Wholeness - healing

For the remainder of this month we will talk about "Wholeness." To be “whole” is to be well in every dimension of being. To be “whole” is to be well in every dimension of being.
These studies are going to be brief – more teasers than studies really. They are a starting point to get us thinking of the meaning of what we read and not just breeze through scriptures without looking closely. As a warm up to the subject however, we will begin by talking about wholeness as it relates to healing. Our first example then is Joshua 5:8 and for these couple of days let’s read from the Amplified Bible. Here goes: “When they finished circumcising all the males of the nation, they remained in their places in the camp till they were healed.” Remember we are substituting “healed” for “whole.” This event comes right after the death of Moses as Joshua takes over the task of getting the Israelites settled in their new land. All the males born in the wilderness needed to be circumcised in keeping with the covenant. God reminded Joshua to perform this task and naturally, they could not travel immediately afterwards. Why don’t you read the entire chapter by the time we meet again on Wednesday?
In the meantime think about this: Necessary and sometimes God directed tasks are not without their share of pain. ©9/2010

Day 22 The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 169-176

TAU - Our conversations with God have at least three components – prayer, supplication and thanksgiving. All three are demonstrated in these verses. Verse 169 he prays and ask God to allow his prayers into the Throne Room. We often forget how exalted a privilege we have to simply bow our heads and pray – no sacrifices, no fear or being struck down because of our unworthiness, we just pray. The Psalmist asks for understanding and we know the Holy Spirit gives us understanding so we pray according to the will of the Father.
The he speaks of supplication. What exactly is supplication? Webster’s Online Dictionary gives this definition: A humble petition; an earnest request; an entreaty. One gets the idea this has a lot to do with attitude. Let us never forget when we pray we are God’s beloved children not demanding but believing our prayers will be answered simply because he loves us. This does not mean we always get instantaneous answers. Sometimes we have to “press in” i.e. go against our inclinations to give up or doubt God will answer. We also learn to put our own desires under subjection believing God will always have our best at heart.
Verses 171 and172 talks about giving praise which goes hand in hand with worship. Simply put we praise the worth of our God. Where shall we begin – God’s power in creation as the architect and sustainer of all things? We can speak of salvation, redemption, healing and daily provision – a truly endless list. Here’s a little exercise. The very next night you have trouble sleeping try counting blessings instead of counting sheep. If by chance you run out of things to be thankful for, start praising.
I love the Psalmist because he never gets so engaged in his devotion he forgets his weaknesses. None of us are strong enough to live the Christian life on our own because sheep will always behave like sheep. We wander. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments verse 176. If sheep are always "sheepish" imagine our faithful Shepherd who is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He truly deserves our praise. Copyright 8/2010

Day 21 The Heart of Worship Psalm 119:161-168

SCHIN - Our generation has seen the breakdown of reverence and the loss of awe. The commonplace is exalted and the things deserving of honor are trivialized. Even the word awesome has lost its meaning. Today awesome describes a hamburger or the Aurora Borealis, a new dress or a solar eclipse. Ravaged by both higher and lower criticism the Bible is scandalized and tossed aside as mere words. In moments of kindness it may rank with the works of Aristotle, Plato, Confucius or other wisdom literature of bygone eras.
The writer of Psalm 119 expresses delight in, hunger, thirst and reverence for the Word of God. One cannot have a proper appreciation for the greatness and majesty of God without being in awe of his word. His Word is the revelation of himself as John’s gospel says in chapter 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Stands to reason then, believers of all people, should accord proper reverence to the Bible as if we stood with Moses conversing with God face to face. The very sanctity of life is bound up in the Word as millions have died and continue to die for the preservation of these words. Today millions are enslaved, ostracized, imprisoned, and dispossessed for their love of the Word.
A holy awe, the practice of praise and a love of the Word produce great dividends – peace and stability. A soul stirred by the Word, fortified by praise and living in God’s presence will not stumble or be thrown off balance by every perversion the world presents.Copyright 8/2010

Day 20 The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 153-160

RESH - We all reach spiritual plateaus. No, not of holiness but a flattening out of our efforts. A place where we have finally done all the real “spiritual” things but still feel a peculiar emptiness. At other times we are deluged by negative circumstance and all our good intentions get swept away by floods of anxiety. At such times discernment dictates we go beyond our selves and seek renewal, a quickening or a coming to life by the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist prays “quicken me according to your word.” What may some of those words be? I can think of the “fear nots,” one for every day of the year. There is also “be still,” and most powerful of all, “I am.”

