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The Word of God says:

Romans 4:13-25 (ESV)
¹³ For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
¹⁴ For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
¹⁵ For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
¹⁶ That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
¹⁷ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
¹⁸ In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
¹⁹ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead ( since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.
²⁰ No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
²¹ fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
²² That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
²³ But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone,
²⁴ but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
²⁵ who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today is the last day of the year 2008. This date has special meaning for me because it is the date of my second birth. This is the birth Jesus spoke about to Nicodemus. So today I will share with you my story.

John 3:3 (ESV)
³ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

What Jesus is saying to Nicodemus is the new life that He would usher in as a result of His death, burial, and resurrection is necessary for everyone, and available to everyone. Our first birth ends in death, but our second birth ends in everlasting life.

Romans 6:4 (ESV)
⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

My new life, my spiritual birth, occurred on December 31, 1949. I attended a Watch Night Service at my church and I sat listening to the testimonies of adults, youth, and some of my peers. I realized that my mouth had remained shut during that entire time.

Near the end of the service, which lasted for hours, the pastor gave an invitation. I don’t remember everything the pastor said, but I do remember something that struck a responsive chord in my life. He said, “Some of those who were with us this time last year are no longer with us. And, some of you who are with us tonight will not be with us this time next year”.

When you are nine years old you don’t think a lot about dying, but I did that night. And, I knew I wasn’t ready to die because I did not have a testimony. My faith decision came during the last appeal made by the pastor, and the singing one more time of the chorus of our focal hymn for today. My faith found a resting place in the promises of God.

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
⁹ because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:13 (ESV)
¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior into the world to die for sinners like me.

Lord, I thank you that Jesus stopped by that Watch Night service in Baton Rouge, La on December 31, 1949. Jesus, thank you for hearing the cry of my heart, “Savior, hear my humble cry, do not pass me by”. Lord, I thank You Lord that by faith, I am a spiritual son of Abraham, and a child of God.

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/pass2.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:169-176 (ESV)
¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word!
¹⁷⁰ Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.
¹⁷¹ My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.
¹⁷² My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.
¹⁷³ Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.
¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today we come to the last portion of this psalm that has been our focus for several weeks. It is timely that this is also the last month of the year, and after today, we will experience the last day of the year 2008.

I pray that one of your resolves for the year 2009 will be to give the Bible the priority it deserves in your life as a child of God. If you are not already a child of God the Bible will show you the way, and lead you to the Way so that you will become a child of God.

In this closing portion of our focal passage the psalmist shows what giving the Bible priority in your life will do for you.

Psalm 119:174 (ESV)
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:24 (ESV)
²⁴ Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.

When you delight in the Word of God you will find yourself singing the Word of God with your mouth as you go through you daily activities.

Psalm 119:54 (TLB)
⁵⁴ For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage.

Psalm 119:171-172 (AMP)
¹⁷¹ My lips shall pour forth praise [with thanksgiving and renewed trust] when You teach me Your statutes.
¹⁷² My tongue shall sing [praise for the fulfillment] of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that You will plant the desire deep within the hearts of Your people so that together we will start the New Year delighting in Your Word, and singing with our mouth the praises of Your most holy and righteous name.

Psalm 119:175 (NIV)
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.

I Will Sing of My Redeemer (Click on link below to enjoy video of this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K5vQY67c6k

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:161-168 (ESV)
¹⁶¹ Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
¹⁶² I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments.
¹⁶⁷ My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
¹⁶⁸ I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

My reflections on the Word of God:

The psalmist begins this portion of the psalm by expressing the awe that he had for God’s Word. He ends this portion of the psalm by exclaiming why he loved and obeyed God’s Word.

The psalmist put great value on the Word of God. In fact he put more value on the Word than he put on material wealth.

Psalm 119:162 (ESV)
¹⁶² I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

Psalm 119:127 (ESV)
¹²⁷ Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

When you place more value on God’s Word than you place on material wealth, you become rich in those things that money cannot buy or time diminish their value. Consider some of the things that the psalmist received that money cannot buy, and that will last forever.

Psalm 119:163 (ESV)
¹⁶³ I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.

