Archives for January 2021

Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Three types of love

Eros, sexual love

The Hebrew word yada and the Greek word eros are the words used to indicate sexual love. In Genesis 38 Judah makes love with a woman he assumes is a prostitute. In the original Hebrew of verse 26, the word is yada, meaning “to know” and in this context “to know carnally” or “to have sexual intercourse with.” In the New Testament, the Greek word eros is not found because there is no context in which it might be used.

Phileo, brotherly love

The second type of love is the brotherly love that exists between close friends regardless of gender. There is no sexual connotation; it is the love for and by a friend. The Hebrew word is ahabah, and it is used to describe the love between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:17. The Greek word for brotherly love or affection is phileo, as used to refer to friendship in John 15:19, Romans 12:10, and Hebrews 13:1.

Agape, God’s love

Finally, there is the Hebrew word chesed and the Greek word agape, which are used to express the kind of love God demonstrates toward His elect. Chesed is often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness.” A good example of chesed is found in Numbers 14:18, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression” (Numbers 14:18, ESV). God’s chesed love is why He never gives up on those He has adopted as His children. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, yet He always preserved a remnant; He never gives up on His people. The reason is His chesed love.

A similar idea is found in the New Testament with the Greek word agape. Agape love is the goodwill and benevolence of God shown in self-sacrifice and an unconditional commitment to loved one. Agape is similar to chesed in that it is steadfast, regardless of circumstances. Agape love is the kind of love we are to have for God in fulfillment of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). Jesus wants to instill agape in His followers as we serve others through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34).

(www.gotquestions.org)

Love is a multifaceted term.  Depending on the context, it could land in any one of three categories. So, defining our terms is crucial. Once we have defined the types of love, then we need a definition of how love should act.

Tomorrow, we will look at another definition of love.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:169-176

22) I have longed for thy salvation (169-176)

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

The psalmist requests understanding, deliverance, and help. He utters praise, supplications, and God’s words. He says the characteristic of God’s word is righteousness. He longs for the salvation of God and delights in God’s law.

The sum total of Psalm 119 is that the psalmist delighted in God’s word. Nothing could keep him from wanting to know and understand God’s word.

The challenge for us is to have a deeper appreciation for the Bible.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:161-168

21) Great peace have they which love thy law (161-168)

¹⁶¹ Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.¹⁶⁶ Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

When the psalmist is persecuted without cause, he standeth in awe of thy word, rejoiced, loved, praised, did, and kept the commandments of God.

How did the psalmist benefit from his commitment to God’s word? He had great peace, nothing could offend him, and hope for salvation.

This should cause us to ponder. Are we as committed, as the psalmist, to God’s word? Is it our comfort in persecution? Are we in awe of it? Are we getting any benefits from our reading, studying, and obeying God’s word? If so, what are they?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:137-176

18) The word is very pure (137-144)

Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

20) Great are thy tender mercies (153-160)

¹⁵³ Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

21) Great peace have they which love thy law (161-168)

¹⁶¹ Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.¹⁶⁶ Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

22) I have longed for thy salvation (169-176)

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of God’s word are:

Upright

Righteous

Faithful

Very pure

Truth

Everlasting

Endures forever

Righteousness

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:153-160

20) Great are thy tender mercies (153-160)

¹⁵³ Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

The psalmist is afflicted and requests God to plead his case and deliver him. Even in his affliction he chose to keep God’s word. He acknowledges God’s tender mercies, ability to quicken him, and protect him. He grieves over the transgressors because they refused to keep God’s word. The psalmist tells of his love for God’s word.

He understands that, God’s word is true and endureth forever.

When we are afflicted, God’s word provides us comfort, direction, and relief. It gives us encouragement and helps us to see the future.

Consider the book of Psalms.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:137-152

18) The word is very pure (137-144)

Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

The psalmist acknowledges that God is righteous.

Then he gives six characteristics of God’s word. The word of God is upright, righteous, faithful, very pure, truth, and everlasting. This causes the psalmist to affirm God’s righteousness, be concerned that his enemies had forgotten God’s word, love God’s word, delight in God’s word, and a desire to understand God’s word.

As believers in Christ, it is our privilege to have all of God’s word, old and new testaments. We can know the very heart of God, if we desire.

Will we avail ourselves of that opportunity?

