Day 21...

Special Note: Today’s meditations will be the final two remaining passages of Psalm 119

Morning Meditation:

ש Sin and Shin

161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. 162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. 163 I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 166 I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. 167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. 168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

Evening Meditation:

ת Taw

169 May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. 170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. 171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. 172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. 173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. 176 I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Day 20...

Morning Meditation:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

The word of God has been under attack since the day it was manifested to man. The moment God spoke the commandment of life to His new creation, His vile enemy, Satan, sprang in action. God’s word was meant to preserve life, but the enemy used it to lead a smear campaign against the Most High accusing Him of depriving man access to that which would make them like Him. Twisted indeed!

Every day since the garden attack, the enemy has tried to discredit God’s Holy Word. He has assaulted it from within (those supposedly believing it) and from those who hate it outright. Ridicule, persecution, and loss has been and is the lot of those who have embraced and defended the Holy Writ.

God’s word will stand through every onslaught levied against it and prevail. God will fulfill it down to the tiniest detail. He will vindicate Himself. Those who have and do oppose the word will be brought into judgment leading to condemnation by the very word they despise.

The Word’s final victory reads like this, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:11-16) Amen!

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you living a sober life prepared for the trials, temptations, and afflictions your are or might suffer? (James 1:2-4; I Cor. 10:13; James 1:12-16; I Pet. 1:13)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:152-160

Resh

¹⁵³ Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
¹⁵⁴ Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
¹⁵⁶ Your compassion, LORD, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
¹⁵⁸ I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love.
¹⁶⁰ All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.

Day 19...

Morning Meditation:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the on of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)

Since we have been privileged to know the benefits of living by God’s word, should we not be concerned to do all we can to see that everyone, near and far, has the opportunity to hear it too? We have embraced, up to this point, the word of God for ourselves, but we are called to herald it throughout the world too. In Philippians 2:15-16a, Paul encourages us, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life...”

We offer the bread of life to a dying world when we preach it to others.
Preaching God’s word may seem like an intimidating proposition to many of us. We may feel inadequate or unprepared. We probably lack experience and confidence. Our lives might not fully reflect Christ yet. I am sure we could come up with a great number of reasons as to why we are not the right ones. The one who shared the gospel with you probably felt like he or she wasn’t the right one for the job either, but, thank God, they went ahead anyway. PREACH THE WORD, BE INSTANT IN SEASON AND OUT!

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Does your work ethic at home or in the job reflect the Christian spirit? (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22-4:1; I Pet. 2:18-23)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:145-152
ק Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151 Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

Day 18...

Morning Meditation:

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand...Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the sword of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Without a growing, and eventually thorough knowledge of God’s word, we will be defenseless against the spiritual forces of evil that surround us, and seek to take us down at every turn.
It is more that gathering biblical data, God’s word must be the standard and breath our lives. We are called to live by it from the heart. It instructs us in all we do and keeps us on that path. It creates a shield about us, and becomes a spiritual sword when spoken out of our mouths.
When Jesus was driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, he responded in the same way each time. “It is written” secured Him the victory in each instance of His testing. Jesus was saying, in effect, “this is God’s standard and I will not budge from it.” When the enemy saw Jesus’ determination to adhere to God’s word, he knew that the battle was lost. “He left Him for a season.”
When the devil sees you embrace the word of God with every fiber of you being, he will run from you just as he did from Jesus. James exhorts us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Let this serve as a blueprint for activating the sword in your life.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you constantly filled with the Spirit and joy in your relationship with God and in His service? (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31; Eph. 5:15-20; Phil. 4:4)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:137-144
צ Tsadhe
137 You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. 144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.

Day 17...

Morning Meditation:

“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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

We need something that can get to the heart of the matter, something that can clear away all of the clutter in our minds. We need a just, impartial, and merciful probe to have access to and free reign in our hearts, if we truly desire to walk with God in the light of life.

