I Will Give You All. (Psalm 119:169-176)

Psalm 119:169-176 (KJV) 
169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. 
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. 
171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. 
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. 
173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. 
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. 
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

"I will give You all. I will give You all. If all is what You ask of me, I will not withhold. And if my sacrifice is less, than giving You my very best; help me remember Calvary's cost and be willing to say yes." This song is one of my all time favorites. But I fear that I've sang it sometimes and not really meant it. It sounds good with the keyboards, guitars, drums, organs, horns, and vocals harmonizing, but sometimes that's where I've stopped. It's easy to sing, "I will You all" when you don't have much to give. But what if God requires your all?

The Bible tells us to be a living sacrifice, but the problem with living sacrifices is they can get up off the altar and walk away. This is why we need to DIE to our flesh, our desires, and our passions. We must pray the prayer that Jesus prayed, "Not my will but Thine be done O' Lord." This final stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of giving of our all to God.

Our minds...

The psalmist prays, "Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word." I want understanding, but I don't want to twist God's Word to fit me. Instead, I must change myself to fit the Word and it all starts in the mind.

I want my head (mind) anointed with fresh oil every day. David declared that this is what God does for us, "Thou anointest my head with oil..." Isaiah spoke about having our minds fixed upon the Lord and said, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Our mouth...


The psalmist prays, "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness." If carnal comedians can open their mouths and take the name of the Lord in vain, then I can - I MUST - open my mouth to declare His Word. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will give an answer to anyone who asks me about the hope that I have within me.

Our will (spirit)...


The psalmist prays, "Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts." Moses commanded the people of God to make a choice and he himself chose the sufferings of the Hebrews over the pleasures of sin in Egypt for a season. Joshua called for a choice to be made and declared his own choice of God. Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and called Israel to choose. Jesus rebuked Laodicea because they were neutral (lukewarm) and had not made a choice between hot or cold. I choose God's precepts. I cannot change the message; the message MUST change me!

Our emotions (heart)...


The psalmist prays, "I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight." Jesus taught that where are treasure is, there will our heart be also. Do we only put away treasures on earth, or do we also lay up treasure where moth and rust cannot corrupt? Do we long to please God, delighting in what makes Him happy?

Our conscience (soul)...


The psalmist prays, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments." I don't ever want to forget where God brought me from, nor do I ever want to forget God's commandments. I want God to control every part of my life, including my soul (my conscience). I want God to use my conscience to help direct and lead me in His paths, convicting me if I go astray.

The following lyrics sum up this blog: "Lord I give You my heart; I give You my soul. I live for You alone. Every breath that I take; every moment I'm awake; Lord have Your way in me." Let's sing it, but let's also live it!

Another one of my all-time favorite songs is, "I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Thee my Blessed Savior. I surrender all." I want to sing this song and mean it too. My life is not my own anymore. My will has been dissolved so that I might fulfill His will. I've given up my dream to fulfill His vision for my life. I surrender to His plan and purpose for me. "Lord, take my mind and mouth. Take my heart, spirit, and soul. Take all of me and use me for your glory."

The Master walked into a room filled with vessels desiring to use one of them for a special purpose. The gold vessel spoke first, "Master use me. I'm of much value, and I will shine bright for you." But the Master kept looking. The silver vessel then said, "Master use me. I will reflect Your image." But the Master kept looking. One by one, the vessels told the Master what they would do if He would but just choose them. However, the Master kept looking, until finally, an earthen vessel stood before Him and said, "Master, I will pour out for others what You pour into me." And this vessel was the one the Master chose for His special purpose.

I want to be like that earthen vessel of honor - Lord, let me freely give to others what You have freely given to me. Let me pour out for others what You've poured into me! I will give You all! It's more than a song to me...

Gold Rush (Psalm 119:161-168)

Psalm 119:161-168 (KJV) 
161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 
162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 
163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 
164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. 
165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 
166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. 
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. 
168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

When Westward expansion was the hot topic of the day, anytime that it was reported that gold had been found, it would cause a rush of people leaving everything behind and heading west with hopes of wealth and a better life.

Today is no different, even though the west has been won and settled. People seek higher education and certifications so they can advance in a career. People change jobs, move from one city and state to another city and state with the dreams and hope of economical strength. People invest money with the hope to make more. And not that any of this is necessarily wrong, but I wonder if some people own a Bible they rarely, if ever, read. I wonder if some are content to sit on a church pew and keep it warm.

However, I wonder if there are some like the psalmist, who declare, "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil." I choose to by this type of person.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (KJV) 
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

Do you want a surface relationship with God? This is represented by "wood, hay, and stubble." These things are all found on the surface of the earth. It doesn't take much to obtain these items. However, when this type of "works" are judged by fire, then they will be consumed and destroyed.

Do you want a deep relationship with God? This is represented by "gold, silver, and precious stones." These things are all found beneath the surface of the earth. It takes much effort to obtain these items, and when the judgment of fire comes upon these elements, they are purified and increase in their value.

So, do you rejoice at the Word of God as one that discovers a great spoil? Or do you casually read and study the Word of God? I cannot choose for you fellow laborer, but I desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Word of God is life to me. It is more valuable to me than rubies and diamonds, or gold and silver. I love to mine it's depths and discover fresh revelation. While I cannot choose for you, I hopefully have inspired you to "rejoice at (God's) word, as one that findeth great spoil."

The psalmist continued, declaring, "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments." This number is not a literal number, but rather an infinite number. On the seventh day, God rested from all His labor. In the account of creation, each of the first six days have a beginning and ending. However, there is no ending mentioned to the seventh day. Obviously it did end, and the eighth day began. However, the symbolic truth from this is that God's rest never ends. So, in keeping with this figurative example of seven, the psalmist is declaring that "All day, every day, for as long I shall live, I will praise God!"

Because of his deep passion for the Word of God, the psalmist also says one of the most quoted psalms, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." This word offend means "to cause to stumble." Because I love His Word more than anything... because I mine it's depths and discover His truth... Because I rever the Word like the '49ers revered gold... I will have great peace and nothing will make me stumble: NOTHING!

Economic troubles shall not "offend" me...

Difficulties shall not "offend" me...

Friends or family who reject me shall not "offend" me...

__________ (you fill in the blank) shall not "offend" me...

Thanks for reading my blog today. I'm signing off now. I've heard there's "gold" in the Word and I'm "rushing" to go see what I can find.......

New Life! (Psalm 119:153-160)

Psalm 119:153-160 (KJV) 
153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. 
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. 
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. 
156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. 
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. 
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. 
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. 
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

I will never forget hearing the McGruders' sing, "I've Just Started Living." I can even now hear them (in my memory) singing this song with great anointing:

• I've just started living
• Found me a brand new life
• It changed my direction
• Washed away all my strife
• I'm a new born believer
• It's a holy in-filling
• My load's getting lighter
• My day's getting brighter
• I just started living

What a great life living for the Lord! This stanza uses the word "quicken" three different times and it means, "to make alive; give life."

1) Life in His Word

The psalmist prayed, "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word."

The only life I have is in Christ and His Word. When everything else fails, I can hope in His Word and be made alive by His Word. You have to be convinced of this fellow laborer, God's Word is infallible and without error! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I have life in His Word.

When I'm afflicted, I can go to the Word of God and receive life. When I feel overwhelmed by circumstances, all I have to do is see Christ above and beyond my situation! But, also, when things are going great, I still have life ONLY in His Word! God is not my "good-luck-charm" when things go bad. He's my all-in-all. I have no life outside His Word.

I need Him in the good days just as much as I need Him in the bad days. I don't want to go a single second without Him. For without Him, I have no life!

2) Life in His Judgments

The psalmist continued praying, "Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments." The words judgments means, "the judicial standard of God's fairness and justice." When things seemingly go wrong, I can call upon the everlasting and tender mercies of the Lord, asking for life in His fairness and justice!

Do you realize that God wants to give His children life more abundantly... and hope that doesn't make ashamed... and peace that passes all understanding... and joy unspeakable and full of glory... and the kingdom...and so much more? Jesus said it this way:

Matthew 7:7-11 (KJV) 
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

I cannot and I will not believe that this passage was only for the 1st Century Church! He is my Father, and when I need LIFE in His judgments, He will give it to me!

3) Life in His Lovingkindness

The psalmist also prayed, "Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness." Lovingkindness means, "steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion."

With God, my life is complete! Think about it this way: God loves me where He finds me, but He doesn't leave me where He finds me. He takes me on a journey of His steadfast love.

Ephesians 3:17-21 (KJV) 
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

You talk about NEW LIFE! I can certainly sing with the McGruders, I'VE JUST STARTED LIVING Because it's true. Go ahead and try to measure the breadth, length, depth, or height of God's love, and you'll be on a never ending quest.

And for the grand finale, let's see what the psalmist said as this stanza comes to a close: "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."

From the very beginning of your dilemma, the Deliver is already there speaking His Word. From the very outset of your circumstance, Christ is already there speaking a true word. In other words fellow laborers, God is with us ALL THE TIME! He goes before us, walks with us, and is our "rear-guard" too! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

The young lad skipped and hopped all through the park. An elderly gentlemen sitting on a bench stopped the young lad and said, "Son: I'll give you a dime if you can tell me where God is." Without missing a beat, the lad replied, "And sir, I'll give you a dollar if you can tell me where God isn't."

Now, do you remember what the word "judgments" means? If not, let me remind you: "the judicial standard of God's fairness and justice." Now, look once more with me at the final few words of verse 160, "...and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." This means that they are still enduring in the 21st Century.

Do you need some NEW LIFE? Do you need to be quickened? Then realize with me that this passage in Psalms wasn't just for the psalmist, but it still extends today to you and I. Those righteous judgments are still enduring and will keep on enduring until the end of time!

Desperate Intercession Leads to Divine Intervention (Psalm 119:145-152)

Psalm 119:145-152 (KJV) 
145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. 
146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. 
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. 
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. 
149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. 
150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. 
151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. 
152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

There is something about desperation that moves the heart of God. If God responded to need, then hospitals would close down, jails would empty, and the economy would never go into recession or depression. But God doesn't respond to need; He responds to faith. Read through the great accounts of faith in the Bible and you'll see that desperation is found in each of them.

• Esther - it's literally a life or death situation, as her entire race is threatened by an evil plot. She asks for everyone to join her in fasting and prayer.
• Jehosaphat - he and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem are surrounded by their enemy. No shots have to be fired, they can just starve them out if they want to. Desperation is seen when a solemn time of prayer and fasting is called for, and everyone in the city joins in unified prayer and fasting.
• The Syrophencian Woman - her daughter is vexed with a devil. She is not an Israelite, and Jesus plainly tells her this. But her desperation won't let her get offended, even at being referred to as a dog. Instead, she replies, "Even the dogs get to eat up the crumbs that fall from the Master's table" and Jesus honors her great faith by healing her daughter.
• Jarius - his daughter is sick unto death. He finds Jesus, worships Him, and asks Him to come quickly. Jesus begins to go with Jarius, but during their journey to Jarius' house, another desperate soul has pushed her way through not only the crowd, but the shame and guilt of a problem that has plagued her for 12 long years and taken all her life savings. She finally touches the hem of Jesus' garment and is instantly healed. While Jesus is talking with her, He says to her, "Daughter, go your way, your faith has made you whole." This is interesting because Jesus doesn't call anyone else "daughter." What you'll miss in the story, if you're not careful, is that while Jesus is speaking to this woman, a servant of Jarius has told him, "Don't trouble the Master anymore, your daughter is dead." I believe Jesus said, "daughter" loud enough for Jarius to hear, and not just for the benefit of the woman He had just healed.

Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with great examples of desperate intercession leading to divine intervention. I believe that 2 Chronicles 7:14 best sums up the heart of this blog:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Without taking away from the beauty of this verse, or lessening it, you could sum it up by saying, "If we will.......God will..." In other words, we are not waiting on God; God is waiting on us!

When we get desperate enough to realize that God is not our last resort, but our first and only option, and when we act on that desperation, then believe me when I tell you that it will bring about divine intervention! God wants to intervene on our behalf. He wants to honor our faith in Him. Let's cry out with our "whole hearts" like the psalmist does in this stanza. In the first four verses (145-148) the psalmist expresses desperation:

• "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD...."
• "I cried unto thee; save me...."
• "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word."
• "Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word."

In the last (147-148), David is saying, "I rise up early, before the dawn..." and "I'm still awake, desperately praying before the night begins..."