We can study the Bible, love God with all our hearts and be model Christians in every area of living. Still, I am powerless to enliven my spirit. I cannot generate a revival through religious calisthenics. Only the Holy Spirit, the one who raised the Son from the dead has that power. As the old hymn says: O Holy Ghost revival comes from thee/Send a revival start the work in me.©8/2010

Day 19 The Heart of Worship Psal 119: 145-152

KOPH - I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
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.
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy Judgment.
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. ______Psalm 119: 145-152

God’s footsteps are so much easier to see before the world awakens and rushes across our path. His gentlest whisper comes with such clear resonance when there is no completion with the strident voice duties and dire emergencies. Nothing starts the day as well as prayer. Our Psalmist (verse 145 and 146) knows this and starts his prayer time before daybreak. Marks Gospel shows Jesus seeking the Father’s presence “A great while before day.” He fortified himself with prayer before meeting the onslaught of needs. Maybe you are wondering, how can I possibly carve out more minutes when my morning already starts earlier than it should? Just remember prayer has no posture except of the heart. Indeed if we are to follow the injunction of praying without ceasing, we will have to develop the habit of praying wherever we are. Tomorrow whether late at night or a great while before dawn, turn your heart to Him in prayer.©8/2010

Day 18 The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 137-144

Tzaddi - Once again we focus our thoughts on God’s faithfulness. What exactly does this mean for one who believes in Jesus? It’s the assurance of his being always the same in all situations for all time. He loves me today he will tomorrow, the next day, and the next, to eternity. When I miss the mark or fall short of his expectations, he loves me then. In fact he not only loves me he grieves with me, bears my sorrow and stoops to get me back on track. My weaknesses come as no surprise to him and neither should his strength be a surprise to me.
He tells us all the same thing through the scriptures laid bare for all to see. He is never underhanded, does not hold with questionable behavior and arbitrates the affairs of humanity with infinite justice. Someone may ask, “You mean what we see around us today represents God’s justice?” Not really. Not yet at any rate. You see sin or willful disobedience to God merits death – treason against an earthly king means a forfeiture of life. If God is the king of the universe I wonder what would be a fit punishment for sinning against him?
Oh but wait a minute. The amplified rendition of John 3:16 says: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
The Psalmist verbalize his faith even while in the throes of trouble and anguish. His delight is still in the Lord, resting on the promises of him who is faithful. God keeps his promises – of judgment or of blessing. He is eternally faithful. ©8/2010

Day 17 The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 129-136

PE - Our devotional scripture today begins with enthusiastic praise of the testimonies of the Lord. They are first of all wonderful. They are compared to light, understanding, breath (he opens his mouth and pants in verse 131) and overwhelming longing or desire. David got caught up in a similar state of happy adoration in Psalm 19 as he described the “works and words” of God. He says in verse 10 “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”
Let me point out once again the writer of the psalm is not being pressured by duty to acknowledge the Law. Rather, his heart runs a course of voluntary and loving obedience to his exalted Lord. The entrance of light brings life to sin-deadened cells. Understanding flowers and bears the fruit of consistent desire for the presence of God. Not only do we have an enduring sense of his presence we are also given direction – our steps are ordered. Sin in fact cannot have dominion once we are living by the truth of the word.
As much as we would like to continue in this vein the psalm is not all about rejoicing and soaking up God’s presence. There are those who are far from a saving knowledge or any real understanding of our Creator. When last have we wept over the plight of sinners? I don’t mean our children, our spouses or the people near and dear to us. I mean to look at our world in all its brokenness and weep as we contemplate the fate of humanity standing in all its sin before a holy God. Do we weep over the state of our nation as God’s Laws are blatantly disregarded? May we never become so caught up in our own redemption we forget the millions on their way to a Christ-less eternity. Give me Lord, a heart that longs to see the lost found in you. Give a heart like yours.©8/2010

Day XVI - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 121-128

Ain- If you have ever rented a home or apartment you are no doubt familiar with the security deposit. This money is given to the landlord for his or her protection should the tenant break the least, damage the property or move without paying the month due. The Psalmist stands in good conscience; his life keeps the agreement of walking in holiness. Still, he knows no one is good enough to stand in his own righteousness so he asks God to stand security or to vouch for him. When we do all the good we are capable of doing and live as obedient as we know how, Christ stands in righteousness in our behalf, as security for us. In fact when we break our agreement and fall into sin he still stands pleading and making intercession.
Being called to holiness only makes us more aware of the sin around us. Here the writer calls for judgment on those who neglect God’s Laws. In the New Testament we learn not only the righteous cry out to God but the whole creation cries out and agonize for the time when righteousness will again be the rule. We may look around and also say with our meditation, “God it’s time to act; do something about the wickedness in our society.” We hear of human trafficking, religious wars, hunger, sickness and famine and think things cannot get much worse. But it can and will. The believers however have a hope that when the time of grace has run its full course, Christ will return in glory for those who love him. Even so Lord Jesus, come. ©8/2010

