Guidance

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All of us are too inexperienced to try to make it through life without a guide. God’s Word is that guide. Psalm 119 unfolds the manifold features of God’s Word, showing how dynamically and practically it will assist us in all of life’s circumstances. But no single verse focuses this more clearly than verse 105, which shows how God’s Word lights the way, giving direction for each step (“to my feet”) and giving wisdom for long-range plans (“to my path”). 

Joshua links the regular application of God’s Word to life as the most certain way to both success and prosperity in living (Josh. 1:8). Further, Psalm 119:130 notes the wisdom God’s Word gives to the “simple,” reminding us not to make decisions based on human delusion or outright senselessness. Also, Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the reproofs of God are essential and for life. 

Let God’s Word guide, correct, instruct, lead, teach, and confirm. Do not hasten ahead without it—ever.

—Jack Hayford 

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalm 119:130

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life. Proverbs 6:23

boundaries

Happy Monday!
This morning I read from a little book called: Moments of Peace from the Psalms. It is one of my favorite devotionals to pick up. I read from Psalm 74 and knew that I had to share today's read.

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The Establishment of Boundaries

You set all the limits on the earth. Psalm 74:17 NCV

Fire is a wonderful thing—especially when cooking food or keeping warm. Unfortunately, if a fire gets out of control in your home or a forest, it can be devastating. The flames quickly consume everything in their unhindered path. 

To avoid disaster, one must only build fires within the confines of a suitable fireplace or pit, where they can be easily managed. 

Likewise, boundaries keep the resources and relationships of your life from becoming damaging. That's why God gives you His commands He knows that too much of a good thing can be harmful, and He wants you to flourish rather than self-destruct. 

So don't be afraid of His laws—they'll always keep you safe. 

God, thank you that your boundaries are not meant to limit me but protect me. Help me to always abide by your life-giving commans. Amen. 

You have been our King from the beginning, 

O God; You have saved us many times. 

Psalm 74:12 

15 Days in the Word with John Piper

I'm not one to read daily devotionals, I rather read the word and hear teachings. But I recently sampled '15 Days in the Word with John Piper' on my YouVersion app. I loved it and signed up! I am currently on day 6 of 15. Here is an excerpt from today's devo.

Day 6
"Do not think you are getting no good from the Bible, merely because you do not see that good day by day. The greatest effects are by no means those which make the most noise, and are most easily observed. The greatest effects are often silent, quiet, and hard to detect at the time they are being produced. Think of the influence of the moon upon the earth, and of the air upon the human lungs. Remember how silently the dew falls, and how imperceptibly the grass grows. There may be far more doing than you think in your soul by your Bible-reading." -J.C.Ryle

So lets give heed to Mr. Ryle and never grow weary of the slow, steady, growth that comes from the daily, disciplined, increasing, love affair with reading the Bible. -John Piper

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