Blessed are those who ...

"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." - Psalm 119:1-2

Psalm 119 is one of the most intriguing pieces of writing in the entire Bible. We note that it is the longest chapter in Scriptures (176 verses) and includes 22 sections of eight lines each. This coincides with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and is a technique that was used to help believers memorise the sacred text. It is also worth noting that this Psalm makes 8 different references to the Law, using 8 synonyms for the commands of God. In today's reading, you will note 2 of these.

The overriding message of this Psalm is that if we choose to follow the ways of God we will be Blessed. God's ways are hard to follow, but they will bring us to a place of contentment and peace.

Socrates - The end of life is to be like unto God; and the soul following God, will be like unto Him; He being the beginning, middle, and end of all things.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

If you are interested in following my latest Bible Study on Psalm 119, please visit this link. 

Studying

"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." - John 5:39-40

Just like many families at the moment, we are in the middle of exam season. Needless to say this time carries a certain degree of stress and much patience is required. 

As I was reflecting on this I was reminded that we are all called to keep on studying, no matter our age. As followers of Jesus we are life-long students, but we must remember to do our studying with the right motives. Jesus' speaks to those who follow him (in John 5) and teaches that our studying of the scriptures is to encounter the Messiah and not just to gain head knowledge. 

Enjoy your studies :)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Benjamin Franklin and Proverbs

Benjamin Franklin died on the 17^th April 1790. Along with his inventions such as the lighting rod and bifocals, he contributed enormously to an annual publication called Poor Richard’s Almanack. He wrote under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders and contributed a lot of content for the magazine. 

What I find interesting is how some of these little sayings gradually crept into the English language and we still use some of them today, albeit in slightly altered forms. Here are a few examples:

“No gains without pains.”
“Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.”
“There never was a good war or a bad peace.”

“Lost time is never found again.”
“Haste makes waste.”

“A true friend is the best possession.”

Wise sayings are wonderful to remember and to then try and live our lives by, however I still believe that the words of Scripture have lasted much longer than Franklins and they continue to offer Godly advice for anyone who is willing to listen. Take the following words from Proverbs 2 as an example:

“My child, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do.  

Listen to what is wise and try to understand it.

Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. 

Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure.

If you do, you will know what it means to fear the Lord and you will succeed in learning about God.  It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:1-6

May God bless you today and remember to use your words wisely.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The great conversation

I am so grateful for the gift of reading. I realise that some people don't like reading, but I count it a joy to read the thoughts and inspirations of many different authors. As Rene Descartes once observed, our reading opens up conversations with people we would never get to meet, but somehow we have a connection with them.
 
"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries." - Rene Descartes

It goes without saying that this is the same with the Scriptures. Reading the words of people like Solomon, David, Peter, Paul and Isaiah gives us a beautiful insight into their world and their understanding of faith.

As we read the Scriptures enjoy the conversation with the authors, but most especially, delight in speaking with the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16 -  The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

How desperate are you?

How desperate are you?
I mean, when you go through difficult times, how desperate do you get and what are you prepared to do? I see many people willing to do a whole number of things, but it is only those who are truly desperate who turn to prayer. And rightly so.

Often we need to quit trying to do things our own way and understand what God wants from us.

"It is often in the lowest times of despair and hopelessness that God breaks through and shows us a greater dimension of Himself. We also learn to ask God for greater things and believe Him for things we were once not desperate enough to plead for." - Michael Catt

Going to God in our time of greatest need is exactly what we need to be doing.
So what is top on your prayer list today? Take it to the Lord in prayer.

2 Chronicles 6:19 - "Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Right?

"Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right." - Charlemagne

How can we know what God wants us to do, if we don't spend time reading his word? If we want to know what is 'right' and what God's will is, then we need to be disciplined in understanding the truth.

So, how is your reading of the Scriptures going?

Genesis 4:7 - "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Living in Grace
D3LM3