We need a laser-like force that can cut through the webs that entangle us. Proverbs 21:2 tells us, “All a man’s ways seem right to him...” We lack objectivity concerning the validity of our own thoughts; they need to be proven by something greater than our own smarts. The living word of God is sent down to us to provide the very thing we need to cut through the fat of our own bias and prejudice to bring true discernment. The initial incision may sting, but once the double-edged sword penetrates our outer layers it will bring wholeness to us.

There is no speck that the living, active word of God cannot uncover. Everything in all of creation is laid open and bare before the God whom we serve. Although God’s ever peering eye my be unnerving at first, it will eventually prove to be the greatest comfort you will ever know.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you diligently seeking to fulfill the known will of God for your life? (Matt. 26:36-46; Jn. 4:34; 5:30)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:129-136
פ Pe
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. 135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. 136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

Day 16...

Morning Meditation:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:10-11)

God is confident that every word He speaks will come to pass. God’s reputation is on the line every time He speaks. God spoke to Jeremiah concerning His word saying, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled. “

What assurance we ought to have when we dare take up God’s word into our mouths! When we speak it out of the abundance of our hearts in faith, the mountains we confront do not have a chance. Jesus, in Mark 11:23, said that they would be thrown into the midst of the sea.

There are many examples of God fulfilling His word, but the life of Samuel provides a particularly encouraging example. The author commented, in I Samuel 3:19, The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.” How would you like to be in a place where God honors your every word? You can, when you speak in line with God’s own word. Fill your heart and mouth with God’s word and watch Him fulfill it.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you using the resources God has given you faithfully? (I Tim. 6:17-19; Eph. 5:15-20)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:121-128
ע Ayin
121 I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. 123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. 126 It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. 127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, 128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

Day 15...

Morning Meditation

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” (I Thes. 2:13)

When we believe that God’s word is what it is, it becomes a powerful force in and through us. Paul stressed the fruit producing power of God’s word to the church at Colosse, where he said, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” (Col. 1:6)
Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, wrote both his gospel (Luke) and Acts as an historical account to Theophilus of “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (Act 1:1). The Book of Acts is a description of the activities of the new church empowered by the Holy Spirit, which resulted in the spread of the word of God to all nations.
Luke summarized the expansion as he observed the word of God taking root and bringing forth fruit as people believed it. He recognized phases of growth and set markers to indicate what had been done, and what was yet to come. To demonstrate the growth in Jerusalem he wrote in Acts 6:7, “So the word of God spread. The number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly....” In Acts 12:24 Luke recaps the spread of the gospel to include the gentiles under the ministry of Peter and Paul saying, “But the word of God continued to increase and spread.” As it increased among the believers, it naturally spread out to others. Finally, in Acts 19:20, Luke records the city-wide campaign that powerfully impacted the city of Ephesus noting, “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” Luke left the rest of the book open ended for us to complete. Amen!

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you lovingly fulfilling your responsibilities to your spouse, children, and extended family? (Eph. 5:22-6:4; I Tim. 5:3-8; James 1:27 I Pet. 3:1-7)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:113-120
ס Samekh
113 I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. 114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. 115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! 116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. 117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. 118 You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. 120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Day 14...

Morning Meditation:

“Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.” (Hebrews 4:1-2)

Problems abound, as Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower” demonstrates, in the business of planting the word of God in the soil of the human heart. The good news is that there is good heart soil—hopefully, in you and I.
We have recently seen that humility, teachability, and trust are among the necessary minerals found in good soil.
Our verse today reveals yet another dimension of the good heart. The lesson comes to us through the example of Israel’s unbelief concerning God’s promise to give them the Land of Canaan. God did indeed give them the word of promise, but it was ineffective. Israel failed to germinate the word with heart-felt faith. The failure to embrace the word with faith is, too often, the core issue regarding our lack of receptibility to the word. Pride is repulsive, but unbelief is insulting to God.
The author of The Book of Hebrews challenged his listeners saying, “Take care, brethern, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God (Heb. 3:12). Unbelief is equated with evil. If we want to be good soil, we will have to quench unbelief and believe. Jesus powerfully and simply said, “Have faith in God” (Mk. 11:22). Do you?

To consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you honoring God by constantly seeking His direction for your life? (Pro. 3:5-6)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:105-112
נ Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. 108 Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

Day 13...

Morning Meditation:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice in like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24)

Build your house on the sand or build it on the rock of God’s word. Jesus gave us a choice. Chaos occurs in everyone’s life, but those who have built their lives on the rock of God’s word come out on top, their house does not fold under the pressure.
Jesus’ promise excites us, but all too often, we do not see the results we long for. What’s the problem? It seems that we are too easily self-deceived. We are under the impression that because we have heard God’s word, and maybe even done some in-depth study on a particular subject that we will automatically enjoy the expected benefits.

James, reflecting Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24-27, writes, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.... But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” (Jas. 1:22-25)

Hearing is obviously only the first link in the chain. We cannot make the mistake of equating hearing with completion. We have to continue on to the doing of the matter. It is only when we believe and obey the word we have heard that it yields its fruit to us. Do not stop mid-stream, move on to the other side where the blessing lies.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you diligently seeking God by reading, studying, and meditating in His word day and night? (Josh. 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; II Tim. 2:15)
a) Are you doing your best to put God’s word into action in your daily life? (Matt. 7:24-28; James 1:22-25)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:97-104
מ Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Day 12...

Morning Meditation:

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Most of us have experienced it. If you are a parent, you have definitely seen it: arms crossed, nose wrinkled, and feet planted; you know they heard you, but they are not moving—defiance! It is unbecoming at anytime, at any age, and in anyone, but demonstrated before God by His own children is ruinous.

What is our posture before God when we hear His word? Our posture will determine the outcome of our lives. We have seen that those who defiantly refuse God’s word end poorly. If we desire to avoid shipwreck, we have to shift our posture before God when we hear His word.
James, in our scripture verse today, tells us how we ought to position ourselves before God when He speaks to us. Knowing that God knows better than we do we bow in humility and submission to His Fatherly pleadings. We must cultivate a teachable spirit before the Lord lest we encounter God resisting us. Later in his letter, James shows us that, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Solomon exhorts us with the following words that really get to the heart of the matter. He wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” If we want to enjoy the benefits that come from God’s word, we must learn to distrust ourselves, and cling to God with all of our heart.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you constantly aware of the need to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ yet and take advantage of the opportunities God gives you to share your faith? (Mark. 1:17; 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:89-96
ל Lamedh
89 Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

Day 11...

Morning Meditation:

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” (Pro. 6:23)

Tried, tested, and true. For those who have put God’s word to the test, it is a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path.
Have you ever felt the darkness? It is scary and it makes it difficult to move about. Have you ever not known what to do when you find yourself swimming in new waters? It is scary too. Uncertainty unnerves all of us from time to time. Fortunately, there is a source that brightens even the darkest corners of our lives. God has spoken and He has not left anything out that would be profitable to us.

We may struggle in ignorance for a while, but, if we continue to pursue God’s wisdom, the light will dawn on us. It will be one of those “it was right in front of my nose all the time” moments. Once you have acquired the light and clarity comes, you will no longer limp along with your old buddies doubt and fear, but you will run with confidence in the way God has opened up to you.
Our darkness is overcome when the Holy Spirit shines the flood-lights of God’s word into our hearts. Jesus promised us, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what he hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” (Jn. 16:13). Take heart! The darkness is passing and the true light is shinning.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you engaged in intercessory prayer for others (Ezekiel 22:30; II Chron. 7:14; Eph. 6:18-19)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:81-88
כ Kaph
1 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Day 10...

Morning Meditation:

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4)

If you were going through tough times, what would you expect from your best friends? Wouldn’t you want them to encourage you? However, with what can they tangibly help? Paul told members of the church at Thessalonica, who were in doubt about the destiny of their loved ones who had died, “Therefore encourage each other with these words.” He had just explained that those who died in the Lord would be in His presence as well. We have more than a hug (as comforting as that may be) to offer our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the sure words of God who cannot lie.

Abraham and his lot were an extraordinary group. They were given promises from God that were not fulfilled during their lifetimes, but through the encouragement they received from them, they carried them beyond the grave.

Their attitude concerning God’s word was a key to the encouragement they received from it. Hebrews 11:13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” From this passage, we learn that they were persuaded of God’s promise. Although doubt, brought on by circumstances, assailed them constantly, they quenched the fiery darts every time. We also see that they embraced God’s word; they received it not as some general revelation, but as a personal word to them. The word only becomes effective when it is personal. Finally, they confessed the word of promise. Jesus taught that our words flow out of the abundance of our hearts. They treasured these promises in their hearts; they were their spiritual bread and butter.
Be encouraged by the scriptures; encourage one another!

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Is the fear of the Lord, expressed by reverence, obedience, trust, and worship evident in your life? (Deut. 10:12; Josh. 24:14; Psm. 33:8; 103:7; Pro. 14:27; Acts 9:31)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:73-80
י Yodh
73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

Day 9...

Morning Meditation:

“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me...” (Jer. 9:23)

In our previous meditation, we saw that God judged Israel because they refused to embrace the knowledge of God’s self-revelation to them. They had no delight in God or His ways. Proverbs 1:20-33 delivers a scathing commentary, revealing God’s sentiments, concerning those to whom He has reached out to and, yet, they refused to hear. In part, it reads, “...since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you like a storm (vv.26-27)....Since they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord...they will eat the fruit of their own ways...” (vv. 29-31)
While the Lord feels and speaks this way, we know that He has no pleasure in the road that those who reject Him choose nor does He rejoice when they are destroyed for their refusal to follow Him.

The Lord, our God, takes pleasure in those who receive His word and rejoices in the fruitfulness they experience when they obey Him. Where is your boast today? In what do you take pleasure? Through the Prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says, “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord” (Jer. 9:23-24)

The Lord delights in us when our rejoicing is centered on our intimate knowledge of Him. May our greatest joy and overwhelming desire be to understand and know the Lord, our God, all the days of our lives.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you actively involved in the process of renewal and transformation? (Rom. 12:1-2; II Cor. 3:17-18)

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:65-72
ט Teth
65 Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

rejoice!!!

Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm
my great army that I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,

who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed."

Joel 2:23-27

Day 8...

Morning Meditation: Day 8

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” Hosea 4:6

At first glance, it may appear that the people of the Lord were on a destructive path because they had no knowledge of God, but the real problem lied, as we see when we continue to read, in the fact that they rejected the knowledge that God had given them. The easier problem of no knowledge could have been resolved by simply informing the people of God’s ways. Their dilemma was that they had no appetite for what God revealed to them.

Although this theme runs throughout the Bible, nowhere is it felt more acutely than in the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 26:4-6 is representative of God’s grievance against His people, Israel. God pleaded with them, “Say to them, This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city and object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.” (Other references include: Jer. 6:10; 11:10; 13:10; 19:15; 25:8-9; 29:18-19; 35:12-15) God gave them His word abundantly and warned them with great patience, but they never changed the disposition of their hearts toward Him. They left Him no choice but to judge them, with the hope of restoring them later, for the evil they continued to practice in their lives.

We do not lack knowledge of God’s word; we lack a hearing ear. Jesus exhorted the churches in Revelations 2-3, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” We too would do well to take heed.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you aware of unconfessed sin in your life? (I Jn. 7-9)
a) Are you willing to repent and change your lifestyle? (James 4:8-10; Psm. 51:10

Evening Reading:

Psalm 119:57-64
ח Heth
57 You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. 58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. 60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. 62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 64 The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.

Day 7...

...They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:3)...

Morning Meditation, Day 7:

“You need milk, not solid food!” (Heb. 5:12b)

Why are so many still stuck sipping spiritual milk? Solomon, in Proverbs 17:16, poses a question that helps us understand our sluggishness, “Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? We lack the cultivation of heart that is necessary to embrace strong spiritual food, which, by the way, brings about greater fruit in our lives.