In the parable of the unjust judge, a woman approaches him asking to be avenged of her adversary. Because she doesn't have any money to pay the judge, or bribe him, so he dismisses her case. This is why he is referred to as the "unjust judge." If you think political upheaval is new and only experienced since Watergate, you're sadly mistaken. Anyway, back to the point...

Day after day this persistent woman approaches the unjust judge until finally he gives her what she requests because she is so persistent, and quite frankly, bugging him. Jesus then explains that "God will avenge us speedily who ask."

It is not meant to paint God as the unjust judge. It's an "antitype." The point is that if an unjust judge will finally give in due to persistence, how much more will a loving God - The Just Judge - intervene on the behalf of His children who desperately intercede, asking for His help!

What is your need today? Are you willing to desperately intercede expecting God to intervene? I'll meet you in prayer friend... and remember, "The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!"

His Righteousness (Psalm 119:137-144)

Psalm 119:137-144 (KJV) 
137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. 
138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. 
139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. 
140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. 
141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. 
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. 
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. 

You cannot get good enough to get God. Instead you have to get God in order to get good enough. Why? Because our righteousness is equal to filthy rags compared to His righteousness. Besides, how can an unholy sinful people approach a holy sinless God? Dr. Henrietta C. Mears answers the question; "The way to God is by sacrifice. The walk with God is by separation."

In four of the eight verses of this stanza, the psalmist speaks of God and His righteousness. And since our righteousness is as filthy rags, it is imperative that we are clothed with God's righteousness. Laodicea, the seventh church that Jesus addressed in Revelation was given a remedy for their problem. Part of that remedy included putting on "...white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear..." (Revelation 3:18).

Part of the central theme of this stanza is the psalmist's zeal for those who have forgotten God's Word. Sometimes, when we face hardship, it's hard to sing, "God is a good God, yes He is." But our circumstance doesn't change God! What seems impossible to you, is simply another opportunity for God to show forth His Almighty power. Three key words, describing God's righteousness are found in this stanza:

1) Upright...

This means "to be straight or even; to bring in order." God's righteousness will never lead you astray. The path that we are to walk on is called the "straight and narrow" path. When we are clothed with God's righteousness, we are "made straight" and "brought in order." I for one am willing to admit that before I knew the Lord, everything was out of order in my life. But once I was born again, things begin to change for the better. This is the power of His righteousness.

2) Faithful...

This means, "firmness; moral fidelity; steadiness; stability; security." God's righteousness will give you security and stability, and cause you to be steady and firm. Today people are looking for stability and security, but the only place you will find it is in His righteousness. But there's something else in this definition that stands out to me - moral fidelity. With divorce rates off the charts and some couples just choosing to live together rather than marry, and with an overall lack of relational commitment, it is comforting to know that God's righteousness is not here today and gone tomorrow! He is faithful.

3) Everlasting...

This means, "eternal; always." God's righteousness will never end. It will transcend every generation and culture. It has existed before time began in creation and it will continue when time is ended. What really lasts forever today? Nothing that we make, invent, or design does. Sure, there are good people who do good things, and live a good life. But God's righteousness is forever!

It is hard for us as limited human beings to comprehend our illimitable God. To us, life begins at conception, then there is the pain and yet beauty of birth, but after a period of time (hopefully a long time), that life is over. But God existed before time, and is not constrained to time like we are. This is why we MUST be clothed with His righteousness.

When we stand before God, if we do not have on the wedding garment (His righteousness) we will not be invited in and welcomed to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Remove the garment of heaviness, the garments of sin and shame, and put on the garment of praise today. Be clothed with His righteousness. His righteousness is upright, faithful, and everlasting.

Let the be Light! (Psalm 119:129-136)

Psalm 119:129-136 (KJV) 
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. 
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 
131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. 
132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 
133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. 
135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. 
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. 

In mass and mess of void and darkness, God moved over the waters and spoke, "Let there be light!" Darkness was dissipated and God would create the world and everything in it to His standard. Oh the power of God's Word!

Reading the Word of God is meant to be revelatory. God wants to manifest His ways, His will, and His works through His Word. God's Word is not meant to be mysterious. Neither is it some sort of coded message that has to be deciphered with algorithms. The psalmist clearly states that, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

But it doesn't stop with understanding. It should translate into a desire for more of God. The psalmist continued, "I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments." It wasn't enough to have his understanding enlightened, He wanted more of God. Do you long to know and obey God's Word?

The psalmist then requests mercy upon his life, but adds a qualifier, "Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name." The prerequisite to continued mercy in one's life is to love His name. And if you love His name, you'll love His Word, His ways, His will, and His works.

This illuminating light that opens the understanding now leads the psalmist to pray, "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." This is similar to the pattern of prayer Jesus instructed the disciples to pray; "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Every day, I want God to order my steps in His Word.

The earth was without form (confusion) and void (empty) and darkness covered the face of the deep. But when light was spoken into existence, things began to be formed by God's plan, that which was empty became filled, and darkness dissipated. The same is true with us. We approach God confused, empty and in darkness, but the entrance of His words give light!

Friends and fellow laborers, it might be dark, gloomy, and cloudy right now, but I proclaim that the SON is about to break through those dark and gloomy clouds shining brighter than you've ever seen. Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING!

My prayer for you is the words God spoke that first day of creation, "LET THERE BE LIGHT!"

Let God Arise! (Psalm 119:121-128)

Psalm 119:121-128 (KJV) 
121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. 
122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 
123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 
124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 
125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. 
126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. 
127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. 
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Sometimes it feels like everything that can go wrong does. At times it appears that things are hopeless. I'm sure we can identify with David in saying, "Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness." But when all this happens, we need to remember what I believe to be the heart of this stanza, "It is time for thee, LORD, to work..."

Do you long to see God move and work? I do! I don't believe that God's power is limited in any way. The Bible declares Jesus Christ to be "the same yesterday, today, and forever!" If God can part impassable waters to save His people, then He can work through impossible situations for you and I today. If God can feed a prophet by sending ravens carrying food to him, then God can keep food in your cupboards and refrigerator. Nothing is impossible for the Lord. If your staring down an impossible situation, then call upon God, asking Him to arise and act on your behalf.

The context surrounding verse 126 is centered around those who have neglected to obey God's law. The psalmist may have thought that God was inactive in dealing with them, and prayed this as a reminder to God of His justice, requesting that He arise and vindicate His own justice for the sake of the faithful. From this, we must realize that we cannot call upon God to help us if we are not going to be obedient to His Word. God is not our "good luck charm" nor is He reduced to a dashboard bobble-head figure.

