Psalm 119…

 

Psalm 119….

When we read through the Bible, we tend to think it goes chronologically, but it doesn’t…

scholars tend to believe that Psalm 119 was written after the exile period of Israel and here  it is in the book of psalms , many written by David which was way before the exile period…

Some writers have said that Ezra was trying to teach the Israelites the love of the Word after their exile period…” as a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith” Bible study notes…with almost all the verses mentioning God’s Word…

If we read through it everyday, we would be counseled,  we would glorify God, our hearts would be taught , and so much more…we couldn’t help but love His Word…as Ezra hoped the Israelites would be…his love letter to his people…

“Ezra's Influence on Psalm 119
Ezra, a key figure in the post-exilic period of Israel, played a significant role in the spiritual restoration of the Jewish people. His teachings and emphasis on the Law are reflected in Psalm 119, which is the longest chapter in the Bible and focuses on the importance of God's Word.

Historical Context
Psalm 119 is often associated with the time after the Babylonian exile, around 440 BC, when Ezra reintroduced the Law to the Israelites. This context highlights themes of obedience, restoration, and devotion to God's commandments

Themes in Psalm 119
The psalm emphasizes the beauty and significance of God's laws, with 176 verses dedicated to expressing love for His commandments. It serves as a meditation on the relationship between the believer and God's Word, showcasing a deep reverence for divine instruction

Ezra's Role
Ezra's commitment to teaching the Law and his personal devotion are echoed in the psalm's structure, which may have been influenced by his teachings. The psalm's focus on the importance of scripture aligns with Ezra's mission to restore the spiritual life of the Jewish community”

Yahoo notes…

Thank YOU….

Your Words are wonderful…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1AzrpeKYdE

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 Psalm 119, first verses…

I thought it would be interesting to look at the first verses of every section and a corresponding verse found elsewhere ….this is what I found….so neat that the Word agrees with itself…we want a Word that is true…

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

( Blessed are all who fear the Lord,who walk in obedience to him.

Ps.128.1)

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?By living according to your word. 

( “Now, Lord, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me according to my law, as you have done.’

2Chr.6.16)

Be good to your servant while I live,that I may obey your word. 

( I will sing the Lord’s praise,for he has been good to me.

Ps.13.6)

I am laid low in the dust;preserve my life according to your word. 

(  We are brought down to the dust;our bodies cling to the ground.

Ps.44.25

 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

Ps.143.11)

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,that I may follow it to the end. 

 (Praise be to you, Lord;teach me your decrees.

Ps.119.12)

May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,your salvation, according to your promise; 

( Turn, Lord, and deliver me;save me because of your unfailing love.

Ps.6.4)

Remember your word to your servant,for you have given me hope. 

( Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long.

Ps.25.5)

You are my portion, Lord;I have promised to obey your words. 

( I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.”

Lam.3.24)

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. 

( For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Ps.84.11)

Your hands made me and formed me;give me understanding to learn your commands. 

( Know that the Lord is God.It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Ps.100.3)

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,but I have put my hope in your word. 

( My soul yearns, even faints,for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry outfor the living God.

Ps.84.2)

Your word, Lord, is eternal;it stands firm in the heavens. 

(     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you.

1Pet.1.25)

Oh, how I love your law!I meditate on it all day long. 

( but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,and who meditates on his law day and night.

Ps.1.2)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,a light on my path. 

( For this command is a lamp,this teaching is a light,and correction and instructionare the way to life,

Prov.6.23)

I hate double-minded people,but I love your law. 

( Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Jas.1.8)

I have done what is righteous and just;do not leave me to my oppressors. 

(     Let the Lord judge the peoples.Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,according to my integrity, O Most High.

Ps.7.8)

 

Your statutes are wonderful;therefore I obey them. 

You are righteous, Lord,and your laws are right. 

(You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good.

Neh.9.13)

I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,and I will obey your decrees. 

( I sought the Lord, and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears.

Ps.34.4)

Look on my suffering and deliver me,for I have not forgotten your law. 

( My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart,

Prov.3.1)

Rulers persecute me without cause,but my heart trembles at your word. 

( See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

1Sam.24.11)

May my cry come before you, Lord;give me understanding according to your word.

( In my distress I called to the Lord;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice;my cry came before him, into his ears.

Ps.18.6)

Ps.119.1,Ps.119.9,Ps.119.17,Ps.119.25,Ps.119.33,Ps.119.41,Ps.119.49,Ps.119.57,Ps.119.65,Ps.119.73,Ps.119.81,Ps.119.89,Ps.119.97,Ps.119.105,Ps.119.113,Ps.119.121,Ps.119.129,Ps.119.137,Ps.119.145,Ps.119.153,Ps.119.161,Ps.119.169

Thank YOU…

Thy Word….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

Strangers…

 Strangers….

This week marked the birth of a third great grandson….