Paul, speaking to the Corinthian church, addressed this dilemma. “Brothers I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. You are still worldly. For since there is jealously and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere (natural) men?” (I Cor. 3:1-4). While they remained worldly, there was no heart for more. There needed to be growth before they could receive the meat of God’s word. We need to grow before we can handle strong meat.

The writer of Hebrews also encountered this problem among his audience. “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.” (Heb. 5:11). He complains that while they should be teachers, they really need to return to the simple stuff, the milk. This writer teaches that the turning point comes when we embrace the teaching of righteousness (v. 13). “But solid food”, he says, “is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The mature, spiritual heart that has set aside worldliness and evil, and has embraced love and righteousness—the love of good, is prepared to go on with God by feeding on the weightier things of His word. Let’s offer ourselves to God and allow Him to bring us to maturity so that we might know the deeper truths of God.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you fulfilling your responsibilities in the kingdom of God? (Matt. 25:14-30)
a) Giving faithfully (Malachi 3:6-8; II Cor. 8:1-15; 9:6-11; Phil. 4:10-19)
b) Serving others willingly and in love (Gal. 5:13; Rom. 12:11)
c) As a peacemaker, actively seeking the unity of the Spirit (Matt. 5:9; Eph. 4:3)
d) Do you respect and love your Christian leaders and support them? (I Tim. 5:17-18; I Pet. 1-5

Evening Reading, Day 7:

Psalm 119:49-56

ז Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. 52 I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. 53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. 54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. 55 In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. 56 This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.

Open the floodgates...

I just wanted to share a few things that God has been showing me throughout the week...

On the third day of the fast, during lunchtime, I was praying when suddenly the name 'El-Shaddai' came to mind. I knew that this was a name of God; however, I didn't know what it meant. Through study, I learned that this name means 'God Almighty'. Upon further study, I also learned that the first time God referred to himself as 'God Almighty' was when he spoke to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his seed.

Other sources also defined the name 'El-Shaddai' or 'God-Almighty' as:

-the power of God

-one who nourishes, supplies and satisfies

-God, all-sufficient

-the God who nurtures and provides

-one who sustains

- blessing and fruitfulness

During this study, I was also lead to the following scripture, which is the same passage that has been heavy on my heart for a few months now...

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
(Isaiah 60:1-5)

I was singing this song for the rest of the day...

thank you, Lord, for your promises are true!!!

The next day, this word was immediately confirmed when I read the first scripture referenced in the daily meditation, which happened to be about Abraham...

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:17-22)

This word was again confirmed in tonight's prayer meeting. We prayed together there..."Lord, we offer ourselves as empty vessels"...

...and we pray now...Fill us father. Thank you for your promises. As Abraham, we will believe against all hope, we will not waver in our faith, and will give all the glory to you, our Lord. You are able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works within us. You are faithful to complete the work that you began in us. Open the floodgates...

Day 6...

Morning Meditation, Day 6:

“But we have the mind of Christ” (I Cor. 2:16b)

In our natural state, it is almost normal for us to buck against God’s word. In Isaiah 55:8, God, through the prophet, tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” We are of the earth and think earthly thoughts, but God has chosen to reveal Himself to us by sending His word.

The first phase in knowing God has been fulfilled, but we need more if we are to truly comprehend His words. Just reading what God has said is not enough; we need Him to open our understanding. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40, comes to mind as evidence. He sat reading from the prophet Isaiah in the desert when Phillip, the evangelist, approached him and asked if he understood what he read, to which he responded, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” We need help to understand it too.

In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prayed that God would give us “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ.” We need to know not only what God thinks, but how He thinks. We need to understand the logic of God to make sense of His word. We need to be transformed from our carnally minded perspectives and reasonings. We have to become a people that are spiritually minded. We have to be on God’s wavelength.