I'm in love with Commander, and enjoy pleasing Him by obeying His commandments. Because I keep His commandments, and walk in His ways, I can call upon Him to vindicate me in my situation. John was inspired to write, "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (1 John 3:22 KJV)"

John also wrote, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (1 John 5:14-15 KJV)"

So, without deviating from the context of Psalm 119:126, I believe I can seek God to arise in my impossible situations, vindicating me, because I keep His commandments and ask according to His will. The fact is that God's will is God's word!

I can pray for God to "act" in my home according to His Word because I "love my wife as Christ loved the church..." and because I will "not provoke my children unto wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."


I can pray for God to "act" in my finances according to His Word because I give my tithes and offerings cheerfully, not out of necessity or grudgingly. I can ask Him to rebuke the devourer for my sake and open the windows of heaving, pouring out abundant blessings.

I can pray for my unsaved friend or family member according to His Word knowing that is "not the will of God that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Know the Word and you'll know God's will. Keep the Word and you can pray according to it with confidence that God will arise and act in your circumstance. This is the confidence of those who are the saints of the Most High God!

Hope & Healing, part 2 (Psalm 119:113-120)

Psalm 119:113-120 (KJV) 
113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. 
114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. 
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. 
119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. 
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. 

When everything around you seems to be caving in and you have no where left to turn. When all seems lost and hopeless. When the light at the end of the tunnel is actually a train coming your direction. When it feels like you're so low you have to reach up to touch bottom. When _______ (you fill in the blank)... YOU CAN TURN TO GOD - HE IS YOUR HIDING PLACE! You can hope in His Word. My word has the propensity for failure, BUT GOD'S WORD NEVER FAILS!

God is not a man that He should lie, or change His mind (Numbers 23:19)! When He speaks, SOMETHING always happens! Solomon said, "Where the word of a king is, there is power." How true that is of God's Word! In fact, God's Word is the ultimate authority. When all seems hopeless, I can find my hiding place in God and His Word. David said it this way, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe."

But God not only gives me hope; He also brings healing. He is the broken-heart mender. His peace passes all understanding. His joy is unspeakable and full of glory. His mercy is everlasting, enduring to all generations. His truth sets me free and endures forever. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I can do all things through Christ who is my strength.

When I'm sick, He's Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that heals all my disease. When I'm in need, He's Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord my Provider. When the enemy rages against me, He's Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord who Reigns in Victory. When I'm troubled, He's Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord my Peace.

David said, "Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually." The hope and healing that comes from God won't leave you "ashamed." You will be held up and kept safe, for He will never leave you nor forsake you. WOW! What a God!

Various leaders of The Church of Omaha recently wrote an essay on hope and healing. Here are some excerpts from their essay's:

• "We believe that a place of hope and healing is exactly as it states: a place of hope where those seeking guidance and where we as a body place our hope in God. (Hebrews 3:6). A place of healing where people can be healed physically, mentally, and spiritually according to Scripture (James 5:14-16)." ~Donnie & Kara
• "The hope for this lost world is Jesus Christ! However, if this world believes that Jesus died and He is long gone, there is no doubt that their hope has died too. This world, this country, this city needs to see that Jesus is alive, that our hope lives, but how? In John 20:20, we see that when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He showed them His wounds (as proof that He was Jesus who was crucified and that He was alive). Wouldn't this be the perfect time to show to sinners that we were once wounded too, that we were once broken in our hearts and spirits, that we were once dead, but because He lives, now we live!" ~Francisco & Karla
• "We might say that hope is a new beginning and healing is Jesus. Without reservation, we could say we want a new beginning in Jesus. If we sin, if we need healing, or most of all life eternal, Jesus and only Jesus can give us that. As Christians we are not locked into only helping those at the Church, but anywhere we go. This is only true if we carry the true meaning of Christians so all can identify us by our actions." ~Ronald
• "Not only does TCOO have "a place of hope and healing" on the doors of the church to look good, but they also practice it. I am very thankful for TCOO, for what it teaches and what it stands for. Since I was able to take the time I needed to heal, I believe I have become an asset to the church, helping where ever I am able." ~Karen
• "To be a place of hope, we must be a people who are unified in our desire to look beyond the surface, to focus on potential, and to be 'love practitioners' by showing compassion to everyone we meet, not just everyone who walks through the doors of the church. As a church body, one of our goals is to birth souls, to perpetuate the healing process for souls in need of salvation. In order to do this, we must be honest with ourselves, open before God in everything, so that He shines through in every aspect of our lives. But we must also remember that "hope maketh not ashamed" (Romans 5:5), and that by being Christ-like, refusing to be quick to judgment and condemnation, we can reach the person as well as the soul." ~Joe & Betty

These brief quotes from their essay's speak to what hope and healing is all about, and not just at The Church of Omaha. We, the church, should offer hope and healing everywhere to everyone. Jesus said, "Whosoever will" and so should we.

Do you need hope today? You'll find it in His Word. Do you need healing today? In Jesus' name, be healed. Whether it's for an emotional or physical need, I believe that as we pray in Jesus' name, you will be healed.

Led by God (Psalm 119:105-112)

Psalm 119:105-112 (KJV) 
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 
107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. 
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. 
109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. 
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

On our way to visit family for Thanksgiving last year, we drove into a blinding rainstorm. Visibility was extremely low and traffic was barely moving. In fact, we could barely make out the brake-lights of the vehicles in front of us. All of my defensive driving skills were put to the test. Finally, when we exited the highway, and headed in a different direction, we began to get away from the storm. Visibility increased and we could resume normal speeds.

Sometimes living for God and following Him is like going through that rainstorm. That is when we need trust in God's Word all the more. His Word is a lamp and light, and will guide us through each and every storm.

However, just because I was able to get out of the rain and resume normal speeds, I still maintained a sense of urgency. Even though I could see more clearly, I still required the use of my lights. My point is that we should not only use God's Word when things go bad, but in all things - good and bad. I need God to guide me daily. I want Him to guide me daily.

Regardless of what others do, and how difficult the path may be, "I will keep thy righteous judgments." When things get tough, and even though "I am afflicted very much" I can pray, "Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word." When I rise in the morning, all during the day, and when I lay down at night, I ask the Lord to "Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments."

Even though "my soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law." You see, "the wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts." O' Lord, "thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end."