I had to chuckle as I read the verse, “I am a stranger on earth “…

I know an adult wrote this, but it sure fits a  newborn looking around at this new world he is born into…there  are lights, new sounds, new temperatures, people passing him around, new feeding procedures….everything is new and he learns slowly not to be a stranger on earth as he adapts to a new environment….

We take so much for granted as we live longer and longer…while the little ones learn a language, how to eat, how to get along with others, how to dress, growing all the while…etc…

Another question, verse 9, “ how can a young man keep his way pure?” 

The answer, “ By living according to you r word…”

The psalm 119 is filled line upon line how this new child can find his life is God…”teach me knowledge and  good judgment”…

 It is such a huge responsibility for parents to guide their children down the right path…just as God with his word wants each of us to be guided toward his light…his lamp…

Thank YOU…

Ancient Words…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcSAdzLXKVE

Seek…

 Seek….

These are just a few verses about seeking…I s tarted with psalm 119 as that is where our women’s Bible study is this week…

But, what meaningful verses…

Seeking with all your heart…

Seeking eagerly…

Seeking God’s face…

Seeking with heart and soul…

Seek and you will find…

Don’t those just touch your soul…

When we are having hard times, dry times, good times…seek…

Thank YOU…

 I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.

Ps.119.10

 All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.

2Chr.15.15

 Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.

1Chr.16.10-11

 They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.

2Chr.15.12

 Those who know your name trust in you,for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Ps.9.10

  Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.

Ps.105.3-4

 Sow righteousness for yourselves,reap the fruit of unfailing love,and break up your unplowed ground;for it is time to seek the Lord,until he comesand showers his righteousness on you.

Hos.10.12

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matt.7.7-8

Seek ye first…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsBpM9IcBts

 Everything…everywhere…

 Praise the Lord, you his angels,you mighty ones who do his bidding,who obey his word. 

Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,you his servants who do his will. 

Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Ps.103.20-22

“Does your life praise the Lord? Bible study notes…

Reading these three verses doesn’t leave anything to not praise the Lord…everything….everywhere…

 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Ps.29.1-2

 All your works praise you, Lord;your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts-and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Ps.145.10-12

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil.4.6,Phil.4.7

 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything….

1Tim.6.13a

Thank YOU…

All hail the power of Jesus’ name…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQSh7QsKcSs

Pastors…

 Pastors…

Over many years, my family has had a variety of pastors….

Each has had specific bents in their outlook…

Law/legalism, missions , compassion, knowledge,  hospitality, encouragement, shepherding, leadership/vision,  organization, evangelism, authoritarianism….

God ordained those men to be in the places they were for the times they were….and moved them when He desired…we have had shepherds after church splits or the death of a pastor to help,heal the wounds of the people…we have had evangelists in church plants…we have had mission oriented pastors in new areas….we have had leadership/vision pastors when the church needed leadership in building programs or other programs…

All taught the gospel well, from different bents…Jesus was there  all the time…being glorified…

I thought of Moses, forty years as a shepherd…learning to take care of sheep, a training ground to lead people through the desert for 40 years…a huge difference from the royalty he had been raised under…

 Or Paul, going from town to town teaching starting new bodies of believers…

Barnabas, coming behind to encourage the new believers…

I found this description of a shepherd/pastor…doesn’t this fit Moses?

“AI generated….

A shepherd pastor embodies several key traits essential for effective leadership and care within a church community.

Compassion and Care
A good shepherd pastor demonstrates deep compassion for their congregation, prioritizing the emotional and spiritual well-being of their flock. They are approachable and willing to listen, providing support during difficult times

Integrity and Trustworthiness
Integrity is crucial; a shepherd pastor must be honest and consistent in their actions and teachings. This builds trust within the community, encouraging members to follow their guidance willingly

Leadership and Guidance
Effective shepherd pastors lead by example, guiding their congregation through spiritual growth and decision-making. They are responsible for teaching, protecting, and nurturing their flock

Vision and Direction
A shepherd pastor should possess a clear vision for the church's mission and direction, inspiring others to work towards common goals. This includes fostering a sense of community and encouraging active participation in church activities.”

 He made known his ways to Moses,his deeds to the people of Israel: 

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,slow to anger, abounding in love. 

As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 

for he knows how we are formed,he remembers that we are dust.

Ps.103.7,Ps.103.8,Ps.103.13,Ps.103.14

Thank YOU…

Gentle Shepherd….

Instrumental…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVuf6ldrFgk

Words…and music…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ex8B0vMmY_0

Such promises….

 

Such promises….

David, wrote such promises….

 Praise the Lord, my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 

Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all his benefits—-

( Praise the Lord, my soul.Lord my God, you are very great;you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

Ps.104.1)

— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 

( He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Ps.130.8

  He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Exod.15.26)

who redeems your life from the pit-and crowns you with love and compassion, 

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

( but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.

Isa.40.31)

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 

Psalm 103:1-6

“ no matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings —-past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read David’s list…Bible study notes”

Thank YOU….

Count your blessings…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtV2wmdZoqo