Paul explains this transformation in I Corinthians 2:11-16. He teaches, “...In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned... For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
To the world, the word is foolishness. Because we understand the logic of God by the Spirit (we have the mind of Christ), we know God and understand His ways.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you fulfilling the royal commandment of love? (James 2:8; Gal. 5:13-15)
a) Are you forgiving others freely? (Matt. 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Eph. 4:31-32)


Evening Reading, Day 6:

Psalm 119:41-48
ו Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.

Day 5...

Morning Meditation, Day 5

“So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17)

There are few things as important as faith in our lives. Of the three things that the Apostle Paul assured us that will remain, faith is found among them (I Cor. 13:13). Among the three things Jesus notes as the “weightier matters” of the Law faith is present (Mt. 23:23). The writer of the Book of Hebrews tells us that, it is impossible to please God without faith. We must believe that God is and that he rewards those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

Since, as the Bible teaches us, faith is essential to life, we ought to know how to get it and keep it. Faith, Paul teaches us, cometh by hearing and hearing by God’s own word. It is the material that produces faith in the heart and the oil that keeps it burning brightly within us.

Faith does not stay aglow by “having heard”. We are often of the opinion that having heard the word once, we have no further need for it. The grammatical tense (present continuous) Paul uses, in Romans 10:17, indicates that we need to hear God’s word over and over again. “Oh, I’ve heard that message before”, is not the posture we ought to maintain before God’s word. It is not a one-time experience. Faith grows and understanding sharpens as we continue to hear what God has spoken.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you actively pursuing God each day? (Psm. 27:4; 42:1-2; 61:1-4; 63:1-5)

Evening Reading, Day 5:

Psalm 119:33-40
ה He
33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.[b]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.[c]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

Day 4...

Morning Meditation, Day 4:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Lk. 2:19)

How sloppy we can be with the words God speaks to us! How little we value what He says. We fail to keep the “living bread” alive in our hearts. We forget entirely too easily, and we let slip the very thing He has provided for our direction, comfort, and spiritual nourishment.

Mary, whether it was the angel who spoke to her or Elizabeth, her cousin, prophesying blessing upon her or the shepherds declaring the wonders of the child she held in her arms, stored all of God’s words securely in her heart and thought upon them always.

God’s words are seldom fulfilled in a day; He brings them about in His time, which is almost always unknown to us. Harbor His words until they come to pass. Mary held on to astonishing words, which brought her into repute (virgins do not have babies) and pierced her heart when the Romans pierced His hands and side. She saw God’s words played out in history because she guarded them diligently in her heart.

Mary received guidance, strength, and courage at every turn in the road because God’s word took deep root in her heart. If we will be as tenacious as she was with respect to God’s word, He will do the same for us.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you exercising living faith in your daily life despite your situation? (Rom. 4:17-22; II Cor. 4:17-18; 5:7; Hebrews 11:1-40)





Evening Reading, Day 4:

Psalm 119:25-32 (Read, meditate, and pray the passage)

ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.

Day 3...

Morning Meditation, Day 3:

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.”
(Luke 10:39)

There is a time for everything else to stop. There are moments when even legitimate responsibilities should be put on hold. When the Lord draws us unto Himself (Psm. 27:8), when He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks (Rev. 3:20), how do we respond to Him? Do we drop our routine and dine with Him?

Mary was criticized severely by her overly anxious sister, Martha, for not helping to clean and prepare dinner. Martha did not get it; Mary did. She understood what was “needful” (Lk. 10:42) and gave herself to drink in every word that Jesus spoke. She, by conscious choice, untangled herself from all that was around her, and filled her heart and soul with the living word that absorbed her.

Jesus taught Martha discernment. You, he said, are overwhelmed with the temporary issues of life. Mary, however, has grasped the exceeding value of the eternal word, and it will not be taken from her. She made the right choice; Jesus confirmed it.

Martha was not bad, but she did fail to appreciate the time of His visitation. Her heart was overcharged with daily concerns leaving no room for Jesus to speak His word to her. It was a blown opportunity. Jesus intends that we learn from these examples and make the right choices at the right times. Grab a chair next to Mary.

