As we meditate on God’s word, do we let it light our path, giving us direction in life? Do we let that light shine in our lives? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
ם Mem - Meditation
Do we understand the great difference between meditation that empties the mind and meditation that fills our mind with God’s word? What do we meditate on?
How I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than those who are old, Because I have complied with Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, So that I may keep Your word. I have not turned aside from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. (Ps 119:97-104 NASB)
׆ Nun - A Lamp
After meditation on God’s word, do we allow it to light the way forward in our lives?
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. (Ps 119:105-112 NIV)
ס Samek - Single Minded
Rather than being double-minded, do we choose the direction God’s lamp lights up?
I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God! Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe, And I shall observe Your statutes continually. You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, For their deceit is falsehood. You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments. (Ps 119:113-120 NKJV)
Who is the ultimate light of the world that we should all follow?
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
If we follow that light, what do we become and how should we let that light in us shine?
You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. (Mat 5:14-15 WEB)
As we meditate on God’s word, do we let it light our path, giving us direction in life? Do we let that light shine in our lives? You decide!
Remember & Do (Ps 119 Pt 3)
Do we remember valuable lessons from God’s word and put them into practice? Are we grateful for God’s kindness? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
ז Zayin - Remember His Word
Do we pray that God helps us remember His word? Does God’s word revive us?
Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me. The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law. I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself. Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live. I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law. This is my way, that I keep your precepts. (Ps 119:49-56 WEB)
ח Het - Do His Word
Do we promise to do what God has said? Do we wholeheartedly seek His favor?
The Lord is my possession. I promise to do what you have said. I’ve sought your favor with all my heart; have mercy on me according to your word. I’ve considered my ways and turned my feet back to your laws. I hurry to keep your commandments—I never put it off! Though the wicked have surrounded me with their ropes, I haven’t forgotten your Instruction. I get up in the middle of the night to give thanks to you because of your righteous rules. I’m a friend to everyone who honors you and to all who keep your precepts. Lord, the world is full of your faithful love! Teach me your statutes! (Ps 119:57-64 CEB)
ט Tet - God’s Kindness
Do we give God our thanks and trust for all the good things He has done for us?
I am your servant, Lord, and you have kept your promise to treat me with kindness. Give me wisdom and good sense. I trust your commands. Once you corrected me for not obeying you, but now I do obey. You are kindhearted, and you do good things, so teach me your laws. My reputation is being ruined by conceited liars, but with all my heart I follow your teachings. Those liars have no sense, but I find happiness in your Law. When you corrected me, it did me good because it taught me to study your laws. I would rather obey you than to have a thousand pieces of silver and gold. (Ps 119:65-72 CEV)
If the old covenant is no longer our covenant, what valuable lessons can we learn from it?
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV)
Do we remember valuable lessons from God’s word and put them into practice? Are we grateful for God’s kindness? You decide!
ז Zayin - Remember His Word
Do we pray that God helps us remember His word? Does God’s word revive us?
Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me. The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law. I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself. Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live. I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law. This is my way, that I keep your precepts. (Ps 119:49-56 WEB)
ח Het - Do His Word
Do we promise to do what God has said? Do we wholeheartedly seek His favor?
The Lord is my possession. I promise to do what you have said. I’ve sought your favor with all my heart; have mercy on me according to your word. I’ve considered my ways and turned my feet back to your laws. I hurry to keep your commandments—I never put it off! Though the wicked have surrounded me with their ropes, I haven’t forgotten your Instruction. I get up in the middle of the night to give thanks to you because of your righteous rules. I’m a friend to everyone who honors you and to all who keep your precepts. Lord, the world is full of your faithful love! Teach me your statutes! (Ps 119:57-64 CEB)
ט Tet - God’s Kindness
Do we give God our thanks and trust for all the good things He has done for us?
I am your servant, Lord, and you have kept your promise to treat me with kindness. Give me wisdom and good sense. I trust your commands. Once you corrected me for not obeying you, but now I do obey. You are kindhearted, and you do good things, so teach me your laws. My reputation is being ruined by conceited liars, but with all my heart I follow your teachings. Those liars have no sense, but I find happiness in your Law. When you corrected me, it did me good because it taught me to study your laws. I would rather obey you than to have a thousand pieces of silver and gold. (Ps 119:65-72 CEV)
If the old covenant is no longer our covenant, what valuable lessons can we learn from it?
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV)
Do we remember valuable lessons from God’s word and put them into practice? Are we grateful for God’s kindness? You decide!
Revival & Repentance (Ps 119 Pt 2)
Is there a need for revival and repentance in our lives? Why would we need God’s mercy? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
ד Dalet - Revive Me
Do we personally need a revival of our spiritual life?
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, And I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your Law. I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your judgments before me. I cling to Your testimonies; Lord, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. (Ps 119:25-32 NASB)
ה He - Turn my Heart
How easily are we distracted by worthless things and need to ask God to turn our hearts?
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. (Ps 119:33-40 NIV)
ו Vav - Your Mercies
Can we perfectly obey God, or do we need God’s mercy?
Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. (Ps 119:41-48 NKJV)
If we can delight ourselves in God’s commandments, but the letter of the law is no longer required under the new covenant, what was one of its main purposes?
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. (Rom 3:20 NLT)
Is there a need for revival and repentance in our lives? Why would we need God’s mercy? You decide!
ד Dalet - Revive Me
Do we personally need a revival of our spiritual life?
