June 21st, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

The Maker’s Manual

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Powerful Lord, expose me to the light of Your truth. Draw me out, slow me down, and forgive my sins.

Read Psalm 119:73-96

[73]י Yodh Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. [74] May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. [75] I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. [76] May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. [77] Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. [78] May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. [79] May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. [80] May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. [81]כ Kaph My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. [82] My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” [83] Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. [84] How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? [85] The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. [86] All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. [87] They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. [88] In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth. [89]ל Lamedh Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. [90] Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. [91] Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. [92] If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. [93] I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. [94] Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. [95] The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. [96] To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Meditate

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You to receive the food of Your holy Word. Take Your truth, plant it deep in us” (K. Getty and S. Townsend). Search “Speak, O Lord,” on YouTube for beautiful, worshipful renderings of this song.

Think Further

Here is true wisdom. The psalmist knows that God is his Maker (73) and that he has given humankind a manual. The man’s attitude to God’s Word is shaped by this basic truth. More than anything else, it is essential that we take the Maker’s manual seriously. God’s Word is righteous (75), reflecting his character. It teaches us to be like him and helps us to walk in his way so that the Maker is pleased (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Note the various actions of the psalmist with regard to the Word. First, he develops the godly habit of meditating on God’s Word (78; cf. Psa. 1:2)–a necessary habit for Christian discipleship and growth into maturity, for how else can we know God and his character and will? Second, the Word is understood (79). Light comes into his mind and heart when he comprehends God’s ways and is shaped by God’s perspective. Third, he learns to delight in God’s Word (77). Meditation on God’s Word is not a religious chore but a holy pleasure. He is not like a little child forced to eat healthy vegetables but enjoys the nourishing spiritual food. This experience leads to two further key actions: trust and obedience.

He learns to trust God’s Word (74) above what anybody else says. Its directions are sure and certain. It is the one book he will take with him on any journey, work, or occasion. He also learns to obey the Word, so that his heart (the center of his being) would be blameless (80). The godly habit of reading and meditating, understanding, delight, trust, obedience–these are how we should rightly handle God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15). This will bring untold blessings, even when we are afflicted or wronged. We will understand God’s purposes (75) and be guided by his truth and presence.

Apply

Meditation, understanding, delight, trust, obedience–which of these is difficult for you and needs improvement?

Closing prayer

Holy Lord, I thank You for Your wonderful gift of the Scriptures. May I read Your Word and learn from it, but above all else, may I endeavor to obey its teachings.

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