To Consider:

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you giving thanks to God in every circumstance of life? (I Thes. 5:17; Phil. 4:6-7; Psm. 100:4)

Evening Reading, Day 3:

(Psalm 119:17-24) (Read, meditate, and pray the passage)

ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Day 2...

Morning Meditation, Day 2 :

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” (Col 3:16a)

Great things come in small packages. Our verse today is brief, but it is power packed. Let’s dissect it to get at its riches.

“Let” speaks of the attitude of our heart. If we want God’s word to live in us, we have to have the right mind-set. In James 1:21, the Apostle teaches us that we must be holy and humble for the word to find a place in our heart.

“The word of Christ” refers to God’s fullest and final revelation of Himself, and His plans and purposes for the ages. “In whom (Christ)”, said Paul in Colossians 2:3, “are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus is “the word made flesh” (Jn. 1:14). He is God’s communication to all men (Heb. 1:3). When we have the word of Christ, we have the fullness of God.

The idea that the word is to “dwell” in us reveals the fact that the word is alive. A living heart needs and receives a living word. The writer of The Book of Hebrews says, “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.”

“In you” tells us how personal the communications of God are. His words are not to be bound-up in our bibles on dusty shelves for others to appreciate. God’s words only do us good when they are in us.

“Richly” indicates amount. God’s word is not to be in us in scanty measure; there must, of necessity, be an abundance of it. It is to fill our hearts and minds. God intends it to be our primary “food for thought”. It is to be the dominant object of our concentration. The Lord told Joshua, “meditate on it (God’s word) day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

To consider...

Psalm 139:23-24:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Are you seeking constantly to walk in a manner that pleases God? (Col. 1:10; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21)
a) Are you crucifying the desires of the flesh and living according to the Spirit? (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 8:5-9)

Evening reading, Day 2:

Psalm 119:9-16 (Read, meditate, and pray the passage)
ב Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

2011 Fast...Things to Consider

The following list is a compilation of "things to consider" that will be included with each of the daily meditations...

Things to Consider: Fast 2011

The following themes have been compiled with the hope that you might be better able to examine your life before God in the light of His word. They should serve as a mirror to help you discover where you are in life and where God wants to take you. There are twenty-one themes; you can consider one area each day of our fast or whatever best suits you. Please read the biblical references that accompany the themes to get a better idea of the subject. The subjects are not listed in order of importance.

This is our prayer from Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Day 1: Are your priorities in order according to God’s plan for your life? (Mt. 6:19-33)

Day 2: Are you seeking constantly to walk in a manner that pleases God? (Col. 1:10; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21)
a) Are you crucifying the desires of the flesh and living according to the Spirit? (Gal. 5:16-28; Rom. 8:5-9)

Day 3: Are you giving thanks to God in every circumstance of life? (I Thes. 5:17; Phil. 4:6-7; Psm. 100:4)

Day 4: Are you exercising living faith in your daily life despite your situation? (Rom. 4:17-22; II Cor. 4:17-18; 5:7; Hebrews 11:1-40)

Day 5: Are you actively pursuing God each day? (Psm. 27:4; 42:1-2; 61:1-4; 63:1-5)

Day 6: Are you fulfilling the royal commandment of love? (James 2:8; Gal. 5:13-15)
a) Are you forgiving others freely? (Matt. 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Eph. 4:31-32)

Day 7: Are you fulfilling your responsibilities in the kingdom of God? (Matt. 25:14-30)
a) Giving faithfully (Malachi 3:6-8; II Cor. 8:1-15; 9:6-11; Phil. 4:10-19)
b) Serving others willingly and in love (Gal. 5:13; Rom. 12:11)
c) As a peacemaker, actively seeking the unity of the Spirit (Matt. 5:9; Eph. 4:3)
d) Do you respect and love your Christian leaders and support them? (I Tim. 5:17-18; I Pet. 1-5

