From the Heart by B.Demaere

The Way of Discipline (Psalm 119:73-80)

  73. You made me; you created me.  Now give me the sense to follow your commands.  74. May all who fear you find me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.  75. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.  76. Now, let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.  77. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.  78. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.  79. Let me be reconciled with all who fear you and know your decrees.  80. May I be blameless in keeping your principles; then I will never have to be ashamed  (Psalm 119:73-80) 1) Just follow the instructions (v.73) We all have been created, let follow the instructions 2) Common people (v.74) Those who fear the Lord all have a common interest in his Word. 3) Everything's right (v. 75) God is fair in all his decisions even within discipline. 4

  65. You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.  66. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.  67. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.  68.You are good and do only good; teach me your principles.  69. Arrogant people have made up lies about me, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.  70. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your law.  71. The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles.  72. Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!  (Psalm 119:65-72) 1) Introduction In this portion of this psalm, we, see the balance of discipline and goodness from God. 2) For what is to come (v.65-66) Provision from God of wisdom and knowledge.  Expecting his discipline and his display of goodness.  We need the wisdom to see it coming.  We need the knowledge to understand the difference. 3) Good all the

The Balanced life through the Word (Psalm 119:65-72)

  57.  Lord, you are mine!  I promise to obey your words!  58. With all my heart I want your blessings.  Be merciful just as you promised.  59. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.  60. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands.  61. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored in your law.  62. At midnight I rise to thank you for your just laws.  63. Anyone who fears you is my friend---anyone who obeys your commandments.  64. O Lord, the earth is full of your unfailing love; teach me your principles.   (Psalm 119:57-64) 1) A prayer of the Word (v.57) Affectionately acknowledging his intimacy with his Father, he makes this sacred promise to obey his Word. 2) A plea for God's blessings (v.58)  Prayerfully, he asks for the greatest of blessings  which is mercy. 3) Pausing for life (v.59) Meditatively, he consider the way to go in life and turns to do what is right. 4) Proper action (v.60) Promptly, without hesitation

Humble Pursuit (Psalm 119:57-64) : 57.  Lord, you are mine!  I promise to obey your words!  58. With all my heart I want your blessings.  Be merciful just as you promised.  59. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.  60. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands.  61. Evil people tryContinue reading "Humble Pursuit (Psalm 119:57-64)"

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: The Comfort of God's Promise (Psalm 119:49-56) :     49. Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.  50. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.  51. The proud...

    49. Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.  50. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.  51. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your law.  52. I meditate on your age-old laws; O lord, they comfort me.  53. I am furious with the wicked, those who reject your law.  54. Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.  55. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey you law because of this.  56. This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments.  (Psalm 119:49-56) 1) Capturing the Mood  (v.49-50) Oftentimes, we approach this psalm from a legal background.  Granted, this is Old Testament literature.  Yet affectionately, David expresses his heart to God regarding his Word.  As we read this psalm we capture that mood as well in his words. 2) Steady in his Word (v.51-55) Steadily, David pursues God's laws, even in the midst of persecution from the proud at heart.  With

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: The Value of a Promise (Psalm 119:41-47) :   41.  Lord, give to me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.  42. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for...

  41.  Lord, give to me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.  42. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.  43. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws.  44. I will keep on obeying your law forever and forever.  45. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.  46. I will speak to kings about your decrees, and I will not be ashamed.  47. How I delight in your commands!  How I love them!  I honor and love your commands.  I meditate on your principles.  (Psalm 119:41-47) 1) Assurance of a promise v.41-42 Admittedly, a comforting promise is all the psalmist wants.  Assuredly, a promise of salvation from his enemies. In David's heart, a promise is as precious  as  gold.  In all reality, how difficult would it be to face a giant like Goliath without a promise from the Lord.  For in every word of God is a seed of life contained.  God forbid that we would face any calamiti

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: Do not Assume Anything! (Psalm 119:33-40) :   33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of your principles.  34. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into prac...

  33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of your principles.  34. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart.  35. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.  36. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money!  37. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.  38. Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you.  39.Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all in life.  40. I long to obey your commandments!  Renew my life with your goodness.  (Psalm 119:33-40) 1) Total Reliance a) God's actions Assuredly, these 'action's words show God's commitment to his Word to: teach me, to give me,  to make me, to turn my eyes, reassure me, help me and renew my life.  Importantly, this is a partnership between two persons.  The Lord and ourselves. As expected, the psalmist is taking action in his praye