God's Word - Part 1

What a powerful service on Easter Sunday. To hear the testimonies of others in our church renews not only the Spirit in our services but the fellowship of the believers. There were so many people who did a lot of preparation for that day. We are so blessed to have such a servant oriented-church that loves to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are right in the middle of our best days as we faithfully follow God with all of our heart and stand strong on His word.

Today’s thought is found in the longest chapter of the Bible. It is just two chapters away from being in the center of the Bible. If you were to find the center of your Bible then the chances of you turning to this chapter are great.

The book is Psalm 119. The writer is unknown but it has been attributed to David by many scholars. The whole chapter talks about his delight in the Word of God. It consists of 22 sections with eight verses in each. The sections feature a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The whole chapter deals with different aspects of the Word of God but there are two themes that come to the forefront. It is broken down to two questions: Why should I value the Word of God?, How do I value the Word of God?

Let’s begin to unfold the first question, “Why should I value the Word of God?”

The Psalmist uses 10 names to refer to the Word of God: word, law, saying, statutes, way, commandments, path, testimonies, precepts, and judgments. This just shows how central the Word needs to be in our lives. We are to feed on it every day as we do food to physically survive. There are many word pictures in the Psalm that convey its importance. Ponder on the following pictures: water (vs. 9), a treasure (vs. 14, 72, 127, 162), a companion and counselor (vs. 24), a song (vs. 54), honey (vs. 103), light (vs. 105, 130), and a heritage (vs. 111).

At the very beginning of this Psalm, it points out that it brings happiness. “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart” Psalm 119:1-2. The word “blessed” means “happy.” In other words, our happiness is tied to valuing the Word of God. Some may say they value the Word but their life reflects it differently. Oh to be a person who reflects his inner most beliefs on the matter of God’s Word. His life will surely show it. I have often said that the enemy is good at what he does. His goal is to distract us from getting into the Word. The key is to live in God’s Word and let God’s Word live in us.

For the next several weeks, I will be spending this time to reflect on Psalm 119. We will focus on the first question, “Why should I value the Word of God?” Then we will address the second question. If God said it, then it is worth valuing. Why not take the next several weeks and read a section of Psalm 119 and allow the Word of God to read you in the process.

This Saturday we will welcome missionaries Mike and Julie Shalley and music by the Blackboard Brothers as part of our Faith Promise weekend. A meal is provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. Our elementary children's drama team is also scheduled to perform and share what they've been learning during the Power Plant Missions Emphasis Quarter. This event is where we hear what God is doing around the world and how we are able to make an impact in over 156 world areas. Hope to see you on Saturday night at 5:30. Child care will be provided for children three and under following the meal.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike
www.findlayfirstnaz.org

*Thoughts on Psalm 119 come from “Opening Up Psalms” by Roger Ellsworth