July 12
Psalms 119
I have been doing surgery for over thirty years. My purpose is to remove that which doesn't belong in the individual. Whether the disease contains cancer or is benign, the purpose is to remove it all, if possible. If my surgery detects cancer, I then call in the Surgical oncologists or medical oncologists to remove the rest. The Word of God is like the surgeon's scalpel. God's word will reveal what doesn't belong inside of you. Like in surgery, we should not want to retain any of that which has no place inside of us once we come into a relationship with our Father. We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV), " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." We who have entered into this relationship have made a choice to follow Jesus Christ. As such, our old self has passed away. Though we will probably continue to struggle in certain areas, if we allow His scalpel, the Word of God, to enlighten us, He will gently open our eyes and remove those aspects of our old selves which no longer belong there.
This is the longest chapter in the entire Bible, containing 176 verses. All but three verses contain some reference to the Word of God, using terms such as: commandments, laws, statures, precepts, instructions, etc. We read in Psalm 119:5-6, "Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands." When we examine God's Word, and our own lives, the process of turning our lives over to Him might seem impossible, to which Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 (NKJV), " “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” God knows what the process involves, and therefore we who have accepted Him, have been given the Holy Spirit to enable this transition. It is His Word which enables us to see that which is worthless and that which has worth, as we read in 119:37, 39, "Turn my eyes from worthless things,, and give me life through your word...Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good." This realization is what should direct our lives, as we read in 119:104-105, "Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
Our walk is long, resembling more of a marathon than a sprint. Therefore to prepare for this marathon we need to dedicate ourselves continuously to His Word, as we read in 119: 147-148, "I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise." It is not a sliver of our day, but we need to be fixed on Him throughout our day: in His Word, in prayer, in worship, in fellowship. By doing so, our lives can be more consistent in how we follow Him, as we read in 119:113, "I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions." When we fail, and we all will, just get back into His Word and let it revive you. For the same God who is our God of justice, is also full of mercy and grace, and will help you whenever you seek Him and restore you when you come back.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: