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

Guide for Psalm 119

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Psalm 119:5-6

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For the next 22 days, my youth girls and myself will be reading through Psalm 119. Sounds like a long and tedious task, but dividing a reading plan from the stanzas is quite easy. Here's a guide to getting the most out of the longest Psalm!

From my NLT Study Bible:
This Psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading. Psalm 119 combines elements of wisdom, lament, praise, thanksgiving, and confession. Eight Hebrew words are used frequently, translated as "instructions," "laws," "words," "regulations," "statues," "commands," "decrees," "commandments," and "promises." Together, these words encourage love for and obedience to God's instructions, as found in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The expression of deep commitment to these instructions unifies the psalm.


Aleph - Psalm 119:1-8
God the author of these instructions, commands that his followers live by them. The psalmist prays to be given the grace to live by that revelation.

Beth - Psalm 119:9-16
The psalmist is determined to pursue purity and encourages the cultivation of wisdom through God's principles (119:9) and instructions (119:10-16).

Gimel - Psalm 119:17-24
Like a foreigner in hostile territory, God's servant needs God's guidance.

Daleth - Psalm 119:25-32
Though the poet feels anguish and sorrow, he entreats the Lord to revive him because he wants to obey the Lord. Sufferings and death may result from the Lord's chastening, but his instruction revived the weary soul.

He - Psalm 119:33-40
As a student, the poet asks his teacher, God, to renew life and transform disgrace into righteousness.

Waw - Psalm 119:41-48
The Psalmist prays that God's word would continue to be the source of his love and salvation.

Zayin - Psalm 119:49-56
The psalmist asks God to remember his word as the psalmist also remembers God's word and his name. Remembrance expresses devotion.

Heth - Psalm 119: 57-64
The psalmist seeks God's favor and unfailing love. Although surrounded by evildoers, He remains a loyal servant to the Lord.

Teth - Psalm 119:65-72
The psalmist describes himself as a penitent sinner who gratefully accepts the Lord's discipline.

Yodh - Psalm 119:73-80
In this prayer for comfort and compassion, the psalmist commits himself to the Creator, who has afflicted him. He wants God to pay his enemies for the wrongs they have done. He also prays to receive the gift of life. He not only prays for himself but also considers the whole community of the godly, asking that God's answers to prayers would encourage them.

Kaph - Psalm 119:81-88
The psalmist is worn out from waiting for the Lord, but His hope is in God's future rescue.

Lamedh - Psalm 119:89-96
The stability of God's wisdom gives understanding. God's word provides order and framework for living, even under pressure from adversaries.

Mem - Psalm 119:97-104
The instruction and wisdom of God through his word are far superior to the best that human teachers can offer.

Nun - Psalm 119:105-112
The psalmist's devotion to God's word comes from within his being and guides his external life.

Samekh - Psalm 119:113-120
The psalmist declares his hatred of evil and his love for God and his ways.

Ayin - Psalm 119:121-128
The servant of the Lord strains to endure the evil around him. He boldly petitions the Lord to rescue Him immediately.

Pe - Psalm 119:129-136
The psalmist prays earnestly for God to speak to him as he suffers from his adversaries.

Tsadhe - Psalm 119:137-144
God is righteous, and his word is right and just, especially on contrast to the deceptions of the wicked.

Qoph - Psalm 119:145-152
The psalmist prays to the Lord at night. Although God God appears to be distant, he is nearby.

Resh - Psalm 119:153-160
The petition for life can be found throughout Psalm 119 but it is concentrated in this stanza.

Shin - Psalm 119:160-168
The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. The perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day.

Taw - Psalm 119:169-176
God's servant petitions the Lord one final time; he still feels like a lost sheep.


Not only is this an easy guide to follow, but you will also learn the Hebrew alphabet. I am excited to uncover the wonderful truths found in Psalm 119. May you be greatly blessed and filled with the Spirit of God as you seek God's promises through this iddy-bitty and powerful Psalm.

re-post::: Lyrical Friday - Walk By Faith

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Happy Friday! Today I decided to re-post one of my older Lyrical Friday post. From October 2010 may you be refreshed and renewed by the God's Spirit.