Day 15 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119:113-120

Samech - A little less than two decades ago the term “being transparent” took both the secular and the Christian world by storm. Ironically, much of the real transparency came only after a giant cover-up became glaring public knowledge. While the Bible obviously does not use the term, Christians are called to transparent, single-ledger living. We are not allowed to have a private book or the real person and the public book representing the facade we show to the world. The kingdom of God has no place for dissembling. God requires our lives to be transparent enough for the world to see straight through to the God within.
I know this sounds crazy but truth is our only hiding place. Like every one else we face situations where we are tempted to shade or misrepresent the facts a wee bit. The trouble with that line of action is we cannot take refuge in God and also in a lie. Once we are being less than open God cannot come to our defense – at least not until the lie is rectified. And by the way there is a zero tolerance policy on lies; there are no little, inoffensive or white lies.
Godly fear should far outstrip any other consideration including the fear of being caught or being embarrassed. As the Psalmist says, “My flesh tremble(s) for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” Job 28: 28 says, “Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Let’s resolve to live transparently whether or not anyone is watching. By so doing we hold the light of the Gospel high so those behind us will clearly see the path to follow. ©8/2010

Day XIV - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 97-104

Nun - Faithlessness or the breaking of covenants represents one of the great moral shifts of our day. Whether it’s a business contracts, employer/employee agreements, marriage covenants, it hardly matters. The prevailing trend dictates if the situation becomes uncomfortable or falls below our expectations then break the contract. Sadly, promises to God often fare no better. Popular entertainment boasts thousands of individuals who discovered their gifts in church when God had first priority in their lives. As they got older however, popularity and money superseded. The need to be loyal to God became secondary to fitting in or getting ahead. In time they walked away from their vows.
The Psalmist takes a different approach. He says I gave my word. The verse following implies the decision to be faithful exposed the writer to danger but he refused to back down. God reciprocated and did just as he promised to do in Psalm 91: 14-15, “thee.” Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my Name. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my Name.,” and Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
In our day at least in North America, our biggest deal breakers are not the things Paul describe but rather the good life. We should ask what shall separate us from the love of God? Shall ease, or comfort, or acclaim, or plenty, or designer clothing, or security, or freedom? I have sworn to follow Christ and will not break my vow. I will use the light of his word on my path and walk as he leads. I will allow neither fame, nor affluence, nor anything of this world’s good, “to separate (me) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”©8/2010

Day 13 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 97-104

Mem - Meditation has a bad reputation primarily because of other religions touting meditation as a transcendental path to holiness or self realization. Consequently Christians have all but deleted the word from their spiritual vocabulary. First, what is meditation? One source describes it as: Continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation; devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection.
Simply put, meditation describes the means by which the word we read and think about becomes ingrained upon the pages of our heart. God reveals truth to our minds and helps us connect scripture with scripture. Our happy engagement brings our Beloved ever closer and lessens the tempters opportunities and influences. The preoccupation of our thoughts invariably becomes the actions of our bodies. We will therefore naturally begin to practice what we treasure in our hearts. This is what 1 John 2:20 and 27 alludes to. We will always need human tutelage but the indwelling engrafted word continuously works from behind the scenes transforming us into the very image of Christ.
Eventually we discover we have moved beyond religious calisthenics to a vibrant relationship with God. The more he fills our thoughts the more we see the world through his eyes. Sin becomes utterly detestable and the lies of the enemy lose their allure. Slowly but surely we grow into truth and gain a sustainable practice of holiness.©8/2010

Day 12 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 89-96

Lamed - Being part of a global community means increased exposure to different belief systems and an expanding pantheon of gods. What was once thought of as exotic is now no further than our own living room. In this climate the believer must continually affirm and proclaim the power and person of our LORD. He became flesh, died for our redemption and today lives as our eminent Bridegroom.
Knowing all of this, how can we forget his words? Christ followers should find themselves hanging on to his every teaching and drawing nourishment from the Bread of Life. As we feed upon his promises i.e. his written Word the Bible, we become more energized to righteousness. This should be expected as Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by.. John 4:10, 13-14. One cannot explain how reading a seemingly act of reading the Bible in faith, and praying to the Deity represented by that Bible can absolutely transform life. But it does.
The Psalmist ends his time with God on the same triumphant note as he affirms everything comes to an end except God’s commandments. Isaiah 40:8.
This Scripture echo reassurance – and caution. If all is going peachy then it may feel like a bit of a downer to say hey, good things don’t last forever. The reminder does not have to burst the brightly colored balloon though. Instead we respond with gratitude for what is wonderful, we savor the joy of the moment or the season and arm ourselves with memories to take us through the rough spots when they come.
For the suffering person however, knowing only God goes on forever may be the one incentive to get out of bed in the morning. Be encouraged today regardless of which side of the spectrum you happen to be. Our God reigns forever. Hallelujah!
8/2010