You see, all you have to do is interject yourself into these verses. I know things get rough. I know the way is narrow. I know you feel all alone. Guess what? I'm a pastor and there are times that I feel all alone. There are times when I feel like no one knows where I am or what I'm going through. But, then I read through the Word of God and realize I'm not alone.

Horatio Spafford felt as if God Himself didn't even know how he felt, yet in the midst of great tragedy - the loss of his children at sea - he penned these words, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul."

I am convinced that if you remove the tragedy and trial from the great heroes of faith, you will also remove the great triumph they experienced also. I want to be led by God, even if it means being led through painful experiences. I trust Him wholly. I will not waiver in my faith just because the path is rough and my companions few. Like Job, I will maintain my integrity and not charge God foolishly, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." I may not be able to feel God on the right or left, in front or in back of me, but I know that He knows where I am. I also know that when I come forth, I shall come forth as gold tried in the fire. In other words, I will be purified by God's Word.

How can I sleep peacefully at night? Because I trust in His Word. How can I live in this world filled with crime and immorality? Because I trust in His Word. God's Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Regardless of how dark the night, I know that the morning comes!

It was at midnight that Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises. It was in the twilight that the four lepers decided to get up and go to the camp of the Syrians. The study of both "midnight" and "twilight" shows that these times were the darkest times. This is both literal and figurative. If you're weeping during this dark time, realize that JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING, and the morning will come!

Don't be afraid to be led by God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never lead you astray. Even though you might feel confused and frustrated, and your own visibility limited, remember, His Word is the lamp and light and His Word never fails. NEVER!

No Success Without a Successor (Psalm 119:97-104)

Psalm 119:97-104 (KJV) 
97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 
98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 
100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. 
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 
102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 
103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

We cannot afford to drop the baton as it is passed to the next generation. Raymond Woodward said at Because of The Times 2011, "We are in desperate need of leaders who will pass the baton while they still have strength to cheer."

True success is not achieved unless there is a successor to continue succeeding. This principle is not first found in leadership books or conferences, but rather in the Bible. Moses got the children of Israel through wilderness; Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Elijah anointed and appointed Elisha who received a double portion of his spirit. Jesus anointed twelve to carry on the gospel of the kingdom and they in turn appointed others to follow them.

This is the way it is supposed to work, and if it does not, then we have failed and our success will be nothing more than a flash in the pan.

David speaks three different times of having "understanding" in this thirteenth stanza of Psalm 119. Two of those times it is in reference to understanding more than his teachers and elders. This is not a slap in their face, nor is it to say that we can disregard our teachers or elders contribution. However, if they are irreplaceable, what happens when they die? Does the dream die with them?

If the church is to get better, more powerful, and see greater things, then we must pass the baton successfully. This requires teaching and trusting.

Joshua led the children of Israel into the Promised Land. He and Caleb and that first generation were conquerors. They constantly and consistently possessed their promise! Victory after victory is recorded as they claimed what God had promised them.

The elders represent the second generation. These elders are identified as maintainers. There were no new victories won, and no new lands conquered. They just maintained what the previous generation had achieved. This brought up a third generation that didn't know God or His works. Read it - it's in Judges 2:10. This third generation falls away from God's will and serves false gods.

If we do not teach our children diligently, then we will see a third generation rise that doesn't know God or yet His works. This is the magnitude of my blog today. We could only be one generation away from extinction if we do not experience fresh victories!

Are we satisfied to read about prayer meetings and God's provision in the past? Has the American Dream effectively replaced our Apostolic Vision? Do we believe that miracles are reserved for stories from the Bible or only in foreign fields? GOD FORBID!

I am grateful for every elder and teacher I've had (and still have). Those I still have, I pray for them daily and seek their counsel often. However, I cannot rely on their prayer life to get me through. I cannot rejoice at the accounts of their victories and rejoice in their faith without also seeing my own. I too must possess a steadfast, immovable, always abounding faith and passion to see my generation experience the glory of God. I must effectively pass this on to my son and daughter. Otherwise, I am not a true success.

Unfortunately, I've noticed some who depart from this precious faith proclaiming a new found liberty in Christ. However, this new liberty requires less discipline, obedience, and sacrifice than previous generations gave. It is obvious, then, that this is not a doctrine that parallels the truth. The fact is that I must give MORE than my elders and teachers gave. This is not to imply that I would be somehow better by doing more. Instead, the fact is that we are living a world whose moral fabric continues to unravel. Sin abounds more and more today. What once was hidden in coded messages in music is now blatantly spoken in modern lyrics.

I'm eternally grateful for every elder and teach who has walked this blameless way before me. I too must also walk it faithfully. It will require of me absolute discipline, ultimate obedience, and complete sacrifice. I'm willing make the commitment to accept the baton from those handing it to me, and I'm willing to invest in the succeeding generation and one day pass it to them as well.

And the way I will successfully accept the baton and pass it on is found in David's words, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (vs 97, 101-103)

It's Good (Psalm 119:89-96)

Psalm 119:89-96 (KJV) 
89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 
90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 
92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 
93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 
94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 
95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. 
96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

Think about all the words we use to describe things we design and build:

• Awesome
• Beautiful
• Cool
• Dazzling
• Etc...

I'm sure we could go to the end of the alphabet and start all over with all types of adjectives and adverbs, but have you noticed that cars rust, houses depreciate, fad and styles change, computers get outdated, and trash dumps continue to grow?

God created the heavens and the earth and at the end of each days work, He just simply said, "It's good." And on the end of the sixth and final day of work, He said, "It's very good." And have you noticed that seasons still change, oceans still ebb and flow, and all of creation still does what it was intended to do?

Grass still turns green in the Spring. Trees still sprout their leaves in the Spring lose them in the Fall. The moon reflects the sun, and stars continue to shine. All because God commanded them to be created and to fulfill His divine purpose. This is why David could declare, "Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants."

We too are created in His image and made in His likeness. When we are born again, we begin to take on a pure nature. The Holy Spirit is a downpayment of the perfection our bodies will experience when this mortal is traded for immortality and this corruption is traded for incorruption! With His Spirit indwelling us, we now are becoming "good" again. You see, you can't get good enough to get God; you have to get God to get good again! We should be like creation, obeying the Masters voice without question.

