[:en]SCRIPTURE; PSALM 119 (Verses 1-32)
“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)
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:15-16)
“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24)
“Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders” (Psalm 119-:27)
“Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws” (Psalm 119:29-30)
This is the longest and the most unique Psalm which is arranged into 22 section of 8 lines each in Hebrew alphabet. The first 8 lines begin with “ALEPH”, the next eight with “Beth”, the next eight with “GIMEL” and so on through all the twenty two letters of Hebrew alphabet. The theme is about the WORD OF GOD which contains 10 different names – word, law, saying, statutes, way, commandments, path, testaments, precepts, and judgments.
ALEPH (vs. 1-8)
WHAT THE WORD OF GOD CAN DO FOR US:
- It makes us blameless
- It gives us blessings
- It makes our ways steadfast
- We will not be put to shame
- It teaches us righteous laws
WHAT MUST WE DO WITH THE WORD OF GOD?
- We must walk according to the law of the Lord
- We must keep His statutes and seek Him with all our hearts
- We must obey His precepts and decrees
- We must consider all His commands
- We must learn His righteous law.
The Word of God gives us the messages of salvation and brings us a life of integrity.
BETH (vs. 9-16)
HOW CAN WE KEEP OURSELVES CLEAN IN A DIRTY WORLD?
- Live according to His Word.
- Keep His Word in our hearts
- Recount all the laws by sharing with others
- Meditate His precepts
- Delight in His decrees.
Cultivate an appetite for the Word of God.
GIMEL (vs. 17-24)
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE IN THE MIDST OF CRITICISM AND OPPOSITION?
- See the wonderful things in His law
- Look at His commands
- Keep His statutes
- Meditate on His decrees
- Delight in His statutes
- Obey His counsels
When people criticize you, turn to the Word of God. God will give you the strength from His Word.
DALETH (vs. 25-32)
HOW CAN YOU SET YOUR HEART FREE?
- Choose the way of truth
- Set your heart on His laws
- Hold fast to His statutes
- Run in the path of His commands
Heart is the most important part of our body. We need to enlarge our heart – with an open and honest heart, obedient to His will that can bring glory to Him.
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