19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

The psalmist cries to God that he will keep the statutes and testimonies of God. He hopes in thy word. He chose to meditate on God’s word even at night.

That causes the psalmist to request that God quicken him. He knows that the wicked are not trusting God’s word. He states the character of God’s word is truth. Then he acknowledges that the testimonies come from God.

Today, there are a lot of Christians who challenge that God wrote the Bible. They do not believe in the inspiration of God, His holiness, or His devine being.

The Bible is God’s truth handed down to men for the purpose of knowing God, the sinfulness of men, the history of Israel, salvation through Christ Jesus, and how to live the victorious Christian life. All we have to do is read and obey.

Will we choose to follow God and His word?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

17) The entrance of thy words giveth light (129-136)

¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. ¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.***¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.***¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

The psalmist describes God’s word as wonderful, light, and understanding. It causes him to long for God’s commandments.

He knew God. He asked God to give him mercy, to order his steps, to protect him from evil, teach him. He cried over those who did not keep God’s word.

How do we describe the Bible? Who have we told lately? Do we tell others about the benefits found in God’s word?

No one will know, unless we tell them.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

15) I hate vain thoughts (113-120)

¹¹³ I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

The psalmist hates vain things. As we think about our lives, can we make that statement? This world has an allure for each of us that distracts us from God and His word.

Then the psalmist says he loves the word of God. When we do, we will find the benefits the psalmist found.

God becomes our hiding place and shield, He upholds us, gives us life, hope, safety, and protection.

The psalmist concludes with a reverent fear of God.

In this section we see an all knowing, ever present, and all powerful God. He becomes our hiding place. He is able to take care of all our persecutions, afflictions, wickedness, and problems. Our response is to love God and His Word.

16) I am thy servant (121-128)

¹²¹ I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. ***¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.*** ¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. ¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.¹²⁶ It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

The psalmist states, I am thy servant. Then he requests that God would give him understanding, that he may know God’s testimonies.

The benefits of a close walk with God are protection from oppressors, surety of thy servant for good, a desire for God’s word, mercy, being taught the word of God, understanding, love for God’s word, and wisdom to discern right and wrong.

Verse 122 is one of the verses that does not refer to God’s word.

Do we desire to be servants of God? Being a servant of God is more than just knowing about God and His word. It is action. When God gives us something to do, will we be willing to do it? Are we listening to that still small voice urging us to act?

The psalmist said, I am thy servant, are we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

*** No reference to God’s word***

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:97-136

13) How love I thy law (97-104)

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.⁹⁸ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.¹⁰¹ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.¹⁰² I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.¹⁰³ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!¹⁰⁴ Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

14) Thy word is a lamp…and a light (105-112)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. ¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

15) I hate vain thoughts (113-120)

¹¹³ I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

16) I am thy servant (121-128)

¹²¹ I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. ***¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.*** ¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. ¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.¹²⁶ It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

17) The entrance of thy words giveth light (129-136)

¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. ¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.***¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.***¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

CONCLUSION

There are great number of benefits that come from God’s word. Every section had a few.

Go back and see how many you can find. Then praise God for His goodness to His children.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

13) How love I thy law (97-104)

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.⁹⁸ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.¹⁰¹ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.¹⁰² I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.¹⁰³ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ¹⁰⁴ Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

The psalmist loves God’s law. He meditates on it all day long.

How does this benefit the psalmist? He is wiser than his enemies, he has more understanding than his teachers, he understands more than the ancients, it keeps him from evil, it teaches him, it is sweet in his mouth, and he hates the false way.

The challenge for us is to meditate on God’s word all day long. This happens as we commit scripture to memory, read and mediate on God’s word, and possibly remember scripture songs from the Bible.

14) Thy word is a lamp…and a light (105-112)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. ¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.

The psalmist says that the word is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto thy path. The word was his guide. He benefitted from the light of God’s word.

What does the psalmist do with this light? He keeps the righteous judgments, he gives a free will offering with his mouth, he does not forget the law, he takes the testimonies of God and makes them his heritage, and he inclines his heart to perform God’s statutes.

When he was afflicted, he requested God to quicken him in the word and chose to follow God’s precepts.

As we read and obey God’s word, how have we been benefitted? Do the benefits of God’s word outweigh the benefits of Satan’s realm? How?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com