We sometime sing songs that say, "Where He leads me I will follow" and yet complain if He leads us into a wilderness experience. Or maybe we sing, "I surrender all" but when He asks for our all we negotiate in an attempt to only surrender some. But I suggest that we learn from creation and obediently serve our Lord and Savior. Let's abandon it all for the sake of the call. Let's burn the ships of doubt and fear and go forward into all that God has for us.

David continues in this stanza, praising God for His Word. He refers to the Word as ordinances (vs 91), law (vs 92), precepts (vs93-94), testimonies (vs95), and commandments (vs 96). In verse 96, David says, "I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad." The meaning is this: all earthly things are limited, but God's Word is infinite and illimitable!

What we design and create will rot and rust. What God speaks into existence will last until He speaks it out of existence! Our word has the propensity to fail. God's Word never fails! We can classify things with all the latest and greatest words and they will still never measure up to the GOODNESS of God and His Word and what He creates! Let's allow God to speak a "good" Word into our lives, for His Word will not return unto Him void. It will accomplish His purpose.

Hope & Healing (Psalm 119:81-88)

Psalm 119:81-88 (KJV) 
81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. 
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. 
84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 
85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. 
86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. 
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

The purpose statement of The Church of Omaha is "To build a Spirit-filled church where all people can experience the hope and healing promised by Jesus Christ."

When Jesus sent out the apostles and disciples, He told them to heal the sick and to proclaim that the kingdom had come to them. The kingdom was their hope and whether it was emotional or physical, they were healed.

Our hope will not be found in the government, or a politicians promises. Our hope is not in the economy. But like the old hymn declared... "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand."

David transparently admits that even though his soul was faint, he also hoped in the Word of God! David also admitted that he needed healing as he stated, "Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?" Have you ever wondered when God was going to answer you? You're not alone. David is not the only Bible character who asked God questions.

All too often we rush through the stories in the Bible and we've heard them in Sunday school, listened to them as the preacher preached, and we know the end of the story. Unfortunately, we rush through, thinking that these heroes of the faith had some sort of supernatural and superspiritual strength that we'll never attain. Or worse, we think that they wouldn't know what we're facing now and that their problems do not relate to our situations.

Friends, let me plainly tell you that the reason these heroes of the faith are heroes is because they persevered even through the questions and feelings of hopelessness!

David felt like a "bottle in the smoke." In other words, he felt like an old wineskin that was blackened, shriveled, and of no further use. Sure, go ahead and jump to Acts and listen to God say that David was a man after God's own heart, but know that David didn't feel like a hero of faith when he wrote these words!

Wineskins would become blackened and shriveled, and when they did, the owner had a choice. He could discard the wineskin for new ones, or he could put the old wineskin through a process of restoration. This process included the old wineskin being soaked in oil to stretch it back out and clean it up, but it also included a period of drying. This old wineskin would have to endure a period of NO wine before it could receive NEW wine.

We are the same way! Sometimes what we're going through is a process of NO wine. A process of restoration. It doesn't feel like "hope and healing" but trust me, IT IS! If you'll endure the process, you'll understand the purpose and will once again be filled with His promise! Do what David did in spite of your helpless and hopeless feeling:

1. Hope in God's word (vs 81)
2. Ask God for help (vs 82, 84)
3. Don't forget His statutes (vs 83)
4. Tell God the problem (vs 85)
5. Remember that He is faithful (vs 86)
6. Don't forsake His precepts (vs 87)
7. Ask Him for quickening power and keep His testimonies (vs 88)

I can tell you I've been there. I've asked God why? And if you'll be honest enough to confess, you have too. But through it all, I will not forsake God and His Word. Like Job, I will say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!"

I find hope and healing in God's Word and being with those of like precious faith. When I see that precious lady worshipping, knowing the hell she's been through, I say to myself, "I can make it through my problem." When I watch that man bow on his knees in humble adoration of God, even though he's been looking for a job over four months, I say to myself, "If he can worship through his problem, so can I."

Maybe this is why gathering together with believers is so important and why Paul instructed us to NOT forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We need each other. Your true worship inspires me. My true worship inspires you. Together is better!

Just as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, I believe that hope and healing comes by worshipping through the pain. When you can see beyond the pain and problem to see the promise, your praise will take on a whole new level of power!

Made in His Image (Psalm 119:73-80)

Psalm 119:73-80 (KJV) 
73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 
75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 
76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 
78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 
79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 
80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

The world were framed by the Word of God. Everything in creation was spoken into existence except man. God thought and what He thought He spoke and what He spoke became reality! However, God did not speak man into existence. Instead, He made man and breathed life into his nostrils and man became a living soul. When we are born again, God once again breathes new life into us.

When God made man, however, Adam was the negative. Adam disobeyed and sin entered the world. However, when Christ came, He was the "second Adam" and His life was obedience personified. Christ is the completed picture of what we are to be.

At repentance, I die to my flesh. I change my mind about God and needing Him in my life. I realize I am not a self-made man, but rather a self-made mess and I need God to make a miracle out of my mess. When I'm baptized in Jesus' name for the remission of my sins, I put on Christ. Then, when I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, I receive God's Spirit within me. This is the only the beginning, but this is where things begin to change.

In creation, God specifically said that everything would produce "after its kind." Apple trees would produce apples. Fish would produce after their kind. Humans produce after their kind. In other words, the union of my marriage will not produce monkeys, but other humans. And what is seen in the natural world is paralleled in the spiritual. When I am born from above, I now produce "after HIS kind!" I am made in His image.

I think differently...


I act differently...


I live differently...

Life takes on new meaning as I begin to walk in newness of life. However, in this tenth stanza of Psalm 119, I see a verse that cause some to not want to continue walking this new life: "I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." Modern Christianity seems to divert people away from these types of verses, telling them that God wants to bless them with popularity and prosperity. While we are daily loaded with benefits from God, we must also realize that sometimes God uses afflictions to teach us a lesson.

In verse 75, judgments means, "the judicial standard of God's fairness; justice." Afflicted means, "to be humbled." In one of the study Bible's I use, they place Hebrews 12:10 as a cross reference to Psalm 119:75. The basic context of Hebrews 12:4-11 is centered around the disciplines of life. In this context, Paul compares being disciplined by earthly fathers to that of being disciplined by our Heavenly Father. He is divinely inspired to also say that one who cannot receive correction is not a true son of God, but rather illegitimate.

