I have had several discussions over the years with others about whether we should capitalize divine pronouns or not. In other words, should we use “he” or “He” when it refers to God? That’s a good question, and one that has strong opinions on either side. I prefer not to capitalize such pronouns, and this brief video from Bill Mounce describes four different reasons why the text of the NIV doesn’t capitalize them either.
Memorize Scripture: Psalm 119:109-112
Hiding God’s Word In Our Hearts
In the first half of this stanza, we saw several ways that God’s Word gives us clarity in this world. In this week’s passage, we will find three more ways. Take a look at this passage in Psalm 119:109-112:
In the first half of this stanza, the author identified four ways that God’s Word provides clarity to life. God’s Word leads us in the way which we should go, it helps us to live with right behavior, it gives us clarity when we face suffering, and it shows us how to worship fully.
At the beginning of that passage, we saw one of the most familiar passages from this psalm, found in verse 105:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
That’s the kind of clarity that God’s Word brings to all areas of our lives. And in the second half of this passage, we find three more ways that God’s Word provides clarity.
God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.
John Piper
The Words Of My Mouth
A Daily Prayer From Psalm 19:14
There are times when I am reading through the Bible and a particular passage seems to reach out and smack me. Has this ever happened to you? It’s rather disconcerting and refreshing all at the same time.
I strive to spend some time daily in the book of Psalms. As I have grown older (and hopefully, grown more mature), I have found that if Scripture consisted of nothing more than the Psalms, I could be content with that. I’m not downplaying the rest of God’s Word. It’s all inspired, and it’s all useful. And I love many, many different parts of it.
It’s just that I have found, especially recently, that the book of Psalms seems to contain most of what I seem to need at this season of my life. It gives me the encouragement I need, from passage such as Psalm 106, or Psalm 95. I receive reminders of God’s love for me in passages like Psalm 100. There are passages like Psalm 23, which comforts me and reassures me of God’s presence.
The Psalms give me the challenges that I need to grow, they convict me in areas that I fall short, and they strengthen my resolve to stay as closely connected to God as I can.
Not too long ago, I came across this passage in my reading of the Psalms. I’d encourage you to go read the whole chapter, but look especially at Psalm 19:14.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
What an incredible idea to keep before myself daily!
Coffee Break – 04.08.2019
Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration
On this day in history: In 1513, Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain. But did he ever find the Fountain of Youth? In 1873, Alfred Paraf patented the first successful oleomargarine (I’m certain that’s important to someone). And in 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.
Today Is National Empanada Day!
Don’t know what an empanada is? Today is your day to find out!
Cowboy Coffee Recipe – Campfire coffee is a nice change every now and then, especially when I’m out on the trail hiking or camping. Here’s a great recipe for making some of your own. Why not over a campfire pit in your own backyard?
10 Simple Life Hacks For The Sharp Dressed Man – Need a few tips to stay looking sharp? Here are ten simple things you can do to look the best you can, without a ton of money or effort.
A Generation In Japan Faces A Lonely Death – This is a sobering article that should cause you to stop and think. There may not be a whole lot you or I can do for these lonely people in Japan, but maybe we can see if there is a lonely neighbor on our own street, or in our own community that we can help.
Russia’s Geography Problem – After watching a few other videos in this series, I have one more to share. This one is about Russia.
Memorize Scripture: Psalm 119:105-108
Hiding God’s Word In Our Hearts
In this new stanza of Psalm 119, titled Nun, the psalmist declares his delight in and love for God’s Law. This passage contains one of the most familiar portions of Psalm 119. You can see it for yourself in Psalm 119:105-108:
Do you recall the story of the Exodus from Egypt? God led the Israelites out from under the harsh rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh, and protected the nation of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea. From there, he guided them though the wilderness, leading them with a pillar of cloud by day, and a column of fire by night, illuminating the way forward.
That is the image the psalmist gives us in this stanza, declaring that God’s Word lights our way. Of course, the psalmist uses the image of a lamp lighting the path, but the symbolism is clear: God’s Word provides the light and clarity that we need to see how to follow him clearly.
Clarity is something that we still need in our lives, no differently than in the days of the writer of these words. Our world is confused and clouded, darkness seems to pervade, and we need light shed on our way. We long for it, and it can be found in God’s Word.
In these verses, the psalmist gives us a few example of how God’s Word gives us the clarity we need to live for him in this world.
Never venture near the door where sin dwells, lest you are dragged in.
William Gurnall