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, And I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your Law. I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your judgments before me. I cling to Your testimonies; Lord, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. (Ps 119:25-32 NASB)
ה He - Turn my Heart
How easily are we distracted by worthless things and need to ask God to turn our hearts?
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. (Ps 119:33-40 NIV)
ו Vav - Your Mercies
Can we perfectly obey God, or do we need God’s mercy?
Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. (Ps 119:41-48 NKJV)
If we can delight ourselves in God’s commandments, but the letter of the law is no longer required under the new covenant, what was one of its main purposes?
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. (Rom 3:20 NLT)
Is there a need for revival and repentance in our lives? Why would we need God’s mercy? You decide!
Happy & Pure (Ps 119 Part 1)
Is pure living the happy way to live? Can God open our eyes to wondrous things in His word? Let’s begin in Psalm 119.
א Alef - The Happy Way
What is the way to happiness? What principles from the old covenant apply to the new covenant?
How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands. I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me. (Ps 119:1-8 HCSB)
ב Bet - The Pure Way
What can we teach the young so that they can live a pure life?
How can a young man keep his behavior pure? By guarding it in accordance with your word. I have sought you with all of my heart; do not let me drift away from your commands. I have stored what you have said in my heart, so I won’t sin against you. Blessed are you, Lord! Teach me your statutes. I have spoken with my lips about all your decrees that you have announced. I find joy in the path of your decrees, as if I owned all kinds of riches. I will meditate on your precepts, and I will respect your ways. I am delighted with your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Ps 119:9-16 ISV)
ג Gimmel - Open My Eyes
In a world of deception, how can we have our eyes opened to the great truths of life?
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. (Ps 119:17-24 KJV)
Is God’s word the truth or does it just contain errors and ancient fables?
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17:17 LSB)
Is pure living the happy way to live? Can God open our eyes to wondrous things in His word? You decide!
א Alef - The Happy Way
What is the way to happiness? What principles from the old covenant apply to the new covenant?
How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands. I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me. (Ps 119:1-8 HCSB)
ב Bet - The Pure Way
What can we teach the young so that they can live a pure life?
How can a young man keep his behavior pure? By guarding it in accordance with your word. I have sought you with all of my heart; do not let me drift away from your commands. I have stored what you have said in my heart, so I won’t sin against you. Blessed are you, Lord! Teach me your statutes. I have spoken with my lips about all your decrees that you have announced. I find joy in the path of your decrees, as if I owned all kinds of riches. I will meditate on your precepts, and I will respect your ways. I am delighted with your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Ps 119:9-16 ISV)
ג Gimmel - Open My Eyes
In a world of deception, how can we have our eyes opened to the great truths of life?
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. (Ps 119:17-24 KJV)
Is God’s word the truth or does it just contain errors and ancient fables?
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17:17 LSB)
Is pure living the happy way to live? Can God open our eyes to wondrous things in His word? You decide!
His Love Endures Forever (Ps 118)
Do we reject the teachings of our Lord in favor of man-made traditions, or is the cornerstone set firmly in the foundation of our faith? Let’s begin in Psalm 118.
How long does God’s love endure? Are we thankful for it?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.” (Ps 118:1-4 NIV)
Do we call on God in distress or do we trust in national leaders more than God?
I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes. (Ps 118:5-9 NKJV)
Though we are faced with insurmountable threats, can God give us victory?
Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. (Ps 118:10-14 NLT)
Though God may punish us for our own good, will a righteous person still trust that we will live to declare God’s works?
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. “The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly. The right hand of Yahweh is exalted! The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!” I will not die, but live, and declare Yah’s works. Yah has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (Ps 118:15-18 WEB)
Is there a prophecy in these words? Who is the stone that would be rejected?
Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed! (Ps 118:19-25 CEB )
Do we allow God to choose who comes in His name or do we recognize only human authority?
God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! We praise you from here in the house of the Lord. The Lord is our God, and he has given us light! Start the celebration! March with palm branches all the way to the altar. The Lord is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful. (Ps 118:26-29 CEV)
Do our human institutions still reject the cornerstone in favor of traditions built by men? Do we blaspheme God by daring to call our man-made rules “sacred tradition?”
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Mat 21:42 ESV)
Do we reject the teachings of our Lord in favor of man-made traditions, or is the cornerstone set firmly in the foundation of our faith? You decide!
How long does God’s love endure? Are we thankful for it?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.” (Ps 118:1-4 NIV)
Do we call on God in distress or do we trust in national leaders more than God?
I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes. (Ps 118:5-9 NKJV)
Though we are faced with insurmountable threats, can God give us victory?
Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. (Ps 118:10-14 NLT)
Though God may punish us for our own good, will a righteous person still trust that we will live to declare God’s works?
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. “The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly. The right hand of Yahweh is exalted! The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!” I will not die, but live, and declare Yah’s works. Yah has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (Ps 118:15-18 WEB)
Is there a prophecy in these words? Who is the stone that would be rejected?
Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed! (Ps 118:19-25 CEB )
Do we allow God to choose who comes in His name or do we recognize only human authority?
God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! We praise you from here in the house of the Lord. The Lord is our God, and he has given us light! Start the celebration! March with palm branches all the way to the altar. The Lord is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful. (Ps 118:26-29 CEV)
Do our human institutions still reject the cornerstone in favor of traditions built by men? Do we blaspheme God by daring to call our man-made rules “sacred tradition?”
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Mat 21:42 ESV)
Do we reject the teachings of our Lord in favor of man-made traditions, or is the cornerstone set firmly in the foundation of our faith? You decide!
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