m tiptoeing through a forest of the awesomeness of God—and it’s just a single precept. God responds positively to the humble person. Does my meditation stop there? It could, but remember, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.

            Let’s see, who in the Old Testament wasn’t very humble, and God brought them down? There are many. But here are two for further examination:

In Daniel 4, king Nebuchadnezzar thought he was the hottest thing going. And then he had a dream that he didn’t understand. Daniel eventually stood before him to interpret the dream, and it wasn’t good. The king could have corrected his life and avoided the prescribed judgment, but humility wasn’t a trait of his. Read what happened.

Dan 4:30-33  The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?  (31)  While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.  (32)  And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.  (33)  The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

In Esther 3, king Ahasuerus promoted Haman above all the other princes—to the point that everyone was told to bow down to him, but Esther’s uncle Mordecai wouldn’t comply. What? Not worship Haman? He was furious and devised a plan to kill Mordecai. That involved hanging him on gallows that Haman had built. Haman was too proud, and it came back to bite him. Read what happened.

Est 7:6-10  And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.  (7)  And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.  (8)  Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.  (9)  And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.  (10)  So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

 The outcome is never good when we are proud. Remember our precept: God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Back to our first two precept verses from Ps. 119. Aren’t they so much richer?

Psalms 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

Psalms 119:15  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Jody

Master the Truth of Precepts

We’re just starting a journey to understand the idea of precepts in the Bible. Using my Bible program, I see that precepts is used in 29 verses, and 21 of them are in Ps. 119. However, the most intriguing use of the word is in Isaiah, where we read, Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.  (10)  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isa. 28:9-10)

Here I’d like to give a shout out to Kay Arthur and her Precepts Ministries (visit precept.org). No doubt these verses in Isaiah led to the naming of her Bible study series. When we compare scripture with scripture (line upon line, here a little, there a little) we’re on the path to the inductive Bible study method. I’ve been through a study using Kay Arthur’s inductive Bible study material, and it really does make you look closely and deeply into the very words of the Bible, comparing verses. I encourage others to check out her website. She offers a good, free succinct summary of the inductive Bible study method on this webpage:  http://bit.ly/UFNfFl

At any rate, we’re looking at precepts, and my aim is to follow the Psalmist through precepts in Ps. 119, and also take a few precepts and interact with them, line upon line, looking up testimonies in the Bible of precepts in action and gathering an understanding of exactly how they apply.

Below is a table with all the verses in Ps. 119 with the word precepts. I have a Word file of this on my computer, and I’m going to fill in all the spaces to the right of the verses with observations, insights and prayers. See if you can copy and paste the chart into a Word file and do the same.

And our journey begins. Jody

Psalms 119:4 ¶ Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
Psalms 119:15  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psalms 119:27  Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
Psalms 119:40 ¶ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Psalms 119:45 ¶ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
Psalms 119:56  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
Psalms 119:63 ¶ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Psalms 119:69 ¶ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
Psalms 119:78 ¶ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Psalms 119:87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
Psalms 119:93 ¶ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Psalms 119:94 ¶ I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
Psalms 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Psalms 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Psalms 119:128  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:134 ¶ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Psalms 119:141 ¶ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Psalms 119:159 ¶ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Psalms 119:168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Psalms 119:173 ¶ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

The Bible Secret

The Bible isn’t for babies, though babies can easily draw life-sustaining milk from it. Really, God's word is for those with spiritually attuned hearts and minds. Here’s the secret.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.  (10)  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isa. 28:9-10)

Knowledge and understanding of God’s word comes from God. We can read it and get a little devotional thought, but real knowledge and understanding is an act of God in our hearts and minds.

If that’s the case, to whom does God bestow that knowledge and understanding? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  (13)  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  (14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb. 5:12-14)

Do you want to transition from the “little daily devotional” milk mindset to a full meaty knowledge and understanding of God’s word? It’s not only an act of God in the heart (whom shall he teach knowledge and whom shall he make to understand doctrine), it’s a discipline of the will and an application of time and effort. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. That simply means that you compare scripture with scripture.

When you sit down to read your Bible, pray Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Ps 119:18) because God’s word can only be spiritually discerned. The mind of the flesh will not get it. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they [the things of the Spirit of God] are spiritually discerned. (1Cor 2:14)

Then, become skilfull in the word. Don’t settle for reading a paragraph from the Bible each day. Find an interesting thought and trace it through the Bible. Use a good Bible computer program that allows you to find cross references to ideas in the Bible.

If I was stuck on a desert island with only one other book besides my Bible, it would be the “Treasury of Scripture Knowledge,” which takes you to other verses that contain the same ideas of the verse you are reading. Good Bible software has the “Treasury of Scripture Knowledge” built in. (I use the Bible program e-sword, which I downloaded from the internet for free. Visit www.e-sword.net.)

Follow me in future blog posts as we go through Ps. 119 and look at that word precepts. Remember in Isaiah we saw For precept must be upon precept. Let’s learn more about that together.  

Jody