I want to know God in both the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His sufferings. I don't want to run from discipline or correction. David realized this and instead of begrudging being humbled, he chose to praise and thank God for his "fairness" and "faithfulness" in humbling him if needed.

Do you truly believe that God knows best? Do you truly believe that God orders the steps of the righteous? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you must let God be sovereign and follow Him, even if it is through a wilderness experience.

Oh, sure, some may and will judge you. Some may say, "What sin did they commit that they aren't being blessed right now?" You see, we often classify blessings as money in the bank, promotions in our careers, a clean bill of health, etc. But David in this tenth stanza declares the blessings to God to be the following...

• His merciful kindness is my comfort (vs 76)
• His law is my delight (vs 77)

Sure, the proud may say things to make us feel as if we are not blessed. But let us remember that God has the last laugh. I'm quite certain that many laughed at Lazarus as he begged at the gate of the rich man. However, when it was all over, Lazarus rested in peace in Abraham's Bosom while the rich man was tortured in hell.

I want to be made in His image, and that means that I will let God choose what's best for me. If affliction (humbling) is on the menu for today, then so be it. I want to be formed in His likeness. I choose rather to suffer affliction with God's people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. What do you choose?

All Things Work Together (Psalm 119:65-72)

Psalm 119:65-72 (KJV) 
65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. 
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 
68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 
69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 
70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. 
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 
72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. 

Have you ever wondered, "Why me?" Why am I going through this trial - this valley?

My wife overheard me asking God "why me" one day and lovingly blurted out, "Why not you?"

Maybe it's because we look at afflictions the wrong way. The 1st Century Church rejoiced at trials and tribulation, we run from them. They joyed over being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. We want a get-out-of-trials-free card.

When Jesus was 30 years old, He went to John the Baptist to be baptized to fulfill all things. The Bible (Luke 4) records that Jesus came out of the Jordan full of the Spirit. Then the same Spirit that filled Him led Him into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Then after persevering through Satan's temptations, and defeating him with the Word of God, the Bible records that Jesus came out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit.

Some would just as soon skip over the "led of the Spirit to be tempted part" but if you're not led by the Spirit, you'll never walk in the power of the Spirit, regardless of being full of the Spirit.

I know affliction is not easy. Trust me, when I'm in the heat of the moment, I sometimes wonder why I couldn't skip over the wilderness part and jump straight into the power part. But it doesn't work that way. It never has. It never will.

Like David, I must remember that, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." You see, without the trials, I might forget that I need God. Maybe the wilderness is to help me learn that I cannot do it on my own. I am not a self-made anything! It's not "my ministry" or "my church" or "my anointing." It's God's calling in me. It's His church - He bled, died, and rose from the dead for it. It's His anointing covering me and working through me. At best, I'm a simply a conduit for the Spirit to flow through. I am nothing more than a vessel He can use at His discretion.

You see, my life is not my own. I gave up my dreams and ambitions for the cause of Christ. I've surrendered my will for His will. My passion is now to fulfill His purpose! He has asked, "Whom shall I send?" and I have replied, "Here am I; send me; I will go."

I agree with David, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." In the wilderness, Jesus used the Word of God. No special powers. No calling down angels. No lightning bolts. No commanding word of authority that would decimate Satan. Jesus just simply said, "It is written."

You know, without a test, I will never have a testimony and the Bible records that we overcome the enemy of our souls by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The Blood of the Lamb is God's part. The word of our testimony is our part.

Remind yourself that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.


Remind yourself that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.


Remind yourself that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.


Remind yourself that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you.

Now, find those and more Scriptures and the next time you're being led into the wilderness by the Spirit, you'll have an arsenal of weapons to overcome Satan with. Oh, and here's another one, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds..."

There are plenty of people who are filled with the Spirit, but not enough are being led by the Spirit, and fewer still are walking forth in the power of the Spirit. I cannot afford to just get filled. I want to be led too, and walk in His power.

The Bible records that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. As well, one of the most famous Proverbs (3:5-6) explain that God shall direct the paths of those who trust Him with all their hearts. So, I've got a question - if you truly believe that God orders your steps and directs your paths, then why would you ask "why me?"

His Mercy Endures Forever (Psalm 119:57-64)

Psalm 119:57-64 (KJV) 
57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. 
58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. 
59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 
60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 
61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

Have you ever travelled and thought the road and journey would never end? This past year on July 1st, Braxton and I pulled out of our driveway in Caribou, Maine and headed south. After about 10 hours on the road, we began to head due west. After three days, a flat tire, and more asphalt than I ever want to see again, we arrived at our new home in Omaha, Nebraska.

I have to admit there were times that I thought the highway would never end. The only thing that kept my spirit up was I knew eventually we would get to the end.

In 1993, I flew from Kansas City to Los Angeles and then on to Manaus, Brazil. Once again, I thought we were never going to land. Especially the flight from LA to Brazil. But, alas, that journey came to an end too.

However, you can plumb to what you think is the deepest depths of God's mercy, or ascend to what you think is the highest height of God's mercy, and I promise you that you will never find an end to it!

His mercy is everlasting. His mercy endures to all generations. His mercy endures forever! What a mighty God we serve!

The Bible is all about God's mercy. Time and again, judgment was mandated, but God's mercy would step in and change everything. Think about it...

• Adam and Eve should have died! They blatantly disobeyed. But in His mercy, God made them coats of skin, and although they were evicted from the garden, He didn't kill them...
• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all lied...
• David committed adultery and ordered the murder of Urriah...
• The list could go on and on, and while each of these did pay a consequence for their sin, they were all given mercy to repent.

You want your mind blown for a moment... watch this... God even gave Jezebel a space of grace! Read it with me in Revelation...

Revelation 2:20-21 (KJV) 
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 

WOW! God's mercy is so everlasting, so enduring, so effective that He even gave Jezebel an opportunity to repent.

Judas Iscariot, the one chosen and anointed to be an apostle but chose to betray Jesus was given mercy. On the very night of betrayal, Jesus washed Judas' feet, ate with him, and even commemorated the covenant meal with him. WOW; talk about mercy!

But wait - what if someone does something worthy of death? When the Pharisees brought the woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, there motives were impure. However, there were some Pharisees who thought they were doing what was right. And in fact, they were. There was a law to maintain.

Sure, you can ask the question - where was the man? The last time I checked, it still takes two to tango. So, why didn't they bring a man to him too? I suppose we'll never know the answer to that question. But for a moment, let's believe that there were some religious leaders who thought they were doing what was right, and had pure motives. The Bible causes me to believe there were... think Nicodemus...

