I mentioned in early post about the amazing book, Pierced By the Word by John Piper. I love the book! It really pierces my heart. The main idea of the book is that God's Word truly is alive and active, a double-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.") There was a time in my life when I would never welcome anyone or anything into my marrow or the thoughts and attitudes of my heart but now...life is different. I invite God to examine heart. I ask Him to show me anything that is not of Him. I submit to His rending of those things, sometimes not joyfully but I get credit for submitting. I realize that He wants the best for me and from me. His Word helps me get to that place, the place of His best for me and from me.
Today in my quiet time I read through Psalm 119. Have you read it lately? I remember a time that I would not have sat down and read all 176 verses at one time. It would have taken too long but now, wow, those are some powerful verses. If you want to fall in love with His Word, read this Psalm. The Psalmist cries out to God to teach him, help him, and show him the way to go. I love the words. This guy (I assume that it is a man.) writes from a heart that has been pierced by the Word and wants more. He has seen the power of the Word and wants me. He has passion for the Word and wants more. Do you? Do I?
The verses that stick out to me in today's reading was verse 5 and 6:
The verses that stick out to me in today's reading was verse 5 and 6:
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! The I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands."
He used the "oh." I heard the desperation in his voice. Did you? These words must have been shouted because he ended the sentence with an exclamation point. He was shouting, loudly, begging God to have reign over him so that what he did would be a reflection of the principles he loved. Why? Why did he exclaim this to the Lord? Read verse 6. He compared his life to the Lord's life. He did not want to be disgraced. I can relate.
This really hit me. In comparison to the Lord's life, I fall short. We all do. But I want to have a comparison that more closely resembles Him. Don't you? I will always fall short because I am human and He is God. However, I want to know that when He examines my heart He sees my reflection looking more and more like Him and less like me.
His Word is alive and active, isn't it? And that was just two verses.
7 Comments:
Dear Wendy:
I love Psalm 119! My Bible says it is a like a beautiful devotion on God's Word.
My favorite verse is verse 9:
"How can a [wo]man keep his [her] way pure? By living according to Your Word."
We are "Planting Seeds of Purity in Young Hearts" by having small book study groups -- one is The Princesses and the other is The Squires (Jennie Bishop books). Last evening, we had the Princesses here for the first time. This verse from 119 is our foundation verse!
I have to say, though, I usually read Psalm 119 in shorter spurts...never had read it in its entirety in one sitting. You go, girl!
Loving His Word with you,
Sharon :)
Wow, Wendy - those verses were just the ones I needed to hear today. I've been in a spirit of repentance since my parents left my house this morning - I realized that my actions and attitudes definitely didn't speak of Christ while they were here.
It stings to think of the ways I didn't represent Him. I'm thankful for His grace and for how He can use even my shortcomings to His good (ONLY the our God could use my attitude this past week for something good...).
I too pray that someday I will be more like Him!
Gripping His Grace,
Samantha
Wendy,
I was so excited to read your blog today. My life verse is Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path".
There have been times in my life that I didn't want to let people in and didn't know what the future held. Too afraid to trust and too afraid not to. This verse tells me that God's light will only guide me if I follow it. If I stray then his light becomes dimmer. I think of it as three stepping stones. I call them yesterday, today and tomorrow. If I stand on today, there is enough light to see what was, what is and what can be. It is such a beautiful verse to me. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Blessings,
Diane
Wow, Wendy!
I was reading Psalm 119 this past week, too. In fact, in this past week's Thirstin' for the Word post, I wrote about it. You can find it here on my blog.
www.cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com
Wendy, John Piper's book sounds like one I need to get. I started reading "The Root of the Righteous" by A.W. Tozer again. It, too, hits right to the heart of things.
I miss you all SO much! Please hurry and find some thing for me to help with!
I am headed to the mountains tomorrow with my family - hope to at least stop by when I get back.
Keep pursing Him!
Lynn
Hi Wendy,
I love psalm 119. A former pastor of mine had memorized the whole thing!
Thanks so much for your friendship and your heart of passion for God and His Word!
I love you my friend,
Pamela R.
Hey there friend!
I cannot tell you how many times, during my quiet times, I end up praying scripture from Psalm 119. I love reading it in the Message paraphrase. One of my favorites is 73,74 "With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you."
anyway, I've actually learned alot about this particular Psalm the past month or so. It's fun learning new things about God and His word!!
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