Why the tears?

June 8, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Psalm 119:129-136 opens with praise and awe over the amazing depth of God’s Word.  Your laws are wonderful.
    No wonder I obey them!
¹³⁰The teaching of your word gives light,
    so even the simple can understand. So many times I have heard people say that the Bible is too hard to understand. Here the psalmist is declares that even the young or less trained can understand. How is that possible? Understanding comes from God, so with prayer, meditation, the right translation and through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit believers can read and understand that which God has for them in His Word.
¹³¹I pant with expectation,
    longing for your commands.
¹³²Come and show me your mercy,
    as you do for all who love your name. The psalmist looks with great expectation into God’s Word. He is looking for mercy and love. These are tangible confirmations of faith for him. When you read God’s Word, do you read with expectation? Do you look for His mercy and love? Think back, when you read the Bible do you find that you are filled with peace, understanding and hope? Have you ever opened its pages seeking advice or help or comfort? The psalmist has faith that God will answer his needs and then provide him with direction.
¹³³Guide my steps by your word,
    so I will not be overcome by evil.
¹³⁴Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
    then I can obey your commandments. He trusts in the guidance of God and knows titus 2 14 that the Word will lead him to victory. He claims God as his guide and redeemer! He refers to being ransomed or bought back from evil. This is what Christ did for us. In Paul’s letter to Titus he puts it this way, “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” Titus 2:14
¹³⁵Look upon me with love;
    teach me your decrees. The psalmist trusts God to look upon him with love. He knows that God is immutable and will always be loving, slow to anger and filled with compassion. He looks for teaching from God as he trusts God.
¹³⁶Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
    because people disobey your instructions. The last lines of this section of Psalm 119 really spoke to me. The psalmist is proclaiming to God that he is distressed to the point of tears over those who disobey and reject God’s Word. I asked myself, does the rejection of the truth of God’s Word and His ways bring me to tears? Do I sorry for those that do not believe or those that profess to believe and do not live by the standards God desires? If I am brought to tears, then my response should be one of love and restoration not condemnation. Pray, pray, pray for the light of God to be made known to them. God has ways of reaching those who we consider unreachable. Look what He did to confront Saul, the chief persecutor of early Christians. He brought him to his knees and to faith in Jesus. Read his miraculous story in Acts 9. Lift your tears up to God and ask Him to work on the person who you are concerned about, to bring them to faith and change their life. Many times I have heard stories of people praying for individuals for years and years before they came to faith. God calls us to be persistent and filled with hope at their redemption.

God’s Word fills us with expectation, hope, love, and guidance as He points us to His truths that are eternal and filled with redemption.

Linda

What is your resolve in hard times?

June 5, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

As I meditate upon Psalm 119:121-128, I am reminded of how often we get ‘stuck’ in a place in life and feel it will never end. When we pass through that time and look back it does not seem that it was that long. Yet, while we are in the midst of the struggle it seems forever. In these verses the psalmist is struggling with oppressors that are closing in upon him and pleads with God “do not leave me to my oppressors.” He asks for help, “Ensure your servant’s well-being and let not the arrogant oppress me.” He feels that apart from the salvation of the Lord, “My eyes fail, looking for your salvation , looking for your righteous promise.” But he rallies and asks God to show him love. “Deal with me according to your love.” He then asks for understanding and discernment so he can understand God’s plan. “I am your servant give me discernment that I may understand your statues.” He concludes with his own resolve about God, “Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong.”

How do you recover your resolve when you struggle with hard people, difficult circumstances or your own unbelief? The psalmist resolved to trust God and stand on His Word. Even when we do not understand we can make up our minds to believe God for who He is and what He says. This will give us hope and bring us through those hard times. Resolve today to stand with God and believe His Word. He always proves Himself faithful.

Endeavoring to walk in Trust,

Linda

Standing in awe or doubt?

June 1, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

In Psalm 119:113-120 there are a couple of key verses I want to focus on in today’s blog. The psalmist contrasts those that oppose God and the resource of God’s Word for those that believe.

113 I hate double-minded people,
    but I love your law.
¹¹⁴You are my refuge and my shield;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵Away from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!

He first points out the presence of double-minded people that waver in their commitment to God as being a distraction to the believer. James 1:6,8 describes this type of individual. “⁶But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” A double-minded person is trying to be guided by and committed to the world and does not have a solid faith in God. The effect of such thinking and actions is instability in conduct and thought. The next group the psalmist reveals as opposing the believer are evildoers. The Bible speaks often about evildoers or those that work against God and his followers. 1 Peter 2:12 puts it this way, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Evildoers seek to bring us down with their accusations and ruin our witness in the world.

The psalmist seeks to contrast the effects of the double-minded and evildoers with the consistency and reliability of God’s Word. He speaks of God’s Word as a refuge that shields us and gives us hope (114). He concludes this section with a profound statement about God’s Word. In verse 120 he says, “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.” He has such great reverence for God that he describes himself as trembling and his faith in God results in profound adoration and awe for God’s Word. Praise God for the power of His Word!

