Written Directions
I used to read a map decent and I think I still can. It’s easier to put the address or coordinates into a smart phone and take off. Some parts of technology have “dumbed me down” a bit. J I do love all the tools that technology has brought to my fingertips that can make me a better husband, Dad, friend and REALTOR professional. At times, it helps to reflect on the “old school” ways of doing things or going places.
This past week I had a few days to unplug a bit and hang out with my family for a few days called “Spring Break”. I sat by the campfire down by the lake and relaxed. It was enjoyable. My reading for the first day was Psalm 119 – the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. I read through this passage three different times and it became clear that the writer loved and respected the Word of God. Several passages out of this chapter really spoke to my heart. Check this out…
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart –
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
89 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.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:1-3,9-11,89-90,105,114,147 NIV)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a passage so many time. The Power and Presence of the Word of God just kept jumping off those pages into my heart. I was recently reflecting on when my journey with daily study of the Word began and it was right before the recession began in 2006 think. I just started getting up about 15 minutes earlier than everyone else to spend time reading and studying the Word of God. That 15 minutes has expanded into about an hour now as I just want to hear from the Lord each morning some truth directly from His Word. His Word has shaped my heart in ways I never saw coming. I am not smarter because I read His Word, but I do believe I know Him more. I am not more of a Christ Follower because of reading His Word, but my spiritual root system is way healthier.
My passion for His Word is stronger than ever. The Lord says things to me in His Word that I’ve never heard from anyone else or any other source. I want to know His heart more intimately as I get older and I want Him to continue to speak into my heart.
Pressing On!
Dwayne