Jul
1
Written by:
Bob Flynn
7/1/2009 7:27 AM
But in addition to all which has been yet stated, the word of God instructs us that we have to contend not only with our own natural depravity, but with the power of darkness, the Evil Spirit, who rules in the hearts of the wicked, and whose dominion we learn from Scripture to be so general, as to entitle him to the denomination of "the Prince of this world." There cannot be a stronger proof of the difference which exists between the religious system of the Scriptures, and that of the bulk of nominal Christians, than the proof which is afforded by the subject now in question. (Willaim Wilberforce)
Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. (NASB)
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV)
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your word. (NLT)
How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions! (NET)
We speak frequently these days of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you walk past the dairy section in the grocery store you will now find new products aimed at maintaining digestive health. I would submit that this is true for our life with Christ as well. If we feed upon the living breathing Word who is Christ Himself. Purity is only one of the many benefits. The question then is framed for us in the following verses:
"I have tried hard to find You" verse 10. Have we truly searched for our wondrous benefactor, the author and finisher of our faith? Or have we just paid lip service and instead worshipped in front of the high definition god in our living room as though wisdom were measured in pixels per inch.
"I have hidden Your word in my heart" verse 11. To hide the Word of God in our hearts takes time and effort and an acknowledgment on our part that we have a need to do so. Obedience in this endeavor is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle! What happens to your body when you skip a meal? Does not your brain lack the nutrients necessary for its vibrant functions? Do not our sinews lack the energy to do heavy work?
"I have recited aloud all the regulations You have given us" verse 13. Have you really? Do we not realize the power of the universe rests within the Word? Does it ever go forth that it does not cause reaction?
"I have rejoiced in Your laws as much as in riches" verse 14. Have we really? Should we not confess that our natural self is really searching for the riches before His Laws? Do we not kid ourselves into thinking we are walking in the light when truly the Word of God is far from us? Are we not succumbing to the relativism that is all around us? We think the Creator of the Universe somehow grades on a curve! But then how could we make any sense at all of Calvary where God come down as a man, bled and died for the crimes WE committed that through His sacrifice we would be set free from the eternal consequences for those who would call Him Savior and Lord.
"I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways" verse 15. I am afraid that more often than not the only delight I see around me is preceded by the word "dairy." We are forever seeking the sweetness that titillates our taste buds. In the religious world we are looking for the warm cuddly experience that would make our endorphins flow rather than seeking the Lord of all Creation in whom, by Him, and for Him were all things created. Because we seek things that serve the human senses we become fair game for the grand deception and the Anti-Christ finds a willing convert to do his bidding. In small increments he does lead us from the "highway of holiness" onto the byways of life that Jeremiah forewarned us to avoid. Then with great zeal we serve the enemy while thinking we are serving our precious Savior.
"I will delight in Your decrees and not forget Your word" verse 16. The delight comes after the meal and with it brings a memory that it so imprinted upon our psyche that it is indelible and our belief unshakable! How then is it that a young person (or old person) may keep his way pure? By keeping it according to thy Word! What did you have for breakfast this morning? Good Morning America!