Coffee With The Lord

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I’ve fallen in love with it all over again!

Psalm 119 is like a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond! God’s word is held up under the light of inspection and as you slowly turn it every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display the beauty, power and clarity of God’s word! I’ve been savoring it…relishing it…delighting in it every day. In the next days of my reading I’ll share some of the verses that especially impacted me (sometimes with a comment or two).

Today was no exception… From Psalm 119:153–160…

There’s a repeated refrain in verses 154, 156, and 159 that captured my attention: “GIVE ME LIFE ACCORDING TO…”

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR PROMISE!

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR RULES! [Your principles and guidelines]

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR STEADFAST LOVE! [Hebrew – “Hesed” … Your “covenant keeping, faithful love!]

Then the Psalmist ends with this wonderful conclusion… “The sum of Your word is truth! Every one of your righteous rules endures forever!” [My advice? Embrace the Psalmists conclusion as your own… You won’t be disappointed!]

I urge you to do what I’ve been doing as I READ Psalm 119 slowly… REFLECT on God’s word and then let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I think I’ve fallen in love with it all over again… In Psalm 119 it is like the Psalmist holds a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond – God’s word – up under the light of inspection and slowly turns it so that every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display its beauty, power and clarity. I’ve been savoring it…relishing it…delighting in it every day. In the next days of my reading I’ll share some of the verses that especially impacted me (sometimes with a comment or two).

Today was no exception… From Psalm 119:145–152 – What is my default action/reaction in times of trouble?

I want mine to be crying out to the Lord – appealing to His “steadfast love” [Hebrew “Hesed”] as it is described in His word!

“With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes! I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies! I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words! My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. HEAR MY VOICE ACCORDING TO YOUR STEADFAST LOVE; O LORD!”

When facing persecution or unjust criticism I want to depend upon God to defend and help me according to His word and His promises!

“They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose… BUT YOU ARE NEAR, O LORD, and all your commandments are true!”

Great encouragement! I urge you to do what I’m doing… REFLECT on God’s word and let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!

I know you’ve seen someone do it – you’ve observed it happening… Someone with a desire to be noticed, gain recognition, and seeking to obtain position and power, pushes themselves forward and tries to gain a preferential place at a banquet, conference or other event.  Then their arrogance is challenged, embarrassment ensues – and they are humiliated in their inappropriate pride-driven assertiveness.

HERE’S THE SITUATION LIKE THAT DESCRIBED BY JESUS right out of the Bible (along with a core Biblical principle) – Luke 14:7–11 ESV) …

“Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.  But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.”

AND THE CORE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE?  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted!”

Lord, help me to remember and heed what this parable teaches in this position-seeking, power-grabbing, pride-motivated world… especially the core Biblical principle!  My dad used to tell his sons: “Let someone else toot your horn, son – the sound travels twice as far!”  Hey, I believe it will be the secret for me making a lasting impact in my world, pleasing God, and fulfilling His purposes for my life!