Psalm 119:165 (ESV)
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

The psalmist says in the above verses that he received the blessings of love, joy, and peace because he loved the Word and he obeyed the Word.

The psalmist responded to such an outpouring of grace and blessings by repeatedly offering to the Lord the praises of his lips and his life.

Psalm 119:164 (ESV)
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I join with the psalmist in offering the praise of my lips, and the consecration of my life in service to You.

Father God, I praise and thank You for the blessed hope that we have through Your Word, and in Your only begotten Son, Jesus our Savior.

Psalm 119:166 (ESV)
¹⁶⁶ I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments.

The Solid Rock (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_The_Solid_Rock.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:153-160 (NASB)
¹⁵³ Look upon my affliction and rescue me, For I do not forget Your law.
¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.
¹⁵⁶ Great are Your mercies, O Lord; Revive me according to Your ordinances.
¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.
¹⁵⁸ I behold the treacherous and loathe them, Because they do not keep Your word.
¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
¹⁶⁰ The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.

My reflections on the Word of God:

This passage includes a bright light which should be a warning to believers and non-believers of the high cost of not seeking for truth in the Word of God.

Psalm 119:155 (NASB)
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.

There is grace sufficient for our greatest needs, and comfort for our deepest sorrows if we would only come to the only source of truth in this world that we can really depend upon. The Bible is not only truth, but it is also a forever book.

Psalm 119:160 (HCSB)
¹⁶⁰ The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

As you read our focal passage for today, take a moment to note the grace and the blessings that are available from the Bible.

The Word of God will give comfort and encouragement to all who read the Bible, and obey God’s divinely inspired Word.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for the Bible. Father God, it is through Your Word that we discover that we are sinners who need a Savior.

Father God, it is through the Bible that we discovered that the way to know You is to know Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.

Lord, since I met Jesus He has become my Savior and my Rock. In Him and through Him I have received the gift of everlasting life. He indeed is a shelter in the time of the storms that come into every life.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_A_Shelter_in_the_Time_of_Storm.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:145-152 (ESV)
¹⁴⁵ With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes.
¹⁴⁶ I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
¹⁵⁰ They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.
¹⁵¹ But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.
¹⁵² Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.

My reflections on the Word of God:

In this portion of the psalm we see how the psalmist used prayer to God and the Word of God to form an inseparable link between himself and the Lord.

When you combine prayer with the Bible you get a line of communications between this world and heaven that can never be broken, and that is never busy.

The linking of the Bible and prayer helps us to pray according to the will of God. The Bible will help you to have an effective and fervent prayer life.

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

John 15:7 (ESV)
⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

The psalmist cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard his plea. The psalmist loved the Word of God. He found help in God’s Word.

Psalm 119:145-146 (AMP)
¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I will keep Your statutes [I will hear, receive, love, and obey them].
¹⁴⁶ I cried to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them].

Those who keep the Word of God will discover that God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves.

Psalm 119:149 (AMP)
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according to Your steadfast love; O Lord, quicken me and give me life according to Your [righteous] decrees.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank You that You are just a phone call away for any of Your children who will take the time to read Your Word and pray.

Jeremiah 33:3 (NASB)
³ ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

I Must Tell Jesus (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_I_Must_Tell_Jesus.html

The Word of God says:

Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
¹ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

My reflections on the Word of God:

I simply offer to you today the Bible version of the Christmas Story, which tells of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

From our family to you and your family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for sending Jesus Christ into the world to become our Savior. Father God, this day is about Christ Jesus, so we say Happy Birthday, Jesus.

John 1:1 (KJV)
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:12 (KJV)
¹² But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

There is Room in My Heart for Thee (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

There Is Room in My Heart for Thee > MIDI | Emily E. Elliott / Timothy R. Matthews

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:137-144 (ESV)
¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules.
¹³⁸ You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.
¹³⁹ My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
¹⁴¹ I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.
¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

My reflections on the Word of God:

The psalmist had a zeal for the Word of God. God’s Word is both true and righteous. The psalmist acknowledges this.

Psalm 119:137 (ESV)
¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules.

Psalm 119:142 (ESV)
¹⁴² Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.