Day 11 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 81-88

The term spiritual warfare nearly always evokes strong responses ranging from séances to noisy exorcisms where demons are identified and called forth or cast out. Would you be disturbed to discover Christ-followers engage in spiritual warfare on a daily basis? Sure the battle ground or intensity of engagement varies but one learns to accept warfare as a natural part of life. Sometimes we lose battles and other times even intense prayer does not bring immediate deliverance. When this happens we know God has a bigger purpose in mind as in the case of the there Hebrews in the furnace. Knowing and fearing our weakness takes us to the place where the Psalmist found himself as “a bottle in the smoke.”
To fully understand his predicament we have to think of bottles as they were then not clear glass or plastic to which we are accustomed. Back then bottles were made of skins, for the most part. Smoke has a drying effect so one would not have a good bottle and continuously expose it to smoke, after it is fully cured. A bottle left in the smoke would become warped, dry and too brittle to hold liquid. Now we can all attest to being left in the smoke too long. Our prayers go unanswered fond hopes gets crushed, our emotions get brittle and our capacity to contain the living water diminishes. Here our writer fears not just his personal strength but dreads the possibility of becoming unfit for the service of his LORD.
If you are in a tough spot right now, you may want to read this along with this section of our study. 1 Peter 5:10, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, (es)stablish, strengthen, settle you. I believe this verse will do nicely if we are talking about being “quickened” or made alive after our time in the smoke.

Day 10 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119:73-80

None of us are products of chance, we are not merely disparate particles randomly scattered by a cosmic collision. God created humanity and vested himself in each cell, giving definition and distinction and purpose to every life. Do we ever misunderstand and even confuse God’s purpose for us? Time without number. Still, he has our blueprint and we are known of him. Psalm 139 takes as far back as the proverbial twinkle in our father’s eyes. Before we had organs or body parts, before we were intricately woven in the womb, God already had the number of our days written in his book. We are not a higher order of animals, we are of a higher order, period i.e. made in the image of God.
All through this portion of our meditation the Psalmist and by extension the believer is portrayed as delighting in their relationship with God and his Word. He prays for soundness of heart – unwavering, settled or stable in ones belief and subsequent decisions. God promises to keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed – resting, fixed, focused – on him. Such a person is not tentative about their faith; they are not merely “giving it a shot” to see if it works.
Let me encourage you to go beyond reading or just listening to a sermon all the way to meditating in the Law of the Lord. According to Psalm 1, when we delight in the Lord and internalize his Word we become like fruit bearing trees planted by rivers of water. A believer in such a state can only be prosperous. ©8/2010

Day 9- The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 65-72

Teth - In this segment of our study affliction is presented as having a redemptive side. The Psalmist went astray much the same as we sometimes do. When life is good and all goes well, God gets the leftovers of our time, energy and devotion. When clouds darken our horizons and troubles slash jagged tears in our lowering skies, we need no reminders to cry out to God and seek his favor. Trouble can be beneficial if it results in renewed closeness and fellowship with God.
In humility the writer expresses gratitude to God for his goodness. When we are tested to the breaking point we cannot say God is good unless we are fully submitted to his will. When we are in pain we want the discomfort over as quickly as possibly. In God’s process pain has purpose. We look at the pain and he looks more at what he wants to bring out of us, the destiny he wants manifested in our life. It takes heat, pressure and time to transform coal to diamonds. Guess what gets the absolute best out of the child of God? If you said heat, pressure and time, you are correct.
We may never hear God as an audible voice. But as we study the Law, as we meditate on the precepts, as we attempt to pattern our lives according to the will of the Father, his character becomes formed in us. What an amazing act of mercy! God chooses us to be conduits of love, mercy and justice, so the all world may know him.
©8/2010

Day 8 - The Herat of Worship Psalm 119: 57-64

Cheth - Thou art my portion, O LORD - Psalm 119: 57. All through the scriptures we come across the word “portion” used to describe an allotment, an inheritance or a gift. As the children of Israel accomplished their conquest of Canaan portions of land were given to tribes, families, heads of households and to individuals. The Old Testament prophet Elisha asked for a double portion of the blessing or the anointing resting on his master and mentor, Elijah. His prayer was answered in the moment of Elijah’s dramatic catching away to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Now we can begin to understand what the Psalmist says when he claims the LORD as his portion. He is in fact declaring the sufficiency of God for his every need and reiterating a promise of God to the Levitical tribe. God told them not to take portions of the land because he was their portion forever. As a holy nation and royal priesthood all believers can also say, “The LORD is my portion.”©8/2010

Day 7 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 49-56

Zain - If hope deferred makes the heart sick then imagine the tragedy of having no hope at all. The Psalmist reminds God (it’s always kind of funny to say that) of his promise, a promise foundational to his faith. Christians have a “blessed hope” i.e. the glorious appearing of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. We also have the day to day hope as children of God which anchors our relationship to God. By day to day I mean the promise promises like: I will be with you always even to the end of the age which would explain why we have 365 “fear nots” in the Bible, one for every day of the year.
Earlier we talked about justice and here too we have hope because God has a set time when the wicked will be called into judgment. The perpetrators of violence and chaos will themselves be objects of confusion. These will get a taste of their own medicine and will run to the deep places of the earth in an effort to hide from the face of God. Christians who as the apostle Paul puts it, are counted the off scouring of the earth, today branded intolerant, bigoted, narrow, and just plain crazy, will be vindicated. The proud and arrogant will be humbled as every knee bows and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. We are not there yet, obviously. But we can like the Psalmist remember the justice of the Lord in time past and known because he is immutable – unchanging – he will once again openly triumph over his enemies.
When children are first exposed to education every possible means is employed to help them learn the concept of numbers and words. There are counting songs, and songs to teach how one should help. There are rhymes about respect and sharing, and songs about getting ready for bed and going to sleep, and songs for waking up. As we look at verse 54 of our study the writer has his songs too. He sings of God’s decrees “in the house of his pilgrimage.” As he goes along, as he lives his life, he fills his heart with God-songs. What an excellent defense against weariness and discouragement!
Allow me to use a very literal understanding of the last verse as I pose a question. What if people would remember the law of God in the nighttime? Think of all the evil that masquerades under cover of darkness. What if instead of using darkness as a cloak people would remember the day and the night are equally bright to God? Tonight I wish you pleasant rest but if you find yourself wakeful, remember the LORD. Let him be the subject of your thoughts and let him fill your night with song.© 8/2010

Day 6- Psalm 119:41-48

VAU - As we meditate we mull over what we are hearing and what has passed before. Today we reconsider the statement “You are what you eat.” Does that mean people will become cutlets, and beans and chocolate? We know this is not the case. The substance of our diet however, determines our body composition. Diet decides how effectively our system manages circulation, brain function, purification and even reproduction. In much the same way a steady diet of the Word, or lets use another term, the promises of God, is vitally necessary for optimal spiritual functioning. If we have a poor spiritual appetite we will be weak in our grasp of spiritual things and will find it tiresome to follow God’s precepts. On the other hand, when we make the truth of God paramount by eating heartily and digesting the Gospel through meditation, the strength and blessings will last forever. Consider:
1.The hungry believer can expect to find mercy and salvation on the menu. Mercy at its simplest definition equates to the opposite of justice.
2.Truth and justice are also ours. This speaks directly to the way in which we relate to others – the word of truth will be in our mouths. This banishes situational ethics.
3.We are freed to live above the world’s double standards. We are not shackled to conventional and we might add destructive worldly wisdom of always looking out for our own interests.
4.We develop unshakable confidence.Whether we are called to stand before kings or speak to peers we need not fear embarrassment. Indeed, "since I have the Lord always before my face, I will not be shaken." ©8/2010

Day 5 - The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 33-40

HE - Today we hear a lot about some people’s fear of commitment. One can believe this fear lies at the root of one night stands and the overwhelmingly trendy habit of shacking-up or hooking-up. Would you be shocked to discover fear of commitment shows up in church as well? Here’s an example – church hopping without being a part of any one group. Fear of commitment cause some professing believers to live on the fringes of faith in order to avoid being accountable to follow Biblical standards. Not so the psalmist in Psalm 119. On the contrary, his prayer is to be taught the Word so he can govern his life by its standards. He is asking for rules by which to live. He is not satisfied with merely fulfilling his religious obligations as a Jew or to do the minimum necessary to be considered righteous. His whole heart beats to the rhythm of God’s will.
We have already talked about how everything pales in comparison to Jesus but let us look at what Jesus had to say about looking at evil. He said abstain, old fashioned word for stay away from or refuse to participate in, every appearance of evil. The habit of driving as close to the cliffs of life as possible to prove we will not go over into sin is not God’s idea.
There are numerous scriptures in the Word regarding God’s ability to keep those who trust in him. Today I choose one such affirmation to conclude our time together.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ©8/2010

Day 4- The Heart of Worship Psalm 119: 25-32

Daleth - A curious phenomenon occurs in the life of the child of God. At the moment of our death to sin we are instantly made gloriously alive in Christ. Our sensibilities suddenly change. The things we once craved and treasured become infinitely loathsome. We look in amazement vainly trying to see a sparkle of the magic that once held us captive. No wonder the songwriter says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus/Look full in his wonderful face/And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim/In the light of his glory and grace."
Stranger still there is no slaking this thirst for the presence of our Beloved. The more we know him the more our souls cry for full disclosure. We no sooner sit at his table and feast with him than the hunger for Bread returns, stronger than ever. This longing within us often drives the believer to the altar not of penitence but in search of communion. We find ourselves “declaring our ways” or examining our way of life, being careful to isolate and eradicate anything with the potential to block our fellowship. We cry with David in Psalm 139 search me – my heart, my thoughts. Here we see a fundamental difference in the believer’s and the sinner’s approach to error. The sinner tries to justify or cover sin and walk on as if nothing happened. The child of God, who sins will run to him in true confession, repent and stick close to the Savior so fellowship is not broken.
Last, truth is a choice. We can dig down the walls of our façade confident the grace of God will raise us from the rubble and claim us as children of his heart.© 8/2010

Reminder...

