What does the Word of God mean for you? Today we hear the testimony of the psalmist on the first half of Psalm 119. This Psalm is entirely devoted to describing the scriptures and the worth for us as worshippers of the living God.
Psalms 119: Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet --- Aleph ---
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
9 --- Beth --- How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
17 --- Gimel --- Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counsellors.
25 --- Daleth --- My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
33 --- He --- Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
41 --- Waw --- Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
49 --- Zayin --- Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
57 --- Heth --- The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
65 --- Teth --- You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73 --- Yodh --- Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!
81 --- Kaph --- My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Things to think about…
1. Each stanza of 8 verses in Psalm 119 begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This gives the Psalm purpose in the meter as an aid the memory and no doubt worship for the ancient Hebrews, indeed even to us today.
2. Does Psalm 119:1-8 remind you of any other part of the Psalms? How about Psalm 1. Go back and compare. The Word of God is a corrector and moral compass for anyone seeking wisdom in this life. These verses set the tone for the rest of the Psalm.
3. Psalm 119:9-16 is a promise by the psalmist to declare his devotion to the Word of God. He realises its power and authority over his life and therefore he will read it and put it into practise. Is this your focus and passion? What does the bible represent for you? We can view great productions like ‘The Chosen’ series, which is a wonderful blessing, but we must read the Word of God to hear and know the heart of God and His will for our lives.
4. Psalm 119:17-40 are prayers and petitions from the psalmist to God regarding what he wants God’s word to do for him. He asks for guidance, protection and blessing. Do you receive all of these things as you read and study God’s word? Remember these are promises, so the answer should clearly be, ‘Yes’.
5. Psalm 119:41-72 speak about those who deride, taunt and persecute the psalmist for his faith and belief in God. He calls them ‘the insolent’, vs 51, 69 and ‘the wicked’, vs 61. But look what he says in vs 67 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” If God loves you, but you presently lack a love for Him – don’t worry, He will get your attention! Better to listen and be blessed than be stubborn and be afflicted because of the fruit of your rejection of His love. Where are you going astray at the moment? Be honest. In His love and mercy He will draw you back.
6. Look at all the requests in Psalm 119:73 – 80. All the “Let” requests are for a blessing to be upon him and justice to come upon his persecutors. Have you ever prayed that God would “Let the insolent be put to shame”, vs 80. I certainly have. The requirement of course is that they would know the God of the scriptures.
7. Just because there are promises in the Word of God doesn’t mean everything is going to be plain sailing. The writer in Psalm 119:81-88 says he is suffering and being persecuted. He is feeling the words and actions of those who do not know God. But the final desire is that the psalmist would not go against God’s testimonies. My encouragement is that you make this your desire as well. Be obedient and as a result – you will be blessed
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Time to praise the Lord” – Reading Psalm 95.
1. Brings you the greatest moments of joy, exultation – even to the point of highest celebration and praise. Where and how does your praise of the Lord rank with this?
2. The Israelites saw amazing miracles before leaving Egypt, then the Red Sea parted for them. But then they complained about not getting water. Explain the absurdity of this? How can we do the same thing?
3. Continued in the wilderness for 40 years, that’s where they stayed. They didn’t make it into Canaan because of unbelief and the subsequent immoral behaviours. Earth is our wilderness, we are just passing through. Explain how we even as Christians can go in circles without ever moving on.
4. Jesus is our final destination. He is our Shepherd, we are led by Him. Where is He leading you in ministry, areas of service?
Prayer Points
1. Carols service 18th December – Family fun Day afternoon/evening 3pm-7pm.
2. Christmas Day Service 25th Dec – on a Sunday this year – service will start at 9:00am.
3. Pray for the leadership of our country.
4. Pray for the people of Iran and Ukraine.
5. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023 and the finances to support them.
6. Health of Ross Goltz
7. More young families and youth into the church.
8. Ministry leaders within the church.
9. Our One for Israel ministry.
10. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More visitors on Sunday – pray they remain engaged with the church.
2. Our AGM and discussion moving forward with respect to the Youth and young adults pastor position.
3. The faithful service of Ross Goltz for 9 years as CBC’s treasurer!
4. Worship on Sunday – Paul. Great job on your own. Thanks Melinda on sound. Thankyou, Fiona Maddison and Kayla in café. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Family fun day/Carols night 3-7pm 18th Dec – Book it in.
2. Christmas Day service – 9am Dec 25th.
3. Remember to check your duty rosters.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