The psalmist’s response to God’s Word challenges us today. Do you hold to God’s Word when assaulted by evildoers and double-minded people? Is God’s Word your hope and shield? Do you see the power and might of God revealed in His Word? The psalmist assures us that we will find hope, strength, love, peace and direction when we stand in awe of God’s Word and cling to it. His Word will keep us from being double-minded, firmly rooted and grounded in faith and able to withstand the waves of doubt we encounter each day.

restoring the awe Standing in awe of the power of God’s Word,

Linda

Need a guide? Look to God’s Word.

May 29, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

In Psalm 119:105-112 the Psalmist speaks of the guiding power of God’s Word and it’s ability to instill a sense of well being, care and staying power when times are difficult. I want to focus on verse 105 as I have included this verse in my book Promises for Dynamic Living. It is a promise that we can claim each and every day and use it to bring praise to God for all eternity. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This verse is a promise to each of us that the Bible, God’s Word, will give us direction and light for living. We can trust that God’s Word will guide, give us truth when we are so often surrounded by falsehoods, point us to the true light, Jesus, and reveals to us that God cares about the way we live and the choices we make each day.
This truth about God’s Word and it’s ability to guide us is found throughout the Bible. Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” His Word holds absolute truths that we can cling to and take refuge in. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” His Word is alive and has power to help us to see right from wrong and be able to tell truth from lies. John referred to Jesus as the Word of God. John 1:1 “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” and John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus was God’s fullest expression of His Word among us. God’s Word has power today to transform and guide us just as when He created the universe by His Word. He spoke the world into existence, Genesis 1:3 “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” His Word has power. Rely upon it’s truths to guide and direct you, learn about God in it’s pages and allow His Holy Spirit to transform you as you step out in faith believing in His Word, Jesus.

Look for His guidance and light as you go through your day. It will be bright enough to show you the way.

Linda

How can I forget the title? LOL Meditating brings sweetness!

May 25, 2018June 23, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Psalm 119:97-104 is a testimony by the psalmist about the benefits of meditating on God’s Word. Here are the verses in the Amplified versions:

Oh, how I love Your law! (His Word inspires love.)
It is my meditation all the day.

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, (Gives wisdom)
For Your words are always with me.

I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word],
For Your testimonies are my meditation. (Gives understanding and deep insight)

I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts],
Because I have observed and kept Your precepts. (Gives Wisdom beyond your years)

I have restrained my feet from every evil way, (Keeps you on the right pathway)
That I may keep Your word.

I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me. (I am taught by God)

How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth! (His Word brings sweetness to me)

From Your precepts I get understanding; (I gain understanding about possible bad choices)
Therefore I hate every false way.

Had you ever considered these benefits? God is promising us that meditating (pondering, reflecting, considering) on His Word will cause us to internalize His ways. He will reshape our thinking so that we reflect His wisdom, understanding, more readily accept His guidance, know His will for our lives in choices we make, accept His teaching and find sustenance that is sweetness in our lives. If you have never meditated on God’s Word, why not give it a try and see what God reveals to you. Here are a few verses that you could start with: Lamentations 3:21-23, James 4:7-8a, Deuteronomy 31:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17. These are verses that will shape your thinking, give you encouragement and guidance. Let me know the benefits you receive from mediating on God’s Word.

His Word is life changing,

Linda

Knowing Faithful God = Assurance +

May 22, 2018 nofearlinda1 Comment

In verses 89-96 of Psalm 119, the psalmist proclaims God’s faithfulness to each generation, to the earth He created and to me-the individual. His Word is eternal. If you understand the Word of God to be what God says to us in the Bible, you know the truths contained within it are eternally true. God does not lie and He will be forever faithful to uphold His Word. If you take the Word of God to mean Jesus, as in John it say 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” then you know the living Word of God who is eternally with us and always faithful.

God is faithful to each generation and to the earth He created. vs 89-90 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable]. Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation;
You have established the earth, and it stands [securely]. They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all things [all parts of the universe] are Your servants. AMP

God is faithful to me vs 92-94 If Your law had not been my delight,
Then I would have perished in my time of trouble.
I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have revived me and given me life.
I am Yours, save me [as Your own];
For I have [diligently] sought Your precepts and required them [as my greatest need].

The psalmist arrives at his conclusion, the only one he feels he can make in light of all the evidence in the world and in his own life. verse 96 I have seen that all [human] perfection has its limits [no matter how grand and perfect and noble];
Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].

What is your conclusion about God and His faithfulness at this time in your life? Do you see His mercies new each morning (Lamentation 3:21-23)? Do you cling to the hope yo have in Jesus (Hebrews 10:23)? Do you know you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)? Do you believe God is good and has good things planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11)? Do you have peace and rest in Jesus (John 14:27)? Look into His Word and claim His Word over your life, take His Word into your very being and you will undoubtedly come to the same conclusion the psalmist did. There is no limit to how grand and glorious God is and His Word stands now and for all eternity.

note-to-self-may-24th Standing on God’s Word is firm ground.