Hi. 
One of the darkest times in my life happened when my Grandfather suddenly passed away. I was confused, angry and broken-hearted. It was in that time that this song by Jeremy Camp sustained and comforted me through that season. At times, I had to sing even though everything in me did not want to believe that I would be filled with joy again. Walk by Faith, is a prayer that my heart has taken ownership of. May you and I both, be a people who walk by faith and not by sight. And even on the broken road, may we sing hallelujah. God bless You Friends. 


Walk By Faith, Jeremy Camp


Would I believe you when you would say 
Your hand will guide my every way 
Will I receive the words You say 
Every moment of every day 

[chorus]
Well I will walk by faith 
Even when I cannot see 
Well because this broken road 
Prepares Your will for me 

Help me to win my endless fears 
You've been so faithful for all my years 
With one breath You make me new 
Your grace covers all I do 

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face 
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Dayspring

Because of the tender mercy of our God, 

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven (Dayspring)

to shine on those living in darkness 

and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79

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Monday morning I read  Zachariah's song found in Luke 1. His song ends with these two verses. There is one phrase, one word that can not escape me: Dayspring (the first appearance of daylight in the morning; the beginning or rise of anything; advent). God has given Jesus to us as our Dayspring, this is an accurate and appropriate name for Him. For He is the first and only appearance of light in our darkness that can deliver hope, mercy, grace and truth. Through Him there is a rising from the shadow of death, and with it a new beginning. He is our only guide into the path of peace. 

I have to say, if there is a Christmas name for Jesus that I favor, it would have to be Dayspring. I pray that these two verses may never escape you, and be a reminder that in your darkest hour Jesus is your Dayspring! May you celebrate Jesus every day. Merry Christmas. 

Birthday Surprise. It's Nicole. part 2

Welcome back to Nicki's hope story.
Part 1 (click here) was a great read, yet I tell, part 2 will be even better! May the Lord speak mightily to you!
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Here is a piece of God's hope story: 

She is eight years old. Her brown face contains a smile that can brighten the darkest of moments. Her big black eyes have potential to catch anyone’s attention, and keep it. She is timid at first glance but once she feels comfortable you have nothing more than a young girl full of joy and laughter and smiles dancing around your waist and holding onto your hand for dear life. She is smart, she is kind, and she is beautiful in every way. She has gone through much more difficult struggles in her short eight years than I have in my twenty-two. She is a daughter of the King. She does not know her earthly father, but she is learning to trust in her heavenly one. Her name is Alijati, she is from Kamonkoli, Uganda, and I am her sponsor.

The Lord has used this precious child to teach me lessons I never knew I needed to learn. Lessons on love that go beyond barriers that we put up around ourselves. Lessons on patience and trusting in our God in Heaven that promises to be our strength, our guide, and our help in times of trouble and need. But most importantly, a lesson on how important it is to be obedient to what the Lord is asking of you, in order to not miss out on the will He has for your life.

God had purposed for me and Jati to connect with each other, and because of this and the desire He placed in me to want to do something bigger than myself, her need and my ability intersected. I am able to provide food and education to a worthy child who would have not fully known these things otherwise. And it goes beyond that. In providing for her and being there for her, I am able to give her the opportunity to know Jesus and experience His love and hope in a tangible way; a way that she has never known because of the struggles she's dealt with.

I have my own dreams that start with love and the desire to glorify God, and end with wanting some precious brown faces in Uganda to know about their Father in Heaven who loves them and is intimately acquainted with them. Maybe your hope story isn't a needy child that you can provide for from across the world. Maybe it’s a stranger across the city or a sibling in the next room. My prayer is that our mighty God would strengthen and equip you to do what you may not even know He’s called you to do yet. Allow your ability and the need He places before you to intersect, so that He may be glorified. Open your eyes, open your heart, allow His love to flow through you and watch your hope story, which is really His, unfold right before you.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our hope and our shield. 

In Him our hearts rejoice as we trust in His Holy name." Psalm 33:4 

photo of Nicki and Alijati, Uganda 2012

photo of Nicki and Alijati, Uganda 2012

Alijati is the beautiful girl wearing the white top.