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July 1
, 201
8
Dear Church,
This summer the focus is
Encountering God
. THE biggest way to
encounter God is through reading the Bible. Together this summer
we will be reading through Psalm 119, as well as reading through
some of the Psalms of ascent. On Monday there will be a brief
devotional and time of journaling. Tuesday through Friday there will
be a Psalm to read, mark up, and journal about.
When I return in August, it will be fun to interact and share how we
each each encountered God this summer. What you will be doing
through this devotional is the same focus I will be having each day.
Though separate for a season, we will be together in the Bible and
Spirit.
Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm based on the Hebrew alphabet. It’s
focus is on the incredible gift we have in God’s Word. The Psalms of
ascent are the songs the nation of Israel would sing while walking
up to the temple for worship. Both of these are signifi cant aspects
to encountering God. After all, Christianity is religion based on a
relationship with God and each other.
Blessings,
Ty Woznek
Lead Pastor
How to have devotions
What are devotions?
Remember why we do devotions helps keep the activity vibrant.
Devotions, or quiet time as some call it, is a time we set aside to focus
on God. It is no different than investing time with a friend or loved one.
During this time we connect by listening to God through the reading or
study of the Bible, and by talking to God in prayer.
How long should devotions be?
There are times when devotions will be lengthy, and there are times
when they are short. The key is wanting to be with the person you love.
In this case, God. While life is often busy and hard, sometimes you have
to set aside extra time and make it happen. Remember, it is a
relationship, not a legalistic exercise. Don’t worry about a time. Some
days pragmatically take a short time, other days intentionally invest a
long time. Ask God to help you set aside the time, protect the time, and
for it to be meaningful to you.
What should I do?
I like to keep it simple: Pray, read, reflect, pray. First prayer is about God
and you. Not asking God for anything other than for a meaningful
moment with him. I’d also share how you are doing that day. Second,
read Scripture. For these two months that is mostly laid out for you. I
often mark up the passage I’m study or write notes or questions I want
to dig deeper in. When time is huge, I’ll start digging in right there. Third
reflect. I think deeply about what it says, how live it, and how to share it.
Journalling is a great way to reflect. There are questions for you to
answer to help reflect on what we are reading together. Finally, I close in
prayer. This time of prayer is when I pray for other people and things
God placed on my heard. Having a daily prayer list helps.
When?
That depends on God and you. For Jesus and many others, early
morning was the best time. There is great spiritual wisdom in starting
your day off with Jesus. That doesn’t work for me. I’m a night owl. I do
my devotions at night or mid day. Choose the BEST time that you can
give God. I start the day off in prayer, and maybe some Bible reading,
but my devotions I place in a prime time where I know God will have my
undivided attention. Do what works for how God designed you!
Monday: A loooong Psalm
Read: Psalm 119 (as much as possible in one sitting; it’s worth it!)
Devotionals do not normally begin with technical background
information, but Psalm 119 deserves a bit of explanation to help us
be more sensitive and receptive to its content.
Long, but organized
Psalms are individual “songs,” not conventional “chapters,” but
Psalm 119 is considered the longest “chapter” in the Bible.
But it’s not a bunch of religious rambling; the 22 stanzas (eight
verses each) are organized according to the 22 letters of the
Hebrew alphabet, and each verse begins with the same letter.
That may not mean much to us English-only folks, but at least it
shows some creative forethought.
Long, but one theme
What should be meaningful to anyone is that, despite being a long
“song,” there is one consistent theme: celebration of God’s
“law” (“Torah” in Hebrew).
Depending on the translation, there are a variety of words used to
refer to the holy principles God has revealed to us; these include
“law,” “testimonies,” “precepts,” “statutes,” “commandments,”
“rules,” and (not surprising) “word.”
While the specifi c application varies throughout Psalm 119, the
prevailing principle is a desire to know and follow God’s Word.
Long, but lots of application
Even under the umbrella of a unifi ed theme (again, God’s Word), this
psalm includes a variety of topics for study and meditation. These
include (but are not limited to) “cause and effect” (or “cost-benefi t”
for those who think in this way), testimony and witness, prayer and
supplication, trial and judgement. . .well, let’s see what else you can
fi nd.
Over the next few days, we’ll ask you to examine different parts of
this psalm and evaluate your own motivation to know and apply
God’s principles to your life.
Today, we’ll simply ask: what’s your level of desire for God’s Word
in your life?
Tuesday: Words mean things
Read: Psalm 119:1-16
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 fi xed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.[b]
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
Journaling questions:
1. Monday’s devotional offered some hints, but write down as
many words as possible that describe God’s “law” (i.e. His
revealed principles for living).
2. What does it mean to be “blessed” by “walking in the law of
the Lord”?
3. What practical “action words” are used to describe the
person who is seeking to learn and live God’s principles?
Wednesday: Prayers for understanding and action
Read: Psalm 119:
9-16
9 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[c] 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 fi x my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Journaling questions:
1.
What do we learn about God’s Word?
2.
What do we learn about God?
3.
Why should I intently listen to God’s Word?
Thursday: More valuable than winning the lottery?
Read: Psalm 119:
17-24
17 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[d] 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 counselors.
Journaling questions:
1.
What do we learn about God’s Word?
2. These “stanzas” also mention some tough things in life, but
take notes on how many times “good” things are mentioned.
What specifi c “good” things has God provided for you?
3.
Why should I intently listen to God’s Word?
Friday: Complete and lasting guidance for life
Read: Psalm 119:
25-32
25 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![e]
Journaling questions:
1. How does one “run in the way of your
commandments” (verse 32)?
2. Verses 23 and 28 appear to refer to “tough times” in the
psalmist’s life. How does God’s Word help during these times?
3. What benefi ts can come to those who consistently learn and
live God’s teaching?
Compare the “prayers” contained in verses
18, 22, 27, and 29. How will God use His Word to help us in
daily life?
Monday:
Bonus from Psalm 119
Read: Psalms 119 (whatever you didn’t read last week…)
As noted last week, Psalm 119 is the “A to Z” (at least the
Hebrew equivalent) of celebration concerning God’s revealed
“law” (or “word” or “precepts,” etc.).
Some of the passages from this “song” are familiar, including
the psalmist’s claim that, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path” (can we truly say this?).
Testimony with the celebration
In addition to reflecting on Gods precepts and statutes, we
would do well to reflect on how God reveals himself in this
song. Does the psalmist celebrate only the “law,” or is this
ultimately a reflection on who God is and what he has done?
Depending on the stanza, God is seen as a righteous judge, a
gracious master, and a constant guide. He is a source of
blessing and strength (if we take the time to see Him as such).
Practical poetry
Some of us struggle with the psalms because we are not
experts at poetry – let alone Hebrew poetry. But a careful look
shows that this song goes beyond flowery phrases and
pleasant platitudes.
As with much of Scripture, there’s a lot of real life here, too.
Look for references to the wicked and their influence, and look
for God’s deliverance from that influence. God “shows up” in
many ways. The psalmist sees this, and offers praise; may we
do the same!
Tuesday: The Classroom
Read Psalm 119:33-40
33
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 selfi sh gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confi rm 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!
Journal Questions:
1.
What do we learn about God’s Word?
2.
What do we learn about God?
3.
Why should I intently listen to God’s Word?
Wednesday: Steadfast Love
Read Psalm 119:41-48
41 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 fi nd 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.
Journal questions:
1.
What do we learn about God’s Word?
2.
What do we learn about God?
3.
Why should I intently listen to God’s Word?