Day 8: Are you aware of unconfessed sin in your life? (I Jn. 7-9)
a) Are you willing to repent and change your lifestyle? (James 4:8-10; Psm. 51:10)

Day 9: Are you actively involved in the process of renewal and transformation? (Rom. 12:1-2; II Cor. 3:17-18)

Day 10: Is the fear of the Lord, expressed by reverence, obedience, trust, and worship evident in your life? (Deut. 10:12; Josh. 24:14; Psm. 33:8; 103:7; Pro. 14:27; Acts 9:31)

Day 11: Are you engaged in intercessory prayer for others (Ezekiel 22:30; II Chron. 7:14; Eph. 6:18-19)

Day 12: Are you constantly aware of the need to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ yet and take advantage of the opportunities God gives you to share your faith? (Mark. 1:17; 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

Day 13: Are you diligently seeking God by reading, studying, and meditating in His word day and night? (Josh. 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; II Tim. 2:15)
a) Are you doing your best to put God’s word into action in your daily life? (Matt. 7:24-28; James 1:22-25)

Day 14: Are you honoring God by constantly seeking His direction for your life? (Pro. 3:5-6)

Day 15: Are you lovingly fulfilling your responsibilities to your spouse, children, and extended family? (Eph. 5:22-6:4; I Tim. 5:3-8; James 1:27 I Pet. 3:1-7)

Day 16: Are you using the resources God has given you faithfully? (I Tim. 6:17-19; Eph. 5:15-20)

Day 17: Are you diligently seeking to fulfill the known will of God for your life? (Matt. 26:36-46; Jn. 4:34; 5:30)

Day 18: Are you constantly filled with the Spirit and joy in your relationship with God and in His service? (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31; Eph. 5:15-20; Phil. 4:4)

Day 19: Does your work ethic at home or in the job reflect the Christian spirit? (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22-4:1; I Pet. 2:18-23)

Day 20: Are you living a sober life prepared for the trials, temptations, and afflictions your are or might suffer? (James 1:2-4; I Cor. 10:13; James 1:12-16; I Pet. 1:13)

Day 21: Are you demonstrating compassion to those who are in need, affliction, suffering, incarcerated, discouraged, lonely, or experiencing physical complications?
(Lk. 10:25-37; Lk. 16:19-31)

Day 1...

Morning Meditation, Day 1:

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deut 8:2-3)

What is the lesson worth? How can we even put a price tag on it? What are we willing to pay to learn how to live by every word that God breathes? More important, what is God willing to allow us to go through to bring us to the place where we accept His ways above our own?
Our verse today teaches us that God, because the Children of Israel did not know how to hang on His word above all else, was willing to humble them for forty years in the desert to make the message crystal clear.
Jacob, the son of Isaac, learned the lesson as he wrestled with the angel in the wilderness. Joseph, Jacob’s son, learned to hold to God’s word as he bounced from favored son to slave to prisoner, and finally to the throne of Egypt. They persevered as they struggled to live by every word of God, but they broke through the barriers and entered into the power, freedom, and rest that come from it.
What “deserts” will God engineer for us to teach us to rely upon His word fully and obey it joyfully? While we may not like it initially, if we trust Him and endure, He will show Himself just and true, and we will know the wonders of His word for ourselves.

Evening Reading, Day 1:

Psalm 119:1-8 (Read and meditate the passage, and then pray back to God the parts that strike you the most. Ask Him to give you understanding.)
א Aleph (Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The symbol to the left is the actual Hebrew letter.)

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— 3 they do no wrong but follow his ways. 4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

January Fast

The annual January fast will "officially begin on Sunday, January 2nd and will end on Sunday, January 23rd. We invite all congregants to prepare their hearts to seek the Lord through fasting and prayer. The prayer meetings are as follows:

1. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (6am to 7am) in Legacy Jr. High
2. Friday Nights (normal time 7pm) in Legacy
3. Sunday Mornings (normal time 9:15 am) in Legacy Jr. High