BTW - lets keep this nice and legal. All the content of the devotional is copyrighted material - Saturday 8/14 through September when it ends. Read be blessed, share etc. BUT the material should not be reproduced in any form of media without the author's permission. (And you cannot have it, so don't ask).

Thanks for the great feedback!

Day 3 - The Heart of Worship

Psalm 119:17-24 - Gimmel- From the routes we drive to our daily destinations, to color combinations when we dress, what we order at different restaurants – everything we do proclaim us to be creatures of habit. We feel safe and in control when life follows deeply etched paths within the familiar. Consequently one can be a little disconcerted to discover even good habits can prove detrimental. When we settle into patterns which hinder us from reaching our full potential or settle for less than what God has for us we indeed do ourselves great disservice. In verse seventeen of today’s meditation the psalmist prays for God to “deal bountifully” with him. Bountiful means generous, liberal, unsparing, freehanded, magnanimous, and we are barely scratching the surface of all this word entails.

Immediately we are moved beyond the realms of human imagination because 1 Corinthians 2: 9 clearly states, “Eye have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Once our eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit we quickly embrace the truth of being strangers in this world. The scales of ignorance, disbelief, and doubt will eventually fall off and we will for the first time see the freedom contained in God’s perfect Law of liberty. What, there is beauty in the Law? You bet your eternity on it. God’s laws are more than a moth-eaten collection of do’s and don’ts. Our blessed hope i.e. Christ’s second coming, is based on the Law of life in Christ Jesus that frees us from the law of sin and death.

Day 2 - The Heart of Worship

II.Beth - Psalm 119:8-16 Ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat?” Ingesting the pure Word brings purity of soul as Christ changes us from the inside out. Thoughts, desires and mindset are renovated to become new thoughts, new pursuits, a new way of life. How can we remain pure in a sex obsessed culture? By using the word as insulation within the chambers of the heart. Here we begin to engage the practice of spiritual discipline namely, meditation. But isn’t meditation a bad thing? Don’t people get all spooky and chant stuff or whisper the same words over and over again? That definition of “meditation” is the devils creation - to discourage people from finding out the inherent power in quiet communion with God.
Meditation is simply the thinking on, musing on or chewing over what we learn or desire to learn more fully.
Walking, exercising – wherever we are and whatever activity we are engaged in, our spirits can still be focused on Christ. Still, one should always make room for alone time with the Savior to fill up on the Bread of Life.

The Heart of Worship Day 1: Psalm 119:1-8

Aleph
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. Psalm 119: 1-8

“Blessed are the undefiled” or blessed are the blameless ones. What a strange statement considering we are inundated by a host of contaminants all of which serve to alienate and separate us from our true focus, Jesus Christ. We are fortunate however, since in this case, blameless means more of an attitude of the heart, or a single- minded dedication than the sum of our actions. This thought is further emphasized in verses two and three.
Though we fall short of on keeping the commandments in their entirety and find ourselves tethered to this world by its myriad concerns, we can still strive toward God with all our being. Like Abraham we soon realize God has deposited righteousness or to stick with the theme of our meditation, God deposits blamelessness to our account based on our faith in him. As we look further in the passage we discover how the indwelling Word creates an effective barrier against sin. One does not wait until the thief is breaking through the window to install an alarm. We install a security system ahead of time and post little warning signs saying “This property is protected by ABC alarm.” We are hoping the very sign will act as a deterrent and a smart thief will choose an easier target.
The indwelling word does not come from random ventures at a “Promise Box.” Here we are looking for miners – those who will dig and sift and treasure each nugget of truth for eternity. God blesses our wholehearted pursuit of him through his Word. Everything we need for life and godliness lies buried in the Word and we have Jesus’ promise that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled – Matthew 5:6. The natural outcome of the discovery that one is blameless in the sight of God is undoubtedly praise.

The Heart of Worship: Embracing the Prayer Language of Psalm 119

Before we embark on our journey to the Heart of Worship and begin Embracing the Prayer Language of Psalm 119, I think a little introduction is in order. I am not a Hebrew or Greek scholar so I will simply share with you what the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible has to say about this awe inspiring Psalm. The two main themes are the wonders of God’s provision through the Torah (the Law) and the delight of living under its guidance. It’s written using a literary device called an Acrostic i.e. the eight lines of each verse begin with the same letter. The Psalm is repetitive (as a meditation should be) and focuses on variants of one key word. We therefore see the Law referred to as commandments, statutes, ordinances, decrees, words, precepts, promise and of course, law. Last, the Psalm is an A-Z rendering of living in glad obedience to God. As with all the Psalms of the Bible you will encounter laments, prayers, supplication, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, affirmation, proclamation and sheer awe in the Presence of a Holy God. I know I said final word, but I am also a preacher so here we go again with a final, final word. Though this is a manuscript bear in mind you will be getting only sound bites. The longest version will of course be the blog but even that will about a half of the entire segment. This is also an unedited first draft so try not to stub your intellect too often as we walk together over the next few weeks. And so we begin…

Time

Seems like such a short while ago my church gave me this huge 50th birthday bash. Maybe not. In fact a whole year flashed by and I am now 51! Today I am grateful for life and look with amazement at all of God's magnificent blessings! Talk about exceeding, abundantly , above all I thought or imagined? This is it.