Linda

God’s way through troubled times

May 18, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

In today’s portion of Psalm 119 verses 81-88, we get a snapshot of a believer clinging to God’s Word and his faith in Almighty God to help him weather the storms of life. At times he seems overwhelmed and defeated by his oppressors.   I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸²My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort me?
⁸³I am shriveled like a wine skin in the smoke,
    but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

He seems discouraged yet has hope in God and His promises! I get the picture in my mind of the cat hanging on by his tiny paws- ‘hanging in there’. He is being persecuted by unbelievers and pleads with God for stamina to resist and knows God alone can protect him. The unbelievers in his life are scoffing at God’s Word and lay traps to ensnare him. Do you feel that way sometimes? Do unbelievers think you foolish to study God’s Word and believe the Bible?   How long must I wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute me?
⁸⁵These arrogant people who hate your instructions
    have dug deep pits to trap me.
⁸⁶All your commands are trustworthy.
    Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

He ends this section with praise and hope in Almighty God who he knows in his heart will sustain and keep him. He knows God loves him. God will keep His promises so he clings to them in obedience. They almost finished me off,
but I refused to abandon your commandments.
⁸⁸In your unfailing love, spare my life;
then I can continue to obey your laws.

No matter how things look in this world the psalmist knows that God loves him and is in control. He is Sovereign, Loving and the only one who can save him. How about you? Do you know the Sovereign God of the universe who loves you beyond measure? Call upon Him today and He will answer. God tells us in Micah 6:8 what He requires of us. “He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? ”

micah-6-8 May you walk in obedience today with Jesus by your side and His Holy Spirit in your heart knowing He alone is Sovereign and will guide you through this troubled world. Walking with God is a matter of faith and obedience, He promises to never leaves us nor forsakes us!

Clinging to Jesus all day long,

Linda

I’m claiming God’s promises for my own, how about you?

May 15, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

psalm 119 76 The next section of Psalm 119 in verses 73-80 the psalmist speaks of his joy that God created him and the joy that living as one who fears the Lord brings. I think the heart of his message is in 76-77: “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.” The psalmist is praising God for loving and comforting him just as He promised. He knows that God will be merciful to him and give him life as he learns to live delighting himself in God’s Word.

Do you know these truths about God for yourself? Do you experience His steadfast love and comfort? Do you see His mercies in your life? Do you find that praying, reading God’s Word and worshiping Him brings you delightful peace and assurance? The psalmist reminds us that all of these are promised by God to those who believe and stand upon His Word. Here are a few promises you can claim in your life and hold onto their truth.

God keeps his promises

Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Psalm 86:5-7 “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.”

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;”

Ask yourself today, where do I see God’s love and mercy and where am I delighting in doing things God’s way? God will keep His promises. Claim victory in Christ today!

Walking with love and mercy given graciously by Jesus to me,

Linda

Do you trust God and know He is good?

May 11, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

How much do you trust the Lord? Do know for sure He intends good for you? Knowing and trusting God is essential to faith but do not come automatically. As we walk daily with Jesus, study His Word and communicate with Him, He builds trust within us that is unshakable. We learn that He alone is sovereign and intends good for us. The psalmist reveals His trust in God in Psalm 119: 65-57. You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised.
⁶⁶I believe in your commands;
    now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
⁶⁷I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
    but now I closely follow your word.

The psalmist trusted God as God had been forever faithful to him and had always kept His promises. His belief was strengthen as he studied God’s Word, followed God’s commandments and saw the fruit of God in his life. He recognized God’s loving discipline upon his life and knew it was for his good.

Do you believe God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that He intends good for you? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Do you know for certain that God is good? Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” Do you know God’s love is unconditional and forever? Psalm 52:8 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Claim these promises and know these truths about God today. Seek Him and He will give you assurance and hope. You will know and believe that God is good and intends the best for you now and for eternity. Even in the hard things of life, God can and does use them to mold and shape our character as He refines us to be more and more like Jesus. unknown-future Be encouraged today by His love, care and tender mercies.

Each day is a walk of faith,

Linda

Friends of the faith- Oh, so precious!

May 8, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Psalm 119:57-64 is a testimony from the psalmist that God is His true place of fulfillment and contentment. He can rely upon God to sustain, fill and be his all in all just as He promises in His Word.. “The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.” Later, in verses 63-64, he concludes that God is his friend and he will be a friend to anyone who trusts in God and lives by His Word. He realizes that His love can be found everywhere on earth. He asks the Lord to teach him as he knows that God’s Word will sustain and strengthen him. “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. ⁶⁴The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.”

How do you chose your close friends? Do you choose people that align with your beliefs in God? The psalmist proclaimed that he is a friend to all who know and follow God’s Word. Paul spoke of this in Romans when he urged all believers to be united in Christ. He prayed for them in Romans 15:5-6. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Is this a prayer you could pray for your fellow friends in Christ? To really show the world our Savior, we need to be of one mind and voice as we glorify God. The psalmist says that his true friends in the faith follow God’s Word and are teachable. Does that describe you? Are you open to learning from God’s Word?

friend push Take this prayer of Paul’s and claim it for your life. Pray for your friends of the faith, to come alongside you and join together as one mind and one voice to witness to the dying world around us.