November 23, 2015
A prayer for godly perspective and vision. “Lord, turn my eyes from ‘worthless’ (vain, empty, deceitful) things, and put them on Your eternal things.” Our eyes are continually bombarded with worldly advertising, especially (and ironically) during the Christmas season. We are tempted to spend our worship on worthless things that will not fulfill and will not last. And having spent our worship in the wrong place, we have nothing left for God. As Jesus said, “Do not store up your treasure on earth” but instead “store them up in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20). And as Paul said, “Set you eyes and affections on things above, not on earthly things” (Col.3:1-2). Stop seeking worthless things and start seeking eternal things.
May 23, 2015
The longest chapter in the Bible and the one found near its very center is Psalm 119. It seems appropriate that the longest psalm in the Bible would be written as a meditation on God’s Word. Divided into 22 stanzas, it is an extended acrostic poem based on the Hebrew alphabet (Our word “alphabet” comes from the first two Hebrew letters: “aleph” + “beth”). In verse two, the psalmist wrote that the one who not only “keeps” the Word, but also “seeks” its Author will be “blessed.” In this verse, the psalmist refers to Scripture as “His testimonies.” As you read this psalm, how many synonyms can you find for God’s Word. As you number them, consider how you might keep them and seek the Father’s face as you do.
November 27, 2014
Why head out into the darkness without a light to shine the way? Every morning we face a new day. Perhaps we think that the experiences of the days behind us will inform our direction forward, but who knows what a new day holds? Only the Lord. Stop stumbling and groping through life, blindly facing another day. Let God’s Word light your path.
November 22, 2014
Psalm 119 is the longest in the Psalms. For those who remember “Bible drills,” it lies near the middle of the Bible. It is an acrostic poem based on the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet and a meditation on the Scriptures themselves. In this verse, the Psalmist prays that God would open his eyes to understand the “wonderful truths” of God’s Word. This should be the prayer that every believer prays before opening the Word, because it is not just any book, it is God’s book. And therefore, God’s illumination is needed. Do you pray for God’s help before reading God’s Word?
August 3, 2014
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Psalm 119:34
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parenting
In this conclusion to our Kingdom Kids sermon series, Jonathan Combs helps us understand how to parent our children as shepherds.
May 26, 2014
Psalm 119 is not only the longest psalm. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is an acrostic poem with 22 stanzas based on the Hebrew alphabet. This verse is found in the stanza beginning with Hebrew’s 7th letter “zayin.” It speaks of God’s “promise” which comforts the psalmist in his troubles. It doesn’t name which promise. It could be one of many. Psalm 119 is an anthem to God’s Word. It celebrates his laws, promises, statutes, words, decrees, etc. (and many other synonyms for “word.” How many can you find?). When I feel troubled, I often find solace in God’s promises. The Lord is a promise-making and a promise-keeping God. I meditate on his promises and find comfort there. Today, I am encouraged by his promise to always be with us, even until the end of the age. If I have his presence, I have him and all his promises too.
November 21, 2013
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. For those who know “Bible Drill,” it is near the center (excluding notes and concordance), which is helpful. It is an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with one of the 22 Hebrew letters in the alphabet (aleph, beth, gimel…). It uses many synonyms to describe God’s Word and is a celebration and praise of it. Above, you will notice it uses “statutes” and “word.” It seems appropriate that at the very center, the longest chapter in the Word, would be about, for, and in celebration of the Word.
November 27, 2012
Don’t head out into the darkness without a light to shine the way. Every morning we face a new day. Perhaps we think that the experiences of the days behind us will inform our direction forward, but who knows what a new day holds? Only the Lord. Stop stumbling and groping through life, blindly facing another day. Let God’s Word light your way.
November 21, 2012
From the longest chapter in the Bible, found at the very center of the Book, this Psalm is an acrostic poem that spells out the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119 celebrates God’s Word. Verse 11 reminds us of the importance of “hiding” the Word in our hearts through memorization. It also offers the benefit of such, by showing us how Scripture can help us resist sin. Wasn’t that the battle plan of Jesus vs. Satan in Matt. 4? Christ quoted Scripture to every Satanic temptation. Are you hiding God’s Word in your heart?
May 29, 2012
The Psalmist describes both his head and heart’s response to God’s Word. He loves the Word and thinks about it all day. Is your heart stirred by the Word? Does it capture your thinking?