During a time when he was afflicted, the psalmist testifies that he found comfort in the righteous Word of God. The testimony of the psalmist should be an encouragement to us when we are going through trials and troubles in our own lives.

Psalm 119:143-144 (ESV)
¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

Psalm 119:92 (ESV)
⁹² If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I give You praise because You are righteous and Your Word is righteous.

Father God, I am thankful that Your Word provides comfort to Your children during all of the seasons of our lives.

God Leads Us Along (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_God_Leads_Us_Along.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:129-136 (ESV)
¹²⁹ Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.
¹³² Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
¹³³ Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
¹³⁴ Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
¹³⁶ My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.

My reflections on the Word of God:

This is the time of year in Alaska when we have the shortest days and the longest nights. It is also the time when the days begin to get longer, and the nights begin to get shorter. This darkness that we are now experiencing, reminds me of the spiritual darkness that exist in our world.

In this portion of the psalm the psalmist found a bright source of light. What he discovered was that the Word of God had transforming power. Even though we live in a dark world, we don’t have to live in darkness. We have a wonderful resource in the Word of God if we will read it and heed it. The Word will help us to be the kind of people that God wants His children to be.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Word of God is a wonderful book. The Spirit of God will open our eyes and show us these wonderful things.

Psalm 119:129 (KJV)
¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

Psalm 119:18 (KJV)
¹⁸ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for the wonderful Word of God. I thank You Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit who works in our lives to reveal to us the wondrous things that found in the Word.

Wonderful Words of Life (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Wonderful_Words_of_Life.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:121-128 (ESV)
¹²¹ I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²² Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.
¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
¹²⁶ It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken.
¹²⁷ Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.
¹²⁸ Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.

My reflections on the Word of God:

This world is not a friendly and welcoming place for the servants of the Lord. If you are a God fearing person, and a believer and lover of the Bible, you will find opposition.

However, there is some goodnews for you. You can find comfort in knowing that God’s Word will assure you, and will enable you when you face opposition in this world.

Psalm 119:121-122 (AMP)
¹²¹ I have done justice and righteousness; leave me not to those who would oppress me.
¹²² Be surety for Your servant for good [as Judah was surety for the safety of Benjamin]; let not the proud oppress me.

This is the pledge that Judah made to his father for the surety of the safety of his brother Benjamin.

Genesis 43:9 (AMP)
⁹ I will be security for him; you shall require him of me [personally]; if I do not bring him back to you and put him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

The goodnews for us who are believers in Christ is that the Lord Jesus is our surety, and He has the power of an endless life.

Hebrews 7:22 (KJV)
²² By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

Hebrews 7:16 (KJV)
¹⁶ Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

No matter what opposition or enemies we face in this world we can be sure that Jesus will never fail His blood bought children, which He purchased with His own royal blood. The one who saved you is able to keep you. The Lord Jesus is your surety and your guarantee.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful that You are able to deliver Your children. Lord God Almighty, I pray for the faith to believe and rely upon the promises of the Word of God.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_Safe_In_The_Arms.html

The Word of God says:

Psalm 119:113-120 (ESV)
¹¹³ I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
¹¹⁷ Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!
¹¹⁸ You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.
¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

My reflections on the Word of God:

To be double-minded is to be unstable, and the unstable person will eventually fall. These are people who have divided loyalties.

1 Kings 18:21 (ESV)
²¹ And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

James 1:8 (ESV)
⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The above verses depict the double-minded person. The psalmist leaves no doubt how he feels about these types of people, and how he feels about the Word of God.

Psalm 119:113 (ESV)
¹¹³ I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

Psalm 119:158 (ESV)
¹⁵⁸ I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

The double-minded person will eventually fall. However, it is not the case with those who love, trust, and obeys the Word of God. The Word of God, and the God of the Word will hold you up, and He will keep you from falling.

Psalm 119:116-117 (ESV)
¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
¹¹⁷ Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I give to You the honor, the glory, and the praise that You alone deserve.

Father God, You are holy and righteous in all Your ways. Lord, I love You, and I love Your Word. Heavenly Father, I know that You are able to keep from falling all of those who treasure Your Word, and give it the priority it deserves in our life.

Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)
²⁴ 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,
²⁵ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Standing on the Promises (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_Standing_on_the_Promises.html