Ok, so now back to the story as the plot thickens. Jesus is faced with a dilemma. If he says the woman should die, then He has broken Roman law. If He says she should live, He has broken Moses' law.

Jesus breaks neither law, but rather fulfills the Law and allows anyone who doesn't have any sin to cast the first stone. Have you ever considered that He was the only one who could have thrown the first stone? Think about it, the Bible says, "He who knew no sin, became sin..." In other words, Jesus was sinless. He could have picked up a rock and hurled it at the woman, beginning the process of her being stoned to death for committing adultery. But instead, He chose to extend mercy rather than throw stones!

Does this mean Jesus was a liberal minded, emerging philosopher who didn't respect the Law? NO! A thousand times NO! Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law! And Jesus, who is God manifested in the flesh, has ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MERCY! Let's look into some Scriptures to see how God feels about mercy...

Lamentations 3:21-26 (KJV) 
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. 

Micah 7:18 (KJV) 
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 

Now, for the record, let us remember that while Jesus did not condemn the woman, He also commanded her to go and sin no more. True mercy does bring about accountability. We don't sin just so that grace will abound, GOD FORBID! When we are granted mercy, we stay away from what caused us to need that mercy in the first place!

We've been shown mercy, will we show others mercy? Mercy is receiving something I do not deserve. Will you give mercy to those whom you think do not deserve it? If you can't or won't, then you are not like your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I cannot answer for you, but as for me and my house, we will show mercy. We will love the unlovable, touch the untouchable, and forgive our enemies. We will pray for them that despitefully use us and say all manner of evil against us. We have been given mercy, and to whom much is given, much is required.

In Bethesda there was a pool that was visited by an angel daily. When the waters were troubled, whomever got into the pool was healed. Do you know what Bethesda means? It means, "house of mercy." Let it be said of each of us, and of our church, that we are a "house of mercy."

Remember! (Psalm 119:49-56)

Psalm 119:49-56 (KJV) 
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. 
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 
55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts. 

There are things all of us would just as soon forget. There are moments in our history that we wince if we have to remember. And yet, I'm sure there are memories we enjoy reliving over and over. The key to success in life is to balance the two. Life does throw you a curve ball every now and then. Some days it snows and other days the sun shines. Some days it's too cold or too hot, and other days, it's just right. Jesus said, "It rains on the just and the unjust."

Have you ever been in a valley? Not a literal valley between two mountains, but rather a figurative one. Maybe you're in one now. You don't know how you're going to get out of this situation. All you can see is the circumstance and you feel overwhelmed. Well, friend, take heart: today's blog is for you. I've got three things to share with you today. I believe if you'll do these three things, you'll receive strength to see Christ in the midst of your circumstance.

1) Ask God to remember...

Psalm 119:49-51 (KJV) 

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

David's hope was built on the unfailing, infallible Word of God. So is ours!

David's comfort in his affliction was the quickening power of the Word of God. So is ours!

When others mock and ridicule and make us feel like we are using Christ as a crutch, we don't turn from him just like David refused to "decline from God's law."

While in prayer, ask God to remember His Word to you. The old hymn "Standing on the Promises" comes to mind, but unfortunately, most Christians today are only "sitting on the premises" rather than "standing on God's promises"!

God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind!


God's Word is forever settled in heaven!


The Word of God is exalted higher than even His name!


God's Word does not return to Him void, but rather accomplishes what He sent it to do!


Every Word of God proves true!


Every Word of God is pure!

These are just a few verses I've quoted from memory while typing this blog. Grant it, they are somewhat paraphrased and may not include the whole verse, but in my nearly 38 years of life, I've walked through enough valley's to amass an arsenal of Scriptures to take with me.

I have no problem whatsoever asking God to remember His Word to me when I'm staring Satan square in the eye. Whenever I have a problem that starts to overwhelm me, I just simply start asking God to remember His Word!

If you want real hope and real change, don't vote for a politician that tickles your fancy. Rather, trust in God will all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths!

2) Remember God's judgments...

Psalm 119:52-54 (KJV)

52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. 

53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 

Judgments means, "the judicial standard of God's fairness and justice." After I've asked God to remember His Word, I then remember it for myself. I remind myself that God's judgments are true and right. I remind myself that He is a just God. And this brings me comfort!

Yes, when horror grips my heart and I see wicked people forsake God's Word, I remember God is just. I hold to His Word. When others say all manner of evil against me, and slander me, I remember God is just. I remember that it rains on the just and the unjust. I know that I've built my house upon the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus, and when the storm is over, my house will still be standing!

Verse 54 reminds me of an old hymn with these lyrics... "As I journey through this land, singing as I go, pointing souls to Calvary, to the crimson flow. Many arrows pierce my soul from without-within. But my Lord leads me on, through Him I must win..."

Yes, I can walk through this valley remembering God's judgments. He is forever faithful and true!

3) Remember God's name...

Psalm 119:55-56 (KJV)

55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 

56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts. 

If I were preaching this, I could "preach" on this for a while. When you're down and out, remember His name. When you're going down for what seems to be the last time, remember His name! When you're faced with a dilemma that is too big for you to handle, REMEMBER HIS NAME!

You see, His name is higher than any other! That means its higher than cancer... higher than debt... higher than marital strife... higher than teenage rebellion... higher than sickness, sin, and shame... higher than condemnation... higher than guilt... and so on and so forth!!!!!!!

Just remember His name - Jesus - and speak it boldly. He wants to save, deliver, and heal. He wants to help. All you have to do is call on Him for He's as close as the mention of His name.

Maybe we've become too reliant upon doctors and bankers and the government. You'll never know Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you got! So, call on Him. In fact, call on Him first, EVEN BEFORE you get into the valley.

Notice with again the last verse today - "This I had, because I kept thy precepts." What this means is that if Jesus is only a "good-luck-charm" or you only call on him when in distress, you may not remember His name when you're faced with a dilemma.

However, if you know Him in the good times too. If you worship Him on the mountaintops too, then when you're in the valley, you'll be able to remember His name.

Think of it this way - if you only seek his hand (desiring things from Him), you'll never know His face. The psalms and the Bible instruct us to seek His face. I don't just want to remember Jesus when I'm faced with difficulty. I want to know Him at all times.