...Wisdom Listens

Two years ago I had my truck detailed. The artist decided to get really creative so in addition to eagles in flight on the sides I also have a proverb on the back next to the right brake light. It says, "Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens." Many times we clutter the air with the clatter of many words. Banalities, gossip, meanness, etc. as if afraid of the sound of silence. Silent contemplation of the God of creation can do more to lift us than a hundred "how's the weather" exchanges. Quiet observation of the actions of people around us lead to more accurate character assessments than asking questions. Besides, we are protected from the very appearance of backstabbing. In listening we talk about ourselves less and are better able to show genuine interest and concern when others engage us in conversation. Listening we fully grasp the meaning of resting in the Presence of the One who commands, "Be still and Know that I am God."

In Everything Give Thanks

It's Monday morning you walk into the office and your computer does not recognize you and you have to wait for IT. The person who decides not to talk to you because you would not join with their viewpoint meets you in the hallway and doesn't see you. Yeah I'm invisible! And two other coworkers have a severe case of high speed, high volume talkitis. Wait, it is only 8am. Why would the first thought as I decide to catch up on my blog be, "in everything give thanks?" Oh, nothing says I..only the rest of the verse. "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you," so here goes. Father I thank you for a job firstof all, thank you my days don't always start in the key of absolutely flat, thank you I can choose my attitude, thank you for being forever faithful, thank you for friends, family and the fellowship of the saints, thank you that trials produce patientce (lots, and lots of it)! Thank you for your Word in my heart as a buffer against every upset...hey you get the picture.

Bulgur by Choice

I knew bulgur before it became trendy and yuppified . From back in the days when long grain white rice was good and represented a sweet midweek treat or elaborate Sunday dinner. Still, the shock of memories evoked by seeing the gritty, brown mass on my plate came totally by surprise. It suddenly dawned on me the last time I looked at bulgur it came in a soupy brown glob on a shiny aluminum plate, with a stigma attached. It marked me as one who "took lunch" at school and left me naked to speculation whether the few cents required were paid or if I was so poor I ate "free-lunch." Over forty years ago, that brown stuff isolated me from the clique who crowded the vendors at the school gate and returned with fritters dripping oil (that my grandmother said was rancid). Since she trusted no one's standards but her own, I had strict orders not to eat anyones "flaw-flaw." The upper crust bypassed both cafeteria and vendors alike. They went to the grocers to feast on delicacies like cheese and crackers and soda and light cake. My mind insisted on turning to Joseph. With no hint of how famous he would become, he was simply my adored brother who showed up unannounced on his bicycle at recess or lunchtime. He always brought me whatever happened to be in season and a coin. Most times it would be a thick twenty-five cents piece. For at least two days I had extra money, status (because of my big brother) and of course, extra friends. Today, I "buy" my own bulgur rice or wheat, depends on your choice of words. And I raise a thank offering for how far I've come. Talk about God doing exceedingly. Abundantly, above, all I could have ever asked or imagined!

Maybe Not...

Sometimes blogging, tweeting, skyping - this whole panorama of perpectual conversation - feels awfully like a monologue. But what's the difference I talk to myself all the time! Then someone answers and I think to myself, maybe I am not just filling the heavens with more static. SO before I forget, I simply want to thank all who have taken the time to roam through my ramblings. Special thanks to you who 'fessed up. I promise not to talk about anything I am not genuinely interested in.

Hair We Go Again

Now here's the rest of the May 18th story when my hairdresser overbooked. I met this beautiful lady with gorgeous long, natural hair. Her smile of greeting lit up the room as she walked in making it easy to talk to her. And talk we did. As it happened she had a lot of fabulous tips on hair care which were obviously working. I told her about my blog, my interest in natural hair care and that I have been chemical free for over three years. She graciously agreed to share some of what she knows and gave me permission to post at my discretion. The following comments should not be viewed as an endorsement of any particular product or regimen. I am only typing this disclaimer once and then I promise not to talk about it again. Now here goes from the middle of yesterday's email:

"...As far as websites go, my favorite is www.longhairforum.com There are different forums on this site that include health and fitness, hair care, and natural living. You can also find hair product recipes in the natural living forum.

I like using as many natural products as possible on my hair and some of them are ayurvedic. I condition my hair with Karishma henna that I mix with distilled water, Aloe Vera gel, and essential oils (usually rosemary, peppermint, and lavender) and leave on for a few hours or overnight before shampooing it out. You can find additional information about Karishma henna on the Internet.

