Morning Moments

Ps 119:97

MEM is the thirtenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the sub-title of the section of Psalm 119: 97-104

The eightfold Mem. The poet praises the practical wisdom which the word of God, on this very account so sweet to him, teaches. God's precious law, with which he unceasingly occupies himself, makes him superior in wisdom (Deut 4:6), intelligence, and judgment to his enemies, his teachers, and the aged Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament - Commentary on the Old Testament – Volume 5: Psalms.

What is it we are DRAWN to in our lives? For the saint of God the Word should be a magnet constanly drawing us to it. Peter gives us the example of breast feeding - as new born babes desire ye the sincere milk of the Word. If that is true of babes, how much more so should it be for those of full age.

The desire for the Word of God is an evidence of salvation.

Ps 119:98

Those who do not believe, and especially those skeptics and scoffers, are always with us as lambs in the midst of wolves. But God has given us wisdom and spiritual discernment fromthe Word about these enemies. We should only be surprised when we do not hear the roar of the lion, NOT when we hear it.

It amazes me that the children always think they know more than the fathers. Sometimes those who still should be on milk wish to tell those who are eating meat how to eat it.

Remember the word to the Hebrews, "You, by this time ought to be teachers, but you have need of being taught." Many of the wolves come from among the flock.

Ps 119:99

When I came to faith in Christ, I began spending six to eight hours every day in the Word of God. I did not read commentaries except to make sure I stayed on track. God had gifted me and He grew me and graced me with insight into the Word of God. He did it because I abandoned myself to Him and not to my own understanding, nor the understanding of teachers - and I believe I had the best.

To say that you have more understanding than your teachers sounds a bit arrogant, but it is not at all, and teachers and preacher that always think they know more than the students are sometimes wrong. THY testimonies are what I think about day and night. That is confidence, not arrogance.

Ps 119:100

Oh my goodness! The psalmist is saying that he knows more than the elders? No, but he is saying he UNDERSTANDS more. How can we say such a thing?

Far too many teachers have given themselves to study about God and the Bible. The knowledge and understanding God gives is not suited for the head, but the heart, and when we lose sight of that, we are merely increasing our knowledge not our wisdom and understanding. The BIBLE is our text, not some quarterly or commentary, or teaching by some gifted teacher. The noble Bereans searched the Scriptures DAILY to make sure that Paul's teaching were correct.

We MUST study the Bible to know GOD HIMSELF, not merely a commentary about Him. Teaching is important and good and necessary but all of the writings of man about God DO NOT substitute for your personal quest for Him through His Word...and that includes my writing and teaching. If I fail to get YOU into the Word for yourself, I have failed, regardless of how good the teaching might be.

Ps 119:101

This is one of the most important verses in our text. We have developed such a sub-standard Christianity in our day, we would renouce this as pride, but it is not.

What if your child says to you, "Dad and Mom, I want to please you in every way. I love you and want to prove that love by my devotion to what you have taught me. Whether in school or in some vocation, I will apply the principles of my faith because you led me to the Lord and I have learned from both you and the Lord how to live.

Would you then say, "That is silly and prideful! Your life is your own, live it as you will. We have tried to teach you but how you feel is much more important that our teaching."

How stupid can we be?

Ps 119:102

Being the father of four children, it has been a great blessing to see the children live out in their lives the principles of faith they have been taught. It is not something they do legalisticly, but something they do lovingly and realistically.

That makes a parent pleased and that is what pleases God. We Learn from Him and then we Live for Him. What He teaches us we then transfer into life. Now that is abundant living.

Ps 119:103

Most folks love to eat, but some live to eat. We the Word of God we do both. Jeremiah said, "Thy words were found and I did eat them and they became the joy and rejoicing of my soul."

There is nothing so fulfilling to the soul as the Word of God. I can go without physical food, but I CANNOT go without spiritual food. It is the tastiest morsel I have ever eaten, and is not merely sweet to the mouth, but to the belly also as it is digested. No indigestion here.

BLESSINGS!