Meat and Potatoes | Scripture

Next week. We will talk about Sharing our Faith.

We are going to pick up where we left off last week. The whole concept of last week asked the question, “When you pray, why does God listen to you?”  Is it because you have a business relationship with him or a family relationship with him?

Today, we will read a prayer from a man who got it right. He was a man after God’s own heart. DAVID. David understood the power of God, the Grace of God, and the Kingdom of God.

Today we will read his prayer in Psalm 119. Turn there with me.

In this Psalm, he expresses the POWER of God’s Word.  There are basically 3 ways in which he discusses the influence of God’s word in His life:

 

His Word Gives us DIRECTION

Look at this stage.  It is filled with clutter and obstacles.  I think most would agree that our life’s path is very similar to this obstacle course and we have to find our way through the maze of life.

HOWEVER, life is not really like the way you see it here.  It is actually like this.

**BLACKOUT LIGHTS**

105  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

How do we know his Instructions? READ HIS WORD

37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

How do we closely follow his Word? READ HIS WORD

74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.

How do we become wiser? READ HIS WORD

101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.

104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.   How do we have understanding? READ HIS WORD

We know what way is false and what way is right when we READ HIS WORD.

133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.

How do I have great peace and not stumble? READ HIS WORD

**BRING LIGHTS UP to normal**

His Word Brings Us DELIVERANCE

25  I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.

28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

Revive! Encourage! Renew! How do these come? READ HIS WORD

43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.

45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

David’s heart is passionate for the structure and boundaries of God. A heart of a son who understands that discipline and regulations are purposed filled

50 Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

69 Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.

81  I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word.
87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.

Freedom from the mess of other people! How do we find our hope and freedom? READ HIS WORD

92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.

93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.

How do we find joy and life? READ HIS WORD

109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

149 In your faithful love, O  Lord , hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations.

153  Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions.

How do we not forget his instructions? READ HIS WORD

161  Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.

 

His Word Expresses Our WORSHIP

7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!

Our lives RESPOND in a heart of gratitude.  WE are motivated by HIS love!

How do we know how to respond to God’s love? READ HIS WORD

131 I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.

148 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.

How do we know His Promise? READ HIS WORD

151 But you are near, O  Lord , and all your commands are true.

175 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.

If you are brand new to Christianity or simply exploring start with John, then read Luke and Acts.

Once you have met Jesus and are getting a picture of who He is, go back and read the Bible from Genesis.  (English Standard Version or New International Version)

Those who have been around for a long time, choose a new translation and read whole Bible through or go slow and read segments (History, Prophets, Gospels, Epistles).

Highlight and take notes every time you are touched.