It was a pleasure meeting you also and I will try to get the additional information that you asked for, time permitting." Stay tuned.

Sometimes we fuss and get all frazzled because we encounter a delay. Some delays are not meant to slow us down or interrupt our schedules. They are merely connection points to something we would not have recognized or appreciated otherwise. Thanks V. Have you ever had the joy of smiling at what you know to be the start of a beautiful friendship?

Please help

This week went so quickly I did not even realize I had not posted! I need to talk about what has become an annual trip to India to visit friends and family as well as schools, churches, and ministry leaders we support financially. Last year a number of people contributed to make this trip possibly and once again I appeal for your support. My husband and I must raise a minimum of $5000. Why don't we just send the money? Because the trip is not all about the money. We do writers' and pastors' workshops, and provide visible moral support to people who serve Christ under the most adverse situations with no recognition whatsoever. It is pretty hard to send a hug or a smile to an orphan child who has been rejected by family because his mother died of AIDS. We go and hold them, read them stories and introduce many for the first time to the God who loves them. Please, help us be Christ's hands and feet. Contact me for details on how to be a part of this mission -
laurenmyers339@gmail.com or on FB. Also, if you have always wanted to do a jam packed shortterm missions trip to India, this is your perfect chance. We would be delighted to have you along. Lets also talk about that. Maranatha!

Out n' About

A few years ago my brother bought me a state of the art treadmill..the one with the personal trainer, built in fan and CD player. There are days when I pop in some serious Gospel hip-hop and bust a move and there are mornings like this when I slather on the sun screen and head out doors. Talk about a gorgeous Florida morning! Blue skies, little puffs of cottony clouds, flowering shrubs, fruit laden trees, a man and his mate, a skittering ground lizard , two loving turtles on the bank of the canal and me. I twirl the cane I once depended on to help me with almost everything including getting dressed. Now here I am out and about walking twenty four blocks in 40 minutes! Truly God is in his heaven and there is a whole lot right with the wolrd. Now let me go mop up this puddle of dew I've created at my feet...

Time

The frenetic pace of Christmas seems much too recent for it to be half a year ago. And yet, here we are. It makes one appreciate the brevity of time and humanity's relentless race toward eternity. Moses once asked God to help him number his days...to take into account how few they are...so he may apply his heart to wisdom. Talk about being a forward thinker! Maybe we should do the same.

Courage, strength and wisdom

Many of us have seen the Serenity Prayer that asks for courage to change what we can, strength to accept what we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference. All this speaks to attitude...the way we see ourselves or our reson for being a resident of earth. If we believe life owes us more than breath and people are for our comfort there is really no need for so broad a view. BUT if we insist on making the world better when we leave it, then we need courage, sstrength and wisdom. I know just the person who has those commodities in ample supply! God says ask, seek, and knock. Talk about a blank check! Let's test God's faithfulness...hmmm wonder if he will deliver? Whadda ya think?

Appointment Disappointments

do you notice these days how the whole business of appointments have changed? the average wait at my doctor is one and a half to two hours. mind you, if you arrive fifteen minutes late they take issue and want to reschedule for another day. this morning it's the hairdresser. eight o'clock appointment with two other clients there by the time i arrive. now my hairdresser is busier than a Siamese octopus. but that is still working there clients at once.talk about an impossible do!

Hair, hair! Lets hear it!

My last trip to New york I met some members of a really cool group who pointed me toward a site called www.naturallycurly.com
Many people are wearing natural hair these days either as part of going green, identifying with roots or simply being comfortable in their own skin. If you are one of those, male or female and you have great tips that work for your natural hair. Lets talk about it.

Writing Partners Needed

1.I am currently working on a book for nurses covering the following areas:

• How you became a nurse
• Perception then and now of nursing
• Nurse/doctor relationships
• Most memorable or impacting nursing experience
• What you would most want to pass on to anyone who is interested in nursing as a career

Email me your query if interested or simply respond here.

2. If you were doing an entire book based on a detailed study of Psalm 119, what would you call it? And don't say "Teach Me Thy Statutes (or Laws). That's right, I need help with a book title.

Lets talk about writing...

Catching Up

Well here I am again giving blogging a second chance. I got too busy and took so long to get back to my site "they" disabled it! Today I am talking about Costochondritis. Costochondritis pain is often mistaken for heart attack pain. The pain of a heart attack is often more widespread, while costochondritis pain is focused on a small area. Heart attack pain usually feels as if it's coming from under your breastbone, while costochondritis pain seems to come from the breastbone itself. Heart attack pain may worsen with physical activity or stress, while the pain of costochondritis remains constant.
Don't waste time, though, trying to distinguish between the two if you're experiencing unexplained and persistent chest pain. Chest pain is an emergency — seek medical attention right away (per Mosby's Online Medical Dictionary). This friends, explains my hospital stay 5/10-11.

I am currently at home and